《A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing》


 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 - Betrayed

    Beneath the harsh northern night''s veil, arge taiga forest stretched out into the distance, covering the frozen ground with a sea of green as it bore witness to the sight of a massive humanoid wolf crashing through the sparse undergrowth.


    The creature burst forth with powerful strength as each of its thunderous steps wed into the frozen earth while its sleek silver-grey fur blended seamlessly with the snowy background colours.


    When the full moon''s light hit the creature in its face, you could clearly see its fierce, animalistic, amber-coloured eyes as they burned with abination of despair, confusion, and fury.


    Behind it were the hurried noises of his pursuers as the usually serene taiga now echoed with the sounds of this harrowing chase.


    Erik was unsure how long he had been running but knew it must have been hours. He didn''t know exactly where he was going or how close his pursuers were, but he knew they were there. If the sounds didn''t give it away, the smells did.


    His muscles burnt from the continued running, and his mind grew tired from the constant strain. He had to remind himself that he couldn''t let them catch him, for that would surely be his end, and he couldn''t let it end like this.


    He couldn''t let thest surviving member of hismunity die like that.


    Not before taking revenge.


    As Erik raced through the forest, his mind involuntarily drifted back to the events that led to this moment. The peaceful days in Frostvik seemed like a distant dream now, shattered by the harsh reality of betrayal...


    From the outside, there seemed to be nothing wrong with this vige, but anyone who actually lived there would soon realize that there was nothing normal going on here, for nearly all of its inhabitants were shapeshifters.


    Erik himself, despite being the son of themunity''s leader and having inherited his parent''s strength, was a rtively timid person who preferred to avoid confrontation and train or read on his own rather than fight and y with the other kids.


    This caused him to be somewhat isted, as the only person of his own age that he interacted with was a girl named Edda, one of the few human inhabitants of Frostvik, whom he loved greatly and who loved him equally in return.


    Or so he thought.


    Erik and Edda had been close from birth as Edda was adopted by his Aunt and Uncle after they found her as a baby out in the woods. Assuming she had been abandoned by her parents, they took her in despite the fact she was a human.


    Regardless of his istion and timidity, however, he wasn''t bullied or mistreated. Partly because his parents loved him and acted as vige leaders and partly because Erik could easily beat up other kids his age, even if he didn''t like to.


    Besides, themunity as a whole was very tightly knit. They had to be. After all, this world was not friendly to them.


    Earth''s supernatural world was divided into three factions: the shapeshifters, the vampires, and the hunters. The hunters were essentially humans, but they had their own way to rise above the weakness of their fellows.


    Even though the shapeshifters and vampires were generally united against the hunters who wanted to exterminate them both, that didn''t mean they didn''t also have plenty of grudges between themselves and were slow to trust each other in any situation.


    The only thing they all agreed on was to keep their existence a secret, although they all had their own reasons for doing so.


    That said, Frostvik had always been far enough out of the way that both vampires and hunters generally left them alone.


    There were a few othermunities for shapeshifters, vampires or even humans in the area. Still, everyone usually tended to keep to themselves.


    Most humanmunities weren''t even aware of the supernatural creatures living right next door.


    Unfortunately, the never-ending conflict between factions had finally found its way to Frostvik as Edda, who had been taken in as one of their own, betrayed themunity. In the mid of night, she poisoned the town''s water with wolfsbane which, while not deadly, still weakened shapeshifters severely.


    So, when the hunters attacked the following day, Frostvik''s shapeshifters were in no shape to put up a fight as the hunters started ughtering them one by one, Edda among them, her lips curled up in a cruel grin.


    Meanwhile, Erik watched it all from a nearby ridge as every family member andmunity member he saw fall was another dagger in his heart.


    His mother, Runa, was still putting up a valiant fight, tearing apart hunters in her werewolf form. But when he saw his father, Leifur, he witnessed a hunter corner him as wound upon wound opened on his body.


    "No, no, no! Dad!" He yelled into the uncaring night, stretching his hand towards the fighting, almost stepping forward and falling off the ridge.


    Still having trouble epting this was happening, he suddenly noticed Edda, causing his mind to reel. "I- Is that Edda?! Why is she doing this?!"


    Tears streamed from his eyes while despair, confusion, and fury filled his heart as he couldn''t understand why Edda would do this¡­ or why she would save him.


    The reason he was on this ridge was because Edda had invited him to watch the stars with her, something he had readily epted, hoping he would be able to move their rtionship forward.


    After all, they had been dancing around their mutual feelings for each other for thest year or so.


    But when he got there and hugged Edda, he felt a needle prick his neck as everything went dark, while thest thing he saw was Edda''s face wearing a strange expression that he couldn''t quite ce the meaning of.


    Pulled back to reality, he kept watching the scene, frozen by the sheer amount of emotion roiling through his body. Eventually, he couldn''t help but let it out anymore as the night sky witnessed a transformation that defied an average human''s understanding.


    It all began with contorting limbs and shifting bones, apanied by the unsettling sound of creaks and cracks.


    Erik''s figure wavered as his spine elongated, arched, and reshaped itself. At the same time, muscles rippled beneath the skin, expanding and contracting in a way that should not be possible, and yet, was something they had done many times before.


    On his face, a snout extended as teeth lengthened into formidable fangs. His hands stretched and fingers elongated as ws reced nails.


    It took mere seconds for Erik''s human visage to dissolve and give way to a silver-grey-furred humanoid wolf standing on its hind legs, ripping apart his clothes in the process.


    After the transformation, his body ached as much as his mind. At the same time, Erik watched with frustration and helplessness, knowing he could not change anything, even if he charged into the fray.


    For a moment, he wanted to do so anyway, but he closed his eyes and discarded the thought. If he died, too, there would be no one left to bring revenge to the hunters. And, especially, to Edda.


    The woman he thought loved him had now taken everything but his life from him.


    Yet, despite his intelligence and reason, he was helpless to resist his instincts when theymanded him to give voice to his emotions. To let his people know that at least one of them had survived the ughter and would one daye back for revenge.


    Perhaps he also didn''t try to resist very hard, as he wanted to do this and realised that, no matter what Edda had nned by leaving him out here, she already knew where he was anyway.


    And so, he howled into the air.


    A mighty howl of despair, loneliness and a promise for revenge echoed across these frozennds as Erik infused it with everything he currently felt.


    The remaining members of hismunity perked up their ears and seemed to gain a burst of strength as smiles filled their faces during thest moments of their struggle.


    Wildly, Runa cried tears of happiness at her boy''s survival. But cursed him inwardly for alerting the hunters to his location.


    After letting out his feelings, Erik immediately dropped to all four limbs. He took off in a direction he knew would only lead to more wilderness and forests, as the trees would prevent the hunters from using motorised vehicles to catch up to him.


    But of course, the hunters had heard his howl, and several of them immediately started their pursuit. If they were surprised that they missed one, meaning Edda had not mentioned it to them, they didn''t show it.


    Now, a few hourster, as the pursuit continued, Erik didn''t understand how these humans were still following him.


    He had expected to leave them in the dust long ago by virtue of his superior speed and stamina, but the reality proved different.


    His parents had always warned him that humans had their ways of making their bodies catch up with the generally superior bodies of supernatural creatures, but only now did he truly understand what they meant.


    Still, he felt like he was slowly gaining ground, as it seemed there was a reason humans still relied heavily on technology tobat the supernatural.


    But it didn''tst long, as he suddenly heard a loud bang and a searing pain entered his right shoulder, immediately followed by a feeling akin to mes flowing through his veins, which he immediately recognised as wolfsbane.


    He howled, stumbled and slowed down as he looked in the direction of the bullet and saw a smirking Edda wielding arge handgun, who had somehow caught up to him.


    Erik almost stumbled again at the sight of this as he felt his heart break once more as he whispered in a growling, hurt tone, "Edda¡­" but then he steeled himself, ignored the burning pain and used everyst bit of energy he could find to jump into a sprint.

 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 - End of the line

    He now clearly understood that Edda had always been one of those enhanced humans and felt like an idiot for never noticing.


    He didn''t understand why Edda was doing this. Why betray theirmunity only to leave him safe outside of it? Did she still have feelings for him despite her betrayal? But then, why hunt him now?


    Erik quickly shook himself free of his thoughts and focussed on staying ahead. He started gaining more space again but knew he couldn''t hold on for long as the wolfsbane slowly sapped his strength.


    Erik knew he was now on hisst legs, and if he didn''t find a way to survive, he would be doomed, just like the rest of hismunity.


    So he looked around, frantically trying to find anything in these abandoned wilds to help him survive the day.


    He didn''t really expect to find anything, but suddenly, his eyes fell on a strange light flickering through the trees ahead.


    He figured it was just a trick of the moonlight, but since he had nothing more to lose, and there certainly wasn''t anything that could worsen this situation, he changed course and headed for the light.


    Edda and the hunters went straight after him, even as they wondered what he was up to.


    Erik continued sprinting through the Taiga on all four limbs, ignoring the pain shooting from his shoulder and spine every time his right arm hit the ground.


    He could feel himself continuing to weaken. The wolfsbane spread throughout his system, but he put everything he had in the vain hope that that flickering light would bring him salvation.


    For what else did he have to hope for?


    Finally, his body was about ready to give up. He started slowing down. But with hisst strength, Erik crashed into a small clearing with a flickering light floating in the middle. It was a strange sight, as the light didn''t appear to have an origin.


    It was just¡­ there.


    He dragged his tired and weak body towards the light and stretched out his hand. He hesitated. Perhaps touching a mysterious light with no source or apparent function was not the wisest n.


    Yet, he also didn''t have many other options. Whatever this light had in store for him couldn''t be worse than whaty behind him. He was anxious, but hearing the hunters close in steeled his resolve. He stretched out his hand and¡­ closed his fist around the light.


    Erik''s body tensed, ready for anything. But¡­ nothing happened. His hand went right through the light as if it weren''t even there.


    His face cked as thest bit of hope was ripped away from him. Whatever this light was, it didn''t appear to do anything and was unlikely to be his salvation despite its mysteriousness.


    Despair set in. In a panic, he tried to inspect the light more thoroughly. He waved his hand through it, hoping against hope to discover something that might help him, but it was to no avail. He only had a few more seconds before the hunters would show up, and his body was too weak to continue running.


    His bones creaked and cracked while his muscles rippled as Erik slowly reverted to human form with a heavy groan, leaving him naked. His face appeared to be that of someone who had given up.


    At the same time, a panting Edda entered the clearing. Clearly, she also wouldn''t have made it much further.


    Not that it mattered at this point; Erik was still in a much worse state. Edda was soon joined by four other hunters, who all panted even harder than Edda but were still fit enough to point their guns at Erik.


    His former childhood friend and love interest looked at Erik maliciously, a look he had never seen on her face before. "You lead us on quite the chase, little mutt. Couldn''t you have just stayed on that ridge until I was ready to deal with you?"


    Erik looked at the woman he loved with a mixture of emotions as he barely recognised the Edda he had known all his life.


    Her beauty was still there, as the soft glow of the light next to Erik illuminated the strands of golden hair cascading down her shoulders.


    Her fairplexion, kissed by the northern winds, had gained a slightly red hue from the exercise, which only enhanced andplimented her looks.


    Her eyes were blue like cool arctic water and had a depth to them that Erik had always felt himself wanting to get lost in.


    Her high cheekbones, slender nose, and freckles lend her abination of cute, sexy, and pretty that was hard to find anywhere else.


    But that was where his recognition ended. Edda''s usually kind eyes and cheerful smile had been reced by maliciousness and sadistic pleasure as she clearly enjoyed seeing her prey squirm in front of her.


    She was currently wearingbat armour with various weapons strapped to it, clearly all meant to fight the supernatural in some way or another.


    Seeing Erik lost in thoughts and not answering, she scoffed, "Well? Anyst words, mutt?"


    Mutt was pretty much the standard swear to call a werewolf. So much, in fact, that it had lost nearly all meaning, and yet, people kept using it.


    Every one of Edda''s words cut into Erik''s heart. His feelings of defeat were pushed away by sadness and fury, and he could no longer keep his questions inside.


    "Why?! Why Edda?!" he roared at her, defiance and confusion in his eyes. "Why did you betray your family?! And why save me the same fate, only to hunt me down afterwards?! Was everything between us always a lie?!"


    At first, Erik wasn''t sure he wanted to ask thatst question. He wasn''t sure he wanted to know the answer or could handle the answer.


    Edda just curled her lips maliciously at him, "Family? Come now, as if a pureblood human like myself could possibly consider some dogs to be their family. Besides, I was never really loyal to you and them anyway, so was it really a betrayal?"


    Her grin seemed to gain an additionalyer of evil as she continued, "As for you, heh, yes, it was all a lie, you pathetic little child. In fact, I wanted to save you forst and make you watch as your littlemunity burned."


    She shrugged as she waved her gun around, "You just woke up a little sooner than expected. Anyway, consider the extra attention to be payback for having to spend all these years pretending to care about you."


    With those words, Erik''s heart broke for thest time, as any remaining love for Edda leaked out of him like water through a sieve.


    The world is harsh. Erik''s parents often spoke those words, but like so many things said by one''s parents, he needed to experience it himself before he would truly appreciate them.


    And so he did, and that same realisation turned him from a regr eighteen-year-old to an adult in the cruellest way possible.


    One of the men beside her spoke up, still panting a little, "Well, I hope you enjoyed your little stunt. We almost lost this one because of you, and I''ll make sure the confessor hears about it."


    Edda just rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Fucking Johnny Looselips, you are."


    She refocused on Erik, "Anyway,st words? Last time I''m gonna ask."


    With his confusion gone and his fury useless, all that remained was pain as he smiled a sad smile. "Just finish it, Edda. I can see now you were never the person I thought you were."


    He took a deep breath and straightened his back as he looked her in the eyes, "Although I would like to go out fighting, my body simply won''t allow it anymore, so you can at least finish me off quickly."


    Edda looked a little disappointed but smiled sadistically anyway, "Fine," and raised her gun, preparing to shoot Erik in the head, when it suddenly felt like time was slowing down.


    Everyone was aware of what was happening but couldn''t figure out how or why. Edda was confused but still determined to shoot Erik. She tried her hardest to keep raising the gun but couldn''t get it to move faster than inching speed.


    Frustration shone in her eyes as she switched to focusing on getting the shot out, even if it wasn''t aimed properly. Her finger started squeezing the trigger, but even that moved at a snail''s pace.


    As Edda''s frustration grew, and Erik became confused, the mysterious light everyone had ignored was now pulsing much faster than before and seemed to be still increasing in speed until it finally reached the point where the pulses had be indistinguishable from one another.


    Suddenly, time moved forward again, and as air seemed to be drawn into the light, a shot went off.


    Then, a strong force was released from that light as everyone in the vicinity was blown away, flying through the air and hitting cold ground or trees.


    Everyone, that is, except for Erik, who had disappeared into thin air, reced by a shimmering oval of light floating in mid-air.


    Immediately after the st, the other four hunters suddenly burst into mes. Their screams echoed across the clearing, but Edda didn''t burn like them. Instead, she just crashed against a tree and fell unconscious.


    * * *


    Hourster, the shimmering oval was still floating in the air as the trees around it had been sted away. Four burned patches marred the ground, indicating the burial ces of four unnamed hunters.


    The oval-shaped light had started to get dimmer and dimmer over thest few hours as it slowly began to disappear, its purpose apparently fulfilled.


    Meanwhile, Edda, who was still sitting against the tree, was finally regaining consciousness as the light slowly disappeared, leaving no evidence it ever existed aside from its aftereffects.


    Edda still saw the oval light briefly but paid it no mind as she grabbed her aching head and groaned, "Ugh, what happened?"

 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 - Stranded

    Pain, a bright light, heavy vertigo and then an all-devouring fatigue.


    These were the things Erik felt directly after time had started moving again.


    It appeared Edda''sst bullet had hit him, as he could feel another wound in his stomach, which was now also spreading wolfsbane through his system, making him groan.


    Erik was lying on his back, unable to move a finger or even open his eyes. His entire body seemed consumed by a mixture of pain and fatigue. Although the fatigue seemed to be devouring the pain more and more, somehow, Erik doubted that was a good thing.


    Luckily, it seemed only his body was affected for now, as his mind appeared to be functioning perfectly fine.


    Erik had no idea what happened. He didn''t think he''d fallen unconscious, but whatever ground he was lying on was warm and covered with grass, which meant there was no way it was the ice-cold, permafrost-covered ground that the taiga was known for.


    He tried to listen to the sounds around him to determine his location and see if Edda and her hunter buddies were still around. All he heard were beautiful songbirds and rustling leaves.


    That said, the sound came to him as though through a bowl of water, muffled and seemingly far away.


    Muffled or not, they were another sign that he was no longer in the taiga, as the only trees there were conifer trees with no leaves and very few songbirds.


    He quickly came to the conclusion he was lying naked on his back in a temperate forest rather than a taiga.


    Had he really fallen unconscious after all? Long enough for him to be moved far enough away from his home to be in a regr forest? And why would whoever moved him here just leave him naked on the ground?


    Before he could get lost in his thoughts even more, he suddenly heard voices in anguage he couldn''t understand.


    The first voice was that of a young female, "/Where are we going, Mother?/"


    Erik still recognised the inflexion of a question, but he had no idea what was being asked. His parents had educated him in severalnguages, but whatever this girl was speaking didn''t sound like anynguage he had ever heard.


    The second voice appeared to answer the first and sounded like a more mature woman. "/I sensed a powerful magic disturbanceing from here and just wanted to check it out for a moment./"


    The second voice did not speak in anguage that was any more recognisable, but the first voice quickly answered her in a concerned tone, "/Shouldn''t we wait and get Dad then? What if it''s an enemy? There''s a reason our kind does what it does, remember?./"


    As the voices starteding closer, Erik wondered why he didn''t hear any rushing leaves or breaking twigs from people walking.


    His musings were interrupted by the mature voice''s answers, however. "/Fufufu, your mother isn''tpletely defenceless, you know. You''ll learn in time that even our kind can have an offensive presence in a fight./"


    The mature continued nonchntly, "/Regardless, I doubt it actually is a powerful being, as the magical energies disappeared almost immediately after they appeared. If I''m right, then it was likely to be¡­/"


    At this point, Erik started hearing something akin to the fluttering of an insect''s wings as a gentle wind started stroking his naked body when the mature voice continued, "/¡­a teleportation./"


    The young voice answered excitedly, "/Woah, a naked human male. That''s not something you see every day. Or ever, for that matter. Humans know better than to enter these forests. He seems to be wounded./"


    Before the mature voice could respond, the young one continued, her tone turning to confusion, "/Wait, no. Not a human? He feels different somehow and yet still distinctly human-like./"


    The mature voice answered proudly, "/Very good, little Wisp. You''re right. That said, even I don''t know what he is. Finding a species I have never seen or heard of is truly peculiar./"


    Ever since they arrived, Erik had been trying to speak, but his body was still flooded by fatigue. He couldn''t properly open his mouth, and only a long groan leaked out.


    The young voice spoke up in interest as if looking at a science project. "/It looks like he''s trying to say something, but why does he seem so weak? Is it his wounds? They seem painful but not deadly./"


    The mature voice chuckled, "/Fufufu, to be honest, I''m surprised he''s even aware enough to notice our presence. Go check his soul, little Wisp./"


    As Eriky there, trying to fight off the overwhelming fatigue, he felt a gentle, inexplicable touch on his forehead. It was a sensation unlike any he had ever experienced, bothforting and invasive.


    The voices around him, foreign and mysterious, discussed his fate with a detached curiosity that sent a shiver down his spine.


    "/Woah,/" the younger voice sounded surprised. "/His soul is aplete mess, and he also seems to be poisoned. Someone really didn''t like this guy. I wonder how he ended up that way./"


    The mature voice answered in a nonchnt tone. Although Erik couldn''t understand what was said or even see the speaker, he could almost picture the shrug her words came with.


    "/Teleportation is dangerous business,/" the voice began her exnation. "/especially for one as weak as him, who must havee from an un-awakened world. Not to mention that the magic from that teleportation didn''t seem particrly stable."/


    "/Either way,/" she continued, "/he won''t live long without help. I normally wouldn''t care enough to save him, but his species interests me. I''ll patch him up just enough so he''ll survive some experimenting./"


    Unaware he had just been reduced to ab rat, Erik was still trying and failing to banish the fatigue from his body so he could move or at least speak.


    Unbeknownst to Erik, the younger voice would be his saviour today, "/Wait¡­ I want him./"


    The mature voice sounded astonished, "/You¡­ what? You mean¡­ for that? Why? This choice will follow you for the rest of your life! Please think about it a little longer./"


    She continued in a pleading tone, "/We don''t even know anything about his species yet, and there are so many strong races out there; why pick something so simr to the generally weak humans?/"


    The young voice sounded dismissive, likely shaking her head, "/It has to be now. You know his weakened soul will allow for a stronger bond between us. Besides, saving him now will make building trust easier./"


    Her voice then began to ooze with excitement, "/Plus, I believe that his species is uniquely suited for that special talent of mine./"


    Thosest words appeared to spark the mature woman''s interest, "/Truly? Alright, so maybe he is a good choice. But why speak about trust? Don''t tell me you still intend to follow the ways of those wimps from the Radiant de?!"


    The young voice sounded helpless, "/It was you who turned me on to the idea, Mother. I know this wasn''t what you meant, but you promised to let me make my own choices! So are you going back on your word?/"


    The mature voice seemed to grumble for a while but then seemed to relent, "/You know the others will kick you out for this, right? Even I won''t be able to change their mind. And I can''te with you either, no matter how much I might want to./"


    Her voice grew sterner, "/If you do this, it will be you and a man you know nothing about, alone in a dangerous world./"


    Whatever the woman said seemed to have given the younger voice pause. Erik heard nothing for a while as he could onlyy there while continuing to try and fight the fatigue that had ravaged his body while others decided his fate.


    Then the young voice sounded again, "/Fine. I suppose I should at least know something about him. With his soul as weakened as it is, I should be able to read his memories."/


    It wasn''t long before Erik felt a finger against his forehead again, whichsted for five whole minutes before it was retracted.


    The young voice sounded again, "/Interesting¡­ I am even more sure now, Mother. This man has gone through quite a traumatic event beforeing here. I think he has the potential to be the kind of partner I want./"


    The mature voice released a sigh, "/Fine then. Do what you have to, little Whisp. You know I''ll support you no matter what./"


    The young voice sounded warm, likely smiling, "/Family above all, right?/"


    The mature voice sounded like she agreed with something, "/Family above all./"


    Next, Erik once again felt a finger against his forehead, but this time, he noticed something else as a voice he could actually understand sounded in his head.


    "Hello there!" it began, almost cheerfully. "Since you don''t speak ournguage and have a little trouble talking in the first ce, I will use our souls to speak to you in a more primalnguage that any soul can understand. My name is Elora, and I have a proposal for you."

 Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Soul-bound partners, forever embrace.

    Erik had to admit that hearing a voice in his head frightened him a little.


    The supernatural may be real on Earth, but that only counted for shapeshifters, who could transform into various predators, and vampires, who were simply stronger humans with an appetite for blood and an aversion to sunlight.


    Honestly, the real shapeshifters and vampires were fairly boring whenpared to those depicted by modern media. They did have a higher regeneration ratepared t0 humans, however.


    At least, that is everything Erik''s parents taught him on the matter.


    Regardless, telepathy was certainly something new for the young Erik as he genuinely started to lose all grip on exactly what situation he was in.


    Despite his fear, however, he realised he needed to answer this voice, but had no idea how to.


    Likely anticipating the problem, Elora sounded again. "To answer me, just think with the intention of rying the thought. I''ll pick it up."


    Erik hesitantly tried to do as Elora had said by thinking ''at'' her, "Hello? How are you doing this? Who are you? And where am I?"


    Somehow, Erik felt like Elora was mentally shaking her head at him, "I told you, my name is Elora. The rest is not important right now. Instead, we should focus on the fact that you''re dying."


    This time, it was Erik''s turn to shake his head, mentally anyway, "I''ll be fine. My wounds aren''t deadly, and the wolfsbane won''t kill me; I just need a little time for my natural regeneration to take care of it."


    But he received a small, somewhat condescendingugh in return, "Come now, I''ve read your memories. You''re not a genius, but neither are you an idiot. You know this fatigue you feel is not natural."


    Unfortunately, Erik knew she was right. His parents put him through some intense training to give him the ability to survive. This training often left him wounded and even poisoned by wolfsbane.


    Yet never before had he felt as strangely disconnected from his body as he did right now.


    Considering the state of his body, he should feel fatigued, sure, but also pain and his mind shouldn''t be as clear as it is. Yet, right now, his mind seemed fine, while his body felt so heavy he couldn''t even open his eyes.


    After a few moments of silence, he said, "So what are you saying? And what do you mean you read my memories?"


    Elora giggled with amusement, "Exactly what it sounds like; I read your memories. You see, the state of your body is a direct result of your wounded soul because it is slowly detaching itself from your body."


    While Erik tried to put aside the difort he felt at his memories being read, Elora continued, "It won''t be long before your soul loses all grip on your body and dissipates into the air, which, surprise, surprise, is bad for you. Your wounded soul is also why I could read your memories so easily."


    As if anticipating what Erik was about to ask, she shook her head mentally, "And don''t ask me how you wounded your soul; I promise to tell you everythingter, but for now, time is limited."


    Suddenly, Erik felt like she was smiling mysteriously at him, "I have a proposal that will not only help you survive but help you thrive. epting or not is up to you, but I have to warn you, it''s not much of a choice, considering the only other options are bing ab rat to my mother or death."


    Erik wasn''t sure whether Elora was manipting him or not, but even if she was, what could he do about it? Currently, he was at the mercy of these two women, and bing ab rat certainly didn''t sound appealing.


    He grumbled a little, but after another moment of silence, he asked, "What is this proposal?"


    He could almost feel the victorious grin on Elora''s face as she answered, "Be my soul-bound! Although fairies like myself are magically gifted, we only have ess to a specific type of magic called Seidr magic, which is not suited forbat."


    She continued exining, "Because of this, fairies have devised a way to create a soul bond with someone who will then act as their protector while the fairy supports them with their Seidr magic. And I want you to be my protector!"


    Erik decided to set aside his surprise about the existence of fairies for now and instead focus on the actual issue, "I''m guessing this soul bond will heal me?"


    He received a mental shrug, "Not directly, but through the bond, I will be able to heal you."


    Erik nodded thoughtfully, frowning, "Alright, but this is not the only way you have to save me, right? Otherwise, bing ab rat wouldn''t be an option."


    Elora chuckled at Erik''s deduction, "Clever boy. But you are partially wrong: the only person here who can save you without the soul bond is my mother, and she will definitely use you as ab rat afterwards. However, if you prefer death over either option, I promise to kill you quickly."


    Erik fell silent again. He felt ashamed for considering the option of a simple death. He had always been timid and a little apathetic, trying to avoid conflict and going through training mostly to appease his parents. He preferred to spend his time reading.


    The events orchestrated by Edda may have lit a me under him for a while there, but now that he was in this situation, he wondered if continuing to live was worth it.


    Still, there was a small ember inside him, burning for revenge. The question was if he wanted to make a deal with the devil for it? After all, "Neither you nor your mother are good people, right?" he asked Elora.


    Elora giggled cheerfully, "You''re right about that. My mother has always taught me to be ruthless towards anyone outside our family."


    "That said," she continued with her lips pursed in amusement, "you should still consider yourself lucky you encountered me."


    "Full disclosure:" she sighed, "fairies are divided into two factions, ''The Radiant de'' and ''The Obsidian Enve''. While the former is considered righteous and thetter wicked, the main point of contention between the two factions is in how we handle our protectors."


    She shrugged as she exined, "The de creates equal bonds, where the fairy and their protector be true partners, but the Enve creates bonds of very, where the protector will serve the fairy with absolute obedience."


    Erik got an ominous feeling when he asked, "Dare I ask which faction you belong to?"


    Eloraughed at the obvious question with the equally obvious answer, "The Enve, of course. But I meant it when I said you should consider yourself lucky. You see, like my fellow members of the Enve, I am plenty wicked, but unlike the others, I prefer the idea of making a bond of equals with my protector."


    Her voice grew excited, as she had clearly been thinking about this for a long time, "I don''t want a ve to do my bidding; what I want is a partnership tost the ages! I want it to be you and me against the world!"


    Her voice was filled with promise of the future, "I want us to stand above the rest! To be king and queen, emperor and empress, I want us to rule hand in hand, so do away with your timidity and be a conqueror!"


    Fire seeped in her voice, "You''ve already seen the way the world truly is. And I see the rage and fury hiding behind a facade of defeatism. Give in to it! Show the world what you can do! What we can do!"


    Finally, her voice turned to a purring whisper, "With me by your side, you will never be brought so low again. Never again will your fate be in anyone''s hands but mine and your own. Just like my fate will be both in my hands and yours."


    Erik felt himself getting swept up in her enthusiasm, and the fury he had buried after losing all hope when Edda cornered him was once again rearing its head, demanding to be given a say.


    For the first time since he woke up on that ridge overlooking the ughter of everyone he cared about, he felt like there was a clear path forward. Grab this woman''s hand, give in to his desires and step to the forefront. Forget his old self and be someone new!


    He felt like saying yes then and there, but there was still something he was unclear about, "You still haven''t told me why you want me for this."


    The answer was immediate, "At first, it was just because your species and physiology are ideally suited for my unique talent, something I will tell you aboutter."


    She shrugged, "But after checking your memory, I realised you were even more perfect. Although you were initially a little too timid for me, I can see that recent events have changed you enough for me to manipte you into bing more like the man I want by my side."


    Erik actually had tough at her words, "You''re pretty honest for a wicked person."


    He could feel her smiling in a conspiratorial manner, "Only to you, my dear protector."


    Erik fell silent for a few more minutes, but in the end, his newly awakened desire for power and revenge made him long for a new beginning. ''It''s sketchy, but what''s my alternative? Lab rat? Death? Sure, maybe this woman lied to me, but the fact is, I still can''t move.''


    His inner struggle was short, and with a mental sigh, he decided to ept, "So, how do we create this bond?"


    He felt Elora''s enthusiasm as she said, "Just repeat after me:


    Through highs and lows, we find our way,


    A journey marked by night and day.


    Hand in hand, through thick and thin,


    Our souls a dance that''s set to spin.


    No force can sever what''sbined,


    Two hearts, one rhythm, well-aligned.


    In cosmic waltz, we move with grace,


    Soul-bound partners, forever embrace."


    As Elora''s words echoed in his mind and he repeated them, Erik felt a surge of energy pulsating through him. The air around him seemed to thrum with power as invisible threads of fate weaved around them, binding them together in a powerful bond.

 Chapter 5: Chapter 5 - Seven years

    After the bond was forged, Erik noticed some immediate changes. His body became stronger and stopped feeling so damn heavy. Next, a cooling sensation spread through his entire being.


    He took a moment to marvel at the sensations he was feeling and then tried to open his eyes again. This time, he seeded and looked at a world unlike the one he had known before.


    The sky was blue, but the leaves overhead, while still green, sparkled with an otherworldly glow, casting a gentle light over the surroundings.


    Erik sat up and felt his fingers trail through the slightly wet grass. He quickly realised that the damage to his soul had also dulled all his other senses, but more than that, he felt like his senses were now better than ever before.


    While indulging himself in this new feeling, he suddenly noticed something peculiar. A seemingly middle-aged woman, whose beauty seemed to be only enhanced by her maturity, was looking at him with no small amount of curiosity.


    She was short, probably 150 centimetres (4''11) at most and had red hair, but unlike the natural red-heads he had seen in hismunity, this woman''s hair was as crimson as blood, matching her equally crimson eyes.


    Her breasts wererger than one would expect from her diminutive stature, something that was made abundantly clear due to the mature woman''s revealing clothing.


    However, the most peculiar thing about her was that she had thin wingsing from her back, although she wasn''t using them currently, as her feet touched the ground.


    He quickly scrambled to his feet and scratched his head. He felt a little awkward when he realised this must be the mother who wanted to use him as ab rat.


    He looked around, looking for the woman he was now supposedly bonded with, but couldn''t find anything, so he addressed the mature woman instead, a little unsure of himself, "You must be Elora''s mother. It''s a pleasure to meet you?"


    Yet, he still spoke in English, which the woman didn''t understand.


    Her heavy breasts swayed as she chuckled at his awkwardness, "Fufufu, I have no idea what you''re saying, boy, but I can see the fear in your eyes. Elora must have told you something about me. Well, don''t worry. Since you are her protector now, you''re family, and I don''t mistreat my family."


    Then she suddenly gained a cruel twinkle in her eyes as she continued, "But you should remember, you are only family by extension. If Elora ever has enough of you and wants a new protector, I''ll be the first to rip you away from her."


    Despite the woman''s diminutive stature and distracting attire, Erik found himself strangely intimidated by her words, as though the world around them resonated with her and pure power flowed around them, giving credence to her voice.


    He quickly nodded in response before realising he could actually understand her. Erik suddenly heard Elora''s voice in his head again, "If you''re wondering why you can understand her, it''s because I''m tranting. We''ll work on teaching you thenguageter."


    Then, she giggled, "And don''t worry about her threats too much. She would never harm you without my consent. And I realize how that sounds, but I don''t want you to be afraid of me. You and I are partners now. It''s the world that should be afraid of us."


    Erik felt somewhat calmed by Elora''s words, although he still wondered if he could trust her. Regardless, he wondered where she was, so he said aloud, "Elora? Where are you?"


    Both Elora''s mother and Elora herself seemed tough at his words before he heard Elora again, "You can just talk to me in the same way you did before, so you don''t need to talk out loud. As for where I am, why, inside you, of course!"


    Erik suddenly imagined some rather unpleasant scenarios and shivered. After all, while limited, he had ess to the inte back in hismunity and had been thoroughly corrupted by it.


    He quickly heard Elora giggle with amusement, "Inside your soul, you pervert! But if you like those kinds of things, I don''t mind experimenting¡­"


    Erik quickly shook his head and replied, still out loud, "Nope! Not necessary!" causing Elora''s mother to raise an eyebrow in surprise but remain silent as she seemed to prefer observing.


    Elora sighed with exaggeration, "Fine, you spoilsport. I think I''d probably prefer to be the one getting stuffed anyway."


    Erik blinked even as a slight grin appeared on his face. Suddenly, he imagined his future with this Elora might be even more interesting than he thought. If she looked anything like her mother, he was looking forward to it.


    He quickly shook his head, clearing his mind of perverted thoughts and asked Elora hesitantly, "So¡­ can you read my thoughts?"


    He sighed in relief when he received a negative response, "No, but I can read your intentions. And the perverted intent behind those thoughts was clear!"


    Erik coughed a little, still needing a little more time to lose his timidity. He then asked her, "So, are you stuck in my soul now? Can you leave it? What happened to your physical body?"


    Elora giggled seductively, "Want toy your eyes on my divine body, do you? Well, don''t worry, you''ll get your chance. I''m just working on repairing your soul right now. As for my physical body, it''s currently been merged into yours."


    She smiled confidently, "I''m sure you''ve already noticed your senses being more powerful than before. In fact, every aspect of your body should have been improved; this is one of the ways we fairies aid our protectors."


    She continued with wryly pursed lips, "Another benefit is that my presence in your soul will enhance your affinity with magic, which, by the way, is very bad. Like, weirdly bad. I don''t know if it''s you or your species, but I''d be surprised if you could even feel the presence of aetherium in your current state."


    She eximed in exasperation, "I can''t even find a affinity!"


    But then she continued enthusiastically, "Luckily for you, I''m here now! With my presence in your soul, you''ll be flinging magic with the best of them! When I leave your soul, my body will also unmerge from yours, and we will be two separate entities again, although still connected."


    Erik was still reeling from all the information. Still, one thing stood out to him, something that Elora had mentioned before. "What do you mean with magic and aetherium exactly?"


    Elora giggled at his endearing ignorance, "We''ll get to thatter as well, just like our face-to-face meeting. For now, however, can you ask my mother to lead us to our home?"


    Still being a little timid, Erik just nodded and decided to go with the flow for now, which was probably the smart thing to do anyway.


    He ryed Elora''s words to her mother, whose name heter learned was Morganae, and she led them through the forest and into a slightly darker but still eerily beautiful part of the forest.


    With that, his journey into a new world began.


    * * *


    It was now seven yearster.


    Seven years of Elora and Erik travelling alone. As expected, Elora had been banished from the Enve for betraying their traditions. Only Morganae''s influence as an Enve elder prevented them from being killed instead.


    During these seven years, Erik learned many things, including the fact this wasn''t Earth but instead another called S?l, something he had obviously suspected already.


    He learned about magic, the universe as a whole, and even the most likely reason for him ending up in this ce. When he first learned about that, he wondered what Earth would look like right now, but over time, thoughts of Earth became less and less frequent.


    Even his desire for revenge had been forcibly suppressed because he simply had no way of returning to Earth. The ember representing his newly gained desire for power had now turned into a burning bonfire, mainly through Elora''s work to shape him into the man she wanted as her partner.


    * * *


    In arge, luxurious hall located somewhere on S?l, heavy footsteps echoed. A 210-centimetre-tall (6''10") humanoid wolf casually trudged through it in an upright manner.


    The creature had grey-silver fur adorned by patches of ck in the form of lightning bolts. His eyes were the colour of amber and seemed to burn with a feral, indomitable will.


    His body was d in an ebony armour that appeared to absorb the light around it while his body moved with predatory grace. Sleek yet formidable, the dark tes clung to the creature''s form, enhancing his presence.


    The armour left the palms of his elongated, wed hands uncovered while moving over the back of them to cover his ws in a metallic sheen.


    His wolfish feet, however, were fully covered in metallic sabatons and were the source of the heavy metallic steps echoing through the hall.


    asionally, the footsteps became muffled when the wolf stepped into puddles of blood gathered from the various bodies scattered around.


    Some of them were burned with strange markings across their skin, others had gashes reminiscent of ws and yet others seemed to have died from heavy concussive force.


    The wolf, obviously Erik, kept casually walking through the hall until he eventually reached a door and knocked on it with his free hand, "Open up, buddy. Your guards are all dead. Don''t make this harder for yourself."

 Chapter 6: Chapter 6 - Dragged back

    Erik stood in front of the door while carrying arge, two-handed warhammer on his shoulder, holding the shaft with his wed hand. The weapon was imposing and clearly designed for both brute force and precision.


    The head was forged from gleaming steel and adorned with an intricate, howling wolf on one side and the wing of a fairy on the other side.


    One side of the head was t and imposing, ready to crush all opposition. The other side featured a vicious and sharply pointed spike, able to pierce through armour and deliver devastating blows to opponents.


    The shaft was crafted from abination of dark wood and metal, intricately wrapped in leather for a secure andfortable grip.


    A panicked voice came from inside, "D- Don''te in, you monster! I- I''ll kill the boy!"


    Erik scoffed, "No, you won''t. You''re too much of a coward to get rid of yourst chance for survival. Now, if you don''t open the door, I''ll open it for you."


    He picked up his hammer in both hands and at the same time, lightning danced around his ws. It quickly spread from his hands to the hammerhead, which now looked like it was encased in a cage of lightning.


    He stood off to the side and swung his hammer in a wide arc with all his strength, causing a loud explosion when he hit the double doors squarely in the middle as several purple magic circles appeared.


    But Erik just curved his wolfish lips into a menacing smile and put more force into his swing. Meanwhile, even more lightning leaked from his hands and into the hammer.


    Before long, the first magic circle broke, and with the first one gone, the second quickly followed and then the third.


    It was mere seconds before the hammer crashed against the door''s wood. It made a crisp, breaking sound and shattered into hundreds of splinters that shot into the room behind it.


    Erik stepped past the door''s remains and said the first thing that came to him, "Heeeere''s Erik!"


    He had seen movies, too, back on Earth.


    Behind the door was a luxurious bedroom with a fat, middle-aged human woman holding a knife to a young elven boy''s throat who looked terrified of his situation.


    The woman screamed, "Damn you! I don''t know what you are, but d- don''te closer! I''ll do it!"


    Erik had quickly learned that neither shapeshifters nor vampires existed in this world. There were beast men and women who came close, but they didn''t really transform like he did and instead always looked the same.


    Plus, most of them were more like humans with some beastly features rather than looking like full-on hybrids, as Erik did.


    Because of this, he quickly got into the habit of hiding his uniqueness by only transforming when he was already nning on either killing everyone who saw him or making sure they were weak enough that Elora could wipe their memories.


    Elora also used their connection and her Seidr magic to hide his body''s peculiarities from any powerful people who might try and use their magical senses to look a little closer at Erik''s physiology.


    The werewolf smirked confidently as his body suddenly started creaking. His bones and muscles rearranged themselves under the terrified gazes of the fat woman and the boy.


    As Erik grew stronger and his body was enhanced through aetherium and Elora''s unique ability, his transformation to and from his wolf form became much quicker and smoother. In less than a second, he was back to human form.


    His armour had reshaped itself to fit this form as well, now fully covering his hands as even the leg part now amodated his regr human knees rather than his wolf form''s inverted ones.


    If anyone who had known him back on Earth were here, they would have difficulty recognising him. Most of the kindness and all of the timidity had disappeared from his eyes.


    Erik was a handsome man, and even without his transformation, he still stood at a height of two meters (6''4). Combined with his broad build and the obvious power hiding behind that armour, he looked like a human tank.


    His silver-grey hair grew to just below his ears while looking unkempt and wild; his face was slightly square, and his piercing amber eyes were intimidating. A short, well-kept beard in the same colour as his hair adorned the lower part of his face.


    Putting his hammer down and leaning on the shaft, Erik wore a sly grin as he looked at the woman in front of him, "Never mind what I am, Lady Ironheart."


    Barely resisting the urge to mock the woman for her unfittingst name, Erik continued, "This can go a number of ways. The boy''s parents didn''t specifically require your death. So just hand him over to me, and you can go."


    He narrowed his eyes, and his tone became threatening, "But if you harm him, I''ll have no choice but to kill you so that I can at least get somepensation for my hard work. And if you think I''ll let you walk out of here with the boy in hand, you must be a bigger idiot than I already believe you to be."


    Over thest seven years, Erik and Elora had mostly done a lot of mercenary work. It paid very well and allowed for plenty of opportunities to grow in power.


    Despite Elora''s ambitions, there was no grand n besides growing stronger for now.


    Currently, they had been contracted by a wealthy elven family, whose son had been kidnapped by the fat tub of lust in front of him, who held some official title from the local ruling power that made her think she was invincible.


    It was a situation they had already encountered multiple times, with only the races and genders changing on a case-by-case basis.


    Still, it was good money, so what did they have toin about?


    The woman seemed hesitant as she looked past Erik at the many corpses of her guards and gulped, "Y- You''ll let me go?"


    Usually, she would try to intimidate Erik by quoting her status and the many people who woulde after Erik for this, but she had already tried and failed to intimidate Erik this way while the man was ughtering her guards.


    It wasn''t that some of those people who woulde after him didn''t have the ability to kill Erik. In fact, in the grand scheme of this world, Erik was still pretty weak.


    It was just that he would already be far away from here, heading to the next kingdom, by the time they found out what happened here.


    Erik shrugged, "I have no reason to kill you. I just need the boy."


    The woman nodded, "A- Alright, I''ming that way."


    She dragged the crying boy with her while keeping the knife against his neck until she stood in front of Erik, shaking a little.


    Erik grinned demeaningly and moved to the side while saying, "Leave the boy."


    The woman''s eyes shifted nervously between Erik and the freedom thaty behind him. Finally, she quickly nodded, removed her knife from the boy''s neck, and carefully started moving past Erik.


    He watched the woman casually, not making any moves to harm her as she squeezed past the formidable Erik and quickly broke into a sprint when she reached his other side.


    The boy immediately hid behind Erik, seeing him as a safety shield. Erik patted the fifteen-year-old boy on his head with his left hand before he turned a little and raised his armoured right.


    The raised hand began to crackle with lightning as Erik looked at the fleeing back of Lady Ironheart while his lips curved into a contemptuous smile, "As if I would leave a disgusting bitch like you alive."


    He swiped his lightning-d hand, and five curved lightning tears ripped through the air before slicing into the fleeing woman, killing her on the spot.


    He looked at the boy and noticed he looked a little dazed. He asked Elora, who was currently upying his soul, "Is it done?"


    He quickly received a reply, "Yep! He won''t remember a thing of your wolf form, aaaand I also removed some of the memories of his time with that woman."


    Erik gasped sarcastically, "Why, Elora, are you growing a heart?"


    Elora snorted as if insulted, "Don''t say such disgusting things! Who knows, maybe I just made it so that his memories will return to him in nightmares! Anyway, be sure to get some additional reward for the kindness."


    Erik chuckled softly, confident that he had at least slightly affected Elora in thest seven years.


    He was just preparing to leave with the boy when Elora suddenly warned him, "Careful! Arge concentration of aetherium is heading this way!"


    Erik raised an eyebrow and prepared for battle when the room started rumbling.


    Suddenly, a shining oval appeared in mid-air. Before anyone could react, chains rushed out of it, wound themselves around Erik, and dragged him towards the oval.


    Erik yelled, "What the fuck!" Then, he stabbed the pointy tip of his hammer into the wooden floorboards while gripping the handle firmly in an attempt to stay in ce.


    But it was no use. The chains yanked forcefully, causing Erik to release his grip on the hammer. He was pulled into the light, kicking and screaming.


    It all went by in less than a second.


    The boy just gawked at the now-empty space beside him, before realising he was now all alone.

 Chapter 7: Chapter 7 - Eventful return

    Darkness had descended upon the affluent neighbourhood of Hampstead in London.


    Its once elegant mansions and manicured gardens had now fallen into disrepair and were covered in an otherworldly ck mist.


    The source of this darkness was a single figure d in a shadowy veil. Their features were hidden as they stood on the porch of arge estate in disrepair.


    The mansion walls and windows were dirty and cracked, as if they had already seen many fights and had not been properly tended to for a long time.


    The porch was originally made of pearly white marble but now looked no better than the rest of the mansion, littered with cracks, dirt, and blood.


    The once well-maintained greenery had overgrown much of the structure, actually somewhat making up for the dirt and cracks.


    Several creatures, ranging from humans to vampires to various shapeshifters, were gathered before the figure.


    These creatures stared with somewhat ssy eyes towards a long, downward-sloping driveway leading to the entrance gate.


    The gate had been broken open, and a simr gathering was taking ce there, except they had no shadowy figure among them, and their gazes were clear.


    These groups seemed to oppose each other as the humans in this group appeared to be releasing their own aura, slightly pushing back the darkness.


    One of these humans, a man with ck hair and brown eyes, stepped forward with a serious frown.


    He addressed the shadowy figure in a loud voiceced with righteous fury as if having practised it in front of a mirror, "Emily Ashcroft! The council can no longer turn a blind eye to your atrocities! Release these poor people of their bonds and surrender!"


    The figure responded with a surprisingly young female voice and a slightly crazed tone, "I won''t give up my home! It''s mine! Mine! That pointless council of yours can go to hell!"


    Her voice only rose in octaves as she continued, "All its members are hypocrites anyway! A year ago, they were all still fighting, raping and looting with the best of them! And now that they''ve banded together, they intend to swing their various dicks and tits around by trying to force their rules on me?!"


    Sheughed wickedly and shook her head, "Forget it! The only way I will leave this ce is if I''m dragged by my cold, dead feet!"


    The man sighed, seemingly saddened by her refusal, but there was a peculiar glint in his eye, "Please, Emily. This isn''t you. Let''s forget what happened in the past! I still remember when you were a cute little girl running around these gardens. Please give yourself up, and I promise to take care of Emma!"


    His voice seemed to contain a carefully hidden emotion that only Emily could pick up on, causing his words to spur her on even more.


    She started cackling madly, "You?! Protect Emma?! Did you forget what you tried to do to me when our parents died?! To both of us?! I certainly doubt you forgot what I did to you that day!"


    At the mention of this encounter, the man himself seemed to seethe with anger as his left hand drifted towards his crotch unconsciously.


    Emily pointed at the man usingly, "I would sooner kill her than leave her with you! I can only trust myself! Only I can protect my house! Protect Emma! And if you stand in my way, you will die!"


    Her voice seemed to get more irrational and crazed as she went on. Meanwhile, the people behind the man directed strange gazes towards him.


    However, thest seven years had been chaotic, and each of the people here had done things they weren''t proud of. They may not have had much say in the council''s formation, but now that it was here and enforcing its rules, they all had to abide by them.


    Or at least pretend to.


    They were all given a grace period during which they could put an end to all their newly illegal activities, and afterwards, the council wouldn''t pursue them for crimesmitted in the past.


    But Emily refused to stop creating more ves. Protecting her home and Emma seemed to be the only thing she cared about, which was why they were gathered here now.


    Regardless, the man speaking was their boss. Whatever he did in the past, they couldn''t be bothered to care, so they averted their eyes and refocused on Emily.


    The ck-haired, pasty-looking man barely managed to bring his anger under control and make onest attempt to have her surrender.


    He might not be able to get his hands on Emily anymore, but he still had a shot at Emma! That said, he would prefer not to risk his life for it.


    He took an outwardly reasonable tone, "Be reasonable, Emily! Even with these poor enved souls, we still outnumber you! Neither you nor your sister will be harmed. The council wants to bring back the humane treatment of criminals!"


    Seeing that these men and women intended to keep hounding her, she ordered her ves to attack, "Enough! If you refuse to leave, then I''ll make you!"


    At those words, the ssy eyes of the various creatures in front of her started glowing with a malevolent darkness as their lips curled up into cruel smiles.


    Immediately, shapeshifters on both sides changed forms and various runic symbols appeared on their fur. Vampires drew weapons while gaining simr runic symbols on their pale skin, and various magic circles appeared in front of human hands.


    Then, they all charged.


    The sh began with a chaotic disy of magic, ws and fangs.


    Various human-predator hybrids moved with savage ferocity; vampires danced with vicious grace, and humans tossed around numerous kinds of magic as the two groups shed in a frontal battle.


    While the attacking forces first attempted to simply knock the enved creatures unconscious, this eventually proved too difficult, as the woman named Emily had also started attacking,. She flung around bolts of darkness, quickly eroding any defences they came in contact with.


    The sounds of explosions and the tearing of flesh echoed across this once-prestigious neighbourhood.


    Once the first casualties started falling on both sides, the battle soon started turning in favour of the forces opposing Emily, as their numbers were simply greater.


    Emily seemed to be losing more and more of her reason as she screeched at the invading forces and gathered more and more darkness around her, seemingly preparing for something.


    However, no one noticed that a bright light had started appearing right in the middle of the battlefield.


    The light began pulsing faster and faster and reached a boiling point at the same time as Emily''s efforts. A familiar scene then yed out as time slowed down.


    No one understood what was happening when they suddenly started watching everything move in slow motion.


    Tendrils of darkness had gathered around Emily, which seemed to be moving towards the people opposing her, but they went at a snail''s pace, just like everything else.


    Then, time moved again.


    A massive concussive force was released as everyone flew back from the light.


    Emily was no exception to this. However, her tendrils moved forward, apparently unaffected by the st, as they homed in on the now airborne attackers. Unable to defend themselves, they easily got skewered.


    Less than half of them died this way, but those remaining quickly retreated and regrouped. Hesitant to attack again and concerned about what had just happened.


    The number of defenders versus attackers seemed to have evened out as both sides stared at each other, wondering what to do next.


    The ck-haired man from earlier seemed to have survived, but he was unwilling to retreat now as he tried to convince his men to attack again.


    Unfortunately, they seemed unconvinced.


    One of them grabbed the man''s shoulder, "Listen, Liam, we don''t know what that power was just now. She seemed to have been affected, too, but we just don''t know enough. We can''t attack like this. Let''s just wait for the council''s warden to arrive."


    In the end, caution won out as the attackers retreated for now, perhaps to gather new allies in order to outnumber the defenders andpensate for Emily''s high level of power.


    However, Liam refused to leave without getting thest word, as he yelled across thewn, "We''ll be back, Emily! Don''t think you''ve won today!"


    Meanwhile, at the location of the explosion, no oval of light remained this time, but an armoured Erik was lying unconscious in the middle of the battlefield, his hands empty.


    The gate and estate entrance were at a lower altitude than the house entrances, so the attacking group hadn''t seen the body that had appeared there.


    It appeared that this teleportation had been even more violent than the previous one, as he was not even conscious now despite his increase in strength since thest time.


    With the attackers having left, for now, the only person remaining to approach Erik was a wounded Emily. Her veil of darkness had left her as a young but pale-looking woman appeared.


    She approached the unconscious Erik warily, clutching her side as if wounded.


    But when noticing he waspletely out, her lips curled up in an evil grin, "I don''t know who you are, little bug, or what you did, but it seems you helped me out today. I wonder what I should give you as a reward!"


    She seemed to think mockingly for a moment while tapping her chin as if not really considering it and then seemed toe to a conclusion, "Ah! I''ll turn you into my newest ve! You should feel honoured!"

 Chapter 8: Chapter 8 - Having a little fun [1/2]**

    About an hourter, Erik had been hoisted up and chained against a wall by his wrists as a sweating Emily stood next to him with two of her minions.


    They were located in a stone basement without windows and several wooden wine racks shoved against the side walls. Clearly, this ce had once been a wine cer but now had nothing left to be called as such.


    Emilyined out loud, "Sheesh, you''re sure making me work for it, little bug! You''ll need to show me how to get that armour off youter!"


    She dismissed her two minions with a wave of her hand and then grinned at the still-unconscious Erik, "The work will be worth it, though. You look positively delicious! I don''t think I''ve ever enved a second-ranker like myself!"


    She gathered a dark power in her right hand before coalescing it into a magic circle and moving it towards Erik''s forehead.


    Her lips curled into a wicked grin as her hand touched hertest victim, and she felt the mental connection being formed.


    The process would take some time, but before she could truly get started, something unexpected happened.


    Suddenly, she felt like a third mind had entered the equation.


    A yful giggle echoed in her mind, followed by the words, "Thank you for opening your mind to me! I''ll enjoy riding in your body for a while!"


    As Emilia''s face contorted in fear, wanting to scream but being unable to, she felt her mind be engulfed in darkness. Herst thoughts wondered if this was how her victims felt.


    But despite her evacuated mind, her body remained upright. She waved her hands, causing something akin to a floating puddle to appear in the air, which Elora used as a mirror to inspect her new prize.


    Emily had long, straight ck hair that cascaded down her shoulders like an obsidian waterfall, framing her pretty face. Her pale skin was adorned with inked patterns covering her arms and peaking beneath the edges of her clothes.


    Yet it was her eyes that demanded the most attention; they carried a fierce shade of red that seemed to pierce through anything theyid their sight on.


    She stood at medium height, barely reaching Erik''s shoulders, and her worn, slightly torn clothes resembled a goth rocker ensemble,plete with a patched leather jacket and spiked cor.


    Clearly, this girl embraced the rebel lifestyle. Unfortunately for her, she was now little more than a puppet to Elora, at least for the moment.


    She dropped Emily''s clothes and continued the inspection, roaming across the young woman''s body with her hands, inspecting every nook and cranny, making sure to grab a handful of the firm, D-cup breasts that hung from her chest.


    She grinned gleefully, "Yeah, this will do fine. She even has a darkness affinity! How rare and delightful. These tattoos are weird, though. They don''t even serve a magical purpose. I might remove themter."


    She looked over at Erik and sighed, "You really have bad luck with portals, my love. Luckily, your soul protected me during the teleportation, allowing me to save you in turn."


    Her full lips curled into a yful smirk, "I''ll need to check this girl''s memory to figure out where exactly we are, but in the meantime, you look awfully enticing like this. Perhaps I should have a little fun with this body?"


    While Erik had forbidden her from using her puppets to have vaginal sex with him without their freely given consent, something she had reluctantly agreed to, there were plenty of other fun things she could do.


    She moved closer to Erik, and with a swipe of her hand, she removed his armour. It wasn''t so hard to take off; you just needed the right authority¡ªsomething only Erik and Elora had.


    Well, that, or overwhelming power, of course.


    She looked at Erik''s powerful, naked body as she felt herself heating up while her gaze was slowly travelling downwards until it reached the stillid but already six-inch long penis, causing Elora to heat up even more, as she couldn''t help but be horny.


    Although they had danced around it for a little while, It hadn''t actually taken long after they met before Erik and Elora having sex. A lot.


    This naturally led to a lot of experimenting, where they discovered each other''s likes and dislikes.


    She looked at the chained-up Erik and giggled mischievously; while this scenario was far from what they both enjoyed the most, that didn''t mean she couldn''t y around a little. Especially when she thought about what it might lead to.


    Elora had no objection to using Emily''s body for this. After all, she didn''t generally care about anyone except her family in the first ce, not to mention that Emily had just tried to enve her love.


    Plus, using another''s body like this actually added anotheryer of pleasure for her. After all, her original body was still merged with Erik''s, and she could share his senses.


    She was now almost done healing the damage to Erik''s soul, which meant he should be waking up soon, and Elora knew just how to wake him up. Sensually, she strolled over to her love and protector.


    When she stood next to him, she stroked his chest, sucked on his neck a little and started slowly pumping her hand up and down hisrge shaft until it stood at full mast, now having grown to a size of over nine inches.


    She looked at it with lust and sank to her knees before she started licking Erik from base to tip. She kept looking at his still unconscious face, waiting for him to wake up.


    When it took too long, she decided to test this body''s gag reflex but quickly noticed that Emily had likely never done this before.


    Something which seemed reasonable, considering who she was, but Elora was surprised that Emily hadn''t even used her ves as living dildos since a quick check told her Emily was a virgin, too.


    It was then that Erik woke up to the pleasurable feeling of a wet mouth around his dick. Without opening his eyes, he said, "Couldn''t wait this morning, huh, Elora?"


    But when he felt his chained-up hands, he frowned and opened his eyes as the events leading up to his unconsciousness returned to him, making him realise he wasn''t actually in bed together with Elora.


    When Erik saw a strange woman slobbering over his dick, he was confused for a moment, but when he noticed his connection to the woman, he quickly realised what was happening.


    Observing the actions of his wife and partner, Erik understood she had already taken the necessary steps to secure their safety.


    So he got his legs under him and leaned back against the wall he was chained against, intent on enjoying the wet mouth and smooth tongue sending tingles along his spine.


    He didn''t particrly enjoy being chained up, but he didn''t mind letting Elora have her fun, especially because they both knew why she was really doing this.


    He grinned yfully, "I don''t know where we are, Elora, but I see you''ve taken the liberty of ying with my captor. You do remember we already tried a y like this and decided neither of us particrly enjoyed it, right?"


    Releasing Erik from her mouth, Elora looked up and curled her lips mischievously, "Yeah, but I couldn''t help myself. I wanted to test this body out a little." When she was done, she quickly swallowed him again, attempting to train Emily''s throat.


    However, Erik was quick to remind her why she was actually doing this as he groaned a little from her attentions, "Don''t lie, my wicked little ember. I know what you want. I might even give it to you."


    Elora smiled seductively as she stood up and took Ivar''s cock in her hand again as she slowly pumped, "Oh? I don''t think you are in any position to give me anything right now. Perhaps I just enjoy watching you squirm a little?"


    Although Erik was getting closer, he was still far from done, or from squirming, for that matter, so while he groaned a little from the soft hand around his shaft, he had no problem continuing the conversation.


    He grinned confidently, "Don''t make meugh. You had your chance to turn me into a weak little ything, but you went the other way instead. Now it''s toote, and you''re stuck with me!"


    Eloraughed softly as she whispered in his ear, "A girl can change her mind, can''t she?"


    With those words, Elora moved her left leg across Erik''s dick, moved her arms around his body in a hug, and gripped his cock with her thighs as her, or rather Emily''s, wet pussy rubbed against the meaty pole.


    Suddenly, Erik had a much harder time remaining silent as he groaned from the feeling of a wet pussy and thick thighs gripping him. Yet, this time, he was joined by Elora''s moaning as she felt abination of the stimtions to Emily''s pussy and Erik''s dick.

 Chapter 9: Chapter 9 - Having a little fun [2/2]**

    Despite the increased pleasure, Erik was still a while away from finishing as he raised an eyebrow at the moaning Elora in Emily''s body, "Don''t forget the rules, Elora."


    Elora sighed in an exaggerated manner even as she kept moving and moaning, "Y- Yeah, yeah. No vaginal pration with my puppets unless they gave permission first."


    Although Erik had been corrupted quite a bit by Elora, having sex with what was basically an unconscious woman was still a little much for him.


    That said, he didn''t mind ying with them a little, at least when it came to women who had either tried to kill or enve him. And being chained in a basement told him plenty about this woman''s intentions.


    That''s not to say they never had sex while Elora possessed someone. After all, It''s not like it was impossible to find women willing to let Elora and Erik do whatever they wanted with their bodies, at least for a time.


    Back on S?l, there were actually several women who could be considered as friends-with-benefits, but very few of those rtionships had any real feelings involved in them.


    Elora only asionally joined in, but she had agreed not to touch any of these women without Erik there. He had developed a powerful sense of possessiveness towards Elora and really any other woman he considered as ''his''.


    Fortunately, Elora had no problem with this and, in fact, quite enjoyed the feeling.


    Having reassured himself that Elora remembered the rules, he returned to focusing on the rxing pleasure that was soothing his body''s aches.


    It wasn''t long after that before both Erik and Elora started reaching their limit, something that Elora naturally took notice of as she panted in Erik''s ear, "S- So? Are you ready to squirm for me yet?"


    Erik''s lips curved into a lustful grin, barely holding himself back, made easier by knowing what was toe, "N- No, but I''m about ready to give you the real reason you started this to begin with."


    She continued to move as she brought them both closer to the edge while whispering, "Oh? And what''s that?"


    In response, Erik just grinned knowingly and ripped apart the regr iron chains holding up his wrists. Clearly, Emily had never kept anyone particrly powerful down here, as these chains could, at most, hold first-rankers.


    Aggressively, he grabbed Elora in Emily''s body and used his superior strength to swap positions and press Elora against the wall he was just chained to.


    Elora had a crazy smile on her face as she just started panting harder while Erik manhandled the body she was upying.


    Seeing the look in her eye, Erik smiled lustfully, grabbed her by the throat and pushed two fingers inside the girl''s pussy, careful not to break the hymen, and quickly brought the already-edged Elora to a squirting orgasm.


    Erik grinned at the still-shaking Elora, "This is what you wanted, isn''t it?"


    With Erik still holding her by the neck, Elora could only grin and nod a little.


    It was true. Although Elora was yful and domineering most of the time, while having sex, she actually preferred to have Erik use what she referred to as his ''idiot strength'' to dominate her physically weaker body.


    It was just a game, of course, and they both enjoyed arge array of different kinds of sex, but if they had to pick a favourite, it would be this specific scenario for the both of them.


    Erik suddenly released her, causing her to drop to her knees, as she still felt weak from orgasm.


    Of course, this put her face right in front of Erik''srge and erect cock, which had already been on edge for a while now.


    She smiled and opened her mouth invitingly as she looked up at Erik with eyes that dared him to make a move.


    Erik naturally answered her provocation by grabbing her head and shoving himself inside the woman''s mouth as deep as he could, which wasn''t very deep, unfortunately, at least not without doing permanent harm to Emily''s body.


    Still, he was able to push himself slightly into her throat and, already being on edge from before, quickly came into it after no longer holding himself back. Large globs of cum pumped into Emily''s untrained throat.


    While Elora was used to therge load, Emily''s body was not. Thus, Elora was forced to cough up most of it while the rest went straight into the girl''s stomach.


    Erik grinned with contentment as he stepped back and looked at the mess he had left behind while Eloray there panting and with a slightly drunk look.


    Deciding it was time for the next step, he crouched down next to her and said, "Nowe out and face your fate with your real body."


    But Elora just grinned provocatively at him, "Make me!"


    Erik chuckled at her attempts to make him use more force as he reached inside his soul, grabbed the part that belonged to Elora, and pushed it out into the real world.


    Since their bond was one of equals, he naturally had the right to allow or disallow her presence in his soul.


    After pushing her out, his body also weakened a little as small specks of light left him and merged into the 160cm (5''3) tall ethereal beauty that was Elora.


    Her eyes sparkled a mischievous green as her crimson red hair cascaded from her head down to her shoulders and onto her back. Two transparent wings, coloured in a blend of purple and pink hues, sprouted from her back, exuding an otherworldly glow.


    Her ears were pointy and peaked through the veil of her radiant crimson hair, giving her an otherworldly charm. A radiant red jewel adorned her forehead, casting a subtle glow that entuated her mystical aura and was a gift her mother had given her thest time they met.


    She wore her usual outfit, which she created by magic despite their current situation for the express purpose of having it ripped off her.


    It was a green and copper-coloured corset, embracing her short but voluptuous figure and covering only till about halfway up her breasts, leaving her arms, shoulders and corbone exposed, while a short skirt covered her lower body till about halfway to her knees.


    On her left breast, above her heart, a small mark in the form of a howling wolf''s head could be seen, matching the small fairy wing in the same ce on Erik''s body. These were the symbols of their bond.


    Elora looked him defiantly in the eyes while wearing a cocky smirk as if daring him to wipe it off her face.


    Erik happily obliged by wearing a wild grin as he grabbed her corset right in the middle of her full breasts and ripped it off her in one swift motion, causing it to simply disappear into a cloud of light specks.


    Elora''s expression changed to one of mock surprise and outrage as she turned around while hiding herrge breasts and gasping, "You brute!" Meanwhile, she stuck out her full and perky ass in Erik''s direction as if asking him to spank her.


    Erik rolled his eyes at her behaviour but couldn''t help getting excited by it. He growled menacingly, "I''ll teach you not to have fun with my chained-up, unconscious body!"


    He used one arm to shove Elora''s upper body against the wall, careful to avoid her wings, then he grabbed her arms and lifted them above her head, where he used one hand to hold them there as he used the other to lift her skirt.


    He raised the same hand and delivered a loud p on her buttocks, causing Elora to moan, "Yes! Dominate me with your idiot strength!" Even while she was still grinning.


    It may sound somewhat demeaning, for either of them, but they both knew it was all in good fun and in the end, that was simply the rtionship they had.


    Erik was by no means an idiot, but where he was a powerful fighter and physically strong, Elora was smarter and more magically gifted than him.


    He delivered another p as he growled, "Bratty girls like you need to learn to obey their man!"


    Elora moaned again, "Y- Yes! I''ll be a good girl! Please teach me to be a good girl!"


    Erik continued to spank her butt until they became glowing red orbs, and Elora was leaking like a faucet from her pussy.


    While he had somewhat calmed down aftering down Emily''s throat earlier, he was now once again rock hard and aching to plunge himself into Elora''s inviting depths.

 Chapter 10: Chapter 10 - Youre home***

    Knowing Erik could barely hold himself back, Elora turned her head, flushed from excitement but still wearing a yful smirk as she moaned seductively, "Come on then! Punish me with your monster cock! Imprint my body with your mark!"


    Her face clearly said she would never change her ways no matter what he did, but Erik was fully prepared to try anyway, as his cock was still wet from earlier, and Elora was more than ready to receive him, so he plunged himself inside her depths with one swift stroke.


    While Elora''s height was low, her wondrous cave had long since adapted itself to Erik''s length, making sure there was enough room for him to bottom out in her as he lodged his full nine inches inside her and thrust up against her womb.


    They released simultaneous moans and groans as Elora finally found herself getting stuffed, while Erik was always momentarily stunned by the perpetual tightness of Elora''s inner walls.


    As Erik continued to force Elora''s hands above her head and against the wall, he used his other hand to caress Elora''s still red, warm and ever-so-firm ass cheeks while he slowly began moving.


    Elora''s tightness made it hard to move inside her, not helped by the fact that Elora herself did everything she could to squeeze her pelvic muscles as hard as possible, but in the end, there was a reason Elora enjoyed this y, and it was Erik''s sizebined with his physical strength.


    So Erik ploughed through, literally and figuratively, continuously skewering Elora''s body on hisrge shaft.


    Her wet tunnel felt amazing as the soft and tight inner walls massaged him with great care, sending shivers of pleasure along his spine and almost making him blow his load right there.


    But he was determined to, at least temporarily, wipe the smirk off Elora''s face, so he had to hold on!


    He kept hammering her, as he groaned with every push, and Elora moaned like a whore, but still without losing her smirk.


    Erik grimaced at the effort, but he would make her cum first or die trying!


    He changed their position by releasing Elora''s hands and grabbing her throat instead before he pulled her up against his chest and put his other hand on her lower belly, where he could feel hisrge cock deforming Elora''s t stomach.


    The feeling of immorality and dominance he got from that was great enough to almost finish him then and there. Still, he held on as he could see that Elora was no different when her smirk finally began to waver, and her face started bing lost in pleasure.


    Elora moaned louder and louder as her inner desires came out more and more, "Y- Yes! Do it! Take whatever you want! Conquer your empress! Make me submit!"


    Her words spurred Erik on as he grinned and started moving faster in and out of her while softly squeezing both his hands, cutting off Elora''s air supply a little while also tightening her vaginal canal even more.


    This action was the one that caused Elora''s pussy and body to immediately start spasming in a rocking orgasm, which Erik prolonged as long as he could before being unable to resist Elora''s grip on his shaft and cumming deep inside, flooding her womb.


    As Elora felt herself being filled up, she had another orgasm and now wore a silly smile, having truly lost her smirk, at least temporarily.


    After he was done, Erik could feel his legs giving out on him from the strain of having rough sex despite the fact his body still hadn''t fully recovered from his most recent ordeal.


    While panting and with hisst bit of energy, he took Elora into a princess carry, turned around and leaned against the wall before slowly sliding down until he sat on the cold stone floor with Elora lying on his chest.


    They stayed in this position for a while longer as they panted and tried their best to regain some semnce of sanity before Erik suddenly chuckled between pants, "So¡­? Do you¡­ submit?"


    Elora still had her face lost in pleasure but managed to squeeze out a cheeky grin while still panting anyway, "Nope! Try again¡­ next time. Maybe¡­ actually do that thing¡­ I like."


    Finally regaining his breath, Erikughed at her words, "I''ll be happy to try again, but you''ll regret thosest words! You always say you want that, but afterwards, you feel sore and make me promise not to do it again."


    Honestly, Erik enjoyed this y as much as Elora, but they both knew she would never truly submit. And Erik didn''t want her to either. In fact, neither of them wanted the other to submit.


    Having servants was pretty easy for someone with their power, but having a true partner to love and treasure was rare.


    Elora shrugged and giggled, also having regained her breath, "I have no idea what you''re talking about!" Causing Erik to roll his eyes at her.


    Elora suddenly snapped her fingers, conjuring a thin wave of energy that washed over both her and Erik, cleansing away the grime, sweat and various bodily fluids before snuggling back into his chest.


    Not bothered by her actions, Erik instead answered her question with a sigh while shaking his head side to side as if in defeat, "Sure you don''t! Anyway, it always surprises me how much you like this particr y."


    Elora just shrugged with a content smile, "Is it really that surprising? From a young age, I got enamoured with the idea of creating a power couple between myself, the beautiful but wicked nner, and my then-fictional love, the handsome, powerful and ruthless conqueror."


    Her smile turned seductive as she poked Erik''s chest, "Not so fictional anymore, of course."


    Erikughed softly at her words and the ticklish feeling on his chest, "I''ll try to live up to your expectations. I''m not sure I''m much of a conqueror yet."


    Elora snorted pridefully as she thrust out her chest and nodded contently, "I know you won''t let me down! I have absolute confidence in my ability to choose the right person!


    Anyway, I fantasised many times about what our sexual rtionship might be like, and because I liked the idea of dominating others, I figured it would be the same here.


    But instead, it just felt weird to me, as if doing that destroyed the image of the mighty conqueror I wanted you to be. Meanwhile, I''m pretty sure I had my first orgasm to thoughts of being conquered by you instead."


    She chuckled a little, "And from there, it was a downhill slope for me. I do still love to dominate those sluts you have fun with, though."


    She put a hand on his chest and sat up before looking into his eyes with a loving smile, "Besides, I trust you to keep this stuff in the bedroom. Even if I like being manhandled by you when we''re having sex, I know you''ll never treat me as anything less than your empress outside of it."


    Despite her usually yful and wicked attitude, she could often be quite sweet with Erik, making him appreciate her all the more.


    He returned her smile, "Of course I won''t, my Little Wicked Ember. I would never want you to be anything else."


    Little Wicked Ember was Erik''s nickname for Elora, referencing her crimson hair and personality.


    After staring at each other for a few more moments, Elora suddenly seemed to get embarrassed and used her wings to fly upwards, "A- Anyway! You''ve been sitting on your ass long enough! We need to get moving! Get your armour back on while I check that bitch''s memories to find out where we are."


    Having seen the world outside this wine cer, Elora was already suspicious about not being on S?l anymore. And she even had an idea of which world this was, but she naturally had to be sure, as this would be quite a big deal for Erik.


    Erik chuckled at Elora''s ability to switch from yful to romantic to embarrassed to demanding. Still, he was used to this, so he stood up while smiling and shaking his head.


    Meanwhile, Elora had shrunk her body to about the size of Erik''s hand and flew off towards the unconscious Emily.


    Fairies have a lot of control over their size, but they all have a maximum and minimum. This form was Elora''s minimum, while the 160cm tall busty beauty was her maximum.


    Finally having a moment to himself while Elora delved into Emily''s memories, Erik took the opportunity to explore their surroundings. He couldn''t shake the impression that they were in the dpidated wine cer of a noble fallen on hard times.


    Attempting to push these thoughts aside, he approached the armour lying on the ground, ready to equip it. However, just as he was about to start, a hesitant voice interrupted him from behind, "We, uh, we''re on Earth, Erik. You''re home."


    Erik''s mind froze as he stopped in the middle of his actions when the events from seven years ago shed through his mind.

 Chapter 11: Chapter 11 - Emma [1/2]

    When Erik heard Elora''s words, his heart skipped a beat. Time seemed to freeze as a surge of emotions rushed through him. Seven years of suppressing his pain, loss and seething desire for retribution now threatened to erupt.


    His fists clenched involuntarily, nails digging into his palms as the floodgates holding back his emotions began to crack.


    While Erik stood frozen as feelings he had suppressed for thest seven years started resurfacing, Elora looked at him anxiously, wondering if she had done the right thing in telling him immediately.


    She knew she would have to tell him eventually, as he would just find out himself anyway.


    Unfortunately, they both needed at least a few days to recover fully from the teleportation, and she didn''t know if she could stop him if he decided to rush straight to the site of his oldmunity.


    Still, if their partnership was tost the ages, there could be no lies between them, even if it was for their own good. A real partner would tell it as it is and then stand by the other to pick up the pieces if they fucked everything up.


    So, instead of continuing to doubt herself, she decided to continue searching through Emily''s memories in an attempt to find any reason she could use to convince Erik to stay a little longer, assuming she couldn''t reason with him.


    Meanwhile, Erik''s fierce amber eyes gleamed with a dangerous intensity, the fire of vengeance reigniting within him. His jaw tightened, teeth grinding against the memories that fueled his anger.


    He felt part anticipation at the chance to get revenge and part sorrow at the idea of confronting Edda. After all, despite the hatred he bore her, she was still his first love and someone he grew up with, someone he may have even obsessed a little over.


    Not that he would hesitate when the day to face his past finally arrived. No, Edda deserved to die, and he would unflinchingly deal the finishing blow.


    Erik stood frozen for another few minutes as he slowly internalized the knowledge that he was back on Earth and might get his revenge after all.


    Eventually, he rxed his hands and jaw and released a long breath. He felt himself take back control as he remembered his current situation.


    Now that he was back, revenge was not impossible anymore. That was good enough for now, as rushing off would be more likely to get him killed before he could even find the bitch.


    "So¡­ back on Earth, huh?" he mumbled. "I feel like someone is fucking with me, sending me to S?l and then pulling me back to Earth, just when I started to adjust to life there."


    Fury was bubbling just under the surface, but he kept it contained for now. No matter how much he wanted to get revenge now that he had the chance, he could see the same thing as Elora: they were not ready.


    Elora released a breath of relief, d that he seemed to be keeping himself together. Than she nodded in agreement. "We still can''t be sure if you ending up on S?l was an ident or not, but getting pulled back here definitely wasn''t."


    Erik agreed, and continued putting on his Armor while talking to Elora, "Where are we exactly?"


    "Seems to be a ce called London," she answered with a curious tone. "It''s very different from the ce you grew up that I saw in your memories. I mean, even before this world began its awakening."


    Erik raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "So you and your mother were right? Earth is currently awakening?"


    He finally finished putting his Armor on, followed by Eloranding on his shoulder while she nodded. "It seems so. We''ll need to be careful for a few days. If this girl''s memories are correct, than there are more second-rankers out there than I would have expected. Even this bitch is one, just like you."


    Then she frowned with concern, "I suspect there might even be a few third-rankers. Plus, we are not in the best of shapes. I had to spend a lot of energy taking control of her, and healing your soul. Which, by the way, has been stitched together from an even worse state than when we met."


    She looked at him seriously, "Remember, I may be a third-ranker, but I have no offensive magic to speak of, and I can''t forcefully take possession of someone with her power, so had she not opened her mind in an attempt to enve you, I would have been unable to do anything to her."


    "I know, plus I lost my hammer¡­" Erik sighed, regretfully.


    He had actually taken quite an interest in forging back on S?l, enjoying the peace he felt when working on his creations. That hammer was his greatest result so far and also the first one he crafted together with Elora.


    "Right¡­ so can I assume you''ll keep your cool for a few days? Despite your obvious desire to run off in search of Edda?" Elora asked cautiously, wanting to be sure. She was usually mischievous and yful, but she knew when to be serious.


    Heavy footsteps sounded as Erik walked up to?the stairs leading out of this basement while he chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Don''t worry. We seem to be in some kind of residence, why don''t we have your new ve show us around? Since we need to recuperate for a few days, might as well do it here."


    "Ugh," Elora groaned. "I was afraid you''d say that."


    Erik blinked in surprised. "I thought you wanted to wait as well?"


    "Yeeaaah," Elora slightly whined. "But you''re a bleeding heart, and there''s this cute, innocent girl in the building that I''m pretty sure you''ll want to save."


    Although Elora''s efforts had significantly increased Erik''s indifference towards the lives of others, she had yet failed to bring him to her own level, as he still had some care left for the innocent and the young. Cute girls in trouble were a particr weakness of his.


    Even when it came to humans.


    The fact was, although there was a brief period on S?l where he had trouble being around humans, it didn''tst long. Living in a world with as many different species as existed on S?l, he eventually realized that hating an entire species was as pointless as idolizing a different species.


    Now, he focused his hatred on the people behind the attack on his vige, not the species.


    But, Elora hade to terms with that by now, and she knew he wouldn''t appreciate it if she kept his information from him.


    "How do you mean?" Erik frowned.


    "I''ll show you, alright?" she sighed in response.


    * * *


    It was now about half an hourter as Erik and Emily stood before a closed door while Erik held a bundle of clothes in his hand and Elora sat on his shoulder in her smallest form.


    After Elora had informed Erik about the girl, Elora used her magic to clean the ssy-eyed Emily and had her put her clothes back on. Then she had Emily lead them out of the basement and into the mansion proper.


    They hadn''t encountered anyone, as it seemed Emily kept her ves in another part of the mansion. Not that it would have mattered. With Elora in control of Emily, that basically made all those ves hers now.


    First, Elora had Emily lead them to a bedroom, where Emily grabbed some women''s clothes and stuffed them in Erik''s hands under his confused gaze.


    "Is this girl naked or something?" he asked her, curiously.


    "For starters, yeah," Elora shrugged, making Erik raise an eyebrow in surprise. "But you''ll see for yourself if you go through that door.


    She then flew off Erik''s shoulder and took ce on top of Emily''s head instead, "Anyway, her name is Emma, and It''s probably best if you go in there alone since you''re the bleeding heart between the two of us."


    She pointed downwards and continued, "She''s this one''s sister, but I doubt she''d be much morefortable with Emily''s presence."


    Erik only got more curious but started to suspect this Emma might not be in a good state as he decided to simply follow Elora''s suggestion and walked towards the door with anticipation before extending his hand in an attempt to open it¡­ only to be met with the resistance of a locked door.


    He looked behind him in exasperation as Elora giggled, clearly enjoying the little prank she pulled before she had Emily take a keyring from her pocket and toss it to Erik.


    He caught it and turned around with a sigh while shaking his head before opening the door.


    However, nothing could have prepared him for what he found on the other side.

 Chapter 12: Chapter 12 - Emma [2/2]

    On the other side of the door was a dimly lit room, shrouded in an eerie atmosphere that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves.


    It seems to have once been a study, as there was a desk with a chair moved against one of the walls, while another one of the walls was a library with several damaged and dusty books stored in it.


    The furniture was sparse, as what little there was, including the desk and chair, were worn and showed signs of neglect. Therge windows were covered by heavy, moth-eaten curtains that allowed only a feeble amount of light to pass through.


    The room''s centrepiece was an ominous-looking,rge magic circle with a pillow in the middle. It seemed to pulse with dark energy, and Erik quickly recognized it as an aetherium infusion sigil, something he had seen many times on S?l.


    It was a little crude, but the fact Emily had managed to draw one was still a testament to her talent. Still, that didn''t exin how she had gotten her hands on something like this.


    While much of an Arcanist''s path to power was one of self-discovery as they explored their internal mystic glyphs, he highly doubted Emily had discovered this method of increasing aetherium gathering rates all by herself.


    But this was something he could discuss with Elorater, as his gaze and thoughts were pulled towards a corner of the room, where he heard some muffled sobs.


    What he saw shocked any remaining desire to rush off in pursuit of revenge straight out of him.


    It was a malnourished, terrified, and naked young girl chained to the wall.


    Shey on a bed in the corner with tears in her defeated, empty eyes that seemed to stare into nothing as a cor enveloped her neck with a chain that connected to an iron ringing out of the wall next to the bed.


    But that wasn''t all. Her hands and feet were bound together with rope, and a gag had been ced in her mouth, not allowing her to move, talk, or even wiggle away from the bed.


    Her mismatched eyes, one green and the other white, suddenly swivelled and looked at Erik.


    It seemed to take her a moment toe back to life as she began to realize arge, strange man was standing in the room.


    Erik looked quite dangerous and terrifying in his heavy ck armour, broad build,rge stature, and fierce amber eyes.


    Immediately, the girl''s eyes became filled with terror as she frantically shook her head. She made panicked, muffled noises and tried to move as far away from Erik as the chain and ropes would allow her.


    Erik looked at the girl with astonishment, feeling a whirlwind of anger and pity well up inside him while thinking about Emily doing this to her own sister. After his own taste of betrayal seven years ago, he was particrly sensitive to such things.


    Despite his feelings, he had to admit that the girl was quite pretty, even in her current state. Her mismatched eyes were alluring and mysterious, while her long white hair distinguished her.


    She seemed to be somewhat short, andbined with her malnourished body, Erik had difficulty telling her age. She was certainly at least sixteen or seventeen but might as well be twenty.


    It took him a moment to realize he should probably do something, but he quickly fought the urge to just rush to the girl and free her as he realized that might scare her even more.


    What this girl needed right now was for him to remain calm and tell her exactly what he was going to do before he did it.


    Not only would this show her he could be trusted, but it would also make her feel like she had some control in this situation.


    After regaining his calm, he looked at the terrified young girl with a look he hoped wasforting and reassuring, "I''m going to approach you now."


    He had to remind himself to speak English instead of Sylvari, thenguage spoken on S?l. It had been quite a while, after all. Luckily, his parents did teach him severalnguages.


    The young girl, obviously Emma, was consumed by terror as she watched the scary man approach her.


    She didn''t know who he was, how he got here, or what his intentions were, nor did she know what had happened to her sister. All she knew was that this was the first time since Emily had begun tying her up here that she had seen anyone else enter this room.


    Despite her terror, a small part of her strangely felt like she could trust this man, but she barely noticed this foreign feeling as her fear drowned it out.


    She even found herself hoping her sister would suddenly return, in spite of the way Emily had treated her in thest couple of years, because at least Emily was the devil she knew.


    However, despite her attempts at moving away from Erik, it was pointless. The chain attached to her cor was already strained to the limit. She couldn''t even cover up her naked body due to her tied-up limbs.


    By the time Erik stood in front of her, her rapidly pounding heart,bined with her overwhelmed mind, threatened to make her faint.


    But then Erik slowly crouched down in front of her with a concerned expression. This expression made Emma calm down a little, as Erik didn''t seem interested in harming her immediately.


    Still, she was hyperventting through the gag in her mouth as her mind raced and tears continued to fall from her eyes.


    Erik wasn''t sure what the best way to approach this situation was, but he decided to continue as he had been.


    He held up the clothes in his hand, which he now understood the purpose of, and said, "I''m just going to put this down here," before gently cing them down on the bed beside the girl he understood was Emma.


    After he was done, he looked the girl in the eye, making sure not to let his gaze wander over her naked body.


    While he certainly was interested and wasn''t enough of a gentleman to ignore a naked woman''s body when it was right in front of him, the current situation simply wasn''t the right time.


    He realized this girl was feeling extremely vulnerable right now, and he needed to show her he wasn''t here to rape her or enjoy her body in any other way.


    Continuing to look her in her eyes, he said, "I''m not going to hurt you. I''ll remove those ropes now, alright?" He didn''t make a move as he waited for the girl''s permission, which was another way to make her feel like she had some control over what happened to her.


    Emma was unsure what to feel about this situation, but she feltforted by the fact this man didn''t seem to be interested in her naked body as he continued to look her in the eyes with those fierce amber eyes that seemed to be moreforting by the moment.


    Realizing he had asked her a question and was actually waiting for her response, she initially felt confused, wondering if this was some kind of trap. But after a few moments of silence, she took the risk and nodded.


    Seeing her response, Erik continued to look into her eyes as he grabbed her hands and started undoing the ropes binding them. When he was done, Emma immediately covered her modest breasts while Erik moved onto her feet.


    After all her limbs were freed, she quickly pulled her legs against her chest and used her hands to remove the gag from her mouth. Then, she wrapped her arms around her legs protectively.


    However, she didn''t use this opportunity to speak as she warily stared at Erik, wondering about his next move. While his actions so far had calmed her down a little, she was still far from feelingfortable.


    Erik smiled at her, trying to be asforting as he could, "My name is Erik, and you must be Emma."


    Seeing her nod but remaining silent, Erik continued, "That''s alright, no need to say anything." He then produced the keyring that Emily had tossed to him and asked, "Do you know if the key to your cor is on this thing?"


    While he certainly had the strength to destroy that cor by force, it probably wouldn''t help to make Emily morefortable with him.


    A tiny sparkle of hope appeared in Emma''s eyes as she quickly but meekly nodded.


    In response, Erik simply put the keyring next to her, assuming she would know which key would unlock it.


    Emma looked at the keyring. She felt a little dazed as her dreams of obtaining the key to her cor suddenly became a reality.


    She had been wearing this thing for years now, as Emily had one day put it on her and only ever hooked or unhooked the chain that linked her to the wall.


    Tears once again welled up in her eyes as various bottled-up emotions were starting toe out. She quickly looked up, intending to thank the perhaps not-so-scary man, but realised he had disappeared, the only proof of his visit being her freedom and the clothes on the bed.


    She just smiled. Suddenly, the future looked a little less bleak.

 Chapter 13: Chapter 13 - Corruption

    A heavy weight settled in his chest as Erik left the dimly lit room. Meeting Emma had stirred something within him¡ªempathy, a shared pain of betrayal by people who were supposed to care for them.


    Just a few minutes ago, before he entered that room, his mind had been engulfed with fury and thoughts of revenge, showing how even seven yearster, he still couldn''t shake the echoes of his own past¡ªthe scars of Edda''s betrayal and deception where still etched into his memory.


    The haunting atmosphere in that room lingered in his thoughts. The eerie energy that came off those walls had seemed to seep inside him even in those few moments he was in there; he couldn''t fathom how Emma had endured for who knew how long without losing her mind.


    Then again, perhaps she had lost her mind. It''s not like Erik had had a real conversation with the girl.


    Thinking about this caused a surge of anger to re within him, directed at the one responsible for Emma''s torment¡ªEmily. The thought that a sister could inflict such treatment on her own flesh and blood ignited a fiery resolve inside him.


    A resolve to protect Emma and ensure she found some sce after her years of anguish.


    After all, when Edda betrayed him, he had Elora to help pick up the pieces, so perhaps he could do the same thing for Emma.


    He might not be able to erase the scars of her past, but he hoped to be a promise of a future less bleak.


    He looked up to see Elora still sitting on an empty-eyed Emily''s head as she looked at him with yful curiosity, having felt the many emotions surging through Erik''s mind through their bond.


    As Erik looked at Emily, he felt fury bubble up again as he suddenly charged at her with a balled-up fist.


    Elora just giggled mischievously as she quickly flew up and pretended surprise, "Oh my."


    Reaching Emily, he punched her heavily in her stomach as she slid back and hit the wall, where she crumbled down to the floor, but without ever losing the empty look in her eyes.


    Erik still panted a little with anger, but seeing Emily''s ssy eyes remain the same quickly made him lose interest in continuing, something Elora also reminded him of.


    She flew back to Erik and sat herself down on his right shoulder with a chuckle. "I expected you to be angry, but you know you''re just beating up an empty doll, right? I have her mindpletely locked down; she doesn''t even feel it."


    He turned his head and looked at Elora, a little annoyed at her indifference towards Emma but used to it by now. He also realised that he probably wouldn''t care that much either if it wasn''t for his own past.


    But now, he felt an empathy he wouldn''t usually feel for just another of the many sob stories that existed in the universe, partly because of Edda''s betrayal, and partly because it was much harder not to care about something so pitiful when it happened right in front of him.


    However, there was this weird feeling in the back of his skull that made him think there was a little more going on.


    Were these feelings really only because of his past and proximity?


    Deciding to think about thister, he growled and answered Elora, "So give her back her body for a moment. I want to have a conversation with the bitch."


    Elora shrugged, "I can do that if you like, but I''m not sure if you could really consider it any different."


    Erik looked at Elora with confusion, "How do you mean?"


    In response, Elora rolled her eyes at him. She knew he wasn''t an idiot, but he sometimes made her feel like he was by letting his emotions overwhelm his critical thinking.


    Luckily, she was there to remind him about the importance of thinking things through, "Come on, my love. You know this. Think! Her behaviour, the aetherium infusion sigil in that room, the dark, oppressive feeling you felt there. I told you she tried to enve you, right? How do you think she tried to do that?


    You have all the clues right in front of you."


    After Elora mentioned all these things in a row, Erik suddenly realised she was right. How did he not see this before? Sure, these things were rare, but he still should have thought of it.


    After all, there weren''t many affinities with the power to enve, but darkness certainly was one of them, and the creepy atmosphere in that room was another clear indicator of Emily''s affinity.


    He sighed as he looked at Elora with love, "What would I do without you, Elora?"


    Elora giggled as she returned his gaze, "I''m sure you''d be fine. Plenty of people out there are living fulfilling lives with only their idiot strength to guide them."


    This time, it was Erik''s turn to roll his eyes, "It would certainly be a much simpler life."


    Seeing him like this, Elora pouted, flew up, erged herself and hugged Erik while looking up at him with big puppy eyes, "Nooo! We both know you would miss me!"


    A suggestive glint entered her eyes as she smirked a little and continued, "Maybe you can punish me againter?"


    Erik chuckled and hugged her back, "Of course I would." Then he matched her suggestiveness, "But I''ll take you up on that punishment thing."


    He redirected his attention to Emily, who was once again standing straight while remaining lifeless like a doll. The fury in his eyes had been mostly reced with pity, "So¡­ darkness corruption, huh? I wonder what she used to be like before aetherium came to Earth."


    Many affinities had the ability to affect their user''s minds, some in a more profound manner than others, especially so for the rarer and more powerful affinities.


    This effect was called corruption, which sounded worse than it really was, as most elements only had a minimum effect on people, and with many of them, the changes were more positive than negative.


    For example, while Erik''s lightning could increase his recklessness, it could also make him more resilient, adventurous, and energetic.


    Unfortunately for Emily, darkness had more negative than positive effects. While it could make her more adaptive and resilient, for the most part, darkness corruption had the nasty habit of twisting positive emotions into something unrecognisable.


    Elora let go of Erik and turned back into her smaller self before taking her ce on Erik''s shoulder again while swinging her legs, "Yep! It''s truly rare to see someone like her."


    Erik nodded. On S?l, he had only ever heard about such people but never actually met one. Usually, those with darkness affinity, or, really, any rare and powerful affinity, would either be old and powerful or young and heavily protected by their family or teacher.


    Neither were people he would have easily met during his time as a mere low-level mercenary. Although Elora supposedly met a few people with rare affinities when she still lived as the beloved daughter of a powerful Obsidian Enve elder.


    A life she gave up when she decided to make her own future together with Erik instead.


    He turned his head towards Elora, deciding to inquire about the memories she had seen, "So what was she like before? And how did she end up this way? I know that darkness corruption isn''t a sure thing, even for those with that affinity."

 Chapter 14: Chapter 14 - The sisters past [1/3]

    Having expected his question, Elora nodded, "That''s true; people with an affinity for darkness need to be very careful, but they don''t have to end up like Emily here. The main problem is Earth''s current development phase,bined with that sigil in her room."


    The fairy shrugged, "She actually used to be a kind and determined young girl. I think you would have liked her." Then, she seemed to think of something, "Should I just share her memories with you?"


    Erik nodded. He wanted to see what happened to these two sisters with his own eyes.


    Being familiar with the process, as they had done this before, he sat down on the ground while Elora disappeared into a cloud of light specks that merged with Erik''s body. Sharing her mind with Erik was easier when she was in his soul.


    Not long after that, Erik felt the familiar pull of memories that were not his own as he slowly became lost in them.


    * * *


    The memories started seven years ago, on the fateful day that changed the lives of everyone on Earth.


    It was the fifth of September, 2023.


    In thevish living room of her parents'' expansive mansion, sixteen-year-old Emily lounged on a couch. Her rebellious goth rocker attireplete with heavy mascara, ck lipstick, and purple highlights in her already ck hair¡ª shed with the opulence around her.


    While it seemed she aimed to defy her parents'' affluent lifestyle, like so many of her peers, Emily didn''t harbour negative feelings toward her family.


    Her parents, Isabe and Oliver Ashcroft, were kind to her, after all. Her father was a little absent, but although they didn''t exactly approve of her lifestyle and clothing, they didn''t try to stop her either. Instead, they chose to simply love and support her while hoping this was just a phase she would grow out of.


    Although they never mentioned thatst part to Emily, of course.


    Even her eleven-year-old sister, Emma, who embraced their parents'' expectations more willingly, couldn''t elicit any animosity from Emily.


    She did try. Hard. For a little while, anyway. Eventually, she found it almost impossible to continue having negative feelings about Emma, as the girl''s personality and looks were far too much of a cheat.


    In moments when Emily was distressed for any reason, Emma''s warm hugs and sparkling mismatched eyes, filled with love, had the power to dispel any darkness in Emily''s day. Something that remained true even during Emily''s earlier attempts to distance herself.


    Currently, Emma was sitting next to Emily with a happy smile on her face as she held her big sister''s hand¡ªher outfit much more appropriate for the room, as she wore a cute little white dress that went well with her long, white hair.


    Despite Emma''s smile, however, Emily was scowling as she was forced to attend a meeting between her parents and a pasty, ck-haired friend and business partner of theirs, Liam Astor.


    Therge room held three couches, set up in a triangle formation, where Liam upied the sofa on the girls'' right, and their parents were sitting on the left.


    Their attendance wasn''t even really required, as it was just a friendly meeting to catch up, but unfortunately, their absence would have been against etiquette, so here she was.


    She especially hated her current situation because she had always hated Liam. Not because he was unfriendly but because he was always looking at her with lust, which disgusted her.


    Of course, her parents never believed her, as Liam was always a perfect gentleman to both them and their daughters, making them think Liam was a decent man who wouldn''t have such thoughts about the underage Emily.


    Unfortunately, they were wrong, yet the truth of the matter would never be known to them.


    While Isabe and Oliver were talking with Liam as the sisters simply sat quietly, everyone suddenly felt a shift in the air and a buzzing in their ears.


    They all had different reactions to this. Liam and Emily suddenly felt energised and powerful, while Isabe and Oliver felt the same at first, but the feeling quickly shifted to ufortable. They felt like their blood was heating up.


    Meanwhile, Emma looked at their various reactions with confusion. Surprisingly, she didn''t seem to feel anything at all. She tugged on her big sister''s sleeve, "Big Em? What''s wrong with everyone?"


    But Emily didn''t answer, as she and Liam kept looking in wonder at their hands, marvelling at the new and strange feeling of power.


    But Emily was quickly torn away from her thoughts, when her parents suddenly started screaming and grabbing their heads. But before anyone could react, under the shocked gazes of their daughters, theybusted, quickly reducing their bodies to ash.


    Emily and Emma froze at the sight of their parents'' sudden death, their minds failing toe to terms with what had happened as they stared at the burned patches that used to be their parents.


    Meanwhile, Liam entirely ignored the death of his supposed friends as he continued to stare at his hands, his mind reeling with possibilities as he suddenly started to chuckle.


    Emily and Emma had shakily made their way to where their parents used to sit as they touched the still-warm spots. Emma began to cry silent tears as her body had already realised what happened while her mind was still catching up.


    Meanwhile, Emily mumbled, "W- What just happened?"


    It all happened much too suddenly and quickly.


    One moment, she was sitting on a couch, angry at her parents while trying to find a reason to leave; the next, a strange power was coursing through her body while her parentsbusted and turned into burned patches on a couch.


    When she noticed Emma was in shock and crying, however, she quickly got herself together and took Emma in her arms before turning her away from what used to be their parents, "Don''t look, Em! I- I don''t know what happened, but we''ll figure it out, alright? Together!"


    Emma was still too much in shock to respond, but while Emily was busy dealing with her little sister and the sudden death of her parents, Liam had been exploring this foreign feeling as instinctpelled him to draw a strange symbol in the air.


    It appeared like concentric circles adorned with symbols that seemed to materialise from the depths of his consciousness.


    The strangest thing, however, was that the lines actually appeared, if not in the air, then at least in his mind''s eye as he looked with astonishment at the earthen brown lines that instinctpelled him to draw, while to anyone else, he simply looked like a lunatic waving his finger around.


    The reality, however, was that more than a billion people were doing the exact same thing all across the world.


    When hepleted the final stroke, he felt tired, as if he had just run a few miles despite not moving from that spot. Additionally, a subtle resonance hummed through his body.


    He could feel a connection, a palpable link between the runic pattern and the very essence of his being, causing a dormant power to stir within him, resonating with the runes as they seemed to slowly disappear, but instead of panicking about this, Liam started chuckling louder and louder as he felt the runes being etched into him.


    He hardly even cared how or why this happened, as all he could think about was the power he felt surging through his body.


    While his chuckling slowly got louder until it turned into belly-rumblingughter, he turned his gaze towards Emily as he felt like life had just given him everything he wanted on a silver tter.


    Power and women.


    Still lost in thoughts and attempting tofort Emma, Emily hadpletely forgotten about Liam''s existence until she heard himughing loudly.


    She turned to look at him, seething with anger about this tant disregard for his supposed friends'' deaths, but before she could say anything, she was shocked by Liam''s crazed and lustful expression.


    Hisugh had turned into mad cackling as he half-yelled, "Finally! Finally, life has given me what I deserve! True power! I don''t know what god or coincidence or whatever gave me this opportunity, but I''ll kiss their feet in thanks!"


    Seeing his expression and hearing his words, Emily knew the situation was bad as she quickly backed away while keeping herself between Liam and Emma, "You! What are you thinking, you perverted asshole! Didn''t you see what just happened to my parents? We should be figuring out what''s going on!"


    She did briefly consider the possibility that Liam had somehow caused this, but when she thought back on his normal behaviour before this started and how strange it all was, she quickly discarded that possibility.


    Seeing her actions, Liam onlyughed harder as he started closing in on the sisters, "Oh, I know what''s going on. I''ve just been given the opportunity to finally teach you a lesson!"


    His voice took on a dangerous edge, "You''ll find out how much I enjoy teaching rebellious little shits like you to obey a real man! Your sister is a little young for me still, but that just gives me time to mould her into the perfect little slut!"

 Chapter 15: Chapter 15 - The sisters past [2/3]

    A little taste of power seemed to have driven Liam half-mad. He felt like nothing else mattered anymore. With this power, he could do whatever he wanted!


    Laws were pointless! All would bow before him!


    Naturally, reality was very different, but he would only find out about thatter.


    Seeing Liam continue to advance on her and her sister, Emily realised he had lost all reason, meaning both her and Emma''s fates would be truly pitiful if he caught them.


    She quickly turned around, wanting to run, but seeing Emma, she realised her sister had barely noticed anything of her interaction with Liam as she was clearly still in shock over their parents'' fate.


    But she had no time! Liam was taking his time walking up to them as he was drowning in the arrogance that came from gaining a little bit of power without knowledge or wisdom, but he was still getting closer.


    So Emily did the only thing she could think of. She pped Emma across the face and yelled, "Em! We need to run! Now!"


    Feeling the sharp pain and noticing her sister''s urgency, Emma blinked once and then just nodded, causing Emily to grab her hand and pull her along in a sprint to the door.


    Liam gleefully watched their actions as the idea of chasing these scared girls only excited him.


    After all, the mansion was big; they were rtively far away from the front door, and most of the windows here were far too old andrge to be able to open.


    Not to mention that, even if they did get outside, it would still be at least another few hundred meters to reach a ce where there might be other people.


    There weren''t even any other people in the house. The Ashcroft family only employed a gardener and some cleaning staff, none of whom were live-in servants and had already gone home for the day.


    Besides, he was invincible now!


    However, he couldn''t let the girls go without giving them a taste of his new power. He curled his lips into an evil grin and reached inside himself to mentally touch the strange symbol that had been etched into his¡­ whatever it was.


    He instinctively knew what it was meant to do, but that didn''t make it any easier to control as he pointed his right hand forward, and an earthen brown magic circle appeared floating in front of it.


    He felt power flowing from somewhere in his body towards the circle as he tried to will it into taking the shape he wanted it to.


    Luckily for the sisters, he failed miserably.


    An earthen pir shot out of the floor, shattering the floor tiles, but instead of appearing in the sister''s path like he wanted, it appeared under one of the sofas,unching it in the air and nearly causing it tond right on top of Liam, who quickly jumped back in fright.


    His face twisted in anger as he was quick to put the me for this squarely on the power and the sisters rather than his own inexperience, "Damnit,e back here, you bitches. I''ll teach you not to distract me!"


    But the sisters didn''t even look back.


    They heard the crash, and while Emily wondered what was going on but simply focused on running, Emma barely even registered it, as she was currently following her sister on autopilot while her mind was still having trouble catching up on recent events.


    Emily''s heart pounded as she reached the door with her sister in tow and crashed through it before considering where to go.


    She had two choices: either head for the front door and run to the street, hoping to find someone to help them or head upstairs to the panic room, where she could lock Liam out while alerting the securitypany the Ashcroft family had entrusted their safety to.


    Hearing Liam''s footsteps behind her, she had to make a quick decision and decided to go for option two, for the simple reason that her eleven-year-old sister simply couldn''t run very fast, considering her age, size and current mental state.


    In other words, the chances of Liam catching up to them were far too high if she and Emma had to run all the way to the street.


    So she tightened her grip on Emma''s small hand and sprinted through the extensive and opulent hallways toward the closest stairs.


    Seeing the sisters run in a direction other than the front door, Liam was momentarily confused before he seemed to have a thought and grinned knowingly, apparently unconcerned with their actions as he followed them at a leisurely pace.


    While following them, he continued to cast his earthen pir in an attempt to be more urate with it, causing pir after pir to shoot out of the floor, smashing into the walls and furniture all along the hallways.


    This time, some of them actually managed to obstruct the girls'' path, forcing them to swerve around them. Emily felt forced to look back in astonishment as she didn''t understand where all these pirs were suddenlying from, "What the fuck is going on!"


    However, all she saw was Liam''s disgusting grin and a strange earthen brown circle floating in front of his outstretched hand.


    Shaking away her astonishment, she quickly refocused on running as she decided to think about thister.


    Finally, they reached the stairs and ran upstairs, where they weren''t bothered by Liam''s earthen pirs anymore as Liam was still making his way to the stairs and had lost line of sight to them.


    Pulling Emma along, Emily quickly reached their parent''s bedroom and crashed through this door as well.


    She released Emma''s hand before running to the mantle across from the luxurious bed, where she tore a painting from the wall, revealing a keypad. She quickly punched in the code her parents had drilled into her brain many times.


    After all, kidnappings, break-ins and home assaults by professional and dangerous criminals were real concerns for people like them.


    Seeing the keypad ept her code and a wall panel nearby sliding open, she sighed in relief, somehow having half-expected it not to work.


    She grabbed her sister again and rushed into the newly opened room, where she hit a big red button that would not only close and secure the door but also send an rm to the security firm.


    Seeing the heavily reinforced door slide closed just as Liam entered the room caused her to sigh in relief as she stuck up her middle finger and yelled, "Fuck you, you dickweed, just wait for security to get here!"


    She felt concerned, however, when she noticed the eerie smile on Liam''s face as if all her efforts were for nought.


    Feeling anxious, she turned around, looking into the luxuriously decorated safe room,plete with paintings and furniture, but ignored it all. Instead, she ran to a security station and quickly activated a camera that monitored the situation outside the room.


    What she saw made her blood run cold.


    Liam took out his phone and called up some kind of file before he started typing a code into the keypad.


    For a moment, she feared the door would actually open, but she sighed in relief when it remained closed as the keypad gave an error sound.


    However, Liam didn''t seem deterred as he simply looked at his phone and began filling in a second series of numbers, causing another error sound.


    Emily grew a little more confident now as she pressed a button next to a microphone and used it to contact the man,


    "Stop ying around, you walking clich¨¦! Did you pick up that sinister act from a B-level horror movie?! That code has way too many numbers for you to simply guess! You won''t scare me!"


    In response, Liam curled his lips in a wicked grin, his words carried to Emily through the sensors in the room, "Oh, I''m not ying around, my cute little Emily."


    He pursed his lips with diabolical amusement, "You see, a few weeks ago, I tricked your parents into signing a little document that would assign me as guardian to you and your sister in case of their very unfortunate deaths."


    Then he shrugged in resignation, "I mean, it would be hard to hold up in court, but I have plenty of friends in high ces, talentedwyers and resources to burn."


    He smirked at the world''s brokenws, "Combined with the fact that I am a known friend of your parents and you don''t have any direct family that could take care of you, I would have won that case, even if you two would resist it. Not only would that have given me control of the both of you, but also of your inheritance!"


    Heughed maniacally, "So I''ve been nning to kill your parents for a while now!"


    He waved his phone in the camera''s direction and continued, "What I have here is a list of various codes currently used by your family''s security firm, which an informer got for me. I don''t actually know which one is yours, but I know it''s on here, and there are only about a hundred codes on this thing."


    He looked straight at the camera as his grin widened, "So sit tight. I''ll be there soon!"

 Chapter 16: Chapter 16 - The sisters past [3/3]

    Hearing his words, Emily grew pale as despair began to set in.


    She knew there should be a method of turning that keypad off from in here, but she didn''t remember how. She hated herself for not paying closer attention when her parents exined the various features of this room.


    So far, Emily had been the pir of strength in their situation, doing her best to try and protect Emma despite the fact that her sister was not the only one who had lost her parents.


    But now, the weight of despair pressed upon the young girl''s shoulders as the refuge she personally brought them to was starting to crumble.


    Her eyes, once filled with determination, now started losing their colour and defiant edge as she felt like curling up on the ground in the foetal position.


    She was just a sixteen-year-old girl, after all. Her parents had just died, she was running on fumes, and she simply didn''t have the power to defend herself against a full-grown man like Liam. Not to mention those strange pirs he was conjuring.


    As despair crept into Emily''s soul, she hadpletely forgotten she was still grasping Emma''s hand.


    So far, the younger sister had still been stuck in her shocked haze, but in that instant, a shift urred within Emma as her big sister''s despair washed over her, and something primal awakened within.


    Without uttering a word, Emma''s grip on Emily''s hand tightened as her eyes cleared.


    Feeling the change next to her, Emily blinked for a moment before looking down at her little sister, who looked up at her with a reassuring smile even as unshed tears still sparkled in her mismatched eyes.


    It was both a silent plea for protection and an unspoken promise that she would stand by her sister''s side.


    Feeling the warmth of Emma''s support and noticing how the girl had pulled herself together after the heavy shock in the living room, Emily felt hope spark within her once again.


    She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before crouching down and hugging her sister tightly while whispering in her ear, "Hold on little Em. Even if it takes everything I have, I will keep you safe. Now and always."


    At those words, a powerful conviction to protect Emma no matter the cost filled Emily to the brim as she started thinking about how she could keep them both safe from Liam. She had no confidence in the securitypany showing up in time.


    While wrecking her brain for a solution, she thought back to those weird pirs that seemed to appear while they were being chased by Liam and at the same time, having calmed down a little, she once again felt that strange power from earlier flowing through her veins.


    She had forgotten all about that powerful feeling she felt before, as her parents'' sudden fate and Liam''s actions had forced all other thoughts into the background, but now, she once again started exploring that feeling.


    She realised that she might not have been the only one to feel that power, and if Liam focussed on it instead of her parents, then perhaps his apparent ability to make strange pirs appear out of nowhere had something to do with that power.


    And if that were so, then perhaps she could do the same and use it to protect them!


    Her mind went a mile a minute as she began connecting puzzle pieces and following the same instinct that Liam had before when she suddenly began waving her finger in the air like a lunatic.


    Naturally, she was drawing her own runic symbol through pure instinct, much like Liam had done earlier, except that hers was pitch ck instead of earthen brown.


    It was at this moment that Liam finally found the correct code. Ominously, the door slid open under his triumphantughter, "Prepare yourself, little kittens, here Ie!"


    When he entered the room, the first thing he noticed was Emily waving her finger in the air, much like what he had done earlier.


    But his power-addled mind naturally rejected the very idea that Emily might possess the same thing he did. Instead, he just smirked with ridicule, "What are you doing, little Emily? Trying to ward me off with some pretend curses? This is real life, missy! And I''m here to im my prize!"


    But as Liam walked closer to the two sisters while Emma was simply hiding behind Emily and ring at him, Emily suddenly stopped her movements. An excited smile adorned her face as she felt power coursing through her body.


    Liam somehow felt this. He didn''t know how or why, but he could feel the same power he had radiating off of Emily, and it angered him to no end.


    How dare this little bitch use the same power as him!


    So he immediately summoned his power in anger, ready to strike Emily down for her transgression. Naturally, Emily tried to do the same, but Liam was much faster as he already had a little experience.


    Fortunately¡­ nothing actually happened. Liam was no less confused about this then the sisters, as he could feel his power, but it somehow refused to do anything!


    But that was only natural; after all, Liam was clearly someone with an earthly affinity, and unfortunately for him, they were currently on the second floor, far away from the very substance he needed to fuel his attacks.


    He would need to be much more experienced before he could form attacks out of the dust in the air or create earth out of nothing.


    Emily saw his actions and went from scared to confused to ted as she noticed no pir wasing, so instead, she pushed herself to the limit by scrounging and gathering every tiny scrap of power in her young body. S


    he called upon the power of her mystic glyph without even considering the glyph''s purpose.


    She was no more experienced than Liam was the first time he tried to use his power, but the difference was in the intention.


    Liam didn''t want to hurt the girl, at least not in that way, and he also just wanted to scare them and thus used only a little bit of power.


    But Emily had every intention of hurting Liam as badly as she could, and she nned to use everything she had to do it.


    So when a pitch-ck magic circle floated in front of her outstretched hand, the shadows in the room became darker, and tens of small floating ck orbs appeared in the room. Then, under Emily''s enraged roar, they all shot off in different directions.


    She naturally wanted them all to converge on Liam, but considering the amount she used, there were still plenty of bolts heading for the man. He desperately tried to dodge as many as he could, but under his horrified screams, he was still hit by two of them.


    One hit him on the left side of his chest, while the other hit straight on his crotch.


    The bolts seemed to have corrosive properties as Liam''s clothes disappeared, and the flesh underneath began to melt away, causing Liam to scream in pain as he bolted out the door, desperate to find some way of stopping this stuff from corroding his flesh.


    When he was gone, Emily could only smile with relief before her eyes slowly started closing, and she fell into unconsciousness. No one noticed the crimson shadow pass behind her ck eyes.


    * * *


    After these events, time moved fast for the sisters. They did everything they could to survive in a now much harsher world.


    Emma seemed to have no power, unlike Emily and nearly every other human they came across, which naturally only heightened Emily''s conviction to protect her sister.


    Eventually, Liam, who apparently survived his encounter with Emily''s powers, gathered some men under him and constantly harassed the two sisters. Yet, he was still too scared to start another frontal confrontation.


    Still, it put a lot of pressure on Emily as she became more and more desperate for the power to protect her sister when, one day, Emma came to her with an ancient-looking book that she had apparently found somewhere in the antique section of their family''s library.


    Inside were methods meant to increase a person''s ability to absorb the aetherium around them, and although most of these methods were unavable due to missing abilities or items, the aetherium infusion sigil required just a little effort and skill.


    Naturally, Emily was sceptical. After all, why would such a book appear here when this magic only recently appeared in the world?


    Still, she was desperate enough to try anything.


    And to her astonishment, it worked. When she sat in the middle of that circle, power seemed to flow inside her as easily as water cascading down a mountainside.


    From there, it was a short time before her power grew to such an extent that her fearsome reputation would keep everyone far away from the Ashcroft estate.


    Unfortunately, this was also the beginning of the end for the Emily of the past, as corruption started to rear its ugly head.

 Chapter 17: Chapter 17 - Emmas guilt

    After waking up from Emily''s memories, Erik sighed but kept his eyes closed as he took a moment to remember where he was.


    "How long was I out?" he asked Elora via their mental connection.


    The answer came immediately, "Just about an hour¡­ You should open your eyes."


    Surprised by her sudden suggestion but seeing no problem with it, he did so and found himself sitting crosslegged in the same ce where he had entered Emily''s memories, right across from the door to the study, where he had found Emma earlier.


    Only now, Emma was sitting in front of the door, dressed in the loose-fitting pants and shirt Erik had left her with, while her knees had been pulled up to her chest and her arms were wrapped around her legs.


    Her green and white mismatched eyes stared at him with abination of gratitude and caution as her long, white hair cascaded down to the floor and framed her pretty, if malnourished, face.


    Seeing him open his eyes, Emma tensed up but otherwise remained silent and in the same ce.


    Not particrly surprised by her presence, Erik ignored her for now as he looked around the shabby hallway of what he now knew to be the Ashcroft estate. Having seen what they looked like in the past, Erik had to admit to feeling a little sad at their current state.


    He returned his attention to Emma and simply said, "Hi."


    Emma looked at him for a moment longer, causing Erik to suspect she had be mute, either by injury or mental blocks, but then he heard a voice, hesitant and hoarse as if it hadn''t been used in a long time, "H- Hello."


    They stared at each other for a moment longer before Emma suddenly lifted her finger and pointed to a spot next to Erik.


    He looked where she was pointing and noticed the still-doll-eyed Emily standing there. At this point, his fury at this woman for how she had treated her sister had wholly changed to pity.


    All Emily was really guilty of was an overwhelming desire to protect her sister, leading to a rush to gain power¡ªa power she did not properly understand.


    Without the proper knowledge or protection, her dark affinity had heavily eroded and twisted her mind. Combined with the ability to enve others, her mindset became increasingly obsessed with the idea of control as a means to ensure absolute safety.


    While at first, this mindset would mostly be a justification for enving people to make them act as guards, itter transferred to Emma as a means of protection, as well, convinced that the only way to truly shield her from all harm was to limit her freedom.


    Emily struggled with the idea for a while, of course, but eventually, the corruption from her dark affinity was relentless.


    Initially, her desire to control Emma only involved ropes and chains, though eventually, Emily even tried to enve Emma as well.


    However, fortunately for Emma, her big sister had been unable to do so for some reason, despite Emma''s apparentck of power.


    Erik heard Elora speak up in his mind, "When she left that room, she was surprised and scared upon noticing Emily standing there. But when neither you nor Emily showed any reaction to her presence, despite Emily''s open eyes, she eventually gained some courage and went to inspect her sister."


    Elora gave a mental shrug, "Of course, she was confused by Emily''s state but couldn''t discover anything or get Emily to react, so she eventually went to sit down across from you, probably waiting for you to wake up."


    Inwardly nodding at Elora''s exnation, he looked back at Emma, who was staring at him with a questioning gaze, "You want to know why your sister is like that?"


    Seeing her nod, he exined, "A friend of mine has locked her mind away and is currently controlling her body. If you''re worried about her, assuming thest few years haven''t severely eroded your love for her, then you don''t need to worry. Emily is fine."


    But suddenly thinking of her corrupted state, he backtracked a little as he looked thoughtful for a moment, "Well, maybe not fine, but alive, anyway."


    Emma looked momentarily surprised as her still hoarse voice sounded again, "You¡­ You know what happened?"


    Erik nodded, "Yeah, that same friend I just mentioned had a look through your sister''s memories and shared them with me."


    Emma started looking around before moving her gaze back to Erik with one eyebrow raised in a questioning gesture.


    Understanding her question, Erik curled his lips in a smile as he put his finger to his lips, "Secret for now. Let''s get to know each other a little better before you meet my partner."


    Emma pouted cutely but then nodded to indicate she understood.


    They fell into silence for a few minutes as Erik thought about how best to make this girl trust him more when Emma suddenly started crying softly as she looked up at Emily.


    Erik looked a little surprised, "What''s wrong?"


    She didn''t answer immediately but buried her face into her knees, still pulled up to her chest, as she sat across from Erik. Eventually, her hoarse voice returned, "If you saw her memories, then you should know¡­"


    She looked back up at Erik, her beautiful green and white eyes now stained with tears as her already hoarse voice cracked even more, "It was all my fault! I was the one that gave her that damn book! And that''s when she started changing!"


    Erik looked surprised. It seemed this girl already trusted him enough to bare her heart to him.


    Or perhaps it was just that he was the first person other than Emily she had seen in a long time,bined with the fact he already knew everything that happened.


    Erik wanted tofort her, but he also knew that lying to her wouldn''t help her ovee this, so he simply told the truth, "That''s¡­ partly true."


    Emma seemed to perk up at those words as she intently stared at him, "W- What do you mean partly true?"


    Erik exined, "Everyone has affinities to specific concepts that they are born with. These affinities will determine many things, including the mystic glyphs they awaken on first contact with aetherium or at age ten if they already live in an aetherium-rich environment."


    Frowning, he continued, "However, these affinities also have the habit of producing an effect we call ''corruption'', which can affect a person''s personality if they''re not careful during the process of expanding their reservoir."


    He thumbed towards the motionless woman beside him, "Your sister has an affinity for darkness, which generally has an especially bad influence on a person''s personality."


    Then, he smiled sadly, "But since she had no knowledge of this or how to expand her reservoir safely, she would have ended up corrupted anyway. The book you gave her simply sped up the process."


    Emma opened and closed her mouth a few times as she looked at Erik with tears in her eyes, "I- Is that really true?"


    Erik smiled again, "Yes, it is true. What happened to your sister is terrible, but it would have happened with or without your interference."


    Instinctually feeling like Erik was speaking the truth, tears of relief began to stream freely from Emma''s beautiful, mismatched eyes, as she had lived all this time believing that she had caused Emily''s change.


    Because of her guilt, she never even tried to resist her sister, thinking this was what she deserved for destroying Emily. She had wanted to get the key to her cor and gain her freedom, but only so she could try to cure Emily, not because she wanted to escape.


    But if what this man said was true, then¡­ then perhaps Emily would forgive her!


    This thought made a beautiful smile appear on her face, but when she looked at Emily again, she lost it just as fast, as the relief also quickly drained from her face.


    Regardless of who or what was to me, the Emily she knew was still gone.


    With that thought, tears reappeared in her eyes as she looked back at Erik with hesitation. She wondered if this man might have a way to bring her sister back, "H- How do you know all this?"


    Having watched Emma''s various expressions, Erik''s lips were still pursed into a sad smile, "That''s another secret for now."


    He couldn''t exactly go around revealing Elora''s existence or that he had spent thest seven years in another world.


    Not exactly hearing the answer she wanted, Emma kept looking at him with hesitation; even if he knew of a way, would he help her? Would he care? She didn''t even know what this man was doing here yet.


    Seeing her hesitation, Erik spoke up with a reassuring smile, "Just say whatever is on your mind. I won''t bite." Then he smirked while a particr glint appeared in his eyes, "Well, not usually anyway," as he recalled some interesting nightly adventures with Elora.


    At the same time, he heard a loud "Pervert!" in his head, making him chuckle, "You''re one to talk."


    Elora just snorted and stopped responding, so Erik refocused on Emma, who had started talking with tears in her eyes, "I- Is it permanent?"

 Chapter 18: Chapter 18 - Covenants

    "I- Is it permanent?" A teary-eyed Emma had asked.


    Knowing what she was talking about, Erik nodded thoughtfully, appearing to Emma as if he was thinking while actually wanting to discuss the matter with Elora.


    He started speaking through the mental connection between him and his little partner, "Want to weigh in here, Elora?"


    As expected, what he heard back was a lot of groaning and sighing about helping strangers again, "Do you really want to help them? I agree their fate is pitiful, but is that our business?"


    Erik wouldn''t usually be so caring to a stranger, but this was a special case. He would have had to be made of stone to not be affected by their story.


    Well, that or be a lusty and wicked little fairy who danced on the line between sociopathy and mere selective empathy. He knew Elora was perfectly capable of feeling love andpassion; it was just carefully directed at a small group of people.


    And these two sisters were definitely not part of that group.


    Erik chuckled, "Perhaps not, but if even you find their fates to be pitiful, isn''t that worthy of some attention right there? Besides, even though we''ve only just returned to Earth, I know you''ve already made half a dozen ns on how best to make use of this situation."


    Erik''s lips curled into a conspiratory smile, "Surely we could use the help of these two sisters, especially when one of them has a darkness affinity?"


    The response took a few moments toe, but eventually, he heard a grumbling Elora respond, "I could just enve them both, you know."


    Erik''s smile turned into a grin, "Yeah, but you won''t because that would be going against our deal of not enving innocents. And I know thest thing you''ll do is break a deal with me."


    Another few groans and sighster, she finally relented, "Fine! But you owe me! And I want a covenant with that Emma girl to ensure she''ll serve us in the future!"


    Saying Erik owed her was pointless. If they actually kept track of all the times Elora had said that, their rtionship would never be the way it is now. It was just a way for Elora to save some face.


    Erik grinned. He never doubted he''d be able to convince her, but it was still nice to seed, "Deal! A covenant is fine; I''m sure I can convince Emma of just about anything so long as it saves her sister."


    A covenant was essentially a magical contract made with a fairy''s Seidr magic. It would bind both parties to the specifics of the deal and force them to obey it until the details are fulfilled or until they grow powerful enough to break free.


    He continued, "So? What do we do about Emily?"


    Sighing with reluctant eptance, Elora began to exin, "Well, I can somewhat cleanse Emily''s soul myself, but I actually think there might be a better way, assuming I am right about this Emma girl."


    She then talked some more about Emily''s condition and the method for restoring her before Erik focussed back on an impatiently waiting Emma.


    Even though Erik''s conversation with Elora was pretty extensive, it didn''t actually take more than a minute or so, as mentalmunication was very fast.


    He lost his thoughtful expression and began talking, "It is permanent." But seeing the adorable Emma immediately about to break down, he quickly rified, "At least, normally it is."


    Emma naturally honed in on those words like a hawk, "N- Normally?!"


    Erik smiled at the young Emma, "A situation like your sister won''t recover without outside influence, but it is possible."


    He turned serious, "She''ll never bepletely the same, however. Her corruption will leave a permanent scar, and she''ll always be a much darker person than she used to be."


    His expression softened a little, "That said, it should be possible to bring her back to a point where she remembers how to act like a real sister. Think of it as the Emily you remember, but likely to be a lot more willing to hurt others and a lot less likely to care about strangers."


    Emma didn''t care about any of that, however. All she wanted was her sister back; they could figure out the restter. A sentiment she wasn''t shy about uttering, "But¡­ she''ll be my sister again?"


    Erik nodded but then smirked, "I won''t help for free, however. And I''ll require your trust."


    Having expected something like that, Emma stared at him with determination, clearly ready to do whatever it took, "I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Erik curved his lips into a grin as he stood up, "Good! You can start by getting up."


    She stood up, a little confused about what he wanted but unwilling to back down.


    She staggered a little, however, as she was still weak.


    Erik held out his hand to stabilise her, but she quickly retreated from him, clearly still skittish.


    Erik raised an eyebrow at her behaviour, "I did just say something about trust, didn''t I? I understand that you''re still a little wary of me, but the first thing I will need you to do is grab my hand, so if you want me to help your sister, you''ll have to get over it."


    After telling her what he needed from her, he kept standing there with his hand outstretched, waiting for Emma to take the next step.


    He naturally had the power to simply grab her, but that wouldn''t help anyone; she needed to make this decision on her own.


    Emma kept looking at Erik for a moment longer, inwardly debating her next action. Although Erik didn''t seem to be a bad person, she clearly understood he had his own goals and ambitions. Did she really want to get tangled up with this person?


    Perhaps she could simply try to work it out with Emily now that she has a little more information on the subject?


    But she quickly shook her head. She had just imed she would do whatever it took, but now she was hesitating at the thought of simply holding his hand?


    She scolded herself inwardly for herck of conviction. She couldn''t really be med too harshly, though, as thest few years were tough on her and had severely eroded her mental resilience.


    With renewed determination, she stepped closer to Erik and grasped his hand.


    It looked a littleical, as Emma was a somewhat small girl whose growth had also been stunted a little due to malnourishment during her teenage years;bined with Erik''s generally over-sized body, his hands were farrger than Emma''s.


    But Erik wasn''t bothered as he closed hisrge hand over her small one with his lips curled into a grin.


    The physical contact allowed Elora to check Emma quickly for what she already suspected was there.


    When she found what she was looking for, she informed Erik, letting him know that they could proceed as nned.


    Emma was getting a little anxious, as they had just been standing there, grasping each other''s hands and staring into each other''s eyes for a couple of seconds already. Still, she figured that perhaps this was a test of her conviction, so she kept standing there with a determined expression.


    Eventually, something changed, as some kind of dark green energy started coiling around Erik''s arm as it crept closer to where their hands intersected.


    Emma got even more anxious. She didn''t say anything but instinctively tried to pull her hand back, which was obviously impossible while it was firmly sped by one of Erik''s dinner te-like hands.


    Seeing her behaviour, Erik quicklyforted her, "Don''t worry, it won''t do anything without your permission."


    Hearing his words, she calmed down a little but looked at him with a questioning gaze.


    Erik was starting to get the feeling this girl didn''t really talk much when she could help it.


    At this point, the coiling energy had reached Erik''s wrist and stopped there as Erik looked at Emma, "This magic will create a covenant between us. Think of it like a contract, except much more binding."


    While the contract would technically be formed between Emma and Elora, since it was Elora''s magic doing the binding, Erik and Elora''s close connection basically meant they would share any and all soul-rted bindings, for better or worse.


    Somewhat getting the feeling she was about to make a deal with the devil, Emma gulped a little but then asked, "W- What are the terms?"


    Erik exined, "In return for me and my partner helping you diminish the effects of corruption on Emily, you will serve us, non-sexually, for ten years. Furthermore, you are not allowed to speak a word of me or my partner to anyone without our permission."


    Setting aside her gratitude for including the non-sexual part, she was slightly stunned at the rest.


    Since her knowledge of magic basically only came from fantasy books, she had expected him to take something from her, like years of her life or a part of her soul or something.


    But what could a powerless person like her possibly offer him during ten years of service if it didn''t include sex?

 Chapter 19: Chapter 19 - Making a covenant

    Looking at Emma''s confused face, Erik asked what was wrong, "You look confused about something. Just speak up, whatever it is. Your life has been bad enough without entering any agreements you don''t fully understand."


    Emma was grateful for his words and uttered her confusion with a little apprehension, "I just wonder what you could want from me? I have no powers like my sister, and I don''t even have a powerful body. You could probably squish me into a cube with one hand."


    Realising what she was confused about, Erik grinned at her with mirth, "Do you really believe you are powerless? Seventy percent of the human race dies out, and every one that survives disys magical powers, except you?"


    Emma was stunned at his words. Did she really have power like her sister? But why did she never disy anything then?


    Erik continued to grin at her confusion and shook the hand that was still sping Emma''s, "If you want to know more, make the deal. Since my partner and I need your service in the next ten years, we''ll obviously make sure you''ll be as strong as possible."


    Emma opened and closed her mouth a few times, wanting to know more immediately, but eventually just decided to ept that answer.


    She wasn''t done asking questions, however, as she now looked at her sister, "What about Emily? Say you get her back to some kind of normalcy. Will I then have to leave her to go with you?"


    Erik shrugged in response, "Perhaps, perhaps not. We have our ns for Emily. We''ll see how she feels when we''re done with her treatment. There''s a good chance she''ll simply follow you. But yes, there''s also a chance you''ll be forced to part."


    Not entirely happy with that answer, but realising Erik also simply wasn''t sure about what the future held regarding Emily, Emma decided to ask herst question, "You keep talking about your partner; when will I get to meet her? She seems like an important part of this deal."


    Erik couldn''t help but smile when thinking of Elora, "She''s very important to me. But not so much for our deal, as you''ll mostly have to deal with me. If you want to meet her, you can, but only after you make the deal. Her existence must be kept a secret from the rest of the world for now, and the covenant will prevent you from talking about her."


    Erik''s insides tickled as Elora sent him a mental kiss for his first words, making him chuckle.


    Since Emma had all her questions answered, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.


    She was aware that she would be signing away the next ten years of her life but felt that the rewards were worth it, so when she opened her eyes, she epted the offer.


    "Then I ept."


    As soon as she uttered those words, the dark green energy at Erik''s wrist started moving again and, under Emma''s nervous gaze, started enveloping both their hands.


    Then, a change urred as the energy suddenly started gathering around the backside of their hands before seemingly being sucked into two vortexes, one on Erik''s hand and the other on Emily''s.


    When it was done, Emily felt like something inside her had changed, as if her entire being was suddenly weighed down a little. Additionally, a small mark appeared on the back of her hand in the form of a howling wolf head nked by two fairy wings.


    As she inspected the mark with interest, she suddenly heard a woman''s voice right next to her ear, "Like it? I designed it myself."


    Emma yelped and jumped half a meter back, "W- What?!"


    In the ce she just stood now floated a tiny, beautiful woman with wings, causing Emma to go ck-jawed.


    Elora giggled at her little prank before she flew in front of Emma''s face, rested her left hand on her hips and used her right hand to point at Emma''s face, "Listen up! Erik may have a bleeding heart for you two sisters, but I don''t! Serve us well, or you''ll find out why no one wants to make enemies of the fairies!"


    Having said her piece, she turned into a cloud of light specks and returned to thefort of Erik''s soul. Elora had no interest in dealing with the two sisters outside of pranks and sexual activities.


    Emma, who was stilling to terms with the fact tiny women with wings apparently existed, felt strangely intimidated by Elora''s words, as if the woman spoke with the weight of magic itself.


    Erikughed softly at Emma''s reaction and said, "Meet my partner; her name is Elora. Don''t worry about her words too much. As I said, you''ll mostly deal with me. Just try not to antagonise her, as she can be a little vindictive."


    Seeing Emma calm down a little, Erik decided it was time to get started, "Anyway, show me to the kitchen. I think we need to get some food in you before we talk about the next steps. You can also ask me any questions you have left."


    Emma just nodded and started leading them to the kitchen while asking some more questions, some of which Erik answered and others he didn''t.


    For some of them, however, he simply didn''t have clear answers, like how or why he ended up in the Ashcroft estate.


    After all, while Elora had a theory about how he ended up on S?l, that one was mostly reliant on coincidence, but this second teleportation certainly seemed to be more than that.


    Not only because of the chains involved but also because he just happened to end up in front of the Ashcroft estate just in time to help out Emily, who just so happened to have the rare darkness affinity and had a sister with equally rare circumstances.


    It was all a little too fantastical to be a mere coincidence.


    And yet, they had no idea what kind of being could possibly orchestrate all of this or why they would want to.


    While they knew the universe had plenty of powerful individuals, it would be impossible to pinpoint a single one who not only had the power to do all this but also had the intent, all without identifying themselves.


    But then again, Earth itself was plenty mysterious in and of itself.


    Regardless, there was no point in thinking about questions with unknowable answers for now, so he focussed on getting something to eat.


    When they arrived, Emma was surprised to find there wasn''t any food stored, something which Erik quickly exined by telling her that Emily and her ves relied mostly on the aetherium in the air to sustain them.


    In fact, it was the same for everyone else in the world, which was also why Emma had had so little to eattely, as no one was preparing food anymore.


    There were just not enough people like her who were still alive in this world but didn''t get many benefits from the aetherium.


    Luckily for Emma, one of the features worked into Erik''s armour was a few cubic meters of spatial storage, which held a few week''s worth of food, including some other bits and pieces.


    Not eating was actually a little short-sighted, as the aetherium used to rece theck of food might have well been used for other things, but the people on Earth weren''t currently concerned with long-term benefits, as short-term survival was often still a serious concern.


    He picked some particrly nutritious food, which would help Emma get back on her feet. As this was food from S?l, it was naturally saturated with magic and thus provided even more health benefits to Emma.


    Emma and Erik prepared the food together, but Emma seemed to have no more questions and also preferred to remain silent. Whether that was because of trauma or simply her personality was uncertain.


    Regardless, working together like this allowed Emma''s trust in Erik to grow a little more.


    After they had eaten something, Erik sent Emma to get some sleep, as it was gettingte, and she still needed to recover a little more before they would get started on treating Emily and exploring Emma''s own powers.


    Meanwhile, Erik didn''t really need much sleep, so he decided to head for the study where Emma had been locked up and which held the aetherium infusion sigil, thinking he might as well use it for his own purposes.


    When he arrived, Elora appeared in a sparkle of light specks, "That girl really did a good job with this despite it being her first time doing anything remotely simr. Maybe she has talent in sigil craft."


    Erik smirked, "Are you perhaps offering to teach her, Elora?"


    He expected a dismissive response, but instead, she remained serious, "You joke, but I think I actually might. Assuming she sticks around, that is."


    Erik was surprised. Apparently, Elora really was impressed with the sigil.


    Elora lost her serious expression and looked at Erik with delight, "Anyway! It''s time to add another bloodline!"

 Chapter 20: Chapter 20 - Bloodline infusion

    Erik was standing inside the gloomy study of the Ashcroft estate while Elora was floating before him.


    He looked at her with surprise and a little apprehension, "Really? I, uh, I thought it would be a little longer still."


    Elora giggled at Erik''s anxiousness, "Oh? Are you scared of a little pain, my beloved protector?"


    Shaking himself out of his apprehension, he rolled his eyes, "You''re not the one who actually has to suffer."


    Surprisingly, that seemed to strike a chord with Elora, as she looked a little ufortable, "I, uh, guess that''s true. But is it really that bad?"


    Erik shuddered a little, "It feels like getting turned inside out while my organs go through a blender."


    He shook his head, "But never mind that. I can handle it."


    Elora looked a little concerned at Erik as she suddenly remembered the first time they had done this.


    * * *


    A slightly younger-looking Erik sat cross-legged on the ground in a luxurious-looking room. He and Elora had left the Obsidian Enve just a few days ago and were now in an expensive inn in a human city.


    He looked at the beautiful fairy he had recently gotten bonded to with surprise, "Infusing a bloodline? What does that mean?"


    Elora looked far too excited for her own good as she began to exin, "It''s my special talent! You didn''t actually get to meet my father before we were kicked out of the Enve, but he is my mother''s enved protector and a blood dragon."


    Erik was surprised that, despite her casually mentioning his status as a ve, her face did show love when she talked about her father. He supposed it was just a culture thing, but he still couldn''t imagine his own daughter talking about him like that, assuming he would ever have children.


    He shook himself free from his thoughts as Elora continued exining, "As you probably know, my mother likes experimenting and loves her family. She wanted me to be as strong as possible, so even though fairy genes are generally dominant in mixed children like myself, she ensured that I got as much from my father as possible since blood dragons are an exceedingly powerful face."


    She shrugged, "Well, it didn''t end up making my body or magic more powerful, but it did mutate my seidr magic a little by giving me the ability tobine bloodlines!"


    Her face suddenly twisted with annoyance, "It seemed to be a pretty useless ability, however. I could affect various weaker animals with it, but anything more powerful than that would just ignore my efforts."


    But her face quickly lit up again in a mixture of excitement and obsession, "But then you appeared! You are the first species I encountered whose entire existence seems to be created for the express purpose of blending with other bloodlines!"


    Erik got the impression that Elora had been obsessed with her ability for a long time, knowing she was unique but unable to find a way to make use of her uniqueness.


    Unable, that is, until she met Erik. Their meeting caused her desire for an equal partner to blend with her obsession to find a use for her ability, making her jump into this partnership without much forethought.


    Erik didn''t mind, of course. It saved his life, after all. But he still wasn''t sure how he thought about being little more than this woman''s obsession. He would have to work hard if he wanted her feelings to change into something more.


    A little overwhelmed by her speech and with his mind still half drowned in the events back on earth, he was a little unsure how he was supposed to respond to her, so he just shrugged, "Okay, so now what?"


    Disappointed with hisck of enthusiasm, Elora sighed, "I suppose I expected too much from you at this point."


    She shook her hands with a hint of frustration, "Regardless, infusing your bloodline can''t wait! After all, you can''t casually reveal your racial status, and since your species seems to have a strange method of advancing in power, you can''t form a mystic sigil! I mean, you don''t even have an affinity!"


    She pointed an index finger at him, almost usingly, "Which means that, even with my interference, you still can''t cast magic and pretend to be a human, despite what I told you when we met!"


    She suddenly produced a vial filled with red liquid from somewhere, "So, we need to get you a regr bloodline that will allow you to gain a real affinity and form a mystic sigil!"


    Her green eyes shone with obsession, "Can you see it now?! You and I were made to find each other!"


    Despite being a little unsure about all this, Erik was still a little timid and felt somewhat intimidated by the woman''s intensity. He could even feel Elora''s powerful emotions through their bond, making him feel like he didn''t have the option of refusing this infusion.


    Elora naturally felt his apprehension, but her desire to try her ability on Erik was overpowering, causing her to ignore everything else.


    She continued, "What I have here is the blood of a powerful Raij¨±. The Raij¨± is a wolf-type species with a strong affinity for lightning. Since your species also seems to be derived from wolves, it should make things easier this first time." [1]


    As she took the blood from the vial and made it float in front of Erik, she adorned a crazed smile that one might assume was very much like the one Frankenstein must have had when he created his own monster, "So, are you ready?"


    Erik gulped but nodded in the end.


    A few minutester, he was squirming and screaming on the floor in pain while Elora looked on with disappointment, thinking the person she had taken as her partner really should be more resistant to pain.


    Her disappointment was only interrupted by a thought about how she was d this room was properly isted so no one woulde to check in on them to question them about the screaming.


    * * *


    Back on Earth, Elora was feeling guilty as she thought of that day. Sure, she didn''t enve Erik, but she still could have treated him better.


    Despite her conviction to be true partners with Erik, it ultimately took her a while before she eventually warmed up to and fell in love with him.


    She suddenly wondered how their rtionship had even reached this point despite her initial behaviour. Did she even deserve his feelings?


    Confused by the sudden feelings of guilt and sadness he felt through their bond, Erik asked with his brows furrowed in concern, "What''s wrong?"


    Elora smiled sadly and shook her head, "it''s nothing. But are you sure you want to do this? I know I was¡­ enthusiastic in the past, but there are plenty of ways to grow stronger, and you already have the Raij¨± bloodline."


    Erik smiled at her with love and confidence, "Thank you for your concern, Elora, but I''ll be fine. I am much tougher nowpared to back then."


    While she outwardly nodded, Elora still wanted to do more, which suddenly caused her to have an idea. But first, she had to get this infusion started.


    Erik only got more confused by the expression on Elora''s face he had never seen before, but decided to talk to her about itter. He had to take a moment and prepare himself mentally for the infusion.


    Elora seemed to have shaken off her sadness as she produced two vials of red liquid with an excited smile, "Anyway, since the Raij¨± bloodline has now been thoroughlybined with your own, it''s time to add a second. And this time, you have choices!"


    She pursed her lips, "Unfortunately, you''re still not ready for the truly powerful bloodlines like those of dragons, but we''ll get to those eventually."


    She had stored up quite a number of bloodlines, most of which had been given to her by her parents, and some of those bloodlines were quite powerful, but that also made it much moreplex tobine with Erik''s bloodline.


    She held up one vial, "This has the bloodline of a powerful Winter Wolf. Since it is also a creature of the wolf type, it will be easy tobine with yours. It will boost all aspects of your body while also giving you an affinity with ice, eventually allowing you to fuse it with your lightning affinity to create something more powerful than either."


    She held up the other vial but looked a little more concerned this time, "This has the bloodline of an old Bakaneko. Rather than a wolf, this creature is feline in origin. The ipatibility with your wolf type will make things more painful for you."


    She sighed reluctantly, "On the other hand, it will give you a boost in agility and speed, which you arecking right now whenpared to your strength and vitality. Furthermore¡­ the Bakaneko have a close affinity with shadow, which gets more powerful with age, and thises from a particrly old Bakaneko."

 Chapter 21: Chapter 21 - Sharing the pain.

    Elora shook her head, "I''m personally more concerned with the pain you''ll have to go through, but the corruption will be fine. With me in your soul, corruption will always have little effect on you. Besides, this sigil is crude and a little faulty. With some adjustments, using it will be much safer."


    Erik lost himself in thought for a moment. To be honest, the idea of mixing his bloodline with that of a feline creature was not particrly appealing to him.


    Not to mention that he enjoyed the idea of gaining ice as an affinity. Having lived in the frozen tundra of northern Norway for most of his life, he had always felt a close connection to the cold.


    Still, he recognised the need for an increase in speed and agility as he could often be quite bulky in a fight.


    He looked at Elora with a power-hungry smirk, "Can''t I just get them both?"


    Elora rolled her eyes at him as she felt like giving him a smack on the head if she wasn''t holding those vials, "Since when did you turn into such a masochist? No, you can''t get them both!"


    Then, gaining a thoughtful expression, she backtracked a little, "Well, not right now anyway. I still believe you should get both of these eventually, but we need to wait until you properly blend with one before we start on the other."


    Then she smiled reassuringly, "Don''t worry, though. It won''t take seven years again, as we''re both more powerful now. Especially the winter wolf bloodline should be done in a year or so."


    Erikughed lightly, "Alright, alright. So, I''m sure you have a rmendation?"


    But Elora shook her head, "I really don''t. Do you know how many bloodlines I have stored? Close to a hundred! These two are already my rmendations out of all of those."


    Most of those bloodlines would never be introduced into Erik''s body, some because they were simply too ipatible, but for the most part, it was simply impossible to blend that many bloodlines into one being.


    Erik nodded and started thinking again. He knew the fused affinity of ice-lightning, or thundersnow, was powerful and rare, but the shadow affinity was extremely versatile and useful.


    Plus, shadow would be avable immediately, but for thundersnow he would have tobine ice and lightning first. Not to mention that Elora was right, he could use the extra speed that the Bakaneko bloodline would give him.


    Basically, ite down to strong future benefits and low current benefits, or mediocre benefits across the board.


    But when he realized that, it didn''t take him long toe to a decision. He wasn''t nning on fighting anyone particrly powerful for now, and while he wasn''t arrogant enough to believe no one on Earth could defeat him, he wasn''t nning on seeking out the most powerful people here, either. At least, not yet.


    So, he nodded, "Alright, let''s do winter wolf! Since it will take a shorter time to infuse, and I''ll need some time tobine ice and lightning anyway, it''s probably best if we start with that."


    Elora nodded and, while she stowed away one of the vials, sighed a little in relief for some reason. Perhaps because he chose the less painful option? Erik didn''t know, but it only made him more sure of having picked the winter wolf.


    She then drained the other vial into the air and made the blood inside float before the sitting Erik, "Are you ready?"


    Although she said the same words as back on S?l, they were spoken with much more concern and less enthusiasm this time.


    Erik smiled reassuringly at her and nodded, which made Elora feel a little better as she took a deep breath and guided the blood into Erik''s body through his pores.


    Afterwards, she swiftly expanded back into herrger form and settled in front of Erik.


    She snapped her fingers and caused a shimmering bubble to appear around them, which would keep out the sounds of screaming so as not to wake Emma. Not out of concern, of course, but simply because she knew Emma needed her sleep for her awakening tomorrow.


    When she was done, she took another deep breath and made some blood-red magic circles appear in front of her that started floating around Erik before they started turning, as if attuning themselves to something.


    As Erik sat on the cold floor with blood-red sigils around him, attempting to make him more than he was, his body began to subtly convulse in agony as his insides were being broken down and reshaped to bepatible with the winter wolf bloodline.


    Erik slowly began to groan, first softly, then louder, as he clearly tried to keep himself still and endure the pain in an unconscious effort not to disappoint the woman he loved with his screams.


    He clenched his teeth, tightly shut his eyes, balled his fist, and tensed every muscle in his body as he fought the torment while beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.


    Yet it was only a few seconds into his ordeal when he felt a small hand press against his chest and the soft voice of Elora in his ear, "Don''t suppress it, my love. Let it all out. And let¡­ let me try to lighten your load a little."


    Erik suddenly felt the pain lessen a little as the hand on his chest began to tremble. He heard a small yelp in front of him before it transitioned into a high-pitched groaning.


    He forced his eyes open and saw Elora hunched over him with her hand on his chest and her face in front of his while she had her eyes tightly closed.


    Her whole body was lightly shaking, causing Erik to quickly speak with a strained voice, "What are you doing, Elora?"


    Elora lightly smiled, even as her voice came out shaky, "I- I''m taking some of your pain through our bond." A small tear escaped from her eye, "I''m s- sorry I can''t take more than this, but I''m afraid I m- might faint, and the infusion will fail."


    Instead of feeling thankful, Erik felt anger instead, as he spoke through his clenched teeth, "I- Idiot girl! We both have our jobs. This is mine!"


    But Elora shook her head, "N- No! We are partners, and I''ll share this with you, too! You can''t stop me!"


    She was right. He had no idea how she was even doing this, let alone how to stop her.


    So instead, he groaned through the pain, "J- Just you wait! When this is over, we''re having a conversation about this!"


    Elora smiled lightly in eptance.


    But the pain was only getting worse as it didn''t take long before they both started to let out their pain in screams in a concert of pain. Eventually, Elora copsed onto Erik''s chest, where he wrapped his arms around her in an effort tofort her.


    But as the pain kept getting worse, Elora did something unexpected. She snapped her fingers and made both Erik''s armour and her clothes disappear.


    Erik was naturallyid as could be, but a little seidr magic perked him right up while also quickly preparing Elora as she sheathed him inside her.


    She wrapped her arms around Erik''s neck and her legs around his waist as she slowly started moving whilst whispering in his ear, "S- Sex is an eptable form of pain relief. Let mefort you."


    Erik actually felt himself rx, and the pain diminished even more as endorphins slowly began being released from the soft embrace of his partner and lover.


    They tightened their arms around each other as they moved slowly through their shared pain while the blood-red sigils kept turning, slowly mixing Erik''s bloodline with that of a winter wolf.


    It took fifteen minutes for the process toplete, at which point all the pain suddenly disappeared, and the couple copsed onto the ground, finally being able to let their bodies rx.


    They panted as theyy naked in a pool of their own sweat, with Erik still sheathed inside Elora, though neither of them had any interest in continuing with Elora''s improvised pain relief method.


    Elora spoke through her panting, "I.. can''t believe¡­ that was only a small part¡­ of the pain you felt. I felt like¡­ I was going to die!"


    Erik chuckled even as he panted and could barely keep his eyes open from exhaustion, "It''s just¡­ a difference of perspective¡­ I don''t doubt you could¡­ take that pain too¡­ with some training."


    Elora giggled as her voice slowly trailed off, "I think I will take your word on that. I''m not sure I''m interested in ''pain training''."


    Erik smiled suggestively, "Are you sure? You seem to enjoy it when I spank you."


    But Elora didn''t hear hisst words, as she had already drifted off to sleep, while Erik followed soon after.

 Chapter 22: Chapter 22 - The return of Liam

    Erik stirred as he starteding to his senses, and the memories ofst night came flooding back. He looked at the still-sleeping Elora and shook his head. This girl was really too much.


    He realised he was lying on the ground with a normal-sized Elora on his chest and his nowid member still lodged inside her.


    As he started to move, he could feel every joint and muscle in his body ache as if they had gone through tremendous strain the day before, which was not far from the truth.


    When Emma saw this scene, she flushed red but immediately shook her head as she apparently had other things on her mind.


    She sprinted closer to Erik and started fidgeting nervously, "Finally, I found you! T- That man is back! Please get up!"


    Among the questions Emma had asked Erik the day before, she had also asked him about the circumstances of his arrival, something Erik had obviously seen in Emily''s memories.


    So they were both aware Liam had been there to represent the newly formed council with a small force of what they assumed were some kind of enforcers for this council. Although he had obviously left out the part about being teleported there.


    Erik yawned deeply, still lying on the ground, as he started caressing Elora''s back in an effort to wake her up slowly. He looked at the panicking girl, "Calm down, Emma. We''ll be fine."


    As he took a good look at Emma, he suddenly noticed that she possibly looked even worse than yesterday. He frowned, "Why do you look so terrible? Did you get any sleepst night?"


    Emma suddenly looked ufortable, "I- Never mind about that! What are we going to about that man!"


    Deciding that he could deal with Emma''s issueter, he nodded groggily, "Well, why don''t you tell me what the situation is now?"


    Emma quickly responded, "Emily''s guards are behaving on autopilot and have lined up in front of the door, but they are outnumbered. Currently, Liam and his cronies haven''t attacked yet, but they are demanding for Emily toe out."


    Suddenly, Emma looked a little unsure, "Although¡­ I get the feeling Liam isn''t in charge anymore. It seems to be some woman, and I think I might recognise her, but I don''t remember from where."


    Erik yawned again, "Alright, I get it. Just give me a moment here."


    Annoyed at his casual attitude but still a little too timid to call him out on it, she just stood there fidgeting, afraid of what might happen if she ended up in Liam''s hands, the events from seven years ago still clear in her mind.


    Erik groaned through his pained body as he sat up with Elora in his arms before he kissed her and whispered that she needed to wake up.


    Elora groaned but eventually opened her eyes and looked at Erik with annoyance, "My body hurts."


    Erik couldn''t help but grin at her words, "Well, I believe that was your own choice, was it not?"


    Then, he grabbed her chin and made her look into his eyes while saying sternly, "Listen, Elora. I know your heart was in the right ce, but never do something like that again, alright?"


    His voice was full of determination as he continued, "We both have our parts to y in this partnership, and my job is to keep you safe from physical harm. That is my pride as your protector, your conqueror, your partner and your man. Don''t step on my pride, Elora."


    His dominant attitude made Elora feel a little giddy, especially as she still felt Erik inside of her, but she realised now wasn''t the time.


    She could see Erik was truly hurt by her actions, so she could only nod and say, "Alright, Erik. I won''t do it again. But¡­ I''m still happy I did it."


    She cupped his cheek with her hand and smiled, "I wanted to know what you had to go through to be as powerful as possible so you can keep us both safe."


    Lifting her hand seemed to have taken all her energy as she then made it fall back down before she whimpered, "Anyway, go take care of the trash. I''ll be happy to relieve myself of this body for a while."


    With those words, she disappeared into a cloud of light specks that got absorbed into Erik''s body. He felt a strangebination of increased power and pain as his body seemed to ache even more now.


    But he certainly couldn''t let that show after the words he had just said.


    Meanwhile, Emma didn''t actually understand anything of what was said since her new guests spoke in Sylvari, but she was horrified upon seeing therge snake flop freely onto the ground now that the cave it was previously sealed inside had disappeared.


    She yelped, blushed and covered her eyes before starting to kick Erik in frustration at his behaviour, seemingly having lost some of her timidity.


    Erik naturally just felt as if someone was caressing him and onlyughed at her actions, "Alright, alright. I''m going already!" He stood up as his body creaked and ached before he stretched hisrge and powerful body right in front of Emma.


    Emma couldn''t help but sneak a peek between her fingers as she felt intimidated but also somewhatforted by his immense size.


    Since her trust in him had begun to grow exponentially from the moment he saved her and promised to cure her sister, she had already started to think of him as a giant boulder protecting her from the winds and rain of life.


    After a few moments of stretching, Erik finally felt like his body was his own again before he picked up his armour from the ground and put it back on under Emma''s half-relieved, half-disappointed stare.


    He turned to Emma, "Wait here, alright?"


    Seeing the girl nod nervously, Erik walked into the hallway and heard a still tired-sounding Elora in his head, "Remember, if you end up fighting, either use purely your powers as a werewolf or as a human. It''s still too early to reveal you can do both. Should I send Emily with you?"


    But Erik shook, "No need for that. I should be fine on my own, even if ites to a fight. Besides, it would raise too many questions if she appeared in her puppet-like state."


    Feeling a mental nod to indicate Elora understood, Erik kept walking and suddenly started to wave his finger around in the air. Since he might soon get into a fight, he should be as prepared as possible, and he just got a new affinity to make use of.


    ***


    The aggressors appeared to have found some reinforcements, as their group had only gottenrger despite the losses they suffered yesterday.


    While the cloudy sky made sure it still wasn''t very bright out, the dark and oppressive atmosphere that Emily spreadst time was nowhere to be found, for the simple reason that the woman herself was missing as well.


    Emily''s absence caused a tenseness in the air as everyone stared at the woman''s ves with some anxiety, wondering when the ve mistress would make an appearance while somewhat confused about why they hadn''t simply attacked yet.


    Didn''t the altercation from the day before warrant an all-out attack without the need for more negotiations?


    What most of them were unaware of was that yesterday''s attack was not supposed to have happened yet. The council was sending someone from its joint security force, the shadow sentinels, to take charge of the operation.


    Yet, in an effort to im at least one of the sisters for himself while also hoping to gain some fame by taking down the infamous witch of London, Liam had taken matters into his own hands by using his authority as a local warlord to call the attack early.


    The position of local warlord was granted by the council to various individuals who controlled certain regions before the council''s formation.


    After the formation of the council, various factions had formed within it, representing vampires, werewolves and humans, and the European regions were divided among these factions.


    The human faction currently ruled Ennd, and since Liam had already taken control of most of London during the six years before the council''s formation, he was given the title of local warlord and now ruled the local area in the council''s name.


    Unfortunately, that title was now in danger as he stood beside a tall, pale woman named Seraphina Nightshade. This intimidating woman held the title of warden while serving the shadow sentinels.


    Wardens were the keepers of the peace and would be sent out whenever threats arose that local leaders weren''t able to deal with. This woman was the person originally sent by the council to deal with the Witch of London, and she was very displeased by Liam''s actions.


    Her short, midnight ck hair framed a beautiful but angr face,plimenting her bright crimson eyes.


    This actually made her appear simr to Emily, who also had ck hair and crimson eyes. But unlike Emily, whose eyes were a result of her corruption, this woman was, in fact, a vampire.

 Chapter 23: Chapter 23 - Negotiations

    Oftentimes, that meant a warden sent to deal with a territory''s issues would not be of the same race as the faction in control of that territory.


    And so was the case with Seraphina. Or so the people there thought, unaware that Seraphina had her own reasons for being here and had, in fact, called in some favours to make it happen.


    Seraphina was dressed in tight ck clothes that clung to her curvaceous body as she exuded a sense of power and confidence. Yet, beneath that was an almost undetectableyer of anxiety for reasons only known to her.


    Her stance and attire showed a subtle elegance beneath her fierce exterior, and on her back was strapped arge sword that seemed to be almost as long and wide as she was.


    She stared at the array of ves in front of her with a fierce, burning gaze, waiting for their enver to step forward and confront her as she thought about how to handle this situation.


    Unfortunately, her thoughts were interrupted by the annoying voice of a certain toad-like human being she wasing to loathe more and more. "Warden Seraphina," the toad said, "isn''t it about time we attack? Cleary Emily intends to stay holed up in there after we almost got her yesterday!"


    His voice wasced with carefully hidden contempt, as Liam firmly believed in letting humans deal with human issues. Why the council thought it necessary to send a filthy bloodsucker of all things to undermine his authority was beyond him.


    She hissed through her teeth, still seething in anger at this man''s actions, "Silence, you worm. You have already royally fucked up with your actions, and you should be happy if the council decides to let you keep your position."


    With a wave of her hand, she dismissed him, "Now, be quiet and follow my orders. You don''t want to give me a justifiable reason to chop off your pathetic little head."


    Liam grimaced at her words but ultimately backed down. He knew this woman had both the power and authority to follow through on her words, and he had no interest in testing her.


    After all, while his aetherial reservoir was asrge as anyone''s, he still only possessed a single mystic glyph, making him a first-ranker. But a warden needed to be at least a second-glyph human or second-rune vampire or shapeshifter, making them second-rankers.


    But was he really supposed to just give up on Emma and Emily just like this? When he had worked so hard to get them before?


    Yes he was. He knew he had no other choice. Liam had long sincee down from the absolute arrogance he felt when he first came into this power, and he was no idiot either. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have reached the position he was now in.


    Part of this change was due to the positive influences of earth affinity corruption, making him more grounded and less prone to hasty actions, even if it didn''t change his less-than-virtuous nature.


    Yesterday wasn''t apse in judgment either; he had thoroughly prepared and made sure to have enough people to overwhelm the enved defenders, but unfortunately, Emily turned out to have some kind of weird time-stopping power, which he didn''t anticipate.


    As Liam stewed in his own thoughts and Seraphina kept staring at the Ashcroft mansion with unwavering determination, the front door suddenly opened, and someone stepped out.


    But it wasn''t the person they were all expecting.


    Instead, it turned out to be a man. A very tall and intimidating man in obsidian ck armour, with arge two-handed warhammer resting on his shoulder, held in ce by Erik''s wrist, casually resting on the shaft.


    His handsome face was framed by grey-white hair, fierce, amber eyes, and a casual grin on his face as he looked out over the various people gathered there.


    He naturally recognised Seraphina as being both the person in charge and a vampire. But he had no real problem with that, despite the various vampire-shapeshifter feuds his parents had told him of. After all, vampires had never done anything to him, unlike humans.


    In fact, there was another reason he didn''t mind vampires, but he didn''t like to think about that.


    Naturally, on his shoulder was not the war hammer he left behind on S?l, but it was a much weaker backup weapon he had stored in his armour''s storage space.


    Everyone was surprised to see a man suddenly appear there because his eyes were clear and didn''t seem enved. Especially Liam and Seraphina looked at Erik with surprise and immediate hostility, though for very different reasons.


    Erik stepped forward and down the porch, where the gathered ves of Emily opened a path for him, ordered to do so by Elora through Emily.


    Seeing the ves behave this way made everyone even more suspicious and concerned about Erik''s presence. Some even questioned whether the Witch of London had always been a guy. After all, not many people had seen her without her veil of darkness.


    When he arrived in front of the gathered people, he spread his hands with a broad smile as if inviting them all in and said, "What a lovely gathering! May I ask what you are all doing on my wife''s estate? I''m afraid we haven''t prepared to amodate so many people."


    The people gathered before him reacted with shocked gazes at his apparent im to being Emily''s husband.


    Liam was about tosh out at him, but Seraphina was faster, and she didn''t believe for a second this man was who he imed to be, "You think you''re funny? Who the hell are you, and where is Emily?!"


    With a slight smirk, Erik shrugged and said, "We all need to do what we can to keep the world entertained. These are harsh times, you know. People could die for simply being in the wrong ce at the wrong time."


    Seraphina narrowed her eyes at that clear threat, especially because she could feel the power brimming inside Erik''s body. This man was no weaker than her and perhaps even stronger.


    Still, she wouldn''t back down so easily, "You''re pretty cocky for a man who is outnumbered."


    As Erik''s confident grin appeared once again, he responded, "What use is numbers before true power?"


    He pointed behind him with his thumb, "Those ves just need to keep the trash busy while I deal with you. After that, it''s just a matter of cleaning up the aftermath."


    Seraphina couldn''t deny that he was right. After all, she, too, could deal with this group of people on her own. Not easily, perhaps, but she would manage. That was just the difference between first and second-rankers.


    The only reason Emily, who also has two glyphs, had any trouble with these people was because of her fragile state of mind and because her second glyph was focused on control rather thanbat.


    Liam, however, didn''t see it that way as he scoffed loudly, "Absolute rubbish! You think you can so easily deal with a sentinel warden?!"


    Since he had screwed up big time with this woman and had essentially given up on obtaining either of the Ashcroft sisters, he was now attempting to score some browny points with Seraphina in the hope of getting leniency, regardless of his feelings towards vampires.


    Besides, whether or not his words about being Emily''s husband were true, he was clearly a free man who came out of the Ashcroft estate. That was enough for him to consider the sisters defiled, as he would never know what they had gotten up to in there.


    Seraphina smirked at Liam''s words. Not because she felt ttered but because she wanted to see how Erik would respond.


    Panning his gaze towards the short, pasty-looking man Erik recognised from Emily''s memories, his eyes became filled with contempt for this snake.


    He knew he and Elora were no saints, but they had their limits. Or at least Erik did, but he acted as a limiter for Elora.


    He felt like simply charging the guy, but since he had refused the Bakaneko bloodline earlier, he wasn''t sure if his speed and agility were high enough to get past this vampire.


    Luckily, a certain fairy suddenly whispered a much better idea into his mind''s ear.


    Elora''s n caused him to smirk as he returned his gaze towards Seraphina, "How about a deal? After all, while I don''t particrly care one way or the other, I''m sure you''d much prefer it if things didn''te to bloodshed. We may both be confident in our victory, but regardless of who wins, your side will lose the most."


    That was true. After all, all those ves technically belonged to ''her side''.


    Seraphina saw the look Erik had given Liam and wondered what that was about. But decided to hear his proposal first, so she narrowed her eyes, "What do you suggest then?"


    Without losing his smirk, Erik exined, "I don''t actually care about those ves. I don''t mind freeing them and handing them over to you, but I want something in return."


    Seraphina raised her eyebrows at that proposal. "You have the authority to do that? What about Emily?"


    Erik shook his head, "Don''t worry about her. You''re dealing with me now."

 Chapter 24: Chapter 24 - Negotiations break down

    In response, Erik panned his gaze towards Liam with a contemptuous grin, "I want that pasty little shit over there."


    Liam immediately recoiled, "What?! I''m not going anywhere with you, you shitty pretender! How do we even know you speak the truth?!!"


    Before Erik could respond to Liam''s words, Seraphina grabbed the man by his hair and tossed him on the ground before she stepped on his head in an effort to keep him silent, "Shut up and let the grown-ups talk."


    Liam seethed in humiliation and anger at being disrespected like this in his own territory, in front of his own men! But he could do nothing, as Seraphina''s foot was unyielding.


    Having dealt with Liam, Seraphina panned her gaze back to Erik with a look that showed some surprise but also a bit of interest, despite her words of refusal, "Although I don''t like the man, I can''t just hand him over to you. He is still a warlord serving the council."


    Erik shrugged, "I have no more idea about what a sentinel warden is than what a warlord is in your council, and I really don''t care. If you want the ves without bloodshed, you''ll have to trade him."


    Seraphina and Erik stared at each other for a few moments, but when neither of them gave in, Seraphina decided to change the topic, "Setting aside the issue of Liam for now, what about Emily and her sister?"


    She narrowed her eyes a little, "Liam was right about one thing: we have no idea if you can actually do what you promised. Not to mention that I intend to take her with me when I leave here, as the council wants to make an example out of her."


    But Erik waved his hand in dismissal, "Neither Emily nor Emma is going anywhere. That is non-negotiable. As for proof that I can do what I promised¡­" He snapped his fingers, and one of the ves came forward before suddenly copsing in front of Seraphina.


    Seraphinapletely ignored the copsed ve and focussed on Erik''s first words instead, "You seem awfully insistent on keeping the sisters here. Exactly what is your rtionship with them? Are they your allies or your prisoners?"


    "Or¡­" And her voice seemed to get imperceptibly more hostile at these words, "Are they already dead?"


    Erik raised his eyebrows as he noticed her hostility and decided to turn her question back on the woman, "You seem awfully interested in their fate. Exactly what is your rtionship with the sisters?"


    Still not getting the answer she wanted, Seraphina growled, "None of your business."


    Erikughed softly at her refusal to answer, "Well then, right back at you. I''m afraid the sister''s fates will remain a mystery for now."


    Meanwhile, the copsed ve seemed to being to, as he stood up with a confused expression but clear eyes, obviously having been released from very by Elora through Emily.


    Seraphina noted that Erik had spoken the truth but otherwise ignored the freed ve as she simply signalled one of the people behind her to check the man.


    Yet despite the provided proof, they seemed to be reaching an insurmountable impasse in their negotiations, so Erik offered a different solution.


    "Listen," he started amicably, "although I don''t particrly mind if today ends in bloodshed, I have no interest in the longersting conflict that would likely result from a bloodbath."


    "So how about this?" he proposed. "Since any conflict between our two groups would likely be decided by the battle between the two of us anyway, we might as well skip right to it and have a duel. The winner decides how this ends, and you''ll have a valid excuse to give your council if I win."


    Then he smirked a little, "Plus, I''ll still let you have the ves either way."


    This option seemed to interest Seraphina. While she could feel the power in Erik''s body, it didn''t feel as overwhelming as that of her father or the other council members and faction leaders, so she believed herself capable of victory.


    And since the council intended to use the rescue of these ves as propaganda material, saving them was supposed to be one of her highest priorities.


    She seemed to mull his proposal over as she opened her mouth to ask a question, "Can I assume from your words that you intend for this fight to be non-lethal?"


    Erik shrugged, "I figure killing you would cause more problems than it solves. But if you prefer it to be to the death, then I don''t mind that either."


    Seraphina snorted, "Since I can''t kill you before you actually release these ves and tell me where Emily is, non-lethal is fine."


    Smiling at her apparent eptance, Erik extended his hand, "So, does that mean you agree?"


    Seraphina nodded and extended her hand, "Fine."


    Erikughed deeply as she epted, looking forward to fighting against a worthy enemy. Over thest seven years of nearly constant fighting, he had learned to find enjoyment in it and now couldn''t wait to fight stronger and stronger opponents.


    Having agreed on a duel, Seraphina knocked Liam unconscious with a quick kick to the head to make sure he didn''t go anywhere and assigned one of the people behind her to watch over him.


    Since he was part of the wager, she naturally had to assume responsibility for his continued presence.


    Neither of them saw any point in dragging this out, so they decided to simply do this here and now as they moved to a better spot and ordered the various bystanders to take a few steps back.


    They now stood across from each other in arge, grass-filled open space on the Ashcroft estate.


    Seraphina held herrge sword in front of her as if it weighed nothing, while Erik had nted his hammer on the ground as he looked at Seraphina and couldn''t help but admire the beauty and elegance by which she moved despite herrge weapon.


    Seraphina eyed her opponent, "I''m surprised by your heavy armour and weapon. No one really uses armour, and most humans don''t use weapons at all, let alone such arge hammer."


    While Erik quite obviously was not a vampire, she had also discarded the possibility of him being a shapeshifter since he couldn''t possibly shapeshift while inside that sturdy-looking armour.


    The truth was very different, but she had no way of knowing that.


    While that was why shapeshifters didn''t use any armour, most others didn''t bother with it either since no one had figured out how to create something that could hold up against even mere rank-one fighters.


    Even weapons needed to be regrly maintained and were specially created for durability rather than attack power.


    Meanwhile, most humans simply stayed at a distance, partly because of an internalised gun culture and partly because most of their mystic glyphs involved ranged spells.


    Back on S?l, and in the universe atrge, weapons and armour were still widely used, mostly because they were created from aetherium-infused materials,bined with special crafting methods and the inscribing of runes.


    That said, even in the universe atrge, heavy weapons like Erik''s hammer were rare, as most people preferred lighter weapons through which they could channel their magic.


    But shapeshifters and vampires had their own distinct way of using aetherium to grow in power. Their method differed from that of humans and every other creature that Erik or Elora knew about.


    The system Earth''s supernatural creatures seemed to follow focused more on strengthening and enhancing the physical body rather than using aetherium as a power source for magic spells.


    Because of that, shapeshifters and vampires had a much higher focus on weapons than humans did.


    Erik smirkedcently at herment, "I suppose I''m just not like normal humans." A statement that was especially true because he was not a human at all.


    Regardless, he had decided to fight in human form for now, as changing to his other form would also reveal the particrities of his armour, something that he and Elora figured would bring unwanted attention.


    That said, it''s not like the power of his body entirely disappeared when he was not in his other form.


    While his werewolf form was definitely his strongest, his human form also received many benefits from his three bloodlines and the supernatural power cultivation. Not to mention the boost he received from being merged with Elora''s body.


    Erik lifted his hammer and made it rest on his shoulder as he took a wide stance topliment his wide grin, "Let''s get started, shall we?"


    Seraphina nodded as deep purple runes began to glow on the exposed parts of her pale skin, providing a beautiful contrast, before she charged forward with herrge sword at her side.


    Elora immediately recognised the affinity of this woman and couldn''t help butment on it, "Well, isn''t that a surprise? First Emily, then Emma and now this woman? Is it just our luck, or is something else bringing all these rare affinities to us?"


    As Erik watched the woman approach him with incredible speed, he asked, "Want to fill me in?"


    The response was immediate, "It''s gravity. Her affinity is gravity."

 Chapter 25: Chapter 25 - Up against gravity

    Unsure of exactly what abilities his opponent had gained from her gravity affinity, Erik prepared himself for a tough fight. He had already noticed she was much faster than him, especially while he was in his human form.


    With Seraphina charging at him, he had no time to dodge, and his hammer was still resting over his right shoulder. So instead, he gathered arcs of lightning around his left gauntlet before swiping in the direction of his fast-approaching opponent in an attempt to slow her down.


    Five crackling gashes of lightning travelled through the air at immense speed, but Seraphina moved with grace and speed as she nimbly avoided them all.


    But it did slow her down, giving Erik the time to shift his hammer from its resting position into a more purposeful grip.


    He adjusted his stance, and rotated his body. The hammer slid smoothly down his arm, where he caught it and used the momentum to continue moving into an uppercut swing aimed precisely at the point Seraphina was currently moving towards.


    Seraphina seemed surprised by Erik''s agile handling of the heavy hammer but reacted quickly.


    Her body suddenly became lighter as she sidestepped the hammer and swung her sword straight at Erik''s side.


    However, she didn''t notice Erik''s smirk. The hammer she was currently right next to suddenly began to crackle with lightning before a powerful concussive force sted her to the side.


    It wasn''t just concussive force, however. Lightning crackled over Seraphina''s skin, making her muscles twitch and spasm.


    Wanting to use this opportunity, Erik once again sent five gashes of lightning straight at his now-slowed opponent before he charged straight after them.


    He would have preferred to charge her down immediately, but in his human form, he needed to use his ranged powers more.


    And anyway, it''s not bad to practice unfamiliar fighting styles now and then, especially in fights that aren''t particrly dangerous.


    Seraphina saw the gashesing but couldn''t dodge them due to her spasming muscles. Instead, she attempted to block them with her weapon.


    When the gashes impacted her sword, she could feel the power behind them as she slid back with a heavy groan, inwardly thanking her grip for not letting the lightning reach her hands. Affinities with electricity-like attributers were not rare, so it wasmon practice to wrap a grip in a thinyer of rubber, before covering it with leather forfort.


    When she came to a halt, her body ached, and the sword she held in front of her had ck gashes on it, but she was otherwise unharmed.


    Meanwhile, Erik used the opportunity to close in on her and immediately swung his heavy hammer in a sideways arc as it once again crackled with lightning.


    Even in her dazed state, Seraphina recognised the danger.


    If that hammer hit her, she might not actually survive the day.


    Erik was aware of this, of course, but despite the intention for the fight to be non-lethal, it''s not like either of them would hold back. The rule only meant that they wouldn''t deliver the final blow if they had the chance, but currently, they were still right in the middle of it.


    As the hammer closed in on Seraphina, the runes on her skin suddenly pulsed, and a thin, deep purple coating appeared over her skin.


    When his heavy weapon connected with this coating, Erik anticipated the familiar resistance of impacting something solid, but instead, he received an almost surreal sensation.


    It was as if the air itself pushed back against his hammer with unexpected strength.


    The momentum that should have been transferred from his hammer onto Seraphina was instead abruptly halted, leaving Erik with a feeling of momentary weightlessness.


    For Erik, there was a jarring disconnect between the anticipated resistance and the actualck thereof as his muscles suddenly found themselves without a counterforce to brace against.


    He couldn''t help but stumble a little.


    Using Erik''s momentary confusion, Seraphina quickly created some distance between the two of them as the thinyer over her skin disappeared again.


    She could have used this moment to counterstrike, but she decided against it as her body was still a little shaky from the earlier lightning attack.


    Now, they once again stood opposite of each other after they both regained their bnce. They were bothrgely unharmed from the sh so far, only having gained some insight into their opponent''s powers.


    Erik looked at her with a questioning gaze, wondering what just happened with his hammer, but she just grinned, clearly not intending to exin her powers to Erik.


    Elora was a lot more helpful, however, as she quickly gave some exnation, "I think that, rather than your hammer impacting her body, or even a shield for that matter, it was countered with an equal and opposite reaction, causing all the momentum to simply disappear."


    Remembering the science lessons from his youth, Erik mumbled, "Newton''s thirdw."


    Apparently having heard him, Seraphina looked genuinely surprised, "Wow. I didn''t expect you to get that so fast." Then she smirked, "But since you understand, you might as well give up now. Your hammer will never be able to harm me."


    Elora quickly interjected in Erik''s mind, however, "She''s talking shit. That power definitely costs her a ridiculous amount of energy, especially since she covers her whole body with it for some reason."


    She offered some suggestions, "I suggest switching to the pointy end of your hammer. Since she is apparently forced to cover her entire body in that coating, it might cost her more power when the force is directed into a more concentrated point."


    Just like the war hammer he left behind on S?l, this one''s hammerhead was also divided between a broad, smooth surface on one side and a sharp, piercing tip on the other.


    Inwardly thanking Elora for her insights, he turned the hammer to make the spike face forward, which caused Seraphina to twitch a little with annoyance.


    Clearly, Elora had been right on the money.


    Seraphina didn''t say a word, however, hoping to leave Erik guessing a little longer despite his seemingly high intelligence.


    They eyed each other for a moment longer before Seraphina was once again the first to charge at Erik. She had already noticed she was much faster than him.


    They started to exchange blows, which mainly consisted of Seraphina attacking using herrge sword with deceptively fast speed while Erik skilfully used abination of his hammer and his armoured gauntlets to defend himself.


    At the same time, he used wide area attacks to slow the woman down. Since Seraphina was much faster but also less durable than him, he needed an opportunity tond a heavy blow, likely defeating her in a single hit.


    During this time, Erik was the one to receive the most attacks, but his endurance and strength,bined with his armour, left him almost entirely unaffected, causing Seraphina to be increasingly frustrated.


    By now, both of them had figured out their opponent''s powers.


    Since they were both second-rank fighters, they both had two abilities: Erik couldunch lightning ws and release concussive lightning sts from his hammer, while Seraphina could alter her body''s weight as she wished and project a kind of counterforce field around her body.


    Yet Seraphina had mistakenly assumed that Erik had only a single affinity.


    After all, Erik had recently gained a brand new bloodline,plete with its own affinity, and had formed his first glyph before even stepping outside the mansion.


    Once again, having separated and standing across from each other, Seraphina and Erik both panted a little, but the one getting nervous was Seraphina, as she was running out of energy due to the high cost of her counterforce ability.


    Since she needed to finish this fast and believed she was now aware of most of Erik''s tricks, she lost a lot of her caution when she once again charged at Erik, intending to use her superior speed to try and strike at his unprotected head.


    After all, she had noticed that his armour was especially tough, and her sword was not sharp enough to cut through it.


    Erik saw her approach and sent another lightning w her way, but when he noticed a subtle shift in her stance, betraying her intention to jump over the attack and aim for his head, Erik suddenly grinned.


    Seraphina did not notice his grin, however, as it was hidden behind the lightning gashes heading her way. She followed the n and jumped over the attack, using gravity to make herself lighter.


    Now high in the air and fast approaching Erik''s head, Seraphina believed herself to be safe. She knew neither Erik''s hands nor hammer would make it in time to stop her, but as she noticed Erik''s wide grin, she got worried.


    Her worries were confirmed when Erik took a deep breath and opened his mouth wide, before an icy blue magic circle appeared in front of it.


    She instantly knew she had screwed up. She had no time to activate her counterforce; instead, she tried to quickly increase her body''s weight to get back down to the ground, but she was not fast enough.


    Apanied by something akin to a wolf''s howl, arge st of icy shrapnel was shot from the magic circle and flew straight at her.


    She screamed, and hid her face behind her arms, but that was all she could do. The shrapnel impacted her body and sent her flying away from Erik, heavily wounded.

 Chapter 26: Chapter 26 - Offering aid

    Seeing he had managed to wound his opponent severely, Erik stowed his hammer behind his back. He considered the fight to be over.


    His lips had curled into a broad grin, because he had enjoyed the fight quite a bit. Back on S?l, most people he fought were either too weak or focused too much on their powers to really give him the high-stakes, close-quartersbat he longed for.


    The spectators, or at least the non-enved ones, were murmuring among themselves, astonished at the way this fight had gone. No one expected the warden to lose, not to mention that they had never seen anyone with two affinities before.


    Erik now decided to go check up on his opponent. The crowd naturally saw this, but no one moved to stop him. They didn''t think they would be able to, after all. So they just watched from the side, wondering what this powerful human would do next.


    Seraphina was lying on her back in the grass as blood flowed from a great many cuts on her body, staining the green with red. Her body felt too weak to move from abination of blood loss, pain, fatigue and sunlight.


    While vampires had reduced their vulnerability to sunlight through aetherium, this did require them to exert a small amount of power during the day to counter it.


    Right now, however, she had overtaxed herself in using her counterforce ability too much, not to mention that it had been too long since shest drank blood as she had been in too much of a hurry to get here.


    Unlike their weakness to sunlight, their reliance on blood was still a powerful weakness for them. They required regr blood consumption to survive, keep their supernatural regeneration active, and prevent ghoulification.


    While shapeshifters had constant ess to regeneration, vampires faced more drawbacks, making them less advantageous overall.


    Shapeshifters, inparison, had minimal weaknesses, with aetherium significantly reducing their vulnerability to wolfsbane. The only hindrance they faced was the need to transform to unleash their full physical prowess, a process typically taking no more than a second or two.


    The biggest drawback to this was the ruined clothes they had to deal with every time.


    On the other hand, vampires depended on blood for sustenance and had to exert a small amount of power during the day to counter sunlight weakness. The only distinct advantages they possessed were an extended lifespan and continued ess to their full physical abilities, assuming they had recently consumed enough blood.


    Meanwhile, shapeshifters'' diminishing transformation times as their power increased meant that even this advantage was gradually fading away. Even the touted immortality of vampires wasn''t urate; the oldest vampire Seraphina knew was merely around two hundred years old.


    In Seraphina''s case, the sunlight weakness was worsened because the icy shards that had wounded her had also ripped her clothes, exposing most of her body to the open air.


    Vampires liked to wear tight-fitting ck clothes covering most of the body to reduce the effect of sunlight as much as possible.


    After all, if it was absorbed by their clothes, it wouldn''t be absorbed by their skin. Other colors would just reflect the sunlight, which might as well hit their uncovered body parts. To be fair though, these clothes are mostly a leftover from before the awakening.


    Seraphina could only count her lucky stars that it was a cloudy day, or she might not even be able to open her eyes now that she couldn''t protect herself with aetherium.


    Luckily, only Erik could really enjoy her exposed skin as the crowd was too far away and couldn''t look down at her from above.


    Appreciating the view of Seraphina''s gorgeous and well-endowed body despite the blood, Erik wore a lustful grin as he crouched next to her prone body, "That was a good fight. You are quite skilled with that sword as well as your abilities. I''m impressed."


    While he would have won much more easily if he could use his full abilities, Erik was still impressed by this woman''s fighting ability. The fact was, she simply didn''t have many of his advantages.


    For example, if it weren''t for his armour, he would at least have some wounds. He would still have won, just not entirely unscathed.


    Continuing to enjoy the view of his defeated foe''s mostly naked body, he decided to introduce himself, "My name is Erik Gunnulf, by the way. I make it a point to tell a woman my name after I''ve seen her naked. It''s just good manners, you know."


    Seraphina did her best to stifle her pained groans as she stared at the sky in an attempt to ignore Erik.


    She hated her current vulnerability. She wouldn''t die from her wounds, but she wouldn''t be able to get up any time soon, either, not while it was day and she didn''t have blood to drink.


    She closed her eyes as anger over her own failure flowed through her mind. Anger at her current weakness, anger at losing, anger at not anticipating every possibility, and at bing hasty near the end.


    She knew some people had two affinities, but it was still too rare for her to have considered the possibility during the fight.


    Erik wasn''t unique with his multiple affinities as sometimes, people were just born with them, and although that wasn''t the only way to have more than one, other methods likely weren''t avable to Earth for now.


    Seeing that the woman was uninterested in talking to him and prepared to stare at the sky in annoyed defiance, Erik kept talking, "So. Are you just going to keep lying there?"


    He was perfectly aware of her current difficulties, but he couldn''t help but try to rile her up a little.


    This time, Seraphina responded, "F- Fuck you."


    Erik chuckled, "Maybeter." As Seraphina rolled her eyes at him, he continued, "Anyway, would you like some help?"


    Seraphina was undoubtedly surprised by his offer as her eyes opened, and she looked at him with suspicion and wariness, "Why? You already got what you wanted."


    Despite her words, the truth was that she really could use some help. She had been far too hasty by rushing into this duel.


    She had no subordinates or blood supply present, because she had travelled ahead of herpanions when she heard what Liam had done. So now, she would be forced toy here and slowly recover until they arrived, assuming no one messed with her.


    She certainly didn''t trust the subordinates of that toad Liam, but was Erik any better?


    The man in question shrugged, "I respect you as a fighter. You and I have no hatred between us, so leaving you out here to bleed out on the grass is not my style. Besides, I need some information, and you are the perfect candidate to provide it."


    Neither Emily nor her ves really knew much about the events from thest seven years since the ves were too weak to know much, and Emily mostly stayed holed up on the Ashcroft estate. Hence, Erik and Elora needed another source of information.


    Seraphina grumbled for a while but didn''t respond.


    Seeing she needed some more incentive, Erik decided to poke at her honour. She seemed like the kind of person to have such a thing, "Well¡­ if you''re unwilling to follow through on your word, then what else can I do?"


    This statement triggered her as she growled, "What the hell are you talking about? Go grab Liam. You won."


    Erik chuckled as she responded exactly how he wanted her to, "Actually, the deal was the winner would ''get to decide how this ends''. And I don''t want it to end with you bleeding out on Emily''swn."


    Seraphina perked up a little. Perhaps she only needed a valid excuse to let herself be helped?


    However, she still hesitated before suddenly making a demand of her own: "I want to meet Emily and Emma! You help me and let me meet them, and I''ll tell you whatever you want¡­ within reason."


    Erik''s eyes shone with interest. After all, he and Elora had not found anything about Seraphina in Emily''s memories, "So you really do know them, huh? Anyway, why does it sound like you''re doing me a favour?"


    Clearly intent on doing whatever she could to appear in control, she quickly answered while suppressing her own pained groans with clenched teeth, "Take it or leave it."


    Erik could see the determination in her eyes. She was ready to be left there if Erik didn''t give her some dignity in defeat, so he chuckled in resignation, "Fine. But before I help you, I want your name."


    It''s not like he minded if she met with the sisters. In fact, if Seraphina had a positive history with them, his actions so far might increase his standing in her eyes, which could be helpful in the future, as he was trying to bind this woman to his side.


    She looked at him with a little exasperation. Was he trying to be her friend or something? Regardless, she saw no problem with it, "Seraphina Nightshade."


    Erik couldn''t help butugh at her name, which caused Seraphina to blush as she growled, "What?!"


    He shrugged, "I don''t know, it''s just such a typical vampire name. Did your parents pick it from some trashy vampire novel?"


    Seeing her withering stare, Erik chuckled and decided to drop the matter before suddenly grinning and extending his hand while dark green energy swirled over his arm towards it, "Regardless, let''s shake on our new deal, Seraphina."

 Chapter 27: Chapter 27 - Another covenant

    Seeing her have a much calmer reaction than Emma did, Erik smiled; this woman was truly a fighter. "This is covenant magic. Think of it as a magic contract. We both agree to the terms, and the magic ensures we keep our end of the bargain."


    When the magic reached his wrist, he grabbed Seraphina''s hand, as she didn''t have the power to lift it currently, and said,


    "The deal is this:" he began, "I will help you recover and meet with the Ashcroft sisters, and in exchange, you will truthfully answer all my questions to the best of your ability, so long as they don''t reveal anything that could put you in danger."


    Then he added a little something that he and Elora put at the end of most of their covenants, "Furthermore, you are not allowed to reveal anything about me to your council or anyone else besides what all these people around us already know."


    Seraphina looked at the dark green energy with concern as she had never heard of this covenant magic. Still, since she wanted this deal and didn''t hear anything wrong with it, she nodded her head, "Agreed."


    After the covenant was formed, they both gained the symbol of a wolf''s head with two fairy wings on the back of their hands, with Erik having two now, although Seraphina couldn''t see this yet.


    Seeing how the deal was made, Erik nodded, "Good!" and then suddenly bit his finger, causing blood to flow before he moved it towards Seraphina''s mouth with a dominant smirk.


    As the finger approached, Seraphina seemed a bit panicked, stammering, "W-Wait, I¡ª" However, it was toote; Erik pushed his finger into her mouth, and she instantly experienced the most heavenly taste of blood she ever had.


    Erik had discussed this with Elora earlier. Due to his powerful bloodlines, Elora suspected Erik''s blood might be both delicious and very beneficial for vampires. That wasn''t enough, though, as she had also purposefully introduced a somewhat addicting element to Erik''s blood after discussing it with him.


    While Erik generally tried to be Elora''s moralpass, he could also see the benefit of making a high-ranking council subordinate a little dependent on him.


    After all, after he had gotten his revenge on Edda, there were still plenty of other things to do on Earth, and having someone like Seraphina on his side would only be beneficial.


    Having Erik''s finger in her mouth, Seraphina found herself unable to stop drinking his blood. It not only tasted heavenly, but she could also feel the power brimming inside, as it filled her body from head to toe.


    While this made Erik lose blood rtively fast, his body could recover it at simr speeds, especially with Elora helping out.


    Meanwhile, Erik felt both his lust and his sense of domination rise as he looked at Seraphina sucking on his finger with desperation. At moments like these, he realised how much of a corrupting effect Elora had on him.


    But he didn''t mind so much. After all, he did genuinely love Elora, personality and all. Besides, lust and a desire to dominate were hardly the worst qualities he could have, so long as he could hold fast to his core moral beliefs.


    Not to mention that it felt good.


    His eyes were drawn towards the vampire''s rapidly healing wounds. He knew their regeneration was always faster while they were drinking blood, but this speed was much higher than even that, likely due to the power in Erik''s blood.


    When Seraphina''s wounds had healed, Erik pulled his finger out of her mouth, causing Seraphina to try and follow it with a greedy look in her eyes, but Erik quickly pushed her back down until the wound on his finger had healed.


    Seraphina growled as she tried to use her fangs to bite him, her eyes lost in feral hunger, but she found herself unable to escape from Erik''s strength.


    It took her a few moments to calm down before she sagged back onto the ground and panted, "W- What are you?! Your blood¡­ and your physical ability! You are no normal human!"


    While she had somewhat realised his weirdly powerful physical body during their fight, his overall strangeness only really began to sink in now that she had also tasted his blood, and her mind wasn''t so damn exhausted anymore.


    Erik smirked at her realisation, "That''s true, but it doesn''t really matter anymore, does it? The covenant will prevent you from talking about it to anyone."


    Still smirking, he extended his hand to her, "Need some help getting up?"


    But Seraphina snorted and ignored his hand as she stood up with inborn grace, "We''ll see how strong this magic of yours is and whether it will actually prevent me from talking to anyone about you. But regardless, I can still try to satisfy my own curiosity."


    After standing and dusting of her body, she continued, "Anyway, since your so-called covenant is supposed topel you to let me meet Emily and Emma, why don''t we get to it?"


    But Erik smiled mischievously at her, "Actually, the wording of these covenants is crucial, you know? Since no time period was set for meeting the two of them, I can basically do it whenever I like."


    Seraphina''s eyes red with anger as she reached for her sword, "You¡­!"


    Erikughed at her useless anger, "What are you going to do with that sword? We already know how that story ends. And I didn''t even use my full power during our battle."


    Her hand paused as she looked at him suspiciously. "You''re lying."


    But Erik smirked confidently, "No, I''m not. And you have already tasted the proof. I know the amazing taste must have overwhelmed you a little, but surely you could still taste the difference between a human¡­ and a shapeshifter?"


    Erik didn''t mind revealing this now. He hadplete confidence in Elora''s covenants, plus this would create more interest towards him from Seraphina as she tried to figure him out.


    Seraphina fell into stunned silence as she slowly examined the heavenly taste from earlier and discovered that, indeed, he was telling the truth.


    Continuing with her stunned silence, she just stared at Erik with a mixture of anger, curiosity and wariness.


    Seeing he had awakened sufficient interest in her mind, Erik decided to move on, "Anyway, how about you get the trash off mywn and get Liam here? I''ll also have all the ves released from their bonds, so you''ll probably have to deal with that as well.Afterwards, I will let you meet the sisters as promised."


    Seraphina looked at him with surprise. "I thought you were going to make me wait?"


    Erik shook his head with a smile, "Why would I do that? I will only stay here for a few more days at most, and I have no interest in having a covenant tied to me for much longer than that."


    Erik and Elora were always careful to make covenant effects on themst as briefly as possible.


    For example, their covenant with Emma would lose its effect on them after they had cured Emily, but Emma would be forever affected.


    After all, part of the deal was for her to never talk about Erik and Elora with anyone without their permission, causing her to be forever connected to them.


    The same now counted for Seraphina. Elora and Erik would be freed from the conditions as soon as they had shown her the two Ashcroft sisters.


    At the same time, Seraphina would not only be forever restricted from revealing information about Erik and Elora but also be forced to answer their questions.


    That is, unless either of them gains the power to overwhelm Elora''s covenant, but they would need to be at least fourth-rankers for that.


    Seraphina felt relieved at Erik''s intention not to make her wait. She even felt a bit of gratitude build inside her.


    Yet, another problem remained: "What about my clothes? It''s hard to make people obey you when you''re half naked."


    Erik''s lips curled up in a lustful grin, "That depends on the person you''re trying tomand. I find a lot of women be much more agreeable when I''m naked."


    Seeing Seraphina was not amused, he rolled his eyes at herck of humour before he snapped his finger, and Seraphina''s torn clothes suddenly stitched themselves back together under her astonished gaze.


    Naturally, it was Elora doing this, as the uses of Seidr magic were truly varied.


    Seraphina looked at him with more wariness and confusion, but Erik just shrugged and shooed her with his hand while smirking a little, clearly not intending to answer her questions.


    She quickly walked away to do as Erik had asked of her, without even realising she was already following his orders as if it were normal.


    Perhaps part of the problem was that she couldn''t get the taste of his blood out of her mind as she unconsciously kept rolling her tongue around her mouth to try and find any remaining drops.

 Chapter 28: Chapter 28 - Seraphina and Emily

    So many things had happened in thest two days, and he barely had time to let his mind catch up to it all.


    Sometimes, it seemed like every moment here on Earth only created more questions while the answers seemed further and further out of reach.


    While he could be considered happy about the chance to get revenge on Edda, his life had suddenly be a lot moreplicated.


    Things were much easier on S?l. All he and Elora had to worry about was the next job. Sure, Elora had many ambitions and ns, so tougher times were always on the horizon, but that was supposed to be only after they had significantly grown in strength.


    Sensing his slight turmoil and knowing all the trash in the surroundings had already left the area, Elora appeared in herrger form andy down on his chest in aforting hug.


    ***


    They were currently in the Ashcroft mansion living room, the same ce where Emily and Emma had once seen their parentsbust.


    Emily was also there, or at least, her body was, as she stood next to the couches with the same doll-eyed stare she''d had since Elora locked her mind away.


    The fourth person in the room was a ck-haired, pasty-looking man, tied up in a hogtie with a gag in his mouth, having been dumped in the corner while squirming from left to right in outrage but going wholly ignored.


    After Seraphina had left Erik on the grass, she had first gone to secure Liam by tying him up in the way he currently was, during the process of which he had woken up from the kick Seraphina had given him earlier.


    Next, she organised the released ves, ensuring Liam''s subordinates took good care of them for potential council propaganda.


    Lastly, she instructed the gathered men and women to leave, assuring them she would handle the rest and indicating that Liam likely wouldn''t return. Though there was some grumbling, they ultimately followed her instructions.


    Their loyalty to Liam wasn''t strong enough to challenge the woman who was just before effortlessly shrugging off mighty hammer blows like they were nothing. Especially because she now appeared to be backed by both the man who defeated her and the Witch of London.


    Instead, they decided it was wiser to focus on gaining support to be the region''s next leader.


    Erik lounged on a couch across from the two women as he responded to Seraphina''s question with a confident smirk, "We''ll get to that. How about you tell me what your history with Emily is first?"


    Seraphina''s already red eyes were nearly spitting fire as she was about ready to get into another fight with this man, but instead, she felt something inside force an answer out of her, "I- I lived in London before the world went to shit. In fact, my family were neighbours to the Ashcrofts."


    With annoyance and confusion in her eyes, the words kept flowing out of her, "Emily and I became quick friends because we both liked rock music and hung out with the same crowds. She never found out about what I was, of course."


    Her strained expression worsened, "In fact, my family lived here under a false name, and I always wore wigs and lenses and a lot of makeup to hide my nature as a vampire from hunters. But we uh¡­"


    Her face went red as she tried to keep this bit of information inside, but the covenant was ruthless, "We experimented a little with each other as well, though we never went very far."


    In the corner, Liam went bug-eyed at that piece of information. When he was still secretly scheming to take Emily into his bed, he had kept any guys away from her with abination of threats and money, but he never would have thought to do the same with women!


    Meanwhile, Elora and Erik finally understood why they hadn''t found any evidence of Seraphina''s existence in Emily''s memories. Because, in a sense, she didn''t exist back then.


    Erik snickered at Seraphina''s red face as he waved his hand, "Alright, alright¡ªno need to strain yourself. I get the picture. You two were close. So why leave her behind when the world went to shit?"


    The back of Erik''s hand had now lost one of the covenant marks, as he had fulfilled his part of the bargain by letting Seraphina meet Emily. How far he would take things from here was up to him, but Seraphina would continue to be bound by the covenant for a long time.


    Seraphina stared at Erik for a moment longer, her eyes burning with fury. She deeply regretted her rash decision to ept Erik''s deal without thinking some more about the wording.


    Technically, she could still answer him while trying to stab his face. But she knew that would aplish little, so she sighed in resignation and answered before the covenant would make her do it anyway.


    "My father forced me," she exined. "When the awakening came, we fled to Eastern Europe, where our family''s ancestral home was located, intending to find safety in numbers."


    She frowned thoughtfully, "The whole thing went down as if he had a n ready for when this moment came like he knew it would happen. But he never confirmed those thoughts."


    Then she sighed helplessly, "I resented him for that for a long time, and still do a little, but I eventually just epted that Emily and her adorable little sister were already dead. But then, the council formed, and I heard rumours about a Witch of London named Emily, living in the Ashcroft estate."


    "So¡­ here I am," she finally shrugged. "Now, before you ask anything else, will you please tell me what''s wrong with her?"


    Deciding to have a little mercy on Seraphina, Erik shrugged, "Surely you''ve heard about the things Emily got up to here? I mean, there''s a reason the council sent you, right?"


    Seraphina looked a little ufortable as she indeed had a hard time linking the envement of so many people to the determined and no-nonsense yet inherently kind girl she knew in the past. So she nodded, "Yeah, but¡­ such is the price for safety, I get that."


    Erik shook his head, "No, it went much deeper than that. Have you and your council never noticed behavioural changes in people with certain affinities?"


    Seraphina furrowed her brows in thought before she nodded, "Yeah, there''s been theories. Are you saying they''re correct?"


    Seeing Erik nod, Seraphina''s face scrunched up and she looked back at Emily with pity and sadness, "Based on the information we have, it''s always been assumed Emily has a darkness affinity. I''m guessing that''s bad?"


    Erik answered, "Worst of the worst. The Emily you knew is basically gone. I currently have her mind entirely locked down, but if I freed her right now, she would either try to kill or enve us both without much thought."


    Seraphina looked at Emily for a little longer, as if lost in memories, before she turned back to Erik with suspicion in her eyes, "Do you have any proof of that?"


    With his lips curled into a smirk, Erik said, "Is there any proof you would believe? Since I can lock Emily''s mind away, what''s to say I can''t make her do and say whatever I like? Regardless, I have no reason to prove myself to you anyway. You can believe my words or not. It makes no difference to me."


    Seraphina realised he was right. She had no way to force him into giving her any kind of proof; she could either believe or disbelieve, but it was undeniable that the council had data on personality changes based on affinities.


    Seeing her lost expression, Erik offered apromise since his aim was still to make this woman look favourably upon him so that her dependence would increase,


    "But perhaps talking to Emma will paint you a picture of Emily''s changes over the past seven years. You should have seen the state I found her in when I arrived here yesterday."


    Still lounging on the couch, he looked past Seraphina and to the door, "Would you like toe in, Emma?"


    He had noticed her arrival soon after he sat down here. Seraphina probably would have as well if she hadn''t been preupied with Emily.


    In surprise, Seraphina looked at the doorway and found a pitiful-looking girl who resembled the young Emma she had once known.


    Emma, meanwhile, looked into the room with trepidation. This was the first time she was so close to setting foot inside the living room once again since she had witnessed her parent''s fate there.


    She wasn''t deterred, however. While thest seven years had severely eroded her mental resilience, her inherent personality was one of optimism and adaptability, which,bined with her rapidly growing trust in Erik, caused her mental resilience to rise at a fast pace.

 Chapter 29: Chapter 29 - Earth

    Was this really all due to Emily, then?


    Before she could find the right words or person to me, Emma suddenly stepped into the room and gave Seraphina a warm and cute hug, much like the ones she had given in the past, to drive away her big sister''s sorrows.


    Clearly, hearing Seraphina''s story made Emma realise who she was, and the hug indicated it was good to see her again. She even called Seraphina by the fake name she had used in the past, "It''s good to see you again, Olivia."


    Yet, Erik realised he was right when he thought Emma might, inherently, not be much of a talker when she didn''t say anything else before letting go of Seraphina and sitting down next to Erik.


    Despite her bravery in entering this room, she couldn''t help but let overflowing sadness seep into her eyes as she constantly nced between her sister Emily and the space where her parent''s funeral sofa had once stood.


    Seraphina looked at the clearly exhausted and underfed Emily, who was ncing sadly around the room and starting to understand what Emily might have been like thest seven years.


    When he saw Emma looking sad, Erik put an arm around her in an attempt tofort her, as he still felt a little protective towards her. Emma seemed shocked at his actions but offered no resistance and even smiled a little.


    At least for a moment, as her close proximity to Erik caused the scenes from this morning to suddenly spring into her mind, making her smile strain a little as her cheeks heated up.


    Seeing Emma like this caused Seraphina quite a bit of surprise, as she was under the impression that Erik had only met her yesterday. She wondered if he had made such a good impression on the girl or if something else was happening.


    Suspicions rose again as she wondered if he had done something to her mind since he obviously had the capability, considering Emily''s state.


    In fact, there really was something else going on, something that only Elora and Erik were currently aware of, but Emma would only find out when she awakened.


    Having calmed down a little, Emma looked at Erik with a questioning gaze as she pointed at Emily. "Can we get started yet?"


    But Erik shook his head, "My partner is currentlyying the groundwork, but we can''t get started in earnest yet.We need to get you to awaken first, but your body is still far too weak for that, and it''s not getting any better by not sleeping. I don''t know why you look even more exhausted than yesterday, but you must get enough sleep."


    Although Erik had given Emma some aetherium-infused food yesterday, that was not enough to resolve the issue in a day. Andbined with her fatigue, there was just no way they could awaken her today.


    Emma looked confused at Erik, "W- why do I need to awaken first?"


    Erik''s lips curled into aforting smile, "Because your affinity is uniquely suited to help your sister. Hopefully, this will also help a little with your guilt."


    Emma looked partly confused and partly happy but then seemed to fall into thought, likely thinking about her sleeping troubles, whatever they were.


    Leaving her to her thoughts while petting her head, Erik turned his attention back to Seraphina, "You can have a reunion with Emmater if you like. For now, I need you to answer more of my questions."


    So far, Seraphina had just been looking at Emma with pain in her heart as she could still remember the cheerful little girl from back before the awakening.


    Yet, Erik''s words pulled her out of her thoughts as he looked at him with somewhat kinder eyes, yet ignoring his words, "Can you¡­ really help Emily?"


    Erik shrugged, "Sort of. It will be more like me helping Emma to help Emily." He then pointed to Liam, "The pasty shit over there will help out too. Since he was the main source of Emilly''s paranoia and istionist attitude thest seven years, we''ll let her work out some of her darkness on him."


    Seraphina suddenly looked both confused and surprised, "That''s why you wanted him? But why would he be the main source of her dark emotions? Sure, they ended up on opposite sides, but her parents were friends with him, weren''t they?"


    Erik raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "I see. I suppose I shouldn''t be surprised you didn''t know." He looked to this side, "Emma, do you mind if I tell her?"


    Emma, roused from her thoughts, looked a little ufortable but then nodded. So Erik told Seraphina everything that happened to the sisters from the day of the awakening, causing anger to quickly rise in Seraphina''s eyes until she was seething with fury.


    "Rat bastard!" she eximed, ready to stomp the cornered and tied-up squirming man into the floor, but Erik stopped her.


    "Calm down," he soothed with a raised hand. "I understand your anger, but it is not your ce to take revenge. Remember, he is important to Emily''s recovery. Don''t worry, though. I''m sure Emily will make him suffer when the timees."


    Still seething but seemingly calmed by Erik''s promise of future suffering, she returned to her ce next to Emily before taking a deep breath.


    While some gratitude tried its best to shine through in Seraphina''s eyes, it was still primarily suspicion as she eyed Erik, "Why are you helping them? You don''t really seem like the good samaritan type."


    Contrary to her expectations, Erik looked sad as he said, "It''s hard not to be moved by the story of these two sisters."


    Then his expression turned into a smirk, "But you''re right. I do get something out of it, of course.But you don''t need to worry about that. Emma is fully aware of the deal she made. Now¡­ about those questions?"


    Seraphina felt a little better upon seeing his genuine sadness over the sisters'' story but still wished to know the details of their deal as she noticed the same mark she had on Emma''s hand.


    Yet, she knew she wouldn''t get any further by asking Erik, so she determined to ask Emmater and instead just nodded at Erik, "Ask away."


    Erik started looking serious as he leaned forward a little, "Good. First of all, assume I''ve been living under a rock for the past seven years and tell me everything that''s happened in that time."


    Seraphina was a little surprised at his request but decided not to think too much about it as she began talking.


    It was currently the year 2030, and on the day of the awakening seven years ago, spontaneousbustion imed 70% of humanity while leaving the survivors with newfound magical abilities.


    This event coincided with the emergence of supernaturals, including shapeshifters and vampires, which added to the challenges faced by everyone as humans were suddenly faced with creatures from horror movies.


    Even animals mutated, gaining strength, some intelligence, and, asionally, elemental maniption skills.


    Amidst this turmoil, powerful individuals who, surprisingly, had already made some headway in the awakened powers rose to prominence, bing rulers and instigating conflicts among themselves.


    Naturally, chaos reigned supreme during this first year, as every race fought not only each other but also among themselves.


    The initial reliance on guns dwindled over the years as bullets became scarce, pushing people towards harnessing and enhancing their magical capabilities.


    Communication methods faced challenges due to aetherium interfering with specificmunication frequencies, limiting effective ranges to a mere hundred kilometers.


    Bothser and radio wave-basedmunication struggled, and even sea cables were eventually severed through unknown means. The chaos of the early years hampered attempts to restoremunication infrastructure.


    However, they were still able to gather some information from nearby continents.


    In Africa, thend became a battleground ruled by various warlords engaged in constant conflict. Asia, on the other hand, had witnessed the rise of a human supremacist dictatorship, where supernaturals faced envement or death.


    Meanwhile, the Americas and Australia''s situations remained uncertain, prompting the council to n expeditions to explore these continents.


    In Europe, initial racial tensions led to territories dominated by a single race.However, efforts by the council aimed to reintegrate the races and restore a semnce of unity. Despite these attempts, Europe remained divided into factions, presenting a vtile mix of races waiting for resolution.


    The council''s exploration missions became crucial in unveiling the fates of other continents and determining the path forward for the awakened world.


    After Seraphina was done talking, Erik remained silent for a while as he and Elora internalised all this new information, while Emma actually did the same, as she also had very little information about the world''s current state.

 Chapter 30: Chapter 30 - Arcanists and Runebound

    Now Seraphina looked confused, "Aren''t you a shapeshifter yourself?"


    At the same time, Emma was surprised, as this was the first time she had heard of Erik being anything but human. Yet, she soon settled down, as she didn''t think it mattered.


    Erik shook his head, "Remember what I said? Consider me to have lived under a rock for thest seven years. Sure, I know how I personally grow stronger, but how would I know if it works the same for other supernaturals?"


    That was something Elora and Erik had both wondered about back on S?l.


    After all, a single specimen hardly makes for proper research. Elora, and S?l in general, had plenty of knowledge on the standard power system for most races outside of Earth, but Erik had so far been the only person they knew whose body worked differently.


    Was Erik unique among his kind, or did they all advance in the same way? And what about vampires? Did they use the same system as shapeshifters?


    While these questions had never been particrly important before, now that they were on Earth, they might as well investigate, as they wondered why Earth and the races living on it were so different.


    They had already noticed one difference, which was that the supernaturals on Earth appeared to have affinities in the same way as humans, while Erik didn''t have any when he first met Elora.


    Still a little confused by his request but seeing no problem with answering, Seraphina began exining what she knew.


    Humans, and unbeknownst to Seraphina, most other races known to Elora and Erik, initiated their journey to power with a single mystic glyph tied to their affinities.


    This glyph would instinctively appear the moment they absorbed aetherium for the first time and then be imprinted on their magic core, residing in the heart. At this stage, they held the title of a first rank, often referred to as an initiate.


    The imprinted glyphs on their core were essible for both study and casting. From then on, advancing in power required careful examination and study of these glyphs, where each of them contained a specific spell, varying even within the same affinity.


    For instance, individuals with a fire affinity might manipte mes or heat or infuse a weapon with fire. As one delved deeper into studying a single glyph, the associated spell would be more flexible and powerful.


    Advancement in this system involved the discovery of a second glyph, marking the transition to a second rank, also known as an adept. This advancement resulted in a substantial increase in power.


    From there, power and rank increase as more and more glyphs are discovered.


    Apart from glyph understanding and formation, internal aetherium storage yed a crucial role. This aspect was simpler than glyphs and involved absorbing aetherium from the air to fill the storage.


    The stored power could be used for spells, simple cantrips, or powering a sigil, like the aetherium infusion sigil that Emily had created. The storage itself could be expanded by gradually seeping more power into it when filled to capacity.


    The power of a person''s spells generally depended on abination of glyph understanding and aetherium storage size.


    On S?l and across the universe, this system was simply referred to as ''the path.'' But on Earth, there needed to be a distinction. Therefore, the human path was called Arcanism, and the supernatural path was Runebound.


    Runebound differed from Arcanism in several ways. Arcane glyphs typically resembled concentric circles with symbols, while Runebound runes looked more like ancient symbols and were melded into the skin rather than inscribed on a core they did not even have.


    These runes woulde out into view when a Runebound used their power.


    A Runebound also didn''t actively absorb aetherium like Arcanists but instead had it permeate through their skin, enhancing their bodies and turning it into a self-sustaining power source.


    This difference could bepared to the difference between mana and energy, with an Arcanist''s mana being arge pool of power that can be slowly refilled with aetherium from the environment, and a Runebound''s energy being a smaller pool that is constantly refilled by the body itself, which is tiring.


    Unlike Arcanists, Runebound enhanced physical properties to extreme levels, achieved through this aetherium permeation.


    This process didn''t exactly happen automatically, though. A Runebound needed to exercise their body in order for the permeation to happen and their internal power generation to grow stronger.


    The final distinction was in the nature of spells. Arcanists leaned towards efficient rangedbat abilities, while Runebound abilities were more focused on close range or even direct maniption of the body.


    While not an absolute rule, it generally defined the differences between the two paths. Meanwhile, Erik has had a currently unique opportunity to follow both paths from the moment he met Elora.


    The supernatural species did not have aetherial storage or a core to have glyphs imprinted on, but Erik had a littlepanion, who not only acted as his aetherial storage but from the moment he gained the Raij¨± bloodline all those years ago, he also gained a core.


    Naturally, this gave him both runes and glyphs, doubling the abilities he had ess to while allowing him to fight efficiently at both long and close range.


    However, it wasn''t all roses, as there was currently no kind of feedback loop between the two systems, meaning he had to do twice the amount of work to be equally as fast as anyone else.


    Luckily, Elora''s presence also helped him with this, but he was still significantly slower in his advancement than most others.


    He had once tried to just focus on a single path while letting the other just passively improve, but this quickly proved undoable as pain had wracked his body from the moment the two systems lost their bnce.


    At the time, he had screamed in agony for two days while Elora worked frantically to help restore the bnce between the two systems. Incidentally, this event had actually been a great catalyst in advancing Elora''s love for Erik as she realised she didn''t want to see him in pain.


    At the time, this made Erik wonder what would have happened if he had gained Elora as apanion at a point where he already had made progress along the Runebound path.


    Regardless, despite the fact that his circumstances caused a reduction in growth speed, he realised that his situation was more beneficial than not, as he held much greater power than others at the second rank.


    Having listened to everything Seraphina had told them, they now realised that, yes, both vampires and shapeshifters followed the Runebound path, and, inherently, Erik''s system worked no different from other Runebound, with the only difference being hisck of an affinity.


    After getting to this point, they spent a few more hours talking as Elora had some more questions for Erik to ask Seraphina, mostly about the various factions that now ruled Europe and were associated with the council.


    When they were finally done, Seraphina released a sigh of relief. She couldn''t remember thest time she had to talk this much in a row.


    Erik looked at her with amusement, "Don''t worry, you''re off the hook for now. How about you get reacquainted with Emma while I go prepare some food for us."


    Seraphina looked a little surprised at his offer but quickly nodded as she wanted to talk to Emma with Erik out of the room, "Alright! No need to make food for me, though."


    She gained a slightly dreamy look as she thought about Erik''s blood, "That¡­ meal you gave me earlier was very filling."


    Quickly shaking herself free from her thoughts about that, she then looked at Emily, "Will you, Uhm, take Emily with you?"


    Erik couldn''t help but smirk at her failed attempt to make it seem like a casual question, "You could just ask me to give you two some privacy, you know?"


    Unfortunately, despite his hope for seeing a little embarrassment on Seraphina''s face, she just sent an angry gaze his way for a few moments before she asked, "Well? Will you?"


    Feeling an almost instinctual desire to tease this woman, Erik said with a grin, "If you ask nicely, sure."


    Her gaze only became more hostile, but Erik only grinned wider in response until she finally asked through gritted teeth, "Will you please give us some privacy?"


    Erikughed softly and turned to Emma, "Are you okay with that, Emma?"


    Seeing her smile lightly and nod, Erik winked at Seraphina and then turned around to go to the kitchen while Elora ordered Emily to go stand in the hallway.


    Once there, he took some beneficial food from his armour storage and began to prepare a meal for himself and Emma, together with Elora, who had decided toe out of his soul and join him for this strangely normal couple activity.


    That said, she really wasn''t very helpful as she either just lounged on his shoulder in small form or hugged him from behind in herrger form while they talked about everything and nothing.


    Regardless of her usefulness, however, Erik still appreciated her presence as he continued to make food with a smile.


    When he returned to the living room, Seraphina and Emma were sitting on the same couch while the vampire hugged the smaller girl with a sad look in her eyes.

 Chapter 31: Chapter 31 - Emmas problem

    After Seraphina had her one-on-one with Emma, much of the hostility in her eyes had disappeared. While she still wasn''t sure about Erik''s trustworthiness or if he had messed with Emma''s mind somehow, she just had to go with her gut at some point.


    Emma immensely enjoyed the meal as she ate with relish, causing Seraphina to be curious and eat a few bites as well¡­ and then a few more.


    She looked at Erik with surprise at his apparent skill as a cook.


    Erik just ate in silence with a small smile. While he certainly could be considered a decent cook, most praise should be for the ingredients, as they were simply of higher quality than you could find anywhere on Earth.


    Back on S?l, Elora certainly wasn''t going to do something so mundane as cooking food, especially since she didn''t really need food anyway, so Erik had little choice but to learn how, assuming he ever wanted a decent meal.


    When they were done eating, Erik turned to Seraphina, "Feel free to make yourself at home in one of the bedrooms, but don''t get any ideas. I don''t sleep much."


    Seraphina scoffed as if insulted, "If I want to do anything, I''ll do it to your face. Don''t insult me."


    She nced at Emma, "Will you be alright, Emma?"


    The nutritious and aetherium-filled food had perked Emma up a little, but she still looked exhausted as she smiled at Seraphina with tired eyes and nodded.


    Seraphina then gave Erik onest look of warning, likely telling him not to try anything with Emma, and then went to find herself a room.


    With Seraphina gone, Erik turned to Emma, "Are you ready to talk about why you don''t seem to be getting any sleep? You know this is necessary if you want to help Emily."


    Emma looked a little ufortable, even as she nodded, "I- I know. It''s just¡­ you''ll think I''m weird."


    Erik gave her a smile he hoped wasforting, "I''ve seen plenty of strange things in my life. You won''t surprise me. And even if you do, what does it matter? Either way, you''re stuck with me for the next ten years; we might as well get to know each other."


    Emma still looked ufortable because trusting Erik with this would put her in a very vulnerable position. But as all her interactions with Erik in thest two days shed by her eyes, she decided to trust him.


    After all, she wanted to save her sister, which meant she had to sleep. Besides, Erik was right. If she were to spend the next ten years with this guy, she would need to trust him eventually.


    So she nodded with slightly hesitant determination, "A- Alright. I''ll show you."


    Having said so, she stood up and moved out of the room with Erik following her, curiosity etched on his face.


    They went to the upper floor and eventually arrived in front of a door. Emma gulped and went through it, Erik hot on her heels.


    On the other side was what likely used to be a very girly bedroom, with various plush toys, many pillows, arge princess bed, and pink colours abounding.


    Yet it now looked much more dreary, with the pink colours having greyed while the plushies and pillows had been thoroughly destroyed by moths and perhaps even other creatures.


    Emma had a nervous smile on her face as she looked at therge, handsome, heavily armoured man standing in her room,


    "You, uh, you''re the first man besides my father who''s been in here. I have to say, I never imagined the first other man to wear menacing ck armour."


    Erik grinned at her, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "I can take it off if you like."


    Naturally, Emma immediately thought back to this morning as her cheeks flushed, but she quickly shook her head, "N- No, that''s fine."


    Erik chuckled, "As you wish. So, show me why we are here."


    Emma nodded and gulped again before she walked to a drawer and¡­ took out some rope.


    She walked back to Erik with the rope in her hand as she fidgeted nervously with small tears in her eyes and tried to find the right words, "I¡­ For years, Emily has been tying me up at night and sometimes even during the day if something was happening, like two days ago."


    Despite her determination to help her sister, her eyes now showed resentment as she continued, "I always hated it. Not the tied-up part per se, but the loneliness, the darkness and the oppressive, evil feeling in that study.


    But after so many years, I- I seem to be incapable of falling asleep without being restrained..."


    She fell quiet then, clearly both ashamed and humiliated at confessing all this to a man she barely knew, but what else could she do? At least she felt like she could trust Erik.


    While Erik inwardly felt surprised at her revtion, he also knew that he couldn''t let it show, as Emma was already feeling vulnerable, and he wouldn''t give her a reason to think he thought of her as weird.


    Erik hunched down a little to put his face at the same height as hers, since he was easily 30cm taller, and grabbed her by the chin, forcing her to look into his eyes despite her efforts at trying to avoid it.


    "Your life has been hard. It''s only normal if you pick up some quirks along the way. But you know you''ll have to learn how to sleep normally again eventually, right?"


    Emma nodded timidly, yet happy he didn''t condemn her straight away, "I- I know. But Emily can''t wait."


    Releasing her chin but remaining hunched, he looked at her seriously, "Alright. So what do you need from me?"


    Emma took a deep breath and closed her eyes before she shoved the ropes towards Erik; her following words said so rapidly it almost sounded like a single word, "I want you to tie me up and let me sleep next to you in this room so I don''t feel alone or in the dark."


    Erik couldn''t keep the surprise from his face this time, though luckily Emma had her eyes closed, and he quickly recovered, "That¡­ Why me? Seraphina is here now. Wouldn''t you be morefortable doing this with her?"


    But Emma shook her head, "No. I used to know her in the past, but who''s to say she''s still the same person? She doesn''t even carry the same name.


    Besides, you and I will spend the next ten years together, while Seraphina likely won''t be staying with us, and who knows how long it will take me to get used to sleeping normally again?


    Andstly¡­ you''ve had every opportunity to do whatever you like to me. Why should I be concerned now? I realise that being tied up while sleeping next to you is not exactly the same, but¡­ I trust you."


    Erik sighed at her earnest words. It''s not like he wasn''t interested. A pretty girl like Emma putting so much trust in him? Having her sleep next to him while so incredibly vulnerable?


    Of course, he was interested. Even if he didn''t do anything to her, it would still feel nice just to have her there.


    So he nodded, "Alright, Emma. I''ll try not to betray your trust then. I hope you don''t mind if I lie down without my armour, though. It''s not exactlyfortable."


    Emma immediately flushed red, remembering the scene from this morning; she realised he was naked under there¡­plete with thatrge snake.


    She gulped, "C- Can you put on some underwear at least?"


    Erik grinned in response to her behaviour, "Well¡­ Elora won''t like it. But alright, just for you."


    Still blushing, Emma said nothing and just pushed the ropes towards Erik again, clearly wanting to get this over with.


    Erik smiled and took the ropes before Emma went to lie on the bed, naturally still in her clothes and fidgeted nervously.


    Erik approached her, "You seem quite nervous. Are you sure you want to do this?"


    Emma opened and closed her mouth a few times and then said, "The truth is¡­ I think I''ll feel morefortable tied up at this point. Right now, with you in my room, I just don''t know what to say or do. But after I''m tied up, I won''t be able to do anything anymore.


    There''s a certain kind offort in that. As long as¡­ as long as you can trust the person with you."


    She looked at the man she thought looked so scary the first time she saw him, but now felt somewhatfortable, "I can trust you, right?"


    While Emma mostly did this out of necessity, she wouldn''t have gone through with it if she hadn''t felt she could trust Erik.


    Erik nodded seriously. Even if he enjoyed the idea of having her do this, he had no intention of betraying her trust.


    Luckily, he had some experience tying people up during his time on S?l, both professionally with his job as a mercenary and during more¡­ private events.

 Chapter 32: Chapter 32 - Mischievous Elora (partial 18+)

    [A/N: If the title hasn''t betrayed it yet, nothing happens with Emma in this chapter. Just to get that out of the way.]


    Erik set out to restrain Emma asfortably as he could while constantly eying her in case she wanted to back out.


    He wasn''t going to insult her conviction by constantly asking if she was really alright with this, especially not since he was enjoying himself, but he could at least keep a close eye on her.


    Her arms he tied together in a light harness behind her back before snaking the rope around her medium-sized but perky chest, fastening her harness, while her legs he merely tied together by her ankles.


    When that was done, he crouched beside her, "Are youfortable? Do you need a gag as well?"


    Emma looked embarrassed, but seeing how Erik was still treating her with care, she calmed down quickly despite her red face "I- I feel like you''ve done this before. Not that I have any experience with it outside of my sister''s work. B- But yes. A gag, too, please.


    I need it to be as close to what my sister did as possible. Just¡­ don''t ignore me or leave me alone in the dark."


    Erik nodded seriously before he gagged her mouth.


    Now lyingpletely immobile and silenced, she looked at Erik with a little anxiety, wondering what he would do now.


    The man in question kept looking at Emma, making her feel seen and not ignored, while he took off his armour and adorned some simple clothing he had stored away in the storagepartment.


    The brief glimpse of Erik''s nakedness made Emma blush deeper, but she didn''t take her eyes off him as a strange feeling of excitement filled her.


    Continuing to keep his eyes on Emma, Erik walked around the bed and took his ce on the other side of it while Emma wriggled her body to turn around.


    Exhaustion was still apparent on Emma''s face, but the situation was still a little too stimting for her to fall asleep. Erik looked at her and spoke with amanding voice, "I''m going to pull you closer to me now, okay?"


    Feeling a little intimidated, Emma gulped a little but nodded, which Erik thought was adorable. He encircled her body with his powerful left arm as he pulled her closer, resting her head on his shoulder.


    It was slowly getting darker outside, and with no light in this room, the same was happening there, causing Emma to squirm a little. She may not be alone now, but she still didn''t like the dark much.


    Seeing this, Erik held up his hand in front of Emma. Suddenly, a small ball of lightning began to fizzle and crack above his hand, causing Emma''s anxiety to spike at first, but then, a seal of ice began to form over the ball until it was wholly encased.


    Erik threw the ball towards the ceiling, where a small pir of ice had formed, which the ball attached itself to as it started to spread a soft, beautifully flickering light over the room.


    Simple things like these were possible even without simr spells, as it was just some cantrips and pure elemental energy.


    Emma would have smiled gratefully if she hadn''t been gagged while she looked at the trapped lightning with wonder.


    Theyy there for a few more minutes before Emma felt thest of her anxiety drain away.


    All she felt now was Erik''s slow breaths, his powerful, steady heartbeat, and the familiarity of being tied up whilecking the fear and despair of being alone and in the dark.


    A few momentster, she drifted off into a deep sleep.


    Erik still didn''t need much sleep, however, so he decided to take this time to study his new ice affinity glyph and rune. He hoped to create seconds of these as soon as possible so he could start attempting tobine his ice and lightning affinities.


    His thoughts drifted into meditation as the intricacies of his imprinted marks appeared before his mind''s eye, allowing him to explore them.


    Yet, before he got very far, he suddenly felt Elora leave his body and a weight appear on his crotch.


    He sighed in faked resignation as he opened his eyes, only to see a naked Elora with her crimson hair in a ponytail and her green eyes twinkling with mischief.


    She was naturally in herrger form as she sat on his crotch with a lusty grin on her face. "You just can''t help yourself, can you?" He said rhetorically, with a grin to match the one Elora had.


    Elora giggled yfully, "Come now, Erik. You can''t expect me to ignore this situation! I know you won''t do anything to that woman, but¡­" She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "I know her presence excites you."


    She wiggled her tight ass against his bulge, "In fact, I can feel it straight through this tiny fabric."


    Knowing it was useless to deny her ims and not really feeling the desire to anyway, Erik thrust his hips up a little, causing Elora to moan softly as Erik whispered back, "Well? What are you gonna do about it then, huh?"


    Hearing his implied eptance, Elora shuffled down Erik''s body, her eyes sparkling with mischief and lust, while Erik took a look at the girl still wrapped up in his left arm and resting against his body to make sure she was still asleep.


    While doing this and that with Elora as Emmay there, tied up and asleep, wasn''t technically betraying her trust; he doubted the girl herself would see it that way if she woke up.


    He was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt his dick being freed from its confines, followed by a soft, wet tongue travelling across it, sending a tingle up his spine as he heard Elora giggling, "Let''s wake up this big monster of yours, shall we?"


    Erik groaned as Elora kept licking him, slowly making him transition from half-mast to raging boner until his massive nine inches saluted the heavens.


    He then felt his dick being swallowed by the trained throat of his beloved partner as her skilled tongue swirled around him, sending more and more shivers up his spine.


    A less experienced man would have blown his load in mere seconds from Elora''s ministrations while being convinced she had been doing this all her life with as many partners as days.


    Yet Erik knew that his was the only cock ever to enter any part of her, and it made this feeling all the better.


    While he couldn''t move much, as he didn''t want to wake up Emma, he did use his free right arm to prop up his head so he could rx while having a good look at Elora as she satisfied both their lusts.


    His lips curled into a grin as he enjoyed thebination of a pretty, trusting young girl''s tight body pressed against his side while his wicked little ember swallowed his dick with immense skill.


    It appeared Elora wouldn''t quit until she got a belly full of Erik''s load as she continued to suck him off while her hand had long since travelled down to her own cave of wonders and furiously worked its little pearl.


    If Emma weren''t in the way, Elora would have long since transitioned this to a sixty-nine position.


    As Eriky there enjoying this, groaning softly in an effort not to wake up Emma, it took Elora no more than five minutes to finish Erik off.


    When she noticed he was close, she moved her upper body to be in line with her own throat and thrust herself forward with a lustful grin, managing to swallow his entire nine inches despite her small stature.


    Feeling her soft and tight throat all around his cock and seeing the bulge in her throat were thest straws for Erik as he began pumping his white cum straight into her stomach while he and Elora kept looking into each other''s eyes with lustful glints.


    When he was spent, Elora pulled herself free and grinned as she licked her lips, "Delicious."


    Erik chuckled, "I''ll take your word for it."


    Elora crawled back up his body until her pussy was rubbing against his member, making it take no more than a few seconds for Erik to be rearing to go once again. There were more benefits to having a Runebound body besides fighting power.


    As Elora put her hands on Erik''s chest and rose up to slide her slit over his raging dick while droplets of her own need dripped down, she looked at the girl next to him and grinned, "What do you think she''d do if she woke up now, huh? Squirm of the bed? Or¡­ continue to watch in fascinated silence?"


    Erik shook his head with a smile, "Maybe we''ll find out one day, but let it not be today. You know we need her well rested, so make sure she doesn''t wake up, alright?"

 Chapter 33: Chapter 33 - Fun with lightning (18+)

    Elora sighed exaggeratedly but still relented as she waved her hand, causing a thinyer of dark green light to cover Emma, "There, neither sound nor movement will affect her sleep now."


    She stuck out her tongue cutely, "Spoilsport." Afterwards, she was about to slide Erik inside her when she suddenly thought of something and got an idea.


    A wicked grin appeared on her face, and Erik immediately knew she was going to make trouble for someone, possibly him.


    Elora flew up and headed for the room''s door, where she began to draw a symbol on the floor. As she did so, Erik could feel her essing his lightning affinity, which she could do in small doses, just enough to draw the asional lightning sigil.


    He could stop her from doing so, but he started to understand what she wanted and didn''t intend to spoil her fun.


    It took her about ten minutes to finish, but when she was done, she quickly flew back to Erik with an excited smile and took her seat on top of him, quickly making Erik hard again before she began to slowly slide him inside her, swallowing Erik''s stick with her slit.


    Erik saw inch by inch disappearing into Elora''s sopping wet and tight pussy as her stomach began to bulge, and his dick felt like hands of suede were massaging it on all sides.


    Erik groaned while Elora moaned, both lost in the ecstasy of the first pration of the night, needing a few moments to get used to the feeling again.


    When Erik was fully sheathed inside, Elora huffed and puffed, likely caused by the feeling of immense fullness.


    While she was adjusting herself to Erik''s massive length, the man himself used his right hand to caress the bulge in her stomach with a smirk before he travelled upwards and began to y with her full yet firm breasts.


    Elora''s ever-present yful smirk was getting challenged as she tried to deal with abination of her stuffed pussy and Erik going to town on her breasts and nipples, but it took no more than a few moments for her to pull herself together.


    She now breathed normally once again, even if she still moaned softly while Erik cupped her breasts. She said, slightly panting, "Last time you did all the work¡­ now let me."


    Continuing to grope her breast, Erik grinned, "Far be it from me to argue."


    So Elora began to move, slowly at first but faster as time passed, while the couple felt soft pleasure coursing through them. Eventually, she made an off-hand remark that would cause her some trouble. And not for the first time.


    Her panting voice came out between pleasure-filled moans despite her continuous disy of a confident smile, "You know, this girl is kinda like a chain holding you down.


    Chained may not be my preferred method of having you, but at least it prevents you from doing something stupid like trying to wipe the smile off my face."


    While Emma wouldn''t wake up from movement or sound anymore, she might still wake up from a change in physical contact, so Erik still preferred not to move from his spot.


    Erik grinned; here ites, the inevitable challenge, "You know I can do that perfectly well from down here, right?"


    As Elora''s green eyes twinkled in amusement, she answered, "I''d like to see you try. How about a bet? Usual stakes?"


    Erikughed confidently, "When was thest time you even won a bet made during sex?"


    They often made bets with each other, always with the same stakes, and while they had both won and lost their fair share, Elora was on a bit of a losing streak when it came to sex bets.


    Coincidence, overconfidence, or a purposeful disy of lust? Not even Erik knew. Regardless, he enjoyed himself.


    Elora moaned loudly as Erik once again bottomed out in her and his dick pressed against her womb, "That''s, hngh, besides the point. Deal or not?"


    Erik chuckled, "Far be it from me to stop you from ying a losing bet. You''re on."


    As he said so, he snaked his hand down to Elora''s waist and grabbed her waist before he slowly began pumping upwards to meet her downward thrusts.


    It was a good thing Elora had used her magic on Emma; otherwise, this would have surely woken her up.


    Elora didn''t seem impressed, however. She moaned a little louder from abination of light aching and numbing pleasure as Erik hit her womb but otherwise kept staring at him in defiance, her confident smile still a prominent feature on her face.


    But Erik wasn''t deterred.


    Despite having very little room to work with, Erik managed to continually increase his speed until Elora had a small orgasm, causing her pussy to spasm around Erik''s dick, massaging and pressuring it, causing Erik toe close to finishing.


    Still, he managed to just barely hold on.


    Unfortunately, despite shortly wavering, Elora''s smile was still very much present.


    But Erik had expected that, after all, this was just the first attack.


    As he continued moving, he introduced the method by which he would make Elora''s smile crumble.


    He touched one of his lightning runes, and suddenly, Elora yelped as low static began to spread all over Erik''s dick, stimting every single nerve ending in her pussy.


    Meanwhile, he moved his hand from Elora''s hip back to her breasts as lightning began to dance on his fingertips as well.


    Under Elora''s loud, half-pained, half-pleasured moans, Erik groped her breasts and tweaked her nipples as low-level lightning made her head spin and her muscles twitch.


    But at this point, his goal was essentially reached as he continued to thrust hard for a long time, even as low electricity ravaged Elora''s body, causing her to scream in lust, pleasure, pain, and, eventually, orgasm after orgasm, making her spasm around Erik''s dick as he began to lose himself in the pleasure as well.


    Her smile was still there, but the confidence was long gone, as all that was left was pleasure without thoughts.


    She wasn''t even moving anymore, as her upper body hadpletely sagged down and now rested on Erik''s broad chest, while his right hand was now on her tight ass as he continued to thrust with a lustful grin, despite already having won.


    It took another of Elora''s orgasms, soaking Erik''s lower body and the bed in various fluids, before Erik was ready to blow his load into her womb, which he did with great relish as he groaned loudly and unconsciously pulled Emma closer to him.


    Luckily, the exhausted girl slept deeply and didn''t wake up.


    As Erik emptied himself inside his beloved partner, Elora shook and trembled with a silly expression on her face.


    When it was over, they both finallypletely rxed, with Elora lying sprawled over Erik''s chest while he just sagged into the bed. With a slurping sound, he pulled himself out of Elora and grinned victoriously at her, "Looks like I won, huh."


    Slurring her words a little from her still pleasure-soaked brain, Elora answered, "F- Fuck you. Y- You y unfair."


    But she would find no mercy from Erik, "Uh uh. No rules were made. Besides, you know as well as I do that you fully expected to lose this bet. You just wanted me to go all out."


    Regaining her grin somewhat, Elora said, "I can neither confirm nor deny thatst part. But fine. You win, Master."


    That''s right, the loser of their bets had to call the other Master or Mommy, depending on who lost, for a week. Sometimes, these bets ovepped, and they both had to call the other by their respective titles, which would have probably confused outsiders about their exact rtionship.


    But in the end, the title was just that, a title.


    The bet didn''t involve actually obeying the other, as they were still loving partners with equal say. It was just a way to make things more fun and exciting for them.


    And if outsiders did hear them, what did they care? The only people that mattered in the end were the two of them.


    Hearing her acknowledge his victory, Erik chuckled and patted her head.


    He truly loved this side of Elora, how she didn''t care about what they called each other or who overheard them. She didn''t care if others would think she was a servant because she simply didn''t care about those others.


    Even if she had to call him Master for a week, she wasn''t bothered because she knew their rtionship hadn''t changed.


    It wasn''t that easy for Erik the first time he lost the bet and had to call Elora Mommy for a week, but eventually, he, too, adopted the same cavalier attitude about it as Elora had.


    That said, he still preferred winning over losing. Having Elora call him master was always exhrating, even if he didn''t want her to actually be a servant.


    Speaking of not caring about other people, now that things had finally quieted down, Erik suddenly heard some muffled sounds from the direction of the door as both Elora and he turned their heads towards it with the same teasing grin.


    What they saw was Seraphina, gagged and suspended in the air, held up by chains of lightning that coiled around her sinful, naked body.

 Chapter 34: Chapter 34 - Seraphinas predicament

    Looking at the enraged, suspended beauty, Erik spoke up, grinning, "Why, Seraphina, how nice of you to join us. You look beautiful, by the way. Listen, I hope you didn''t think I was doing anything untoward with Emma."


    The burning fury in her eyes told him that was exactly what she was thinking. And he wasn''t surprised, considering Seraphina knew nothing of Elora, and her screams of ecstasy likely echoed through the entire house.


    He then indicated towards the short, winged beauty on his chest, who was looking at Seraphina with yful sadism twinkling in her eyes, "Have you met my partner, by the way? She''s the one who made your current cage. Her name is Elora.


    Anyway, since you barged into our room like this, I''m afraid we''ll have to punish you a little by leaving you up there for the night. But don''t let that stop you from getting some rest, alright?"


    He smirked as he said that. Erik was perfectly aware that the low static constantly prickling Seraphina''s skin would make it impossible for her to rest.


    And since Elora was technically a third rank, even if she didn''t have any offensive magic besides sigils, there was no way Seraphina would be breaking out of that.


    Leaving Seraphina to her fate, he pulled Elora closer and whispered in her ear, "Clean us up and put some clothes on us, okay?"


    Elora giggled, "Fine."


    She snapped her fingers, and a green wave washed over them, spreading outwardly. When the wave was gone, they were both as clean as could be, withfortable clothes on their bodies.


    Erik gave Elora a deep kiss, and then sheid down on his right side, resting her head on his shoulder, much like Emma was doing on the other side.


    They both closed their eyes but didn''t go to sleep, as neither of them really needed much of it. Instead, they both began exploring their runes or glyphs and advancing in power, as Erik had originally nned.


    Meanwhile, Seraphina continued looking at this scene with burning fury. At least, at first. As the night went on, she grew more desperate, and the fury in her eyes slowly drained away, reced by regret over assuming the worst and a desire to be freed.


    *****


    It was a whole ten hourster before Emma finally began to stir. Including the time Erik had spent having sex with Elora, Emma had slept for at least eleven hours, making up for much of the fatigue which had ravaged her body.


    Feeling the ropes, she had a short moment where she feared that her newfound freedom had all been a dream, but when she opened her eyes and looked at Erik''s wide chest next to her, the memories ofst night came back to her.


    Before sighing in relief, however, she did a quick mental check of her body to make sure she didn''t suddenly feel a strange pain in her lower parts, but when she couldn''t detect anything, she released that sigh through her gag as her trust in Erik began to rise to immense levels.


    Noticing movement next to him, Erik halted the exploration of his runes and glyphs to look beside him with a smile, "Good morning, Emma. Do you know you''ve slept for at least eleven hours? I can''t help but assume you got a good rest."


    Seeing her mumble something with happy eyes, Erik quickly removed her gag, allowing Emma to speak up with a cheery voice, very different from the tired and somewhat defeated voice he''d gotten used to from her, "I slept very well!"


    Then she turned her head away from Erik''s eyes and seemed a little embarrassed, "I¡­ Thank you. For helping me, and¡­ not taking advantage."


    Grinning, Erik took Emma''s chin in his hand and made her look into his eyes, causing him to notice the small tears of gratitude sparkling in them,


    "You don''t need to worry when you''re with me. Just serve me well ording to our deal, and I will never harm or break my word to you."


    Emma nodded with a happy smile, "I''ll do whatever you require of me, sir!"


    Erik was surprised at the way she addressed him but didn''t correct her. Clearly, this night had an enormous impact on the girl.


    Yet when he thought of what he did with Elorast night and the vampire woman who was still suspended just behind Emma''s back, he couldn''t help but chuckle, "I hope you''ll still think thatter."


    Emma looked confused but then suddenly heard some muffled sounds behind her and wriggled her body to turn around.


    Still suspended by chains of lightning, Seraphina had a pleading look in her eyes as she tried to get Emma''s attention.


    Seeing what was behind her, Emma''s thoughts briefly halted as she had trouble catching up to what was happening while a single syble escaped her lips, "Uh."


    Meanwhile, Erik had decided to relieve Emma of her bonds, so she was free to stretch her arms while she turned around and looked at Erik with uncertainty, "S- Sir? Can I ask what''s going on with Seraphina?"


    Erik looked at her with interest, surprised she didn''t immediately try to help Seraphina andintended to test her conviction, "What if I say no?"


    She seemed to hesitate a little but then steeled herself, "Then that''s fine, sir." Erik could still see the uncertainty in her eyes, however. It seemed Emma wasn''t very happy about the situation but would still choose him over Seraphina.


    Meanwhile, Elora had also stirred and propped herself up on her elbow as her heavy chest swayed in the morning air, "Oooh, look at you being a good little girl."


    Apparently only now noticing Elora''s presence, Emma yelped, "Ah! U- Uh, good morning, ma''am."


    Elora grinned at Emma like a cat, looking at her new toy, "Ma''am, huh? I can live with that. But for now, I''m going back home." At those words, she disappeared into a cloud of light specks and entered Erik''s body.


    While Emma had seen this before, Seraphina looked on with astonishment, finally understanding where this woman had been all this time.


    Erik then got up from the bed and walked towards Seraphina, who seemed to look at Erik with a strangebination of fury and defeat as she could feel his lustful eyes wander across her naked body.


    After he had gotten his eyeful, he used Elora''s link to the sigil to remove the strands of lightning keeping Seraphina''s mouth sealed. "How are you feeling?"


    First, stretching her jaw to get the stiffness out of it, she then looked at Erik with uncertain fury, "F- Fuck you."


    Erik''s lips curled into a wolfish grin, "Come now, Seraphina. You barged into the room without so much as a thought. Did you really expect us not to take precautions?"


    Seeing no reaction from her as she continued to stare at him with fury, Erik just shrugged and walked past her "Oh well. Come on, Emma, let''s get some breakfast."


    Emma gulped a little with uncertainty but then walked after Erik while looking apologetically at Seraphina, "Y- Yes, Sir!"


    Seraphina quickly yelled after him, "Wait! Y- You can''t leave me here!" She had been trying all night to break loose but to no avail. Now, her body ached and wanted release from the strain and constant electric stimtion.


    Unable to look behind her, she feared Erik had actually left her until she heard a voice, "Oh? I suppose I could free you¡­ If you ask nicely and apologise for barging in."


    At first, she sighed in relief that he was still there, but hearing his demands, she became stubborn again, "I- I will ask nicely, but I won''t apologise for trying to save Emma from you! Even if it appears to already be toote¡­"


    Seeing the pleading look in Emma''s eyes and honestly being unable to find anything wrong with her actions, Erik sighed, "Fine. Go on then."


    Seraphina groaned for a moment but eventually relented, "Will you please release me?"


    Erik grinned in response and snapped his fingers, causing the sigil to disappear and Seraphina tond on her feet while swaying a little before she quickly and gracefully found her bnce and stretched her body under a relieved moan.


    Meanwhile, Erik ignored Elora''s mocking of his supposed ''bleeding heart.''


    Seraphina turned around and saw Erik look at her still naked body with a lustful smirk, while Emma looked embarrassed and stammered, "S- Seraphina, I¡­"


    But the vampire held up her hand to stop Emma, "It''s fine, Emma. You and I knew each other a long time ago, and I had more to do with your sister, anyway. You made your choice, and I don''t me you for it. I just hope you made the right one."


    Having said her piece, she threw onest resentful look at Erik before slipping past them and started walking towards the room she had picked for herself the night before without ever covering up her nakedness.


    Clearly, she was either too prideful to show shame or just veryfortable with her body.


    As Erik enjoyed the view of her spectacr, swaying ass, he heard her voice again, "I''m going to put on my clothes. I''ll meet you two downstairs."

 Chapter 35: Chapter 35 - Emmas awakening and more mysteries

    When they reached the living room, Emily was already there waiting for them. Where she had spent the night was a secret known only to Elora.


    Erik quickly pulled some food from his storage and prepared breakfast for the both of them until Seraphina eventually joined them.


    The vampire woman still looked angry at Erik, but whenever she thought he wasn''t looking, her gaze turned to one of hunger, clearly desiring some of his blood.


    She would have to ask, though, as Erik certainly wasn''t going to simply offer. He didn''t want her to be some kind of ve to his blood. Still, she did need to learn respect and a desire to follow him, as an insider in the council was necessary for his and Elora''s ns.


    But her need wasn''t that high yet, so she just suffered her desire in silence for now.


    After breakfast, it was finally time to get started on awakening Emma.


    They were currently in the living room: Emily was standing doll-eyed with her back against the wall, Erik was lounging on one of the sofas, Seraphina sat to the right of him and in the middle of the room was Emma and, floating in front of her, Elora.


    Since she had, somewhat reluctantly, agreed to help the sisters, she would naturally see it through herself.


    That being said, her disinterested look spoke volumes about her enthusiasm. However, she did exin a little about Emma''s condition and the awakening process, "Right, let''s get this over with.


    Typically, awakening happens when aetherium first flows into a person''s body, forcing the aetherium storage to appear, which is a metaphysical organ without a specific location in the body.


    For people already living in an aetherium-rich environment, this gradual process starts at birth and finishes at the age of ten. At this point, they form their first glyph.


    On the other hand, people not living from birth in such an environment will have an elerated growth process of this organ, which can cause the body tobust, as many people here on Earth noticed.


    You, however, have something akin to a gic defect where the aetherium storage starts forming at a slower rate, no matter what age you are, which means that in three years, you would have finished creating your storage and been like everybody else."


    She puffed up her chest in pride, "Luckily for you, I''m perfectly capable of elerating the growth of this organ to be finished in a day!"


    Then she shrugged, "Unluckily for you, there is a small chance that this elerated growth will still cause you tobust. I''m only mentioning this because Master asked me to. I''m perfectly confident in preventing thebustion, but this is yourst chance to back out."


    Hearing her call him Master ording to their bet made Erik grin, while Elorapletely ignored the event as if it were normal, simply because she didn''t really care what she called Erik.


    No one else in the room reacted to it, though, as none of them were sure about the rtionship between Elora and Erik in the first ce.


    In response to Elora''s words, Emma looked at the one person in the room she now put most of her trust in, Erik.


    Seeing Emma''s doubts, Erik smiled, "Elora has never let me down when ites to anything magical, so if she says she hasplete confidence, then so do I. That said, it''s your choice. But if you don''t, we can do only so much for Emily.


    We could wait three years, of course, but since the corruption has already gotten this far, it will only worsen, even without the sigil, and possibly be impossible to cure."


    Emma nodded at his words, panned her gaze towards Elora, and nodded again with as much determination as she had in her body.


    Elora grinned, "Seeing someone like you, ready to risk it all to save her sister, almost makes me convert to the Radiant des'' touchy-feely crap."


    Immediately, a smirk appeared on Erik''s face, "Oh?"


    Without turning her head, Elora pointed a finger at Erik, "Shut it, you! I said almost!"


    Erik blinked in mock surprise, "I''m sorry, who''s this you person?"


    Sighing, Elora turned to Erik, "I meant shut your damn trap, Master."


    While this short interaction confused the room even more about their rtionship, Elora simply turned back to Emma. She raised a finger, with a dark green sphere at the end, "Ready?"


    When Emma nodded, the green sphere suddenly began expanding and elongating until it was as tall and wide as she was before enveloping her.


    Since the aetherium storage was a metaphysical organ without a fixed location, there was not a single point on Emma''s body to interact with for this.


    When the enveloping was done, Elora put her outstretched hand on the dark green bubble and appeared to be concentrating.


    At some point, she started frowning and put her other hand on the bubble, as Erik could feel an increasing amount of energy being drained from their shared storage.


    Suddenly, Emily sagged down as if her strings were cut, causing Seraphina to look at her with surprise before shooting Erik a look of concern.


    Erik shook his head, "I''m not sure. Elora is concentrating. But she needed more energy than expected, so she drained Emily through their shared connection. Don''t worry, she''s fine. Just needs some rest."


    Seraphina frowned. She wanted to help, but Arcanist and Runebound energy was ipatible, likely because the energy used by Runebound was all generated by the Runebound themselves, while Arcanists only stored aetherium they absorbed from the air.


    Luckily, it appeared Elora had enough energy in the end as she sighed, and the green bubble disappeared, showing a seemingly unharmed Emma floating in the air.


    Next, Emma slowly floated down to Earth and opened her mismatched green and white eyes.


    Immediately, she felt the same rush everyone else had felt seven years ago and instinctively began moving her finger in the air as she drew her first glyph.


    Meanwhile, Elora had already disappeared into a cloud of light specks. She returned to Erik''s soul, where Erik asked her what had happened. "Are you alright, Elora? What just happened?"


    He could feel Elora make a thoughtful expression, "It''s strange. I suspect some Ancestor or Ancestors of Emma had their DNA messed with, creating the defect and making it much harder for me to elerate the aetherium storage''s growth.


    But I couldn''t possibly tell you for what purpose this was done, if the alterations did anything else or if the defect was intended. However, if so, it clearly failed in both Emily''s and their parents'' cases.


    Either way, this only creates more questions. The ancestor whose DNA was messed with should be very far removed. It probably happened at least a thousand years ago. But who on Earth could possibly have the power to do something like that back then?


    Even if we are correct in assuming Earth has had some kind of past history with magic and aetherium, it can''t have been a mere thousand years ago.


    Not to mention that I, a third-rank fairy with extensive knowledge about bloodlines and gics, am unable to determine precisely what these changes are supposed to do, let alone recreate it, so whoever did this was more powerful and knowledgeable than me."


    Erik and Elora both fell silent until Erik asked, "Do you think their affinities have anything to do with this?"


    He could feel Elora shrug helplessly, "I really have no idea. It would certainly exin a lot but also raise more questions. And we can''t assume their affinities weren''t caused by something else, or even just random chance."


    Erik sighed with exhaustion, "I guess whoever did that probably also brought us back to Earth, just in time to save those sisters. Why us, though?"


    However, Elora shook her head, "It was probably more about you than me.


    If I had to guess, someone has ns for both you and the Ashcroft sisters. But you were identally teleported away, so they had to bring you back. At the same time, I am likely just a coincidence, along for the ride."


    Erik shook his head, "That''s possible, yet we can''t exclude other possibilities. Maybe the only reason I was useful enough to teleport back here was because of you." He sighed, "But if this is all about me, then I''m just sorry I dragged you into this mess."


    Elora immediately and mentally smacked him on the head, "Don''t be an idiot. Your problems are my problems, just as my problems are your problems. Don''t forget that."


    Erik chuckled at her reply, "You''re the best, Elora."


    Holding fast to their bet, Elora responded, "And you''re pretty okay, too, Master."


    Laughing out loud now, Erik refocused on the outside world and noticed that Emma was just about finished with her glyph. After all, mental conversations were much faster than regr ones.


    However, Emma wasn''t done yet as she suddenly began to draw a second glyph under Seraphina''s surprised gaze.


    Erik seemed unfazed, however, clearly having expected this.

 Chapter 36: Chapter 36 - Finally time

    Emily was lying on one of the sofas, as Seraphina had put her to rest there. At the same time, Emma was almost finished drawing her second glyph.


    When she was done, her eyes shone for a moment, and she blinked before smiling excitedly.


    It was done! Finally, she wasn''t useless anymore!


    She panned her sparkling, mismatched eyes towards Erik and hugged him with that same excited smile, "Thank you! And please thank Miss Elora for me as well!"


    Erik grinned at the adorable Emma and patted her head, "Don''t worry, she can hear everything you say." He didn''t feel it necessary to mention that Elora didn''t really care about Emma''s gratitude.


    Emma stepped back and looked thoughtful for a moment before she stuck out her hand. Under the gaze of her two curious onlookers, a bright white magic circle appeared in front of her hand, casting a soft glow over Erik.


    Immediately, Erik knew what this did, as he felt his natural regeneration speed up to abnormal limits. He may not have any wounds to heal, but if he did, this would have immensely sped up the process.


    Yet, it wasn''t an actual healing spell, as it merely sped up several bodily processes but didn''t stitch up any wounds by itself, which meant it had limited uses in abat or emergency situation.


    That said, it was still a great spell, and he wasn''t about to let Emma down as she looked at him excitedly, obviously aware of what her spell was supposed to do.


    So he patted her head with a smile, "Good job, Emma. I told you you''d be plenty useful after you awakened."


    Before Emma could respond, Seraphina interjected, "Wait, wait. That affinity just now¡­"


    Erik nodded in response, "Yeah, it was light. The antithetical affinity to darkness. And if you''re going to ask me how these two sisters ended up with those affinities, don''t bother, as I have no clue either."


    There was no reason to mention the DNA maniption, after all. He wasn''t even sure that was the cause yet.


    That was indeed going to be Seraphina''s next question. Still, before she could even say anything else, Erik continued, "Regardless, healing corruption always works best when you use the corrupting affinities'' opposite, so this is good news for Emily."


    He then turned his attention back to Emma, who was still almost bouncing around the room with energy and only got more excited when she heard about being able to help Emily now.


    Erik smiled at the happy Emma. He had to admit that he really liked this adorable girl. He hoped she would be able to put her hardships behind her as soon as possible, "Why don''t you show us your other affinity now."


    Seemingly having forgotten about that due to the excitement, Emma possibly lit up even more as she suddenly stood still and pointed her hand forward again, this time causing a light green magic circle to appear.


    Next, green branches crashed through the room''s tiled floor before they began weaving around Emma until she was entirely encased in a thick bramble of vines, branches, roots and thorns.


    Emma''s second affinity was nature.


    While light was no less rare and powerful than darkness, nature was rtivelymon. Maybe not as much as fire or water, but certainly no better or worse than Erik''s ice or lightning.


    Her light affinity was the reason that Emma didn''t go insane locked inside the darkness-saturated study room while also protecting her from being enved by Emily''s dark magic.


    On the other hand, her nature affinity gave her an uncanny intuition, which led to a much faster trust growth with Erik.


    Momentster, the various greenery was dispelled as they slowly disappeared back into the ground, revealing a smiling Emma, who immediately wanted to know when they could start helping Emily. "So?! We can help Emily now?!"


    Erik chuckled at her enthusiasm, "Almost. Luckily for you, Elora will do most of the actual work, while you only have to provide the light-attributed energy. Still, you will need topletely fill up your aetherial storage first, so let''s teach you some of the best and safest ways to do this. I''ll also teach you about Arcanism in general."


    He turned serious, "But remember, Emma. While light corruption may sound less evil, it is no less destructive to your true personality. You might believe that light corrupts your negative emotions just as darkness corrupts your positive emotions.


    But nothing could be further from the truth, as light corruption will simply wipe out all emotions instead. No powerful affinity ever has a harmless corruption effect."


    He pointed to Seraphina, "Even she has to be careful, as gravity affinity might make her severely lethargic or depressed."


    This caused Seraphina to frown, "Are you sure about that? Council data so far suggests that only Arcanists are affected by this so-called corruption."


    Her statement made Erik pause. Was he sure about that? It''s not like he had much experience with Runebound, and Elora protected him from corruption either way.


    He heard Elora speak in his head, "It''s possible. Arcanists and Runebound work rtively differently, after all.


    For a Runebound, aetherium only really modifies the body and doesn''t even interact with a person''s affinities. In contrast, a Runebound body''s energy is different enough from aetherium that you could even consider it something else entirely.


    So perhaps corruption has less to do with the affinities and more with aetherium itself?"


    Erik frowned but then shook his head. In the end, this wasn''t particrly important right now. He looked at Seraphina, "Now that you mention it, I''m not actually sure about that. But we have different things to worry about right now."


    He turned back to Emma, "Getting back to the point, you need to remember to always be careful, understood? You don''t want to end up like your sister.


    You might not start hurting her like she did to you, but at least Emily still cares about you in her own twisted way, while light corruption would cause you not to care about Emily at all anymore."


    Realising the seriousness of the situation, she nodded and swore to herself to follow all of Erik''s teachings and instructions.


    Erik smiled, feeling like he had driven his point home, "Good. Let''s get started then."


    *******


    A few hourster, at the start of the evening, they were standing in front of the door to the cer, where Erik had first woken up two days ago.


    During this time, Erik had first spent some effort teaching Emma about some of the safest and fastest ways to absorb energy, which she had immediately put into practice. Now, her aethereal storage was stuffed, and they were ready to begin.


    All current inhabitants of the mansion were there, including Liam, who had spent the whole night hogtied in a cold, damp closet and was currently being dragged along the ground by Erik.


    A dark green sigil glowed on his chest, sealing his magic core and stopping him from casting his magic, something that was easily done for Elora since Liam was only a first-rank Arcanist.


    His experiences during the night had made him much morepliant as he hardly struggled anymore and justy there staring at the people around him with undisguised fury mixed with exhaustion.


    Naturally, he was goingpletely ignored.


    Meanwhile, Emily looked doll-eyed as always, Emma looked anxious, and Seraphina had a look of curiosity mixed with concern.


    Now that they were at the cer door and on top of the stairs, Erik produced a small, light purple magic circle, causing a lightning spark to travel all across Liam''s body, devouring the ropes that bound him.


    Liam looked confused. He wasn''t stupid enough to think they were letting him go, but he had no idea why they brought him here and removed his bonds, either.


    When he noticed nothing else happened, he looked around himself warily and slowly stood up, stretching his limbs and cracking his bones after the night he had.


    No one there besides Erik and Elora actually knew what the exact n was, so Emma looked at this with confused anxiety. Yet, her nearly absolute trust in Erik made her stay quiet.


    At the same time, Seraphina simply matched Liam''s earlier look of fury with twice the intensity.


    Erik looked at the pasty man and couldn''t help but feel some regret. Not over Liam''s fate, of course, but regret that he wouldn''t get to torture this pathetic little man himself.


    Regardless, the n was the n.


    Liam stood straight and stared at the group of people surrounding him with wariness and confusion. He didn''t even try attacking, as he was perfectly aware of his sealed magic.


    Besides, even if he did have his magic, three of the people there could stomp him into the ground all by themselves.


    He made ast attempt to save himself by addressing Erik and carefully hiding any and all resentment while sounding as amicable as he could, "Look, friend, I''m a little confused as to what your interest in me is.


    Exactly what you did to Emily or your rtionship with her and Emma, is also a mystery to me, but any animosity between us is negligible, if not entirely nonexistent!


    Therefore, might I suggest we simply part ways here? Before anything happens that we can''t take back? I have substantial power and wealth in this region, and I''m sure we can make a deal!"

 Chapter 37: Chapter 37 - Purifying Emilys soul

    Erik listened to Liam''s words patiently as he looked at the man with amusement. Exactly what use did this man think he had for the wealth and power of a weakling?


    So he shrugged, "No deal."


    Before Liam could say anything else, Erik grabbed his neck and tossed him down the stairs into the cer.


    The cold, dimly lit basement, which used to be a wine cer, echoed with the thuds and screams of Liam rolling down the concrete steps until he hit the floor, where he continued toy groaning.


    Erik was grinning at the top of the stairs before stepping to the side, allowing Emily to descend into the basement.


    With a heavy thud, Erik closed the door behind the corrupted, doll-eyed girl before Elora suddenly appeared from a cloud of light specks leaving Erik''s body and immediately began drawing a sigil on the basement door.


    Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Emma hesitated for a moment longer before finally asking, "Sir, what''s the n exactly?"


    Erik turned his gaze towards Emma as an approving smile appeared on his face. Happy she was taking some initiative, he unravelled the strategy to cleanse Emily''s corruption. "Once Elora finished sealing the door, she''ll release control of Emily.


    At that point, Emily will be confused, her memory of thest two days gone, despite finding herself back where Elora first sealed her mind."


    He continued, "However, that won''t matter much. When Emilyys eyes on Liam and realises she''s alone with him, her corrupted mind will focus solely on Liam. The man responsible for all her troubles since the awakening.


    She''ll be consumed by the desire to make him pay.


    While she vents her rage on Liam, the grip of the dark corruption will start to loosen. After all, the hatred and fear she harbours for him are the very foundations upon which the corruption has distorted her positive emotions."


    Erik exined further, "Ordinarily, this wouldn''t be enough since there are always new fears and hatreds for such corruption to attach itself to. But with your light affinity, Emma, we can cleanse the corruption before it finds another foothold.


    You won''t need to do much, however, as Elora will be the one doing the cleansing through her connection with Emily. You only need to provide her the light-attributed energy."


    During his exnation, Elora had finished applying the sigil that would keep Emily locked up until the process was done.


    Sounds still came through from the other side, however, as Liam could be heard yelling at them to let him go and threatening to hurt Emily, who appeared like she wouldn''t fight back. At the same time, his intermittent groans of pain echoed off the cold walls.


    Then, Elora gained a malicious grin, "It''s time," she said.


    Inside the basement, Emily''s eyes started regaining their liveliness after two days of empty existence, as her previously ck body stance turned back to one of paranoia and hatred, ready to fight or flight at a moment''s notice.


    Her corrupted red eyes blinked and flickered with awareness as she scanned her surroundings. Confusion clouded her expression briefly, but as her gaze fell upon Liam, who was just preparing to attack her, a sinister smile crept across her face.


    The hatred and paranoia within her had already begun to take control.


    On the other side of the door, Elora, in her small fairy form, put her tiny hands on the door and closed her eyes in concentration before she said, "Get ready to channel your energy, Emma."


    A little confused about what she was supposed to do exactly, she turned to Erik with anxiety on her face.


    He exined, "Just hold your hands on either side of Elora and channel energy from your aetherium storage through the light affinity in your magic core and then to your hands, just like I taught you earlier."


    Emma was nervous, clearly not wanting to mess anything up. Still, she did as Erik said, and soon, a light bubble formed between Emma''s hands and around Elora''s body. Next, a small magic circle appeared where Elora was touching the door.


    Meanwhile, inside the basement, an Emily driven by dark emotions, prepared tounch a frenzied assault on Liam as her inner rage and sadism found the perfect outlet.


    Using tendrils of darkness to suspend a now fearfully screaming and wailing Liam in the air, she began forming various sizes of pitch-ck floating bubbles.


    Despite still being confused about how she got into this situation, Emily didn''t care as she looked at the now-suspended Liam with an undisguised desire for violence and began cackling.


    At the same time, a sinister smile appeared on her face. A smile that grew more distorted with every word that followed,


    "Oh, Liam, Liam, Liam. I don''t know how we got into this situation, but, well, how did you put it so eloquently seven years ago? I don''t know what god or coincidence or whatever gave me this opportunity, but I''ll kiss their feet in thanks? I think I finally understand the sentiment."


    Liam screamed when he saw the ck orbs floating around him and remembered the pain from his flesh melting seven years ago, "Wait, wait! We can talk about this, Emily! I know I was wrong, but your parents and I were friends!


    Does that count for nothing anymore?! At least give me a quick death!"


    At this point, his fear of Emily''s darkness made him prefer death over anything Emily had nned.


    Unfortunately, his words only angered Emily more as she screeched, "You dare speak about my parents, you putrid stain on existence?!"


    Immediately afterwards, the first ck orb approached Liam and started covering his entire body, but while Liam did scream, it seemed more fear than pain as the darkness didn''t appear to hurt him.


    However, This didn''t surprise Emily as her distorted grin remained, "My control has gotten much better than before, little stain. My darkness will only devour what I wish it to."


    She then waved her hand, and all the darkness on Liam''s body began to move towards his hips while removing any and all clothing and hair it came across without harming the man himself.


    Emily also noticed the magic circle on Liam''s chest and the heavy scarring from where her darkness hit him seven years ago. However, she ignored them both, as she had other things on her mind.


    When everything had gathered around Liam''s crotch, Emily''s smile grew possibly even more sinister as she balled her fist, "Let''s finish what I started back then, shall we?"


    Liam began to scream again, but this time, it truly was from pain as the darkness began to, ever so slowly, consume his genitals.


    At the same time, inside Emily''s mostly ck soul, tiny strands of darkness began to be released. They started floating around with nothing to hold on to anymore.


    Yet, immediately afterwards, a bright white light entered the soul and burned the strand of darkness into nothingness.


    Emily noticed nothing of this as she continued to indulge in the sadistic pleasure of finally being able to unleash her wrath on the one that had haunted her for so long, even while the darkness that bound her mind began to wane.


    Back on the other side of the door, the people gathered there began to hear the sounds of Liam''s desperate wailing and struggling. Still, no one batted an eye, not even the usually kind Emma, as she had only one thing on her mind right now: her sister.


    While having no idea what was happening in that basement exactly, Erik saw Emma begin to strain a little and quickly put a hand on her shoulder to give her some encouragement and send his own pure aetherial energy into her body.


    In this way, time began to pass quickly, as screams of agony echoed across the walls of the Ashcroft estate while Emily''s corrupted soul struggled against Emma''s purifying light, pulsing with the intery of light and darkness.


    The fate of the two sisters hung in the bnce, and it took an hour before the screams finally started dying down.


    At this point, Emma was only still standing by the grace of Erik''s arm around her waist, as her head hung low, her entire body trembled with effort, and all she could do was continue to keep her hands up and flood Elora with anyst shred of light-attributed aetherium she could find.


    But, in the end, her efforts paid off as Elora removed her hands from the door and dispelled the magic sigil before saying, "You can stop now, Emma. It''s done."


    Hearing those words, Emma released a heavy sigh. Shepletely sagged into Erik''s embrace, only barely holding on to her consciousness.


    Elora turned around and smirked at the exhausted young woman, "I admit, you impress me more and more, girl." But that was all she said, as she once again disappeared into Erik''s soul, her part in all this yed.

 Chapter 38: Chapter 38 - Cured?

    With Elora gone, the remaining three individuals gazed upon the basement door with various emotions.


    Erik''s amber eyes flickered with curiosity, Emma''s mixed eyes mirrored a blend of exhaustion and anxiety, while Seraphina''s crimson eyes conveyed a sense of deep concern.


    Since Emma could barely keep herself upright, Erik decided to take her into a princess carry as he began walking down the stone stairs into the dimly lit, silent basement that had only moments ago echoed with agonising screams.


    The air hung heavy with remnants of the dark energy by which Emily had tortured Liam.


    When they reached the bottom and looked at the scene before them, they saw a barely recognisable clump of flesh that likely used to be Liam. Next to that stood Emily, her ck hair now matching her eyes, as the corrupted red had disappeared.


    It appeared as if Emily was staring into nothingness with tears in her eyes.


    When she suddenly heard a sounding from the entrance, her head swivelled that way with caution, but when she saw an exhausted Emma being carried by arge man with piercing, amber eyes, her tears only fell faster as she cautiously met Emma''s gaze.


    She whispered her sister''s name, "Emma."


    Seeing her big sister like this, Emma smiled as she could feel Emily had, at least somewhat, returned to normal. She asked Erik to let her go, and he did as she asked, carefully putting the tired woman on her feet. He watched as she slowly walked towards Emily.


    They stood facing each other now, and the silence was palpable. Eventually, Emily took a step back as if afraid of what Emma might do.


    Or perhaps, of what she might do to Emma.


    Emily''s voice quivered, "E- Emma, I¡­"


    But Emma ignored her and quickly closed the distance between them before she hugged Emily, just like she had done when they were younger.


    Only now, Emma was crying tears of happiness, "It''s alright, big Em. All that matters is that you are back to normal! I saved you!"


    Herst words came filled with an immense amount of pride and joy.


    While Emily looked confused and uncertain about the whole situation, she seemed to ept Emma''s exnation as fact for now and hugged her little sister back with trembling arms.


    "Y- Yeah, you did, little Em. Thank you. I- I''m so sor-"


    But Emma stopped her again by shaking her head and covering Emily''s mouth with her hand, "Don''t! Let''s just forget what happened. You weren''t yourself, and I don''t me you."


    While no one in that room besides Emma believed there was truly no resentment at all in the girl''s heart, Emily saw the exhaustion in her sister''s eyes. She decided now was not the time to argue about the past with her.


    She put on her best smile and looked Emma in her mismatched eyes, "You look exhausted, little Em. I''m not sure what it took to save me but go have some rest. We can talkter, okay?"


    But Emma quickly shook her head, "N- No! I can stay awake. I finally got you back, and no-"


    She was interrupted by a dark green sh of light behind her, after which she suddenly sagged into Emily''s arms. Behind her stood Erik with a serious gaze and raised hand, clearing having used Elora''s magic to put Emma to sleep.


    There were multiple reasons they didn''t use this on Emma before. For one, this kind of magic sleep, while hard to awaken from, never actually put its target into REM sleep, which limited its use for recovering from exhaustion.


    Another reason was that using directed and powerful magic on an unawakened was dangerous for the target.


    Luckily, the second reason was no longer a concern, and while the first still was, Erik realised Emma needed to be out of the room, and quick.


    Emily looked at Erik with a mixture of gratitude and caution as she realised what he had just done, but otherwise, she knew nothing about him.


    Meanwhile, Erik beckoned Seraphina, "Seraphina, take Emma to her room and put her on her bed. I''ll have a talk with Emilyabout the future."


    While the vampire woman wanted her time with Emily, she felt something strange was still going on with her old friend and decided not to argue.


    When she moved to Emily''s side and wanted to take Emma, the pale girl looked at the vampire cautiously. While Emily seemed anxious to get rid of Emma, she was also suspicious about this unknown woman.


    Seraphina smiled with someplex emotions as she awkwardly avoided looking into Emily''s eyes, "I, uh, remember what we called our club all those years ago? Women in ck?"


    Emily now looked truly surprised, "You¡­ Olivia?! Are you expecting me to believe that?!"


    But despite the fact she suspected them from simply having read her memories, now that the possibility of this woman being Olivia was out in the open, she suddenly started recognising some quirks and facial features of the Olivia she once knew.


    However, she was afraid of being misled, as paranoia was still arge part of her personality.


    Yet as her hands, which had not stopped trembling since Emma hugged her, started shaking harder, she quickly shoved Emma into Seraphina''s arms.


    She growled and pointed at the clump of ckened flesh that used to be a man, "If you harm her, I will make you beg to end up like that."


    Seeing Seraphina nod seriously put her at ease a little as she watched with caution while the vampire woman carried Emma up the stairs with the unconscious girl''s long white hair flowing behind them.


    When they were gone, Emily and Erik looked each other in the eyes for a moment, Erik with silent dignity and Emily with equally silent determination.


    Without breaking eye contact, Emily suddenly steps forward before grabbing Erik''s shirt with both hands and leaning forward; finally breaking eye contact as her lower arms and foreheade to rest against his chest¡ªa disy of both vulnerability and determination.


    Erik looked at her disy with an understanding gaze.


    Her entire body continued to shake as she broke the silence, "I don''t know who you are or how I got here. Thest thing I remember before waking up in this basement was when I tried to enve you in the same ce.


    Before I say anything else, I want to thank you for saving Emma from me. I- I don''t know if I can trust you with her, but I know you can''t be much worse than I was."


    She fell silent again for a moment before she turned her head upwards with tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked into the fierce amber eyes of Erik, "I know you must be at least partly responsible for giving me back a little rity, but¡­"


    Her voice became more desperate as her eyes showed intense struggle, "You need to do more! It- It''s not good enough! I- I can feel the darkness nibbling at the edges of my being, and I can only barely hold it off for now!"


    She now almost screamed as her hands trembled with immense force, which was obviously far from enough to make Erik waver, "Either do more or kill me! I can''t go back to the person I was before! I won''t!"


    Clearly, the purification was far fromplete or absolute, as there was still plenty of corruption left in Emily. But they had expected that and warned Emma about it as well.


    Yet this was worse than they expected, making Erik look at the young woman with pity as he couldn''t imagine this woman''s struggle. Yet, he had to disappoint and shake his head, "There is nothing more I can do about your corruption for now.


    Only when Emma grows stronger can we, eventually, remove more of your corruption, even if we can never truly remove everything. I won''t kill you, however, because Emma would never forgive me regardless of my reasons, and frankly, I care more about her than you."


    He shrugged, "Besides, Emma will be very useful in the future, and I would prefer she serves me willingly rather than forcefully through the covenant."


    While normally, Emily would be happy about his admission to care about Emma and confused about what this covenant might mean, right now, her mind was not in a stable ce as she screamed at Erik with fury burning in her ck eyes, even as a corrupted red flicker asionally past through them,


    "Fuck you, you bastard! You can''t give me a glimpse of sanity and light before letting me slip back into darkness! You can''t! Do something!"


    Suddenly, Emily heard a soft woman''s voice next to her ear. A voice that, for some reason, filled her with dread as she saw shes of herself floating in a sea of emptiness, "If you can''t resist the darkness, I may have a solution for you."

 Chapter 39: Chapter 39 - White void

    With her nerves taut, Emily yelped in surprise, released Erik''s shirt, and jumped back, "Who said that?!"


    At the same time, the lingering elemental darkness in the room began to stir as Erik noticed how Emily drew power towards her hands in an instinctual desire to protect herself despite her earlier conviction to die.


    The same voice, obviously Elora''s, sounded again as it giggled, "Look at you, jumping to defend yourself. Not yet ready to die, are you?"


    Unable to find where the voice wasing from, Emily looked at Erik with panicked eyes, "Are you hearing that voice?!"


    Erik briefly considered pulling a prank on the girl by pretending not to but quickly discarded that thought as he reminded himself not to let Elora have too much influence on his behavior.


    So he answered honestly with a nod, "That''s my partner, Elora. If you want someone to thank for your current situation, you should look to her, as she did most of the work."


    He chuckled softly, "Don''t be fooled, however. If you''re looking for someone to care about you and your sister, you''d be better off with me."


    Emily looked relieved that she wasn''t going insane but remained on edge as she likely still associated Elora''s voice with floating in an abyss of nothing, "A- Alright, so you said something about a solution? A- And why do I feel weird when I hear your voice."


    Suddenly, Erik felt Elora appear on his right shoulder in her smaller form. Emily''s eyes were quickly drawn to her before Elora''s giggles echoed through the basement, "Because I was the one that kept your mind locked up inside itself for thest two days."


    Her green eyes sparkled with sadistic glee, "I''m sure you still feel a little¡­ apprehension."


    Emily opened her mouth a few times as if to say something, but in the end, she kept quiet. Erik suspected Emily simply didn''t know what she could say to that information. Was she angry? Scared? Thankful, because Elora was part of the reason Emma was free now?


    Seeing no reaction from Emily besides a continued wary gaze, Elora shrugged and continued, "Anyway, yeah. If you can''t hold on against the onught of darkness in your soul, I can offer an easier way."


    Elora''s small, bright red lips curled into a lustful grin as Erik felt her pat the shoulder she was sitting on, "Let my partner here take control of you. Be his willing ve and let chains of pleasure and servitude bind your soul in a protective embrace."


    Erik raised his eyebrows at Elora''s proposal, as there was no real need for pleasure to be mentioned. Still, he just let it go, as he knew this was what Elora enjoyed: enticing women to fall into pleasure with her and Erik.


    Her reaction was one that Erik expected. After all, years of first being a rebellious teen and then, even if she was corrupted, an enver herself had ingrained a deep desire for her own freedom.


    So Emily instinctively jumped back in fright, "W- What?! I''ll never be a ve! To anyone!"


    Elora smirked at her defiance and shrugged, "Well, if you prefer to be a ve to your darkness, that''s fine too. I''ll just retake forceful control of you. Your choices are very to darkness while puppeteered by me or enved to him while otherwise being yourself.


    At least with thatst choice, you''ll be able to interact normally with Emma."


    Having said her piece, Erik felt Elora''s tiny weight disappear from his shoulder, but not before she left behind some final words, "Anyway, I''ll look on with interest to see what choice you make."


    After Elora disappeared, Erik saw Emily pan her gaze towards him with apparent hesitation. It seemed as if Elora''s words about being enved to darkness had struck a chord with the young woman.


    Eventually, she asked, "C- Can you tell me a little more?"


    Erik couldn''t help but smirk at Elora''s ability to entice people. Making a deal with Elora was like making a deal with the devil. Unfortunately for Elora, Erik didn''t always y along with her half-truths.


    He nodded, "Your situation isn''t as grim as she made it seem. Besides the two options Elora mentioned, you do have a third one. Perhaps you haven''t noticed yet, but you seem to be doing better already, right?"


    He shrugged, "You just need some time to get used to living with this new burden. Find the best ways to resist your darkness and grow your mental fortitude. Use that same aversion to being enved by me and keep away the darkness through sheer willpower."


    Erik had to admit that he didn''t really know what Emily was going through, as he had never suffered from corruption. At least, not any negative corruption. Yet he couldn''t help but empathize with the girl as he wondered how he would hold up in her situation.


    Shaking himself free from his thoughts, he uttered somest words as he went to leave, "Anyway, I suggest you sleep on it a little.


    Right now, the darkness is scarier because you have only just been freed from it, and it''s not a good idea to make any life-changing decision. I won''t lock you in here, so you can sleep in your room."


    Before he could step foot on the stairs, however, he heard Emily call out to him, "Wait! I¡­ Just don''t tell Emma, all right? Let her believe the purification took care of everything. At least for now¡­"


    Erik nodded, "Don''t worry. I had intended the same thing."


    So Erik left the basement, leaving Emily alone with her thoughts. At the same time, Elora once again scolded him for his ''bleeding heart''. Erik just smiled helplessly and wondered if he and Elora would ever see eye to eye on this kind of thing.


    Afterward, it didn''t take long before Emily left the basement searching for the woman she once knew as Olivia, wanting to determine the truth of her identity and perhaps talk all this through with her.


    After all, they used to be each other''s confidants.


    ******


    Meanwhile, in Emma''s room, Erik had decided to check up on her and make sure her magically induced sleep turned into a regr one so that she would actually be able to rest a little.


    He woke her up and told her she fell asleep in her sister''s arms due to exhaustion. After convincing a reluctant Emma that it was better to wait until the next day to continue catching up with her big sister, Emma requested to be tied up again.


    Erik naturally did so happily and went to lie down next to Emma, this time intending to actually sleep.


    While he needed very little rest, he did need at least a little. While there had been a few hours of unconsciousness after he basically fainted following the infusion of the winter wolf bloodline, that could hardly be considered sleep.


    And with the days he hadtely, he could feel exhaustion starting to creep in.


    Naturally, Elora took the initiative to draw some sigils around the room for protection, since they couldn''t exactly trust either Emily or Seraphina.


    When everything was prepared for a good night''s rest, Erik drifted off to sleep with two beautiful women in his arms, as Elora had decided to join him.


    *******


    Unfortunately, a good night''s rest was not yet in his cards.


    Instead of the blissful dreand he was used to, he opened his eyes to find himself floating in a white void.


    His first reaction was naturally jumping up and preparing for a fight. Still, nothing happened, as the void remained as empty as before.


    He instinctively reached out to Elora, but although he could still feel his connection with her, there was no reaction from the woman, causing him some anxiety as this was the first time he couldn''t talk to his partner in seven years.


    He wondered suspiciously what was happening and felt angry at being toyed with like this. He opened his mouth to yell, "Whoever is doing this, juste out and tell me what you want!"


    Although he couldn''t be sure, he suspected that this had something to do with everything else that had happened to him so far. While he had little intention of giving in to whatever demands some strange entity might make of him, he could at least listen to what this was all about.


    Suddenly, he heard a man''s deep voice droning through the white void, "You¡­ns¡­audu¡­revenge¡­"


    Erik frowned as he had no idea what this voice was trying to say, a sentiment he was happy to voice out loud, "What the hell are you talking about?"


    A response came, "Communication¡­hard¡­recovering¡­resisting¡­no time¡­."


    Erik got a little impatient now and frowned. He realized he was dealing with something likely more powerful than him. Still, he wouldn''t just bow down to a disembodied voice that couldn''t even talk properly.


    "If you can''tmunicate properly, why call me here?"


    It was silent for a moment, then a response came, "Show¡­past¡­"


    Suddenly, the environment changed, and several scenes yed before Erik''s eyes.

 Chapter 40: Chapter 40 - Strange vision

    As the scene unfolded, a tribe of majestic human-like beings appeared. Erik noticed they were muchrger than him. Still, he was unsure whether they were an urate depiction or if it was simply a consequence of the vision.


    Aside from being towering figures, they had skin like granite and radiated an aura of primordial power while living seemingly peaceful lives.


    Yet, he witnessed as this once¨Cthrivingmunity met a mysterious end, with each giant sumbing to an inexplicable force, their bodies drying up until they were little more than husks.


    Amid the fallen giants, a lone figure emerged. He stood amidst his fallen tribesmen and fell to his knees before appearing to roar in despair. As the vision included no sound, Erik heard nothing of this.


    After appearing to mourn the loss of his tribe for a while longer, the single giant stood up. He walked away, a vision of loneliness, until he was suddenly joined by a woman who could only be described as a female minotaur.


    The giant had a sword asrge and broad as himself on his back, while the woman held arge shield with a one-handed hammer on her hip, with both of them dressed in simple armor.


    Erik watched them travel various worlds as they appeared to be searching for something. Perhaps the reason for his kin''s fate. Erik naturally felt sympathy for this giant, as his story was simr.


    While he knew who had betrayed him, he didn''t know why or who this Confessor was that his hunters had mentioned that day. He still needed answers, just like this giant.


    Eventually, the giant seemed to have found an answer, as the vision changed into a colossal tree appearing in the white void, looming over Erik like a cosmic pir. Its immense trunk of brown bark was adorned with patterns reminiscent of ancient runes and seemed to shimmer slightly.


    Clusters of leaves spread over its many branches, creating a sprawling green, almost glowing canopy that seemed to cast a shadow on Erik despite no single light source being present.


    However, it wasn''t rooted in the ground. Instead, it floated in the air with its gnarled roots spreading out underneath it like shadowy tendrils.


    These tendrils seemed connected to various smaller trees, as bits of light appeared to travel through these roots, feeding therge tree.


    Next, the vision shifted back to the giant from earlier, who was now in arge, seemingly undergroundplex with the minotaur woman. Surrounding these two were various smaller beings, many of whom looked like regr humans.


    The pair of minotaur and giant seemed to be doing something to these various beings. Still, the exact nature or purpose of their actions remained shrouded in mystery.


    As the vision unfolded, the current scene suddenly exploded. Three imposing warriors in golden armour appeared in its stead, with an army of winged people behind them.


    The middle warrior wielded a long spear, the right a simple longsword, and the left had an axe in each hand.


    What happened next was apocalyptic level war, as the three beings engaged in an all-out battle with the giant and the minotaur, while the winged army engaged with an army of various different races, some of whom Erik recognized as shapeshifters and vampires.


    After a long battle, the invading force came out victorious.


    In the final act, the giant expended hisst effort to save the minotaur woman, who suddenly disappeared in a dark blue sh before the giant was killed and chopped up into various pieces.


    Afterwards, the losing army was enved, not by the winged creatures, but by many of the same races as had fought against the winged soldiers.


    Next, the scene changed; the tree was back, and the three golden warriors were standing in front of one of the smaller trees connected to the bigger tree''s roots. The spear wielder had a small, see-through orb in his hand and appeared to push it inside the smaller tree.


    The warriors then left, and time seemed to move forward quickly, indicated by therge leaves swaying frantically.


    At some point, time moved back to normal speed as the minotaur woman reappeared and stood next to the same small tree the three warriors had put that orb into.


    She punched at the tree, and it seemed to disappear, but a green sh hit her in the back before the minotaur woman did the same. She still disappeared, but by whose hand was uncertain.


    Then, the vision ended, leaving Erik not much wiser than before, a sentiment he didn''t mind sharing, "That wasn''t very enlightening, you know? What are you trying to tell me? And, more importantly, why should I care?"


    The various goings on of some random and likely ancient, powerful beings was no concern of Erik, after all. All he wanted right now was revenge on Edda, including whoever ordered her to do it, and then he would continue with Elora as he had been.


    Grow stronger and eventually rule together with her, likely starting with Earth. Probably add some more women to their harem, too. Erik was a simple man in that regard.


    It took a moment for the voice to return as if thinking about something. Still, instead of answering Erik''s question, it said something much more interesting, "Find¡­revenge¡­Africa¡­hunters¡­important¡­"


    Lastly came a name that caused a sh of rage to pass through Erik''s eyes, "...Edda¡­"


    Afterward, he suddenly opened his eyes to the real world, staring up at the ceiling as morning light shone through the hole-riddled curtains.


    He blinked a few times in order to remember where he was, which took a moment since he had just literally watched however many years pass by in vision format.


    He mumbled, "Way to end on an interesting note."


    He felt something stir next to him before a slender arm was draped over his chest, followed by the green eyes, crimson hair, and beautiful face of his partner, Elora. "Good morning! What did you just mumble?"


    Erik sighed, "Let''s just say I dreamed something interesting. I''ll tell you all about it when I''ve woken up a little."


    Elora giggled, "I hope it was a sexy dream."


    Now that they were equal partners, she couldn''t look into his memories without his permission anymore. Not that she would if she could; that would be a betrayal of trust, after all.


    Despite the events just now, Erik couldn''t resistughing at his ever-horny partner. He was d to have her with him, no matter what the future may hold. "Unfortunately not. Although there were a man and woman involved."


    Elora smiled, "Well, I look forward to hearing about it. Anyway, look next to you. That girl you like has a real servile attitude. I approve."


    Only now did Erik realise that Emma''s weight was missing from his left shoulder. He looked at where she was supposed to be and found a te with some breakfast, including hot coffee.


    He wondered where Emma had gotten all this stuff from and how she had made coffee, something that Elora quickly exined, "Seraphina''s travelpanions arrived, and they brought all that stuff.


    Emma woke up earlier and used her light magic to burn through the ropes binding her before she went to see what was happening and brought back some breakfast for you."


    She chuckled, "It''s good I added her magical mark to the protection sigils I created, or she might have ended up dead."


    She shrugged, "Anyway, I suppose she is catching up with her sister now. So how about that dream?"


    Erik nodded and sat upright before taking the breakfast te and began to share the food with Elora while telling her about everything that happened in the dream.


    When he was done, Elora looked thoughtful as they continued to eat.


    When they were done, she sighed, "It could mean a hundred different things. It seems to suggest that either that giant, the minotaur, or both are the people who have something to do with the events here on Earth.


    But that voice you heard might as well have been from one of those golden armored warriors or another person altogether, with the vision being a warning for some reason.


    Let''s focus on thatst bit for now. The voice seems to be telling you that Edda and the other hunters are in Africa. So what do you want to do?"


    Erik was quiet for a moment as he thought about that. While part of him wanted to run off to Africa in search of revenge, he couldn''t just trust the words of some random voice in his head. Who knew if Edda was truly in Africa?


    Not to mention that ''Africa'' was not exactly a small ce. It would have been nice if that voice had been a little more precise.


    Besides, he wanted to pay a visit to his oldmunity anyway.


    So he spoke up, "We can''t simply trust that voice for no reason. Let''s just continue as we have been. We''re basically done here in London now. We''ve gained two powerful followers and a possible informant in the council, so it''s about time we leave.


    It''s time for me to return to my old home."

 Chapter 41: Chapter 41 - Travel companions

    Elora smiled and kissed Erik, "Then let''s do that."


    But since they weren''t in a hurry, the kissing quickly turned into something more, and it took another hour before Erik left the bedroom with a sated fairy in his soul.


    He had once again donned his ck armour since today was likely the day they left.


    At the same time, Emma suddenly came running down the hallway with a worried expression. Still, she seemed to unconsciously brighten up into a relieved smile when she saw Erik''s imposing figure.


    She ran up to him, "Sir! Can you pleasee downstairs? Things are¡­ heating up. I don''t think Seraphina''s travellingpanions agree with all her decisions so far, and big Em seems about ready to start killing."


    Hearing about how things were going to shit after just one night of sleeping, Erik couldn''t help but sigh. Still, before he asked Emma to lead the way, he had to ask something else, "I''ll deal with that in a second, Emma, but first, what''s up with your outfit?"


    Emma''s face started heating up until it was bright red. She looked down and poked her fingers together so cutely that Erik wanted to gobble her up, "I, uh, I figured since I am supposed to, uhm, serve you now, that I should probably dress the part."


    She wasn''t kidding, as she was now wearing a surprisingly well-preserved maid dress with a skirt that was perhaps a little shorter than absolutely necessary.


    She looked up at Erik with sparkling, mismatched eyes, "Do you like it? I found it in the room where the maids would dress themselves for work every morning."


    Erik couldn''t help but smile at Emma while inwardly cursing whatever deity gave her this unfair level of cuteness. He patted her head and caressed her soft white hair, "I love it, Emma. You look amazing."


    The girl, who looked many times better than when Erik had first found her, nuzzled into his hand for a moment but then remembered why she came here, "Ah! Sir! The argument! Downstairs!"


    Erik sighed again before indicating for Emma to lead the way.


    He could already hear the shouting while walking down the stairs; he recognised one voice as Seraphina''s, the other was an unknown man''s. Currently, the man was yelling something about following protocol and letting a single human stand in her way.


    Naturally, this man didn''t know the many things about Erik that Seraphina now knew, but, unfortunately for her, the covenant would prevent her from sharing any of that.


    At this point, Erik walked through the doorway and saw seven people in total, five of them new. Since they were too engrossed in their argument, they hadn''t noticed him and Emma yet, so Erik took a moment to survey the room.


    It was clearly divided into two camps, with Seraphina, Emily and an unknown man on one side and two unknown men and women on the other.


    One of the opposing unknown men was obviously the leader of the other camp. Elora informed him this man was a second rank as well as a human since her senses were much more powerful than Erik''s.


    Emily was sitting on a couch with her elbow on the armrest and her head resting on her fist. She had changed the damaged clothing she''d been wearing during thest two days into something new.


    She now wore a ck crop top with simrly coloured baggy cargo pants and some chains hanging off her waist. Her ck hair flowed freely down her shoulders while her equally ck eyes looked at the neers with murderous intent.


    Her other hand was ying with some ck orbs dancing around her fingers, clearly ready to attack at a moment''s notice.


    In front of the sofa stood Seraphina with her hands on her hips in a domineering manner, while the unknown man, seemingly another vampire, next to her looked anxious and was trying to calm their tensions. "Let''s just calm down, everyone! Please!


    We can''t fight amongst ourselves. The council will have all our heads if we do that! Sera, you know he has a point; when you found a second powerful human here, you should have turned around and waited for the rest of us.


    And Warden Enzo, you can''t deny Sera has a past with this Emily. Anyone would be tempted to bend the rules a little. Besides, didn''t it all end for the best? The ves are freed, and Emily is right there, ready to be taken to the council and judged, as was the n."


    Emily scoffed, however, "I''m not going anywhere with any of you. Try it, and see what happens." The shadows in the room seemed to grow longer the more she talked.


    When the second-rank human, apparently named Enzo, opened his mouth to answer, Erik figured it was time for him to make an entrance, so he stepped inside the room with a smirk and said, "I have to agree with Emily. She''s not going anywhere with you because she''sing with me instead."


    Immediately, various things happened at the same time. Enzo and his group jumped back and prepared themselves for a fight under Erik''s amused gaze.


    Meanwhile, the man next to Seraphina looked at him with undisguised hostility, while Seraphina looked at him with annoyance and hunger, clearly unhappy with her inability to talk about anything rted to Erik while also feeling her desire for his blood grow.


    Lastly, Emily looked at him with a mix of gratitude, suspicion and confusion. She was also the first to talk, "I haven''t decided if I want to follow you yet."


    Erik shrugged, "Well, I won''t force you. I just figured since Emma ising with me¡­."


    Emily looked surprised now and panned her gaze to Emma, standing just behind Erik, "Little Em?"


    While Emily and Emma had already taken some time to talk to each other, and Emily had also spent a long time talking to Seraphina during the night, the fact was that both Emma and Seraphina were still bound by the covenant not to talk about Erik, so Emily still knew disturbingly little about the man, or his deals with her sister and her old friend.


    Emma nodded, a little ufortable, not because she didn''t want to follow or serve Erik but because she didn''t want to leave behind her big sister.


    "That was the deal I made, Big Em." She quickly shook her hands, "But I don''t mind! Sir treats me well; he gave me power, and he helped me to help you. This is a small price to pay!"


    She looked pleadingly at Emily, "Pleasee with us, Big Em! I know you''re afraid of hurting me again, but you won''t! I know you won''t! We already purified you, after all!"


    Emma was still unaware that Emily was constantly struggling with herself to stave off the darkness inside her.


    Emily looked guilty and started saying something, "I-" But was immediately interrupted by the man named Enzo, "Enough of this! None of this matters!"


    He pointed at Emily, "You areing with us to face judgement!" And then swivelled his finger towards Erik, "And you areing too! All second and third-rank figures must register themselves with the council, but we have no record of you!


    Not to mention that you need to stand trial for harbouring a fugitive and the disappearance of the local warlord!"


    Then he pointed to Seraphina, "For which you also need to be questioned, by the way."


    Lastly, he waved his hand in dismissal, "As for the Emma girl, I don''t care. She cane with us or stay here. Either way, the council has no business with her."


    During his tirade, Seraphina palmed her face at Enzo''s behaviour. At the same time, Erik just looked at him with amusement, wondering where he was getting all this confidence from as a mere second rank.


    At the same time, Emma slipped past Erik and started talking with Emily in hushed tones.


    Regardless, Erik had no interest in dealing with any of this in a civil manner, so he crossed his arms, raised an eyebrow and formed his lips into an amused smirk, "And how exactly are you going to stop me?"


    Enzo snorted, "You may have beaten Seraphina two days ago, but I won''t be so easy. Besides, do you really think Seraphina will betray the council? You''ll have to fight the both of us, while Emily is just an enver without any ves."


    Hearing his words, Seraphina sighed.


    Ignoring the part about being harder to beat than her, he was somewhat correct about the rest. Seraphina had no inherent problem with fighting Erik and taking the two sisters to the council since she had already made arrangements for them.


    Yet, she was conflicted. She knew Emma would prefer to stay with Erik, while Emily apparently had some problems that Erik and Elora were better suited to solve than the council was.


    But she wasn''t sure if her decision even mattered, as she suspected Erik was not an opponent they could face.

 Chapter 42: Chapter 42 - Subduing intruders and bringing Emily into the fold

    And she was right.


    With his dual paths of Arcanist and Runebound, fighting two second-ranks wouldn''t be too much of a problem for him.


    Yet, he would prefer not to. Setting aside the fact that Emma, as a mere first rank, might end up hurt, he would also like to keep his uniqueness a secret for now.


    After all, the council, at the very least, had multiple third-rank councillors. It was best for Erik and Elora to stay clear until they were stronger by not giving them too much reason to give chase.


    Besides, Elora had long since prepared for many eventualities.


    So Erik simplyughed heartily at Enzo''s words, as if he had just heard the funniest joke in a long time before he lifted his foot and stomped on the ground.


    His actions caused arge, light purple sigil to be activated, encircling the entire room as it fizzled and cracked with lightning.


    Seraphina and Enzo both yelled, "What are you- Gaaaah!"


    They were cut off as screams began to fill the room when nearly everyone received a heavy electric shock under Erik''s indifferent gaze.


    The newly arrived rank-one''s were all knocked out in an instant. Meanwhile, Emma and Emily were spared, while Enzo and Seraphina were shocked but remained conscious due to their higher strength.


    Seraphina was in better condition than Enzo because of her Runebound body, but they both panted heavily and sank to one knee while looking resentfully at Erik.


    Erik walked over to Enzo with a shrug, "I generally don''t enjoy resorting to these things, as there are few things I love more than a good fight, but sometimes you have no other choice, you know?"


    All this pussyfooting around was getting tiresome for Erik. He enjoyed fighting, and back on S?l, he could do it as much as he liked because it was arge world, and Erik could simply move to another ce if he pissed off a local ruler.


    Not to mention that violence was much moremon there.


    But here, he had to be careful of the council for now.


    He crouched before the panting man, who stared at him with fury and spat on the ground in front of Erik, "I don''t know¡­how you did that¡­but you won''t¡­get away with it!"


    He grinned, "Just wait¡­ until the Iron Sentinel¡­gets here."


    Erik groaned in annoyance before using his heavily armoured gauntlet to knock the man out. "Just stay quiet."


    He turned to Seraphina, "Who is this Iron Sentinel he spoke of?"


    While they had gained a lot of information about the council from Seraphina, the internal workings of the shadow sentinels were not part of it. Unfortunately, this information fell under the ''no sharing of information that could hurt her'' use of their deal.


    Thanks to her powerful body, Seraphina had alreadyrgely recovered and struggled to reach her feet. She growled, "F- Fuck you. You didn''t have t- to attack me, too."


    Erik grinned, "Come now, I could see your eyes. You were ready to fight me together with that guy. Honestly, Seraphina, I thought we got along so well."


    The vampire rolled her eyes as she struggled to control her wounded body, "Did you forget how you left me tied up in lightning chains next to your bed for a night?"


    Erik chuckled, "Alright, alright. How about a peace offering?"


    He bit his finger, making blood flow and brought it closer to Seraphina''s face, "Here, this will help you recover."


    Immediately, Erik saw hunger rece every other thought in the vampire''s mind as her gaze fixed itself on the bleeding finger. It was only a moment before she instinctively lurched forward and sucked it into her mouth.


    As she drank Erik''s blood, she once again felt like liquid heaven was streaming down her throat while power filled every fibre of her being.


    She recognised the danger in continuing to drink this. She hated herself for being so weak, but her instincts refused to let her stop.


    Erik spoke soothingly, patting her silky ck hair, "There, there. It''s alright. Let me take care of you." While he didn''t want Seraphina to be entirely dependent on him, he needed to make himself more important than the council.


    And for now, he had no other way than his blood.


    Emily and Emma looked at this disy in morbid fascination, especially Emily, who had never seen her old friend act like that. Erik eventually pulled his finger back, causing Seraphina to attempt to follow, but was held back by the other hand.


    "Now, now. Your wounds are healed. You don''t need my blood anymore. Unless you would like to ask for some more?"


    Quickly recovering her sanity, Seraphina growled, "F- Fuck you. I know what you''re doing."


    Erik shrugged in response, "Well, suit yourself. If you''d like some more of my blood, how about trading it for information on that Iron Sentinel?"


    Seeing her whithering stare was the only response he was going to get. Erik shrugged again and turned towards Emily instead.


    Despite his cavalier attitude, he knew he needed to make a little haste, as there was a good chance this Iron Sentinel was a third-rank councillor.


    Now, looking at Emily, it was time to confirm her future ns, "Well, it appears the time to make a choice is here. Will youe with me and Emma, or take your chances with Seraphina and the council?


    I should remind you that I expect you to follow my lead and swear a covenant if youe with us."


    Despite asking the question, he knew there was only one possible answer. And a good thing, too. Otherwise, he would have had to let Elora take control of Emily again. After all, Emily knew too much already and, unlike Seraphina, was not bound by a covenant.


    No matter what, he couldn''t let Emily leave for the council despite saying earlier he wouldn''t force her to follow him.


    Emily looked uncertain for a split second but sighed, "Was it ever really a question? Of course, I''m following Emma wherever she goes."


    She conveniently left out the part about likely needing more treatments in the future.


    She stepped closer to Erik and poked his chest with her finger, saying words that confused Emma a little, "I''ll follow your orders while we travel together, but I won''t take your little friend''s deal for now."


    She hesitated a moment, "But¡­ keep it ready just in case."


    Erik felt his respect for Emily rise as he smiled and nodded.


    As Emily continued to poke Erik''s chest, her following words made Emma sad, "Just remember, you have my loyalty only so long as you have Emma''s and so long as you keep her safe no matter what. Even from me."


    When Emily was about to turn around and address Seraphina, Erik stopped her, saying, "Uh uh, that''s not good enough."


    He didn''t know how much time he had, but some things couldn''t wait.


    Emily frowned and turned back, "What?"


    Erik stuck out his hand, and dark green energy swirled in the familiar way by which he and Elora created their covenants. "You see, Seraphina and Emma have both sworn covenants to keep my secrets, and I need you to do the same. Think of it like a magical contract."


    Emily looked at Erik''s arm with scepticism before turning to Emma, who nodded with a happy smile, d that Emily wasing with them.


    Still sceptical, Emily looked back at Erik, "So what are the terms exactly?"


    "I''ll give you the same deal I gave Emma. Serve me for ten years, non-sexually, and never tell anyone anything about me they don''t know yet without my permission," he answered.


    Emily snorted, "And what do I get in exchange?"


    To which Erik raised an eyebrow, "Everything I''ve done for you so far wasn''t good enough?"


    Emily recoiled a little and had to admit he had a point. Yet, the serving part still made her baulk. "So what if I refuse?"


    Instead of Erik, the one who answered was Elora. Emily suddenly heard a loud giggle echoing in her head, followed by a voice she recognised, "You and I are still connected, Emily.


    The fact is, I can take control of you whenever I like, and Erik and I can''t afford for you to go back to the council with everything you know about us. So ept the deal, or be a puppet again. Your choice."


    Emily paled at the thought of Elora simply taking over whenever she wished. She gulped and looked at Erik with a little fear, "I will take your deal, but only if that little woman relinquishes any and all control or connection she still has with me."


    Hearing her words, Erik engaged in a short debate with Elora but eventually convinced her. So he grinned and nodded, "Deal." He wasn''t interested in turning the woman into a puppet again anyway.


    They shook hands, and the magic did its work as small marks appeared on both their hands. Yet, the one on Erik''s hand disappeared almost immediately after Elora had released her control over Emily.


    When this happened, Emily felt a chain unwind from her soul, which she had never even realised had been there, causing her to sigh in relief.

 Chapter 43: Chapter 43 - Iron Sentinel

    Still feeling relieved from losing her connection to Elora, Emily turned to Seraphina with an apologetic expression.


    "You know it''s not about you, right? I trust you to have my back with the council, but I have a lot to make up for with Emma, and I won''t run from that responsibility. Even if I''m afraid to hurt her again."


    Although that wasn''t the only reason she had decided to follow Erik, she didn''t want to mention the darkness that continued to corrupt her soul with Emma there. Seraphina knew about it, however.


    Despite Erik ignoring her, the vampire still looked at him with annoyed hunger and fury. Still, hearing Emily''s words, she tore her gaze away and looked at the pale, dark-haired woman.


    She nodded and sighed, "I know. But¡­ just as I told your sister, I hope you made the right choice. After today, the council willbel all three of you as fugitives."


    Hearing her words, Emma smiled happily, "Don''t worry, we''ll be fine!"


    She approached the vampire woman and hugged her tightly, "Don''t think too badly about Erik, alright? He may not treat you as well as he should, but he has done very well by me and Emily. Surely that counts for something?"


    Erik would have cheered and hugged Emma if that hadn''t ruined the moment. He had been treating Seraphina harshly to humble her a little while feeding her his blood to make her desire him.


    But he had been counting on his treatment of the sisters to make him seem like a better person in Seraphina''s eyes and perhaps even want the same treatment for herself.


    Emma''s words couldn''t have fit better within those ns.


    The vampire woman looked at Emma''s sincere eyes and matching smile for a moment before sighing and realising Emma was right. While Erik had been harsh on her, she, too, had been both antagonistic and suspicious the whole time she was here.


    Perhaps she simply wanted to be the one to save these sisters and didn''t like someone else showing up to do the job instead. Maybe she was also a little scared of how good Erik''s blood tasted and how it made her feel.


    She looked at Emily, wondering about her old friend''s opinion on the matter, but the pale woman just shrugged, "I don''t know him that well yet. But I can''t help but give him some points for what he''s done so far."


    Erik looked at Seraphina, wondering about her next actions when they suddenly heard a loud chopping sound approaching them from afar.


    Erik, Emma and Emily had trouble recognising it, but Seraphina didn''t.


    She gained aplicated look in her eyes but seemed to make a decision before turning to Erik. "That is likely the lordmander''s helicopter.


    She is a third-rank, bear-type shapeshifter who loves fighting and prefers to do so with her hands and ws rather than a weapon. Her name is Katya Ironova.


    Other than that, her affinity is metal, and she usually travels alone, even flying the helicopter herself, but that is all I know about her. Now, please knock me out so she doesn''t suspect anything."


    Erik immediately cursed inwardly. He had taken too long.


    On the one hand, he was excited about the possibility of fighting a third rank, something he had done only once before. On the other, he knew he had very little chance of beating her, yet he couldn''t let himself be taken to the council.


    Who knew when he would be able to leave again? If ever? He refused to let his and Elora''s fate be in the hands of others.


    Regardless, it had been only about five to ten minutes since he was told this iron sentinel was evening in the first ce. He wondered if he would have been able to get far enough away to be safe from a helicopter in that amount of time.


    His conclusion? Probably not. Not even if he had left the Ashcroft sisters behind.


    He didn''t like running and hiding anyway, so perhaps this was for the best.


    He and Elora quickly began brainstorming ideas as the thunderous whirring of rotating des slicing through the air came ever closer.


    A few momentster, Elora and Erik reached a consensus. Erik quickly removed his armour, leaving him in the simple tunic and pants he had worn the day before. He handed it to Emily and Emma before giving them some instructions.


    Keeping his armour and the things inside its storagepartment hidden from this third rank was a high priority, even if he had to fight her without it. He did keep his hammer with him, of course. There wasn''t anything exciting about it anyway.


    Next, he pushed a few vials of blood into Seraphina''s hands, "These are as thanks for sharing what you know about this Katya woman. Now, I won''t knock you out because I need you to y along.


    It''s for the sisters'' sake, but I won''t lie. You might be incriminated. That said, I suspect you have a powerful enough background that you''d be able to talk your way out of it, correct?"


    Seraphina nodded but still looked uncertain.


    Luckily, it didn''t take much convincing to get Seraphina to help since she recognised the situation''s urgency.


    He exined what he needed her to do. When she indicated her understanding, he moved towards the estate''s garden, where he had previously fought Seraphina.


    The helicopter had, by now, reached the Ashcroft estate and was hovering overhead. On the side of it was a pale woman with light brown hair and arge grin, seemingly surveying the surroundings.


    When she noticed Erik, her grin grew even wider. She seemed to disappear inside the machine momentarily before it moved over the garden and begannding.


    But the same woman from earlier, presumably the iron sentinel, Katya, suddenly jumped down while the helicopter was still descending.


    Erik looked in amazement as he saw the woman descend from a terrifying height, defying gravity with supernatural grace as her long ponytail flickered behind her.


    With a thunderous impact, shended on the garden''s soil, her powerful legs absorbing the shock and creating a small crater beneath her. Dust and grass swirled in the air as she straightened, a towering and imposing presence amid a previously peaceful garden.


    Erik had to admit that, while powerful, his body would not survive such a fall. Yet he also suspected this wouldn''t be normal for third-rank Runebound, as he knew bear-type shapeshifters had some of the densest bodies in the supernatural world.


    As Erik looked curiously at this woman, he noticed her sharp, blue eyes scanning the surroundings with an air of casual arrogance and a yful smirk on her lips.


    He was surprised to find this woman only a little shorter than him, something he rarely encountered but didn''t find unattractive. In fact, this Katya was a mature beauty with high cheekbones and a slender nose.


    She was dressed in a simple white crop top which fit snuggly around her medium-sized chest and left the well-defined muscles of her powerful arms and the clear six-pack of her stomach out in the open air.


    Her legs were covered by brown cargo pants, while her feet were bare. Most shapeshifters would leave their feet bare since it took too long to remove their shoes when they wanted to shift. Assuming they even took the time to take off their clothes.


    Her attire was somewhat simr to Emily''s. Still, Erik would think of the military with Katya, while Emily''s clothes made him think of an edgy adventurer.


    When she was done looking around, Katya honed in on Erik. She walked towards him with purposeful yet casual strides while observing him.


    Erik made it a point to look unintimidated and even eager. Which wasn''t hard, as that was precisely how he felt. Sure, she was stronger than him, but that only made him more excited.


    And while he couldn''t deny he was a little intimidated, his pride and excitement wiped that feeling out as soon as it appeared.


    As Katya approached Erik, the helicopter had finishednding not far behind Katya, likely on some sort of autopilot.


    She stood a few meters before Erik with her arms crossed, looking him up and down with a curious smile. Meanwhile, Erik did the same thing. After all, he had to awaken this woman''s love for fighting.


    Katya spoke up, grinning, "You must be the human that waid the Nightshade girl. I like the look in your eyes, but what is a human like you doing with a hammer like that?"


    It seems Erik and Elora''s assumption was correct. This iron sentinel knew very little about his fight with Seraphina. Something they could use to their advantage, even if Katyater finds out the truth.


    Erik grinned back, "Who said I was a human? I just didn''t need my full strength to beat that little vampire."


    With those words, he quickly shifted, ripping apart his few clothes.


    Less than a second of creaking, cracking and rippingter, the human Erik had been reced by a werewolf with beautiful white fur inteced with ck marks in the shape of lightning bolts. Abination of his winter wolf and Raiju bloodlines.


    He nted the head of his hammer on the ground, "But for you, I''ll get serious."

 Chapter 44: Chapter 44 - A difficult fight

    Katya Ironova, third-rank Runebound, the Iron sentinel, and leader of the European Council''s peacekeeping force, the shadow sentinels, watched with curiosity and surprise at Erik''s transformation.


    At the same time, she cooed, "Ooh, you''re a fellow shapeshifter, nice!"


    When he was done and made his deration, she couldn''t helpughing, "I like you! You''ve got spunk! But while it''s impressive you managed to beat the vampire girl in your human form, beating me will be another matter entirely. Are you sure you''re up for it?"


    Erik''s wolfish lips curled into a grin, "Couldn''t hurt to try, right? Either way, I''m not one to run from a good fight."


    Katya''s blue eyes showed a glint of appreciation and cunning, "You know if I couldn''t see the conviction in your eyes, I might think you''re trying to y me."


    She wasn''t an idiot, after all.


    Erik shrugged, "Why can''t it be both?"


    He didn''t see a point in trying to lie about his intentions.


    Sheughed again. It was a burst of belly-typeughter that you didn''t often find in women, but Erik didn''t mind that. In fact, Katya seemed like a woman he would get along with.


    Regardless, they were on opposite sides for now.


    When she was doneughing, her eyes gained an intense focus, clearly readying herself for a fight, "I suppose that means the Ashcroft sisters are currently fleeing? Fine, little pup. If you want a fight, I''ll give you one. I don''t much care about this Emily girl, anyway."


    She grinned widely, "But if you actually want these girls to get away, you''ll probably need to entertain me for at least thirty minutes. Think you''re up to the task?"


    Erik''s most crucial part of the n was dying Katya for a while, ensuring she didn''t simply attempt to rush past him inside the mansion or after the sisters.


    Not that he was doing all this for the sisters. While Erik could certainly admit to caring about the sisters, Seraphina had already made arrangements so their fate in the council wouldn''t be so bad.


    Instead, he did this mainly because this n would give the highest chance for his and Elora''s survival and freedom.


    So he matched her grin with excited determination, "Absolutely I do".


    The iron sentinel chuckled at his enthusiasm,"Fine. But before we start, tell me the situation inside. It will determine my treatment of you after I beat you up a little."


    Assuming she was talking about her subordinates, Erik shrugged, "They''re all fine, just unconscious in the living room. Seraphina and Enzo included."


    This time, Katya truly looked surprised, "Oh? You knocked two second-rankers unconscious without bringing the house down around you? If true, then I would really like to know how you did that."


    Grinning because he had once again increased Katya''s interest in him, he said, "Maybe you''ll be able to find out."


    Katya snorted, "You''ve alreadypleted your goal of gaining my interest, pup. There''s no need to continue acting so mysteriously."


    She spread her arms and smirked, "And anyway, you''ll tell me all I wish to know soon enough. Now, give me your best shot. Let''s see if you do better against me than Seraphina did against you. Let''s see if a second rank can force me to shift!"


    While Erik was a little annoyed by her stance, he could understand the sentiment.


    Since he couldn''t dy any longer, Erik decided to just enjoy himself.


    With a grin, he picked up his hammer and touched one of his lightning runes, causing light purple markings and sparks of lightning to appear all over his skin.


    This was the same skill he used to win his bet against Elora two nights ago, only on much higher intensity. It flooded his body with electricity, making it harmful for anyone to touch him while increasing his reflexes and speed.


    Katya cooed, "Ooh, lightning, aren''t you lucky. Perhaps you''ll actually be able to prate my defences then."


    Certain affinities had some advantages against others, like lightning against metal. Still, the impact of these advantages would decrease exponentially as the power ceiling increased.


    With an excited grin and hammer in hand, Erik charged at Katya.


    He first approached with a sidewipe, aiming to hit her with the t side of his hammer.


    The woman mirrored his grin when a thin metallic sheen covered her right hand.


    Next, she backhanded the approaching hammer, easily making it fly off course before she closed on Erik and punched him heavily in the stomach.


    Coughing and only barely able to hold on to his hammer, Erik flew back a few meters, before stabilising himself.


    Erik wasn''t deterred despite eating a big loss in their first exchange. Instead, his grin only got more excited.


    He knew it would be this way from the start. After all, Katya''s body was the strongest he had ever fought against.


    Katya chuckled as she observed Erik''s resilience. She might actually enjoy this fight, as it had been a while since a second rank piqued her interest.


    She flexed her metallic-covered hand and beckoned Erik toe at her again.


    Erik, undeterred, lunged forward, his movements quickened by the coursing electricity that enveloped him.


    This time, he charged his hammer with the same concussive lightning st he used against Seraphina.


    He wasn''t afraid of revealing he had more skills and spells than he was supposed to since his goal was to increase Katya''s interest in him without giving away too much.


    But the Iron Sentinel was no ordinary opponent. She swiftly dodged Erik''s attack, showcasing her surprising agility.


    Yet her dodge was not good enough. The concussive st exploded, somewhat surprising Katya, as these kinds of attacks were not standard for Runebound.


    Yet, they did appear, so she quickly shook off her surprise and the st before retaliating with a swift kick to Erik''s side. This time, she encased her leg in a metal sheen.


    The impact sent him sprawling, but he managed to roll and regain his footing.


    Katya grinned, "Not bad, pup, you surprised me with that one. But you''ll have to do better."


    From this point, Erik kept attacking, as Katya continued to defend and retaliate, apparently refusing to go on the offensive.


    Erik didn''t care. He enjoyed the chance to go all out against a seemingly insurmountable foe.


    As the fight continued, Katya seemed to be increasingly impressed with Erik''s abilities and eventually even began giving him tips.


    "Remember, pup," Katya called out, "speed isn''t just about moving quickly. It''s about being unpredictable."


    It was a good tip for Erik, who wasn''t used to relying on his speed. Usually, he was the one with the more powerful body. Even when he once fought a third-rank Arcanist back on S?l.


    The unfortunate fact was that, back on S?l, he''d never had a real teacher, as no one could know the full extent of his uniqueness.


    His entire fighting style was self-taught with Elora''s help. Only his hammer technique was partly taught by someone else.


    It wasn''t long before Erik began showing off his other skills and spells.


    At one point, Erik saw an opening. When he was about to be kicked in the side again, he stood his ground instead of purposefully moving with the force to reduce the impact.


    Katya was surprised but didn''t reduce the power of her kick.


    When it connected, she didn''t hit the expected fur and flesh, but a smallyer of ice that quickly shattered but gave Erik the time he needed tounch an attack.


    He opened his mouth wide and howled as an icy blue magic circle appeared, releasing a powerful st of icy shrapnel straight into the Iron Sentinel''s face.


    Katya yelped in surprise and was just barely able to cross her arms in front of her face before the attack hit, and she slid back across the ground a few meters.


    When she stabilised, her face showed a grin while she shook her arms to remove any remaining ice.


    There were no wounds, as her arms had been encased in metal.


    She looked with amusement and surprise towards Erik, "A second affinity? And you managed to bring it to the second rank as well? Nice going, pup! The surprise attack was well executed, too."


    His ice affinity was actually still in the first rank, but he simply gained one ability each for his Arcanist and Runebound paths.


    Erik grinned, "Thank you. But I still haven''t even put a scratch on you."


    Katya chuckled, "I like your attitude! Come on then, keep trying!"


    Erik attacked again, a feral smile adorning his wolfish lips.


    They continued to fight for at least an hour as Katya gave Erik tips while he improved with leaps and bounds.


    He realised the benefits a good teacher could have on his fighting style, and here on Earth, he could have a teacher without hiding his shapeshifter side.


    It was a shame his revenge took precedence in his mind. Otherwise, he might have tried to get this Katya woman to take him under her wing.


    And if that led to a more intimate rtionship, well¡­ he couldn''t deny the idea of having a different kind of battle with this powerful, mature beauty was an interesting one.

 Chapter 45: Chapter 45 - Conviction

    Through his improvements, he eventually begannding some hits on Katya. Nothing which really wounded her, but enough to once again raise the Iron Sentinel''s impression of him through his quick learning ability.


    Now, Erik stood across from Katya, panting and with various bloody smears all over his body but with unwavering determination in his wolfish, amber eyes and a bloody grin on his face.


    Luckily, his regeneration was faster than most others, so his cuts and bruises had already healed.


    Yet he would consider himself lucky this woman was more interested in sparring with and teaching him than actually defeating him. Otherwise, he suspected he would have already been turned into a bloody smear on the ground.


    He panted, "I''m not¡­done yet¡­!"


    Katya grinned, genuinely enjoying her time with Erik. She had some red spots on her body and some gashes in her clothes, but mostly, she was in much better condition than Erik.


    Katyaughed, "I don''t know if your goal here today was to impress me, but you surely seeded!"


    Suddenly, her lips curled into a cruel grin, "Regardless, I would like to see how you handle true despair."


    She began a startling transformation.


    It looked much like Erik''s, but Katya''s werebear form had regr knees and much thicker fur and limbs, unlike his werewolf form.


    Her form was clearly built for defence and power, not speed or agility.


    Her clothes were also clearly made from a special material, as her shirt and pants perfectly amodated her new form.


    It didn''t look very good, but Katya likely wasn''t much bothered by that.


    Her fur was the same colour as her light brown hair and bristled with the sheer power hidden behind it.


    Her transformation took even less time than Erik''s, beingpleted almost instantly.


    When it was done, she roared into the early afternoon sky and charged Erik with an excited, animalistic grin.


    That was when he knew he was fucked.


    What happened next was a disy of absolute savagery.


    Erik had be entirely unable to defend himself as the woman-turned-bear thrashed him around the garden, leaving him with heavy wounds.


    Yet, he stayed determined and never gave up, even managing to get some minor hits in, earning him more respect from the woman.


    After some time, Erik was panting heavily and down on one knee, unable to find the strength to continue getting up as blood streamed from various wounds.


    Yet, he could feel the adrenalin and endorphins pumping through his system as that bloody grin had never left his face. Was he a masochist? Perhaps not, but he certainly loved this feeling of fighting and improving.


    Katya walked up next to him. She crouched down and looked him in his defiant amber eyes with glee. "I''ve decided! You''reing with me to be my apprentice! Ha! I''ve always wanted one of those!"


    But instead of the tion she expected, Erik shook his head and panted, "I can''t¡­do that¡­I need¡­revenge¡­! If you''re not¡­going to kill me¡­then¡­let me leave!"


    Katya raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Revenge, huh? That''s fair. Revenge is a noble pursuit. But you can do thatter after you train with me for a while."


    Clearly, this woman was not used to getting rejected.


    But Erik couldn''t afford to go with her. He was still hiding too many things, and he had no idea what her reaction would be to those. Not that he was really interested in telling her anything, regardless of her response.


    So he shook his head again, "I¡­really can''t¡­how about¡­Ie to find you¡­after my revenge¡­?"


    Katya chuckled, "It''s cute that you think you have a choice in this. You really don''t, however. Besides, the council wants you for interrogation and identification. But don''t worry, with me in your corner, it''ll be a breeze."


    In response, Erik closed his eyes. Thinking this was his way of epting the situation, Katya smiled and began to get up when her eyes suddenly opened wide. She tried to grab Erik, but he disappeared in a sh.


    This was his second lightning rune.


    It was a short-range burst of speed that required a built-up charge from fighting for a while. It had been ready to use for a while, but he was saving it for this moment.


    He reappeared about 20 meters away, but Katya didn''t calm down, not even registering the fact he shouldn''t have another lightning ability. She continued to stare at him with wide eyes. "Stop it, you idiot pup! Why go this far?!"


    Erik grinned as chaotic energy began leaking from his being, making the air around him crackle and pop.


    As blood began leaking from his mouth, he spoke, "Without conviction, what do you have in life? I will get my revenge, and I refuse to wait for it. I''d rather be dead than wait."


    Because that is what Erik was doing. He was overloading his runes, which would soon make his body explode.


    The thing was, this wasn''t an act.


    He might not actually prefer death over waiting a little longer for revenge, but he did choose death over leaving his fate up to the council. And so did Elora. After all, she, too, would die when Erik did, at least without severing their bond first, but that was easier said than done.


    Not that she would have if she could.


    Together till death do us part.


    For many, these were just words they said during a marriage ceremony. But for them, it was a lifestyle conviction.


    Therefore, if things didn''t go as nned, he really was prepared to die today. A little sudden? Perhaps. But this was not the first time they had gone through something like this.


    True conviction is not born from mere ideals, after all. It is born from experiences.


    Katya saw Erik''s eyes had the willingness to die here and now, together with Elora.


    The Iron Sentinel knew she wouldn''t reach him in time to stop him. She didn''t want her newest apprentice to die like this, but she also couldn''t just let him leave. The chances he would actuallye find herter were minuscule.


    Her expression was severe, and her eyes focussed, "Damnit pup, don''t be an idiot! I like your conviction, but there''s a thin line between determination and folly! Juste with me. What''s the harm in waiting a little?!"


    But Erik didn''t stop.


    At that moment, the backdoor of the mansion opened, and an excited, if exhausted, Seraphina walked out, dragging a struggling woman behind her.


    A woman who looked an awful lot like Elora. Except without her wings.


    She yelled, "Boss, Boss! Over here!"


    Erik and Katya both swivelled their heads to Seraphina. Katya looked curious and quickly determined Seraphina''s eyes were clear and not enved, before she refocused on the more immediate problem of Erik.


    Yet she frowned when Erik looked at the woman dragged by Seraphina with despair, "Elora!"


    She immediately understood this woman was important to him and smiled deviously. "Alright, so you are prepared to die. But are you prepared to take this woman with you?


    Even if I don''t kill her, the council might just punish her in your stead, and I have no reason to defend her."


    For a moment, Erik looked indecisive as he momentarily halted his implosion but kept it hovering just above meltdown. Elora yelled, "Don''t listen to her, Erik. Do what you have to!"


    Katya immediately cursed under her breath, then yelled, "Foolish girl, do you want the both of you to die?!"


    Elora looked at Katya with hatred and resentment, making Katya wonder how much she had seen of their fight, "I''m sure a bitch like you wouldn''t understand our love! He would die for me as I would die for him!"


    Katya facepalmed, "Ugh, now I have two people with the typical conviction of idiots!"


    She looked at Erik helplessly, "I gotta say, this is waning my interest in you a little."


    Looking thoughtful for a moment, under various gazes of the people present, Katya eventually sighed, "Still, if I can redirect such conviction, you might turn into a fighter that rivals myself."


    She turned to Seraphina, content that Erik was apparently waiting for now. She was curious precisely what had happened to Seraphina and how she ended up with that woman in her hand, but that could wait forter.


    Her priority was the other wardens and enforcers that were sent there. "How is everyone else? And what can you tell me of that woman?"


    Seraphina grinned as she looked at the wounded Erik, clearly finding some enjoyment in his current state, then turned back to Katya. "They''re all fine, boss. Enzo is currently waking the others.


    As for the woman, I''m not sure. I know that man cares about her, and her name is Elora, but that''s about it. When I came to, I saw your fight and decided to search the house for the Ashcroft sisters and this woman. But I found only her."


    Seraphinaughed arrogantly, "She was hiding inside the mansion''s panic room. I guess she didn''t think I knew of it."


    Katya nodded thoughtfully and turned back to Erik. "So, your name is Erik, huh? My name is Katya Ironova. Listen, we have clearly reached an impasse here. But how about I suggest a solution?"


    Seeing Erik stare at her with conviction and determination but with no answer, she took his silence as a willingness to listen.

 Chapter 46: Chapter 46 - Katyas departure

    Seeing his willingness to listen, Katya made her proposal.


    "I don''t know why exactly you waid me here, considering you want revenge so badly, but I guess it was to buy the Ashcroft sisters time to escape. Which I can respect, even if I don''t know why you care about them so much."


    It wasn''t so much that he cared about them, as much as he was the only one able to both entice Katya into a fight and hold on long enough to give the others time to make their own moves.


    After all, the sisters could only get away because he dyed this Iron Sentinel, but neither of them would have been able to do the same for him.


    Since he couldn''t run away and expect to remain free, there was only one chance for his survival and freedom: giving Katya a reason to let him leave unmolested.


    Seeing Erik remain silent, Katya continued, "Well, regardless of your reasons, now you have to pay the price of your actions because you made me interested in you. So here''s the deal.


    I take that cute girl named Elora over there with me, and you go take care of your revenge.


    When you''re done, you cane to find me just like you said you would. Only now, I''m sure you''lle because Elora will be there waiting for you."


    She turned to Seraphina, "Assuming I am right in thinking he''lle for her? What is your assessment of your time here, assuming you haven''t simply been locked up?"


    Before she could answer, Erik''s panicked voice sounded, still panting, "Wait! You¡­you can''t take¡­Elora!"


    Ignoring his objections, Seraphina began to talk, "Absolutely. They didn''t lock me up because this woman here seems to have some kind of weird ability to draw magic circles on the ground and make them do stuff.


    They can even act as traps! That is how they protected their bedroom and also how they knocked out me and the others just before."


    Looking resentfully at Erik now, she said, "We were sitting on one of those circles without even knowing it."


    Erik coughed, "D- Damn you, Seraphina!"


    Katya now took a much closer look at Elora, "Truly? That is fascinating!"


    More than just fascinating, Katya''s expression seemed to suggest she knew something more about these circles than she wanted to admit.


    After looking curiously at Elora, sheughed loudly again, "Man! I''ll need to thank Enzo for calling me here. Because of him, I got myself a new apprentice and someone who can draw powerful sigils!


    This will put the Shadow Sentinels at the top of the food chain back home!"


    Erik and Elora took curious note of her mentioning of sigils. At the same time, the rest had no idea what Katya meant but decided to ignore it.


    Meanwhile, Erik was struggling to his feet by leaning on his hammer, finally having regained some of his breath, while his wounds had begun to close, "Damn you! Do you have muscles blocking your ears, woman?! I told you, Elora is going nowhere with you!"


    Katya snorted and was about to lecture him once again on the minimal amount of choice he had. Yet, Elora spoke up first, smiling so brightly that anyone who knew her personality would wonder if she got a particrly hard knock on her head.


    "Just take the deal, Erik! I''ll be fine! I know you''lle to get me soon enough!"


    Katya apuded, "There we go. Finally, one of you is making smart decisions!"


    She turned to Erik, "So, how about it, pup? The sooner you learn that the biggest fist is always right, the better."


    Erik stared somberly at Katya, still leaning on his hammer, before speaking up, "I''m warning you. If a single hair on her head is harmed¡­"


    Katya immediately waved her hand in dismissal, "Don''t make empty threats, pup. But don''t you fret. She''ll be fine. I am a woman myself, after all. Besides, I don''t want you to go off on another revenge hunt right after finishing the first."


    Erik stared at her for another moment as if hesitating but then nodded, "Fine. You have a deal." He didn''t dial down the overloading of his runes just yet, however. He needed to wait for Katya to actually leave.


    The Iron Sentinel smiled from ear to ear. "Good! Good! You''ll see, being my apprentice will be great! I''ll turn you into a fighting machine!"


    She winked mysteriously, "I might even tell you how I and a few others managed to get a head start on the rest of you."


    By now, Katya had turned back into her human form. She grabbed in one of the many pockets of her cargo pants and tossed whatever she grabbed towards Erik, "Here''s a cell phone. Only my number is in it. Call me when you''re ready to ept your destiny."


    Erik picked up the phone, which was old and likely tougher than a brick. He wasn''t surprised by its existence, as he and Elora had learned from Seraphina that the council had discovered ways of charging electronic devices with magic.


    They had also restored the mobileworks but made them only essible with phones handed out by the council to select individuals. It wasn''t perfect, however. Since radiowaves andsers were still restricted to a range of 100km, satellites were out of the picture.


    Because of that, all cell phone traffic went over towers, and the council had only restored a number of those in specific areas. This meant the coverage wasn''t great and certainly didn''t leave Europe.


    But, having a personal phonework was still a great boon and one of the reasons for the councils'' dominance over Europe.


    At this point, Enzo and the other members of the Shadow Sentinels began filing out of the mansion and sending resentful gazes at Erik and Elora, having learned it was Elora who had provided the means by which they were knocked out.


    Seeing that they were mostly unharmed, Katya nodded happily. She turned back to Erik, "Remember to keep that phone close to you, as it will charge off of the aetherium that naturally permeates your body when you exercise."


    Suddenly, she seemed to get an idea, "Oh!" and quickly ran to the helicopter,ing back with a stack of papers, barely bound together in the form of a book, "Just so you don''te to think of our first meeting as all bad, take this!"


    Knowing Erik was still on the verge of blowing himself up, she didn''t get close but put the book on the ground and grinned at Erik as if she had just given him the greatest thing he would ever receive.


    "These are my personal training notes! Use them to grow as you pursue your target!"


    Immediately, all members of the Shadow Sentinels, including Seraphina, looked at Erik with Envy. Katya was possibly the strongest fighter in the council, at least to the best of their knowledge, and getting her training notes was like a holy grail for those aiming high.


    Erik looked at the book with curiosity. Did he just get an unexpected benefit from this event? Perhaps he did.


    Yet, he made sure to continue looking resentful at Katya, to which she just waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, don''t look at me like that. You''lle to see it my way eventually."


    She turned to the seven people behind her, "Anyway, let''s move out, everyone! We''ll tell the local peacekeeping forces to keep an eye out for Emily and her sister, and I''ll let you all ride on my helicopter just this once. Let''s give Erik there some privacy."


    Erik watched as five of those people walked past while looking at him with a mixture of envy and resentment. At the same time, Seraphina had the same look but also included aplicated twinkle.


    Meanwhile, Elora just looked at him with a gaze full of love and promises of a future together. A look that Erik matched. No one noticed the mischievous twinkle in her eye.


    As soon as Elora was filed into the helicopter, however, his gaze changed to one of stoic eptance as he watched the helicopter in silence, even as it lifted off and flew off into the distance.


    Only when even the sound had disappeared and the Ashcroft estate''s garden was quiet once more did his gaze return to normal.


    He quickly released the pressure he had been building up to overload his runes and sighed in relief, as it had not been a good feeling.


    His lips curled into a mischievous grin. So far, everything had gone ording to n.


    He inwardly thanked Seraphina for her change of mind, as they would have been unable to devise a decent n otherwise. At least, not on such short notice.


    In an instant, a dark green radiance enveloped him. Elora''s magic, still essible to him, swiftly covered his body, replenishing his energy and mending any lingering damage from the prior battle and the abuse of his runes.


    When restored and fully back on his feet, he cracked his bones and stretched his limbs. He decided to remain in wolf form for now, as he had no clothes to put on.


    He walked towards the book Katya had left behind and picked it up before quickly ncing through it. It looked rough but also very interesting.


    He smiled at the unexpected benefit of today''s events before putting the book under his arm and doing the same with the cell phone.


    When ready, he used his two wolf legs to take off, running deeper into London.

 Chapter 47: Chapter 47 - Ruined London

    Erik''s wolf form propelled him through the now deste streets of Hampstead. His keen senses absorbed the unfamiliar sights and sounds of a city unlike any he had ever known.


    Having been raised in an istedmunity in Northern Norway andter thrust into the more fantastical of S?l, running inside a modern city like this one was entirely alien to him.


    He had seen movies, even where he grew up, and S?l had plenty of massive metropolises, but to experience arge modern city like London was new.


    Yet, this ce was not what it used to be.


    An eerie silence enveloped the broken streets. Buildings, once towering symbols of human progress, now stood as shattered remnants of a forgotten era.


    The skeletal remains of skyscrapers loomed over him as he raced through the streets, their broken windows and leaning structures a stark contrast to the pristine yet medieval or fantastical structures he had known on S?l.


    Signs of hasty repairs and makeshift barricades hinted at a struggle for survival that echoed through the city''s core. It was a visual testament to the resilience of those who had clung to life amidst the ruins.


    While Erik ran through the ruins of London, he remembered learning from the others how earthquakes had ravaged the, or at least Europe, during the first few weeks after awakening.


    He wondered how many of these ruins were due to the fighting and how many were due to the earthquakes. How many people had survived the awakening, only to die because their house caved in a few hours or dayster?


    Gradually, the affluent areas, mostly abandoned due to proximity to the Witch of London, gave way to worn-down yet partially restored neighbourhoods. From here on, every building he encountered bore the scars of conflict.


    Small pockets of life began to show themselves here as Erik noticed people attempting to live rtively normal lives.


    While racing past, some looked at him indifferently, others with wariness. Only a few recognised he was a second-rank Runebound and looked at him with fear, as most people were still in the first rank.


    In some ces, remnants of magical explosions lingered in the air, a testament to battles that had unfolded recently. Burns marks, and holes scarred the sides of buildings while asional bursts of residual aetherium crackled and created an otherworldly glow.


    Clearly, the council still had a lot of work to do if they wanted to bring peace and order back to Europe.


    At some point, Erik was even osted by a group of rank-one thugs, clearly thinking he was an easy mark. Alone, in a hurry and with a book under his arm.


    But since they were all rank-one, they barely slowed Erik down as they quickly lost their heads. Since he was already in hot water with the council, he might as well stop being careful.


    His journey led him to the London harbour, a ce that seemed to cling to a fragile sense of normalcy. The distant sounds ofpping water reached his ears, and as he approached, the salty breeze carried with it the unmistakable scent of the sea.


    The council''s restoration efforts in this area were more apparent since this was Ennd''s primary connection to the maind after the Eurotunnel copsed.


    While sea travel had be more dangerous, experienced and powerful ships and sailors could still make it across short distances. Some fishing boats bobbed gently on the water, as some people still enjoyed food, even if they didn''t really need it.


    While eating food allowed them to grow in power quicker, it wasn''t noticeably faster, so most people had yet to realise the difference.


    The harbour was busier than most of London, and Erik even noticed some people acting as peacekeepers. They wore special uniforms with a logo Erik recognised as belonging to the council.


    It was a crest-style logo incorporating three distinct shields, each representing one of the council''s races. There was something that looked like a magical staff, the shadowy form of an undefined creature and a wide-open set of teeth with clear vampire fangs.


    The harbour was awash with various sounds and smells as people talked among themselves. Truly, this was a ce of refuge among the chaos and ruins. Even some stalls were present, as people bought and sold goods using their own energy as currency.


    Basically, this meant transferring some umted energy from the buyer to the seller, allowing the seller to grow stronger. The buyer won''t weaken from doing this but will have to spend more time umting power in the future.


    This worked even between supernatural and humans, as the Runebound simply used the aetherium that was modifying their bodies instead of the energy their bodies generated since it was too different from aetherium to be interchangeable.


    However, the system wasn''t perfect, as no one could have continuous growth this way. They needed to rest in between, yet they had no way to store the energy. Some people would even bring family or partners to absorb some power as well.


    Erik felt a strange mix of emotions at seeing all this. On the one hand, he was d life continued on Earth despite what it had gone through. On the other, did he really care about people on Earth anymore?


    Deciding not to sink into any philosophical debates right now, Erik sniffed the air, searching for smells within smells.


    After a few moments, he found what he was looking for and took off running, dodging people as he went. Most people quickly avoided him, however. Seeing a shapeshifter run around in their beast form without being in a fight was strange.


    Not because shapeshifters were generally ufortable in their beast form but simply because the human form was a lot more practical for everyday tasks.


    Naturally, he drew much attention like this as people began to talk about him, and peacekeepers kept a close eye on him.


    Some people who were almost bowled over by Erik''srge form rushing through the crowd even yelled after him, "Hey! What the bloody hell is so important that made you the most important man in the world right now, huh? Fucking mutt!"


    When he used the derogatory term for werewolves, he quickly received a p on his head from the woman next to him, "Shut it, Sam! Your senses may be dull as always, but that man was a second rank! Don''t get us both killed with your stupidity!"


    Yet, even if Erik had heard the man, he was in too much of a hurry. Thirty minutes had already passed since Katya and her people left, and there was no telling how much time he had left exactly.


    A few minutester, he stopped in front of a heavily guarded boat.


    *******


    About half an hour before, when Erik was just about finished with his battle with Katya, four figures were moving quickly through the harbour crowd.


    In front were two slender figures weaving their way through the crowd and dressed in ck cloaks, fully covering their bodies and hiding their faces.


    Behind them came two rough-looking men carryingrge backpacks and wearing sunsses despite the cloudy weather. No one called them on it, however. Most people quickly learn to stay out of trouble in this post-awakening world.


    The figures in front seemed to whisper to each other, "Where do you think this boat is, Big Em?"


    Naturally, these figures were Emily and Emma, while the two brutes behind them were mere thugs who tried to ost them on their way from the mansion to the harbour.


    They had been having quite a bit of trouble with those backpacks at the time, so Emily quickly ''convinced'' them to be pack mules.


    The reply was immediate and focused, "I don''t know, Em. But it should be here somewhere. Just look for a boat with some of those so-called peacekeepers surrounding it." She uttered the word peacekeepers with no small amount of disdain.


    After all, many of the people who showed up at her door with Liam had been peacekeepers, and despite her partial purification, she was still annoyed at their intrusion into her territory.


    She wasn''t even that bad! Sure, she enved a bunch of people, but only those who intruded on her territory in the first ce! After all, Emily had never even left the Hampton neighbourhood in thest seven years.


    They kept looking around while trying to avoid any contact with others. Luckily, the brutes behind them made most people think twice about approaching two likely young and beautiful women.


    Not many other kinds of people would travel like this, after all.


    Another few minutester, they finally found what they were looking for.


    It was an 18-meter (60-foot) long sailboat sporting three masts and with enough room to amodate at least ten people.


    While the boat''s top appeared to be original and in good condition, the bottom and sides had been heavily reinforced to resist the mutated and powerful sea creatures now roaming the waters.

 Chapter 48: Chapter 48 - Stealing a ship

    In the bustling London harbour, Emma and Emily were eyeing a boat. This boat, used by the council officials to navigate between the European maind and the UK, held the promise of escape. Something Seraphina had been kind enough to share with them.


    Two stern-faced peacekeepers guarded the boat''s boarding nk, oblivious to the nearby girls. The sisters, veiled by their hoods, moved strategically, concealing themselves while a sense of urgency fueled their movements.


    As the thugs-turned-pack-mules were ordered to wait, Emma and Emily removed their hoods and revealed their beautiful faces. The dark veil Emily had always worn in past spared her from recognition.


    Suddenly, the sisters ran out of the crowd towards the peacekeepers. Panic etched on their faces, the sisters sprinted towards the peacekeepers, their voices raised in distress.


    "Help! These two brutes are trying to force us toe with them!" Emily''s cry pierced through the air, setting the stage for Emily''s ruse.


    Reacting swiftly to Emily''s mentalmand, the two thugs under her control emerged from the crowd as well, hot on their heels. The guards, however, prioritised their duty over the damsel''s distress,manding everyone to halt.


    "Halt! All four of you! No one may approach!"


    Emily scoffed inwardly at their behaviour and pressed forward, feigning ignorance of the guard''s orders.


    As the guards prepared to intercept, a sudden realisation struck one of them¨Cthe energy levels of the approaching woman exceeded those of a mere first-rank initiate.


    Before he could warn his partner, Emily disyed a vicious grin and reached the guard with a sudden burst of speed. In a blink, his eyes zed over, sumbing to Emily''s magic.


    The second guard, distracted by this spectacle, failed to notice the impending danger from the second sisters and the pursuing brutes: vampires.


    When he noticed their approach, he panicked and attempted to conjure defensive magic, but the two deep blue magic circles remained useless as Emma deftly slipped past him. The vampires pounced, subduing him with ruthless efficiency.


    Onlookers, now aware of the unfoldingmotion, hesitated. Some wondered if they should intervene, but most had long learned that being a good samaritan was a great way to get killed.


    Suddenly, the first guard appeared, and with fiery red magic circles around his hand, he proimed the council''s justice.


    "You dare attack a member of the peacekeepers?! Face your punishment!" he said righteously.


    Chains materialised from his hands and wound themselves around the thugs, subduing them as he asserted authority.


    Emily felt disgusted at puppeteering a disy that embellished the council''s peacekeepers. Still, she knew it was necessary to keep themotion low.


    The first guard turned towards the crowd and shouted, "Nothing to see here! The council has subdued some troublemakers, that is all! Move along!"


    Unbeknownst to the onlookers, this guard had not worn sunsses before. His now-masked eyes concealed the true nature of the events as their ssy stare remained hidden.


    The crowd, attributing the vampires'' weakened state and strange behaviour to ack of blood, moved on, leaving the harbour to its deceptive calm.


    The second guard was a little bruised but mostly fine. Yet, when he stood up groaning, ready to thank his partner, all he saw was Emily''s cruelly smiling face before his mind descended into darkness.


    ******


    About half an hourter, Erik arrived and looked at the boat with curiosity. This was the first time he had seen a vessel like this.


    The ships on S?l were very different, while the boats he asionally saw in his youth when he went to buy supplies with his father had never been more than cargo vessels.


    Yet this sailboat resembled a luxurious yacht. If somewhat modified.


    He momentarily observed the two peacekeepers standing before it, wondering if Emily and Emma had seeded but decided to risk it. Should things turn ugly, he could always kill all of them.


    Thinking that Elora would easily be able to tell if they were enved, his thoughts lingered on her for a moment, as he was already missing her presence. He briefly wondered if he was getting too dependent on her but quickly shook his head and approached the boat.


    As he approached, he realised it was strange they both wore sunsses and suddenly had the urge to smack himself. Of course those sunsses were Emily''s work.


    Now less cautious, he strolled up to the boat with a casual grin. He couldn''t help chuckling and appreciating Emily''s powers when the two guards saluted him.


    Perhaps Erik''s seemingly indifferent attitude towards the envement of these rtively innocent guards contrasted with his strict stance on Elora''s action. But he actually had little problem with the practice itself, so long as the envement remained short-term.


    He was perfectly fine with short-term envement but simply wanted to ensure he and Elora still had lines they wouldn''t cross.


    once aboard, the guards released the lines, and the boat set sail, a testament to Emily''s awareness of Erik''s arrival.


    The guards remained ashore, saluted the ship and turned around before walking away to nowhere. Emily, as the cruel Witch of London she had be, would likely make them do some humiliating things before undoing the envement.


    But we won''t talk about those here.


    Meanwhile, Erik had made his way inside the ship and was immediately jumped by a small woman with white hair wearing a maid''s dress. "Sir! I was so worried! Thank you foring back alive!"


    Erik hugged Emma back and couldn''t help but chuckle. "Why are you thanking me foring back alive?"


    Emma looked confused, "Well¡­ who else should I thank?"


    Silence fell as Erik was stumped for a moment. He coughed, "Fair enough. Anyway, where is my armour? I don''t mind being naked so much, and you clearly don''t either, but perhaps Emily would."


    He had already changed back to human form while he was boarding the ship, leaving him naked as the day he was born.


    Emma paled and blinked, even as she continued to hug him, "N- Naked?"


    It appeared she had jumped him so fast she hadn''t even realised his current state of undress.


    Suddenly, she felt something long and hard sneak under her short maid skirt and brush up against herher regions.


    Emma yelped and jumped back, her face flushed like a tomato. "Ah! I- I-" But she couldn''t face the current situation, so she turned around and ran away, "I''m sorry, I''m not ready!"


    Erik smirked, scratched his head and mumbled, "Perhaps she does mind a little. The suggestion that she might be ready in the future is interesting, though."


    Chuckling, he thought to himself, ''She''s so cute, too. I''ll make sure she''s ready as soon as possible.''


    He looked around, "Anyway, I guess I''ll have to find my armour myself."


    Luckily, it didn''t take long as he found the bags tossed in a corner. He took out the various armour pieces and put them on before sighing, "Ah. That feels better."


    Ever since he got this armour, it had be his standard attire and going without it felt wrong.


    He mumbled, "Now. Where to find Emily?"


    Luckily, the boat wasn''t very big, and he had some idea of where she might be.


    A few momentster, he arrived at the ship''s helm. It was located in a small cabin at the top of the boat, holding a steering wheel and various buttons. This boat''s sails were apparently fully controlled from inside this room with rotors and pulleys.


    Emily was leaning against the side, listening to a ssy-eyed man with ck hair and a beard exin how the boat worked exactly.


    They had now reached the open sea, and the man worked various buttons to unfold the sails. Apparently, Emily had taken it upon herself to start learning how to sail the ship. Erik couldn''t help butmend her for that.


    When he entered the small cabin, Emily greeted him with a nod and a look in her eyes that Erik couldn''t immediately ce, "There you are. I guess you made it out alive. Couldn''t just leave us poor sisters alone, huh?"


    She made it sound like she might have left him behind, but Erik knew it was bullshit. She needed him and Elora to keep her in check. She just didn''t like it. Besides, she was now bound to his service through the covenant, so she couldn''t leave him even if she wanted to.


    Erik grinned at the somewhat cold wee, "And leave two beautiful servants like you and your sister without my magnificent leadership? No chance! Besides, we don''t want you to rpse and start chaining your sister up again, right?"


    Emily seemed to want to make aeback after his first rhetorical question but fell silent after the second.


    She made an expression that showed she was clearly unhappy with her fate and future being up to someone else. Still, she said nothing and scoffed before turning back to the captain-turned-ve. "This guy needs a destination."


    Erik nodded, "Our destination is Norway. We''re headed for a small port town by the name of Kirkenes, all the way on the other side of Scandinavia."

 Chapter 49: Chapter 49 - Disciplining Emily

    After Emily''s newest ve had changed course, Erik decided to ask about the state of the ship, "Is there anyone else onboard, Emily? Anything happen that I should know about?"


    Still sulking a little from earlier, Emily shook her head and pointed nonchntly to the captain, "This guy was the only one, and we had no problems with him."


    She gained a malicious look in her eyes, "In fact, he tried to make sure Emma and I were alright when he saw us being escorted by two thuggish-looking vampires. Which was naturally the perfect moment to enve him."


    Erik chuckled and thought, ''I wonder what she''d be like if she didn''t have a little sister to love'' before asking about the vampires, "What''s this about vampires?"


    Waving her hand in dismissal and her voice dripping with disdain, she said, "Just some trash we used as temporary pack mules. We tossed them overboard after ensuring the ship was clear."


    She giggled viciously, "I ordered them to swim to the bottom and wait for death."


    Erik shook his head and chuckled at her actions. Yet, he did need her to remember who was in charge, "That''s fine. Just remember to save the excessive cruelty for people that deserve it."


    Emily scoffed, "And who determines whether they deserve it? You?"


    He raised an eyebrow. It seemed Emily still didn''t fully grasp the situation she was in now. "Of course me. After all, I am your master."


    Anger red in Emily''s eyes when she heard what Erik referred to himself as "Fuck you! I refused that little bitch''s offer of very! I am no one''s ve!"


    Erik didn''t care about the disrespectful way she talked to him, but hearing her call Elora a bitch set him off. He knew Elora probably deserved to be called that and worse, but that didn''t mean he would tolerate it.


    Fury shed across his face to match Emily''s before he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her up against the wall in one quick move, too fast for Emily to react to. She gasped in surprise.


    Not letting her recover, Erik spoke with anger, "Listen up, Emily. I may have some sympathy in my heart for you and your sister, but Elora is my partner. My wife. My confidant. All that, more, and everything in between.


    So if you dare to call her a bitch one more time, I won''t hesitate to punish you. Severely. Understood?"


    He didn''t squeeze hard enough for Emily to actually lose any oxygen. Yet, he knew panic would still set in because, unfortunately for Emily, she would need to grow in power before aetherium would start reducing the need for oxygen as it did with food.


    Only Runebound gained an increasingly reduced need for oxygen early on.


    She still looked at him defiantly, however, "What the fuck are you doing! Let me go, you asshole!"


    She tried to break free or cast magic, but the covenant wouldn''t allow her to hurt the person she was supposed to serve. Only if he tried to do anything sexual would the covenant allow her to resist, but torturing or even killing her was fine.


    Such was the danger of agreeing to a covenant without adequately considering the wording.


    But despite being able to breathe rtively freely, Erik''s mighty hand on her throat, the anger in his eyes, and her inability to do anything about it caused her defiance to slip away slowly.


    When he didn''t receive an answer, Erik narrowed his eyes and began squeezing a little, "I asked if you understood." Feeling his hand around her throat and realising he really could kill her if he wanted, she quickly nodded in a panic.


    Seeing her react positively this time, Erik released her, and Emily sank to the floor while coughing a little. He crouched down and grabbed her chin, "I must admit to being impressed about your refusal to be enved and resisting your darkness alone instead.


    But even if you are no ve, you are still a servant, ording to our covenant. And that makes me your master.


    You don''t need to call me that, though. I''m not unreasonable. In fact, you can call and talk to me however you like. Just so long as you remember, I''m in charge and won''t tolerate any disrespect towards Elora. Are we clear?"


    Emily was still coughing while looking at him with various emotions: anger, fear, and embarrassment were there, but also something else.


    Yet before he could think more about thisst emotion, Emily interrupted his thoughts, "Yes, I understand¡­"


    While still holding her chin and making her look into his eyes, he nodded, "Good girl. Serve me well, and I''ll treat you the same."


    He smirked, "Maybe you won''t even want to leave me when these ten years are over."


    Emily scoffed without hesitation as she scowled at him, "Fat chance of that."


    Keeping the smirk on his face, Erik released her chin and stood up, "We''ll see about that. Anyway, trying to learn how to sail this boat was a good instinct. Keep up the good work while I try to find out where your sister ran off to."


    He turned around and left the cabin while Emily watched him leave with that same mix of emotions before she went back to learning about this boat. Only now, with much less enthusiasm, because she was ordered to, despite her original desire to do this.


    As Erik walked, he thought about how lucky they were that Seraphina decided to help them in the end.


    Not to mention the fact her information helped immensely with Katya; she had also told them that the second-rank guard that was permanently assigned to this boat had a problem with sneaking off to the whorehouses. Apparently, he was dissatisfied with his post.


    ording to Seraphina, the chances this guard was present on the ship during the day were minuscule, which was one of the main reasons they dared to take this boat.


    While Emily probably would have been able to deal with this guard, it was uncertain how much of the boat would have been left afterwards.


    He arrived at the yacht''s main living room,plete with a bar, various sofas and a pool table. Once there, he found Emma sitting on a couch with a red face while staring at her feet. Clearly, she was still embarrassed about earlier.


    Erik grinned and snuck closer to the cute girl. Lost in thoughts as she was, Emma didn''t notice him until he crouched next to her and said, "What are you thinking about?"


    She yelped, "Ah!" But quickly calmed down when she saw it was Erik, even though her face became even redder, "S- Sir, you startled me. About earlier, I- I''m so-"


    But Erik stopped with a raised hand and smiled, "Don''t worry about it, Emma. You know our covenant doesn''t include sexual activity, right? I can never order you to have sex with me, and I wouldn''t be interested in that either."


    He may have been harsh to Emily just now, but there was no reason for him to be anything but kind to the cute Emma.


    Emma nodded shyly, "I- I know, Sir."


    Erik grinned, "Good!" Then he stood up and began walking away, "Now I need some rest. That fight took a lot out of me."


    But before he could leave, Emma quickly said, "Wait!"


    Erik raised an eyebrow and turned around. Seeing him wait, Emma continued, "Uhm, is Miss Elora alright?"


    He couldn''t help but smile at her question. Emma truly was a very kind girl. Most of the time, anyway. She seemed to have her own rules about who deserved her kindness, as Liam never got any of it. Not that that was surprising.


    Seeing Emma was still waiting for an answer, Erik said, still smiling, "Don''t worry, she''s fine."


    At the same time, he touched his connection with Elora and could feel it stretch across multiple kilometres. He wondered exactly how long it could stretch.


    He knew it could stretch farther the stronger the connection was. Still, he wasn''t sure what an average length was or how strong their connection waspared to other fairies and their protectors.


    But he did know what would happen when the limit was reached.


    *********


    Meanwhile, Katya''s helicopter continued its journey over the English Channel, the rhythmic thumping of the rotor des cutting through the air. They had already been flying for over an hour and were now more than two hundred kilometres from London.


    Katya was sitting in the pilot seat; Enzo acted as her co-pilot, and the back was filled with the rest. Elora sat in a corner, looking a little bored, while Seraphina sat beside her. Around Elora''s wrist was a strange band that was supposed to disrupt her usage of aetherium.


    She really wanted to experiment and break it open, but she was forced to curb her curiosity. These people probably wouldn''t allow her to tinker with it.


    She couldn''t even inspect it magically because it actually did disrupt her aetherium flow!


    These kinds of methods did exist on S?l and the rest of the universe, but finding them in a recently awakened world was surprising.

 Chapter 50: Chapter 50 - Eloras return

    As Elora sat in her corner, feigning boredom, her thoughts raced. She sought an opportunity to glean some information, especially about where they learned to make armbands like the one they made her wear.


    Meanwhile, Katya was feeling the boredom of a long flight over the ocean and decided to strike up a conversation with Elora.


    The fairy suddenly heard the headphones they had pushed on her head start crackling before Katya''s voice came through.


    "Hey, kid. It''s a little boring up here, so I figured I might as well have a conversation with you. I''ve isted our channel so we can talk in private."


    Like most helicopters, normal conversations were impossible because of the deafening noise. So they often used headphones and mics to talk, even if they were right next to each other.


    Katya continued, "Elora was your name, correct? It''s exotic. I think you''re the first person I''ve met with that name. Your looks are quite special as well. Did you find a stash of hair dye somewhere, or is that actually your natural colour?"


    Clearly, Katya was making a clumsy attempt at getting closer to Elora for some reason.


    Elora almost burst outughing at being called kid but barely kept it in as she realised she had to keep up the act of a simple girl.


    She scoffed as she spoke into the mic connected to her headphones, "What''s it to you, you brute of a woman?"


    Katya chuckled, "Now, now. There''s no need for name-calling. You and I will be spending a lot of time together in the future. We might as well get to know each other a little."


    But Elora just scoffed again as she made sure to infuse plenty of fury in her voice, "Why would I want to get to know someone who hurt my beloved?"


    She wasn''t actually angry about that. She knew Erik liked to fight, so why would she be angry at the woman who gave her beloved partner some entertainment?


    Katya sighed, apparently getting a headache from dealing with this woman, "Come on, Elora. If you love that man so much, surely you know he enjoys fighting? He wanted that just as much as me!"


    Elora pouted, "Well, he shouldn''t enjoy it so much! I hate when he gets hurt and puts himself in danger!"


    Seeing an opening, Katya pounced, "I understand, but you know he loves you, right? He''s just trying to protect you. Is it so bad if he enjoys it, too?"


    From here, Katya attempted to delve deeper into their past but was clearly not a skilled interrogator, as Elora easily guided the conversation while quickly realising Katya''s goal: finding out more about her sigils.


    Pretending to be engrossed in her conversation about Erik, she gradually shifted to the topic of trading in personal information, like two gossiping girlfriends. Naturally, any information Elora offered up was entirely false.


    Katya noticed nothing. Partly because she wasn''t very skilled in this and partly because Elora''s fake persona of a simple, slightly naive woman was easily underestimated. In fact, she even thought she had the upper hand and willingly agreed to the exchange.


    Elora wasn''t particrly interested in Katya''s personal life but had to work up to the information she wanted. Yet, she also knew she didn''t have much time left, so she had to hurry.


    During the conversation, Elora quickly realised this woman was even more of a fighting fanatic than Erik was. There simply wasn''t anything else she talked about.


    The only thing she found to be at least mildly interesting was that Katya did not have a husband. When Elora asked why, the woman simply avoided the subject, sounding a little sad. Elora was curious but not enough to continue asking about it, so she dropped the issue.


    Instead, she finally asked the question she had been wondering about most of all.


    Her voice sounded like she was talking to her best friend in a conspiratory manner, "So tell me, Katya, how exactly did you and others get such a big lead on the rest of us? My beloved Erik was always curious about that!"


    The iron sentinel hesitated. She had yet to get the answers she wanted from Elora, but her guard regarding this seemingly simple woman was quite far down. The possibility of Elora deceiving her didn''t evene to her.


    Elora deserved a reward for her acting skills.


    Katya also knew she had yet to learn anything about Elora''s sigils and figured she might as well be the first one to open up a little.


    So, she spilled some of the beans with a conspiratory smirk, "Let''s just say not everyone was as surprised about aetherium''s reappearance."


    Elora immediately curled her pretty lips into a grin, "Reappearance? Surely you''re not suggesting aetherium was here before?!"


    Katya cursed under her breath. Perhaps she had said too much? But then she shrugged. She never understood why the others wanted to keep all this a secret anyway. "Well, that''s how the story goes."


    Elora quickly continued on the topic, "So you managed to get ahead just through prior knowledge, or was there something more? "


    Katya had already formed a strong image of Elora in her mind, so she didn''t realise Elora''s questions had be more pointed and intelligent.


    Yet, the reason for their head start was a bigger secret than just the knowledge that aetherium had been here before. She decided to remain vague, "I suppose you could say there was something more."


    She quickly changed the topic to what she wanted to know about, "Anyway, this was supposed to be an exchange of information, right? So, since I shared a secret with you, how about you share a secret with me? Like how you got your sigils?"


    Elora chuckled inwardly at this woman''s clumsy attempts at interrogation. Subtlety was supposed to be the game, but clearly, Katya was a blunt woman. So Elora said in a whiny tone, "A, but now you just made me curious about the something more!"


    Katya sighed. Dealing with this woman gave her a headache. She shortly considered simply telling her a little more, but that might trulynd her in hot water if anyone found out. Besides, she had more than enough time to get the truth out of Elora.


    She wasn''t in a hurry anyway, just bored.


    So she shook her head, "Sorry, kid. That''s a little too secret."


    Elora sighed in response, "Oh well. I suppose my time here is about up anyway."


    It had now been more than two hours since they departed London in the direction of Germany, which meant they had travelled about 300 kilometres.


    Meanwhile, Erik and his boat travelled in the opposite direction, so the distance their connection had to stretch was bing exponentiallyrger and would soon reach its breaking point.


    Katya frowned as she got a bad feeling, "What are you talking about, kid?"


    Hearing Katya call her a kid again made Elora chuckle, "I know I''m a little small and look young, but I assure you, I have experienced more than you could imagine. I''ll have to consider an appropriate punishment for calling me a kid."


    She sighed exaggeratedly, "But that''s fine. I have time until we meet again."


    Those words made Katya go on high alert. She quickly put the helicopter on autopilot and unbuckled herself while tuning her radio to Seraphina''s headphones, "Sera! What is that girl doing right now?! Grab her!"


    The response was immediate and confused, "Huh? Uh, she''s not doing anything, boss. Just sitting there. She has a weird smile on her face, though."


    Seraphina had to do her utmost to keep a convincing face. She had a hunch about what was going to happen next. Luckily, Katya was too preupied to notice anything wrong.


    Seraphina grabbed Elora''s shoulder like Katya asked, but only because she didn''t think it would matter. Everyone else in the helicopter, who had heard nothing of this entire conversation, was naturally confused about Katya''s behaviour.


    Meanwhile, Elora''s teasing voice sounded again, "You underestimated the connection between my love and me. It is a connection governed by naturalws more powerful than either of us."


    She looked at the bracelet around her wrist, "Certainly more powerful than this thing."


    She shrugged, unwilling to leave without throwing in another insult, "But what can you do? The brain isn''t a muscle, after all."


    Katya noticed theplete departure of Elora''s previously whiny and gossipy manner. She finally finished unbuckling and turned around, but thest thing she saw was Elora''s teasing smile as the woman suddenly exploded in a wave of light.


    ******


    Meanwhile, a few hundred kilometres away on a certain sailboat, a man was sleeping on a luxurious bed with a beautiful woman in bondage next to him.


    Suddenly, the man opened his eyes and smiled warmly before stretching his arms to the side as if weing someone into a hug.


    Not two secondster, a bright sh of light appeared, and with it, a groaning but unconscious Elora. She seemed to be in pain and shivered a little.


    Erik quickly encircled her with his arms while caressing her crimson-red hair as if to soothe her. "It''s okay, now, my wicked little ember. You''re home with me again."

 Chapter 51: Chapter 51 - A phone call

    The way the connection between a fairy and their protector works is like an stic piece of string. It can stretch but never break, and eventually, it will pull the fairy back. Violently.


    It might seem like a drawback for the fairy, but such is the price they pay for protection. Even fairies who enve their protectors are bound by this rule.


    The distance can be increased only by strengthening the connection through time and strong emotions.


    Currently, the connection between Elora and Erik boasts an impressive span, covering several hundred kilometres, a remarkable aplishment for a bond of just seven years old.


    This strength stems from the injury to Erik''s soul during the bonding process and, of course, their profound mutual emotions.


    However, that is not the only aspect of their connection that can be improved. The other part is the distance that the connection is still useful for. Meaning the distance where Elora and Erik canmunicate and where Elora can instantly dissolve into Erik''s body and soul.


    For them, this distance was only a few kilometres. Any further than that, and the connection was only helpful for finding each other.


    Technically, this meant that if Katya kept Elora right in that sweet spot where their connection was essentially useless, they wouldn''t be able to do anything about it. But, of course, they would have to keep Erik from moving around as well.


    Erik, who was now utterly naked despite Emma''s presence. The first time Emma slept with him, he had put clothes on to put her at ease, but when Emma wanted to continue sleeping with him even now, he had made it clear there would be some changes.


    After all, he preferred sleeping naked, and having Emma sleep in bondage was not strictly necessary anymore. He didn''t want to turn wearing clothes in bed into a regr urrence.


    Emma had been a little nervous, but her trust in Erik had be near absolute. Besides, she didn''t want to lose thatfortable and safe feeling of lying next to him in bondage.


    Why exactly she felt this way, despite her ability to easily break free by burning through these regr ropes with her light affinity, she didn''t know. It likely had something to do with her sister tying her up for years on end, but¡­ the specifics were lost to her.


    What she did know was that she didn''t want it to end, so Emma agreed to sleep next to him despite his nakedness, even if she did keep her own clothes on.


    Erik naturally also enjoyed the fact this brought Emma one step closer to joining his bed in a slightly different setting.


    After being snapped back, Elora nowy naked and sprawled on Erik''s equally naked chest while enveloped in his embrace. Her wings had returned to her, and a hint of pain was etched on her face.


    His hand gently patted her head. The fairy continued to groan unconsciously for a few more seconds before she began to wake up. "Ugh. Fuck that hurts."


    Being pulled back forcefully by the connection would generally end up hurting and weakening the fairy. It wasn''t anything life-threatening or permanent, but certainly not pleasant either.


    Erik chuckled and kissed her on the lips as a distraction. Elora knew where she was, so she leaned into the kiss and enjoyed herself.


    Meanwhile, Emma had woken up from themotion. Her eyes were wrinkled with happiness as she looked at the kissing couple. At the same time, a different and unfamiliar feeling also reared its head.


    She didn''t recognise this feeling but tried to identify it as she watched Erik and Elora make out.


    Eventually, Erik separated from Elora, his lips curled up in a confident grin, "Feel better?"


    Elora''s body slumped down on his chest as she sighed, "Much better."


    Erik smiled at her, "I missed you. It''s been a while since we were apart for more than a few minutes."


    Elora smiled back, "I missed you, too. But we''re never really apart, you know that."


    They stared at each other for a while longer, but their moment was suddenly interrupted by a loud, rhythmic beeping.


    Whether through someone else''s memory or having experienced it for themselves, they all knew what this sound was.


    A ringing cell phone.


    Erik chuckled as there was only one person who might call him: the same person who had given the cell phone to him.


    He reached next to his bed, where the grey cell phone bricky and grabbed it before answering the call.


    Elora''s face lit up with a mischievous smile, "Tell her I said hi!"


    Erik chuckled and spoke into the phone, "Hey, Katya. Elora says hi."


    Silence reigned on the other side of the connection for a moment before Katya''s Eastern European ent came through. It sounded like she was angrily clenching her teeth, "I''ll admit you surprised me. What was that? I refuse to believe it was just an illusion."


    Still patting Elora''s hair, Erik answered while grinning contently, "No, that was the real deal. Elora is simply¡­ special. But that''s all I''m willing to say on that topic for now."


    Katya released a furious sigh and rubbed her forehead, not having expected much different as a response, "So all that back at the mansion was a ruse?"


    Erik shrugged, even if Katya couldn''t see it, "Honestly, not really. The only things fake were my objections to you taking Elora and Elora''s entire personality. She''s far more intelligent and ruthless than either one of us.


    I really did enjoy our fight, though. And I like you, Katya. You''re passionate about fighting, took the time to teach me and didn''t humiliate me.


    Honestly, if it wasn''t for my revenge and the fact neither Elora nor I like to subordinate ourselves to anyone, I might have taken you up on your offer from the start.


    Oh, and don''t me Seraphina too harshly. My Elora can read someone''s memories while they sleep. So it wasn''t hard to discover everything we needed to fool you without her knowledge."


    While Elora can read and even alter memories slightly, this only works on those much weaker than her, weakened by outside means, or who are already enved by her. But he told a little lie to hopefully inste Seraphina. After all, he felt grateful for her help.


    It took a moment for Katya to respond, "So, at least your desire for revenge was real. What about the Ashcroft sisters?"


    Erik answered while moving his hand downwards to caress Elora''s back, "They''re with me, of course. Don''t worry, Emily won''t cause any more trouble."


    Katya sighed, "Fine. But you know the council won''t let this go, right? And frankly, neither will I. I suggest you spend a lot of time training with my notes. If you don''t improve sufficiently by the time we meet again¡­"


    Her voice took on a far more threatening note, "Then you will die."


    Erik smiled as his hands reached Elora''s ass. "That''s fine. I''m sure the next time we meet will be on more equal terms. I hope we''ll have fun again, and I wish you good luck in your hunt, Katya. You''ll need it since you have no idea where we are or where we''re going."


    Before Katya could respond, the connection began to crackle and pop before breakingpletely. It appeared Erik had now left the range of the cell phone towers.


    Erik grinned and kissed Elora again while groping her ass under the fairy''s delighted squeals.


    He wasn''t worried about Katya''s or the council''s pursuit at this point. The Iron Sentinel likely hadn''t even discovered the boat''s theft yet, and even when she finally did, they could be sailing anywhere.


    Besides, they learned from Seraphina that the council''s presence in Northern Norway was almost non-existent, and their destination after that would likely be Africa, where the council had no influence at all.


    Yet he couldn''t help but look forward to his next meeting with this kindred spirit named Katya.


    He tossed the phone to the side without turning it off, not worried about it being tracked. The only way to ping its location with the world''s current technological difficulties is by triangting with at least three cell phone towers during a call.


    As for some kind of magical tracking¡­ "You already checked it for any magical tricks, right?" He asked Elora with a smile.


    She giggled, "Of course I did. I also investigated the method they use to charge these devices with magic. Who do you take me for, anyway?"


    Erik stroked her cheek, "The best partner and wife ever, of course."


    He frowned a little, "How are you feeling now? Did they treat you alright?"


    She chuckled, "I''m fine, just a little weak. That bear woman kept calling me ''kid'', though. I might have to punish her for thatter."


    Entirely unsurprised by her designs on Katya, Erikughed softly, "Just don''t go too far, alright? I think she could make a good ally in the future."


    Elora grinned as her eyes twinkled mischievously, "I make no promises, but I''ll do my best."

 Chapter 52: Chapter 52 - Giving Emma a show (1/2) (18+)

    Looking into her eyes, Erik quickly realised she was already thinking of various revenge scenarios with Katya but decided to let it go. "Anyway, show me what happened since we parted," he said.


    Now that they had reunited, they could once again share their memories and thoughts. Therefore, no more than a few momentster, they knew exactly what the other had gone through.


    Elora smiled a little at Erik getting so angry at Emily about merely calling her a bitch. It felt good to have him defend her like that, even if she was used to it.


    Erik became thoughtful, "So I suppose we finally have confirmation that Aetherium has been here on Earth before¡­"


    Elora nodded, her expression lost in thought, "Right. And apparently, several groups on Earth knew about it. They might have even found some way to ess minor amounts of aetherium to grow stronger and be Runebound or Arcanists before the world''s awakening.


    But how did so many diverse groups of various races all over the world get ess to something like that?


    From what we know about the enmity between the three races and various cultures on Earth, it seems unlikely all these groups even knew of each other, let alone had the same source of aetherium."


    Erik sighed. "Well, we''ll get our answers eventually. For now, let''s focus on paying respects to my birthce and then¡­ finding Edda."


    Elora smiled softly and kissed him, "Of course! I''m excited to see where you grew up."


    Erik shook his head, "It''s not that interesting. But I''d love to show it to you."


    They fell into silence as they looked into each other''s eyes with smiles.


    It was Elora who broke the eye contact by grinning and looking to the side at the tied-up Emma.


    "I see you''ve taken that cute little thing prisoner again. Remember what we said about having her watch next time? Well, how about now?" She said with a mischievous and lustful grin.


    Emma had just been staring happily at Erik and Elora''s reunion for thest few minutes while trying to identify that unfamiliar feeling. But at Elora''s words, her face grew a little panicked.


    Her mouth was gagged as always, leaving her unable to speak, yet she didn''t even try. Her eyes bore panic, but she didn''t try to object in any way. She felt that unfamiliar feeling rise inside her once more.


    Erik felt his body heat up with lust as he grinned. Making Emma the first member of his harem on Earth was not one of the original reasons for helping her, but the prospect was certainly intriguing.


    Yet, he felt the need to assuage Emma''s panic. Keeping Elora on his chest, he turned his head towards the tied-up girl and grabbed her chin as he looked into her eyes.


    What he saw was panic¡­ but also curiosity and a little bit of lust, making him all the more excited.


    Yet, to truly capture her heart and make her unable to extract herself from the pleasurable pit Elora and Erik were attempting to pull her into, he had to put her at ease first.


    So he made sure to change his lustful grin to a reassuring smile, "Remember, Emma, making you watch would be counted as a sexual act, and the covenant does not cover it. Not to mention that you can burn through those ropes whenever you like."


    Now, his grin made aeback, "But you''ll be a good girl and watch anyway, right? You enjoy pleasing me, don''t you? You want to follow my orders because you trust me."


    Erik watched as the young girl''s mismatched eyes became lost in his dominant amber ones. He could see her gulp and shortly try to resist her instinct to give in, but it turned out useless in the end.


    Emma nodded slightly with her eyes wide as if surprised at her own action.


    Erik felt a surge of pleasure at her clear submission and praised her in amanding voice, "Good girl."


    Yet, he felt the need to rify something. Still holding Emma by her chin, he slightly tilted it until Emma was looking at Elora, who looked back at Emma with undisguised lust and glee.


    He continued speaking in a voice that would not be disobeyed, "But remember, Elora is my wife and partner. If you wish to serve me, you will also serve her. Understood?"


    Emma looked at the scary fairy with bloodred hair and almost glowing green eyes. Erik could see some apprehension and perhaps even fear. But that was no surprise. Despite Elora''s aid in curing Emily, the girl was likely still unsure what to think of her.


    Erik saw her eyes dart to him as if seeking something. He didn''t know if she found what she was looking for, but afterwards, she looked back at Elora with determination and nodded.


    After her eptance, the room lit up with Elora''s mischievous giggling. She leaned closer to Emma and whispered, "That''s a good girl. Don''t worry, though. Today, you only have to watch. As long as you don''t give in to temptation, that is¡­"


    She moved back to Erik and looked at him with expectation twinkling in her eyes, "Now. Where were we?"


    Looking back at her with lust, Erik grinned. He felt the need to ravage her right then and there, but he wanted to give Emma a good show.


    So, instead, he used his physical abilities to quickly shift positions with Elora, putting her under him. "Ah! You brute!" She yelped, despite the lustful smile on her face.


    Under Emma''s watchful eyes and Elora''s yful objections, he positioned himself so that he was sitting on her pelvis.


    He leaned over with a grin and began exploring the voluptuous fairy''s body. He caressed her sizable chest and marvelled once again at their sizepared to her short stature. He stroked her t yet soft stomach and patted her silky, red hair.


    Eventually, Elora began moaning softly. "You''re not usually this gentle," she said. Then she grinned and spoke in between her soft moans, "Not that I don''t appreciate it, but how about getting to the good stuff?"


    In response, Erik nced at her with a piercing gaze, "Shh, Elora. Be a good wife, and let me enjoy your body."


    Thebination of his words and gaze made Elora tremble. She always loved it when he acted dominantly while acknowledging her position in his heart. Her smile became a little more slutty as her body rxed, "Fine, enjoy the body of your conquered Empress, my lord."


    Erik, seeing this as his queue to be a little more aggressive, started groping her breasts and pinching her erect nipples. Elora''s moans became louder, and her expression cked a little, getting lost in the moment.


    Today was not a day for wiping Elora''s smile from her face. Instead, they wanted to revel in being together while giving Emma a good show.


    Soon after, he bent forward and began licking, sucking and lightly biting her breasts and nipples while continuing to knead them with his hands.


    Erik savoured the feeling of his beloved partner, revelling in her skin''s soft texture and sweet taste that he hade to know intimately over the years.


    Meanwhile, Elora moaned a little louder with every one of Erik''s movements while letting him do whatever he wanted with her body. She didn''t much feel like moving anyway since she was still a little weak.


    Emma looked at Erik''s disy of hungrily devouring Elora''s body with fascination, wondering how it would feel to be in Elora''s position. Yet, something inside her made her think she would enjoy giving pleasure more than receiving it.


    Seeing Erik devour her breasts hungrily, Elora moaned, "You know I¡­hngh¡­could make some milke out¡­hngh¡­if you wanted."


    A fairy''s seidr magic truly had a varied and wonderful array of uses.


    With her hard nipple in his mouth, Erik grinned and bit down a little, causing Elora to gasp. He let go and answered, "I know, but let''s save it for some other time."


    Emma wentpletely red when she heard their perverted intentions.


    Having enjoyed Elora''s breasts for a while, Erik now sat back up. He moved his body closer to her head before cing his rock-hard, 9-inch member between her breasts. The head stuck out quite a bit beyond her beautiful orbs.


    "Time for the Empress to please her Emperor," he said with a lustful grin, his hands now nted on his side, giving Elora free reign.


    The fairy giggled happily and was about to start before her face changed into a wicked grin.


    She looked at Emma and extended her hand under the girl''s mouth, where some drool had begun leaking through Emma''s rope gag.


    The girl was utterly oblivious to this, as her mind was transfixed on Erik and Elora''s disy, while her gaze didn''t leave Erik''s massive dick.


    Yet, when she suddenly noticed Elora collecting some of her drool and smearing it all over Erik''s cock, her mind nearly shut down, and steam almost came out of her ears.

 Chapter 53: Chapter 53 - Giving Emma a show (2) (18+)

    Erik looked at Elora''s perverted disy and felt her hands, wet from Emma''s drool, thering his cock, sending tingles of pleasure up his spine. His already hard dick became like a diamond while his face twisted in a perverted grin.


    He nced at Emma and chuckled at the face she made before extending his hand and patting her head, which seemed to calm her down a little. Her gaze again lost its focus while she stared at Elora''s following actions.


    Having properly wetted Erik''s member, she pressed her breasts together. She began massaging it while looking up at Erik with a loving smile.


    Not every time they had sex needed to be a game or apetition. Today was just about giving each other pleasure.


    Now sitting upright with his hands on his hips, Erik had surrendered his cock to Elora''s ministrations and couldn''t help but release a groan as the soft yet firm tits attempted to tten his dick.


    He closed his eyes and leaned back a little while he enjoyed his partner''s actions. "That''s good, my slutty little ember. Keep doing that."


    Elora smiled and took things up a notch by taking Erik''s tip inside of her mouth. Lightning coursed through Erik''s body as the tip of his cock disappeared into Elora''s warm, wet mouth.


    Her tongue danced over the mushroom head while her tits squeezed the shaft, and her eyes looked up lovingly at Erik. He looked back into her eyes and smiled as her gaze and perverted actions rapidly brought him closer to orgasm.


    Yet, his endurance was high, and it still took Elora a few minutes to finish him this way. Pleasure exploded in Erik''s mind as he felt the spunk leave his body and flood Elora''s mouth.


    He looked down in ecstasy and saw Elora continue to look up at him. Her cheeks had swelled up even while she kept slowly sucking the tip, removing thest remnants of his seed, a small trickle of it travelling down the edges of her mouth.


    When she was done, she removed him from her mouth but didn''t swallow as her eyes darted between Emma and Erik with a mischievous twinkle. Elora didn''t even have to use their mental connection, as Erik immediately knew what she wanted.


    He chuckled and felt a desire for the same.


    Erik looked at Emma, still lost in a daze at their actions, and extended his hand to remove her gag. Emma barely noticed at first, but then Erik asked, "Emma, would you like me to kiss you?"


    Emma blinked at his question and swivelled to look at Erik''s handsome face. Her body was almost melting from the heat she felt, especially between her legs, and when she thought about Erik kissing her right now, her body reacted before her mind did by slowly nodding.


    Seeing her eptance, Erik grinned and leaned forward but only hovered before her mouth, "Alright, but then you have to kiss Elora afterwards, okay?"


    Barely even thinking as her whole world had been reced by Erik''s handsome face and piercing amber eyes, she could only nod again. So Erik grabbed her by the chin and kissed her deeply.


    His long tongue immediately dominated hers as he explored every corner of her mouth. Emma was left breathless, with unfamiliar pleasure coursing through her body. Her mind became even foggier, and her eyes began to roll up in her head.


    She realised his saliva tasted surprisingly good somewhere in her mind, but the thought was quickly lost in her pleasure-addled mind.


    When he was done, Erik pulled his head back and grinned at Emma''s lost gaze. "Now, remember your promise, Emma."


    Emma barely registered his words but suddenly noticed Elora''s face approach to rece Erik''s. Elora''s cheeks were still bloated like a hamster''s, but when Emma realised what was happening or what was in Elora''s mouth, it was already toote.


    Elora''s tongue pried open Emma''s lips, and Erik''s white creamy cum flowed in right after, flooding her mouth with a heavenly taste. Seeing Emma''s face lost in pleasure once again gave Erik''s cock back its vigour as it once again challenged the heavens.


    When Elora was done sharing, and her mouth was empty, she pulled back and used her fingers to scoop up any leftovers on her face before slurping those down as well.


    She giggled at Emma''s pleasured face and said, "Taste''s good, right? Through my bond with Erik, I can make minor changes to his body with his permission.


    So naturally, the first thing I wanted to do when we started having sex was to make his body into that of a sex god. I couldn''t do something major, like erging his already sizable genitals, but altering the biochemistry of his body was rtively easy.


    Setting aside some of the other minor changes I made, I''m especially proud of the amazing taste I gave to his various fluids. It can even be a little addicting." She winked, "But that''s part of the fun, right?"


    She used this same method against Seraphina when the vampire woman drank Erik''s blood.


    Hearing her say that, Erik remembered that day vividly. After all, it was not every day someone offered to turn your body into the perfect pleasure tool with no drawbacks.


    His timid nature was still prevalent back then. Still, he took no time to think about her proposal and immediately agreed. He doubted many people, man or woman, would turn down something like that.


    However, Emma didn''t get any of Elora''s exnations as her mind was reeling with pleasure.


    Seeing this, Erik chuckled and got a wicked idea when he saw Emma unconsciously rub her thighs together. With a perverted grin, he grabbed another piece of rope and quickly added something to Emma''s bondage attire¡ªa crotch rope.


    While Emma was fully clothed, she wore soft pants, and the rope had no trouble pushing against her pussy, which also quickly created a wet spot, as the tied-up girl was currently soaking wet.


    Emma barely noticed what was happening until it was done, and she suddenly felt a powerful pressure against her lower region, causing her to start bucking her hips a little to increase the pleasure she felt.


    She released loud yet muffled moans as Erik put the gag back in and quickly became lost in her own world.


    Meanwhile, Erik and Elora looked at each other with hungry eyes. "Now that the perverted little Emma has been dealt with, why don''t you give some attention to your beautiful Empress?" Elora said in a sultry tone of voice.


    Erik''s lips curled into a voracious grin, "Don''t worry, I''ll give you attention until you''re begging for mercy."


    Instead of feeling apprehension or fear, Elora''s eyes sparkled with anticipation. At the same time, her cunt drooled at the expectation of getting Erik''s meat stick shoved inside. It appeared Erik had different ns, however.


    He felt the desire to taste her instead, so, under a surprised yelp by Elora, he pulled her legs up. "Ah! Brute!" He hooked them behind his head, hugging her waist and bringing her soaking wet crotch right in front of his face.


    Elora now hung upside down, with her back against Erik''s chest. Meanwhile, because of her short stature, her face was right next to his engorged penis.


    Taking in the familiar aroma of Elora''s snatch, Erik felt his lust rise before he buried his face inside it. First, he startedpping up the fluids that had flooded the surrounding area, causing Elora to tremble and moan in anticipation.


    "D- Don''t tease me, you bastard!" She uttered without much conviction.


    Erik chuckled, "Don''t pretend you don''t like it, my slutty little ember. Just hang there and enjoy." He quickly went back to licking just outside of Elora''s pussy with an evil grin on his face.


    When he had enough of teasing her, he buried his long tongue inside her pussy and brought one of his hands up to the little hooded pearl at the top of her cave.


    The moment he started sucking and exploring her pussy while teasing her clit, Elora quickly began losing herself in the pleasure.


    While she was the one who most enjoyed their challenges during sex, it was also nice to just let go sometimes. In this way, it didn''t take long for Erik to bring Elora to a squirting, screaming orgasm.


    When that was done, he dropped her limp body on the bed and prated her fully in one quick stroke. As Elora was still in the aftershocks of her orgasm, his sudden pration caused her to have another one right after.


    Feeling the soft, wet and velvety insides of Elora''s cave, Erik began ravaging her without pause or restraint. Elora gasped, "Yes! F- Fuck me hard!"


    Erik happily obliged, hammering the sensitive spots in Elora''s cave, which he had be intimately familiar with over the years. His hand also snaked towards Elora''s throat, as he knew she liked it just a little bit rough.


    As he grabbed her and squeezed a little, he also hammered her womb, causing Elora to have a mind-melting orgasm as her eyes rolled up her head.


    They continued like this for another hour before they fell asleep in each other arms. Meanwhile, Emma had rubbed herself into an orgasmic mess and fainted right next to them.

 Chapter 54: Chapter 54 - Tidal tempests

    Several hourster, Erik woke up to the peaceful sound of an angry ck-haired woman storming into his room, "Hey! You! Get up! We have a p- what the hell happened here?!"


    What she saw didn''t shock her as much as it enraged her.


    Erik, Elora, and Emma were lying on a bed soaked with various bodily fluids. The fairy and shapeshifter were tangled up in a mess of limbs while Emma was lying beside them, tied up and asleep but still lightly bucking her hips against the rope.


    Naturally, all three sleepers were covered in fluids as well. It was a truly perverted sight. And the fact that her cute, innocent little sister was a part of this made fury boil inside Emily. The fact Emma was fully clothed barely even registered for her.


    The fact she was still angry at Erik for the way he treated her earlier didn''t help matters either.


    Having been awoken by her yelling, Erik yawned and looked at her, seeing the fury in her eyes. He smirked at Emily, unconcerned by her intrusion or how she found them, "Careful now, Emilly. Emotions like that might just make the darkness win."


    Yet, his words made no difference as a corrupted red light flickered through her eyes. Anger welled up inside her, and the corruption tried to take a deeper hold. To her credit, she tried hard to resist, but the sight of her tied-up and possibly defiled sister hampered her reasoning.


    Seeing her struggle, Erik sighed.


    He wasn''t worried about her attacking him, as the covenant would prevent her, corruption or not. Yet, he didn''t want her to be fully corrupted again. Not only would it hurt Emily, but he also liked Emily''s determined and willful spirit. He rooted for her victory against the corruption.


    Figuring he had to do something, he looked next to him at Emma and snapped his fingers, causing a small spark of lightning to devour the ropes binding her.


    He shortly wondered where he was getting all these ropes he kept destroying, but quickly discarded the thought, as he had more important things to deal with.


    While Emily struggled with herself, Erik looked over at Elora, who had also woken up. He leaned in and kissed her, "Good morning, Elora. Do you mind cleaning us up a little?"


    Elora looked at the current situation and chuckled before nodding, "Sure. You go settle down the kids, alright?" She snapped her fingers, and a dark green wave of energy spread all over the bed and its upants as it removed any fluids and restored the bed to pristine condition.


    Next, she blew Erik a kiss, "Have fun!" before seeking thefort of his soul.


    Erik chuckled and got up, still naked, and walked towards the struggling Emily before grabbing her by the chin and making her look into his piercing, amber eyes. "Calm down." He said in amanding tone of voice.


    Immediately, the covenant began taking effect, forcing Emily to obey his order. He saw the fury and struggle die down in her eyes until only a strange calm remained.


    While Erik had far from absolute control through the covenant, he could still force minor and temporary mood alterations like this.


    Confusion now filled her eyes, as she knew she should feel fury at finding Emma like this, but she couldn''t find it inside her.


    She should probably also feel some anger at Erik for manipting her emotions like this. Yet, all she felt was relief. She didn''t want to think about the consequences of losing to corruption again.


    The effect of Erik''s order would be temporary, but it would help Emily remain in control until she could settle her emotions. Emma would likely be able to help with that, but a quick nce at the bed told him she was still sleeping.


    Having lost her usual anger and edge for a moment, she stammered, "I- I, uh, thank you."


    Waving his hand in dismissal, Erik asked, "Never mind that. Why did you storm in here like a woman possessed?"


    Immediately after his question, they heard a loud noise, as if something collided with their boat before everything began to shake and roll. Erik, with his Runebound body, had no trouble stabilising himself, but Emily, as an Arcanist, stumbled and fell into Erik''s chest.


    Erik took Emily in his arms to keep her stable while concern spread across his face, wondering what just happened. Meanwhile, Emily felt strangely safe in Erik''s arms, even if she realised it was partly because his order to keep calm still affected her.


    "What was that?" Erik asked, a frown on his face.


    When the boat stopped rocking, Emily quickly freed herself from his arms, "Right. We attracted the attention of a tidal tempest. The reinforced hull will protect us for a while, but someone needs to deal with them, and my spells aren''t well suited for so many targets."


    Erik nodded and remembered Seraphina''s words about the mutated sea life which had turned travelling over sea into dangerous busines. He specifically remembered the information about tidal tempests.


    Knowing what he had to deal with, he prepared to move out by donning his armour and giving somest orders.


    "Stay with your sister and work out your emotions before mymand wears off," he ordered. "I''ll go take care of the fish."


    Emily could barely nod before Erik disappeared through the door.


    Almost immediately after, the calm that had spread throughout her body began to recede again. Surprisingly, despite her rebellious and independent personality trying to assert dominance again, she found herself missing that feeling of control over herself.


    But before the fury and corruption from earlier reared its ugly head once more, she suddenly felt a soft hand grab hers. Looking next to her, she saw Emma''s mismatched eyes. Emma looked up at her with curiosity and concern, "Are you alright, big Em?"


    Emma had woken up when the boat collided with something but had pretended to remain asleep because she didn''t want to face Erik afterst night.


    She had no idea what Emily was going through exactly, but when Erik was gone, and Emily looked to be struggling, she naturally tried to lend her support.


    Looking into Emma''s eyes calmed down much of the fury in Emily before she opened her mouth to speak.


    ******


    Meanwhile, Erik was rushing to the deck to look at what was happening when a second collision came. Luckily, he had no trouble stabilising himself, but it did urge him to move even faster.


    He arrived under a beautiful morning sky but had no time to breathe in the cold, clean air before a sleek, torpedo-shaped object with sharp teeth flew at his head.


    Erik raised his eyebrow but otherwise barely moved before the object had already turned into a smoking heap on the ground, heavily charred by lightning.


    He looked around and saw these fish flying everywhere around the boat, creating an almost deafening zooming sound while attempting to take bites out of whatever they could. They appeared like the flying fish Erik had learned about during his time on Earth.


    But he quickly decided to forget about the flying fish he was once told about; these mutated ones were like torpedoes with teeth.


    Byunching themselves into the air, these creatures could form a menacing cloud of fangs and knife-like fins around the ship, aiming to snack on whatever failed to resist their bite.


    They had not been given a new species name, and instead, a school of these creatures was called a tidal tempest. Each fish individually was less powerful than a first rank, but they posed a real danger in swarms.


    When swimming in the water, they even collide with ships by swimming close enough to each other to be like a single entity.


    Luckily, the boat''s enved captain had dealt with these creatures before and had already reeled in the sails. Meanwhile, the rest of the ship was reinforced against precisely such creatures. The reinforcement wouldn''t hold forever, though.


    While lost in thought, another five fish had attached themselves to his armour, attempting to bite through it and failing miserably.


    "What tenacious creatures," he mumbled to himself as he took a closer look at one of them. It kept attempting to bite through his armour despite not getting anywhere, yet neither its teeth nor jaw muscles seemed to be wearing down.


    It was ck and white, had big fish eyes, and its long, thin fins vibrated like a honeybee''s wings. He had no doubt they would easily cut through an average person''s finger.


    Done observing, he released a quick lightning pulse from his body and turned them all into charcoal. He looked around at the various fish attempting to bite through the reinforced boat, "I''ll need to finish them off before they get anywhere."


    More fish began attaching themselves to his armour. Still, he ignored them as he charged ten concussive lightning sts in the form of small crackling spheres, one at the tip of each finger. When done, he sent them all out in different directions.


    "Time to show them what happens when you nibble on my things!" He mumbled.


    Erik braced for impact and then snapped his finger. All ten spheres exploded simultaneously, sting every fish off the boat without damaging it, showcasing his high level of control.

 Chapter 55: Chapter 55 - Roasting the Tidal Tempest

    The ship was free for now, but Erik knew it wasn''t over yet, as there were still hundreds of these things below the water''s surface.


    Luckily, his lightning would provide an easy answer there as well. He ran to the ship''s edge while taking his hammer from the armour''s storage.


    At the same time, another cloud of flying fish had jumped out of the water and dropped onto the ship, attempting to finish what their kin had started.


    Erik ignored those for now. First, he needed to eliminate what was left in the water.


    Meanwhile, another heavy collision shook the ship and almost caused it to turn over. Erik stumbled but continued to run, knowing he had to hurry.


    With multiple fish sticking onto his armour, he reached the edge. He looked below to see the water roiling from the excessive number of flying fish swimming around the ship. Clearly, aetherium had messed with their reproductive abilities as well.


    Perhaps that was why they needed so much food?


    He shook his head free from needless thoughts and, with a determined expression, plunged into action. With a defiant swing, he lowered the head of his hammer into the tumultuous sea.


    Electricity sparked at his fingertips as he channelled the raw power of aetherium through his lightning affinity and into the hammer, infusing it with crackling energy.


    No intricate spells or powerful skills-just a primal desire to electrify and sear every bit of sealife around his ship. He knew the stakes. These razor-winged torpedoes had the potential to capsize the vessel or gnaw through it like ravenous demons.


    And if that happened, they would be in serious trouble.


    The surge of power flowed from Erik''s hands into his charged hammer and unleashed its fury into the brimming sea. Instantaneously, the already roiling waters exploded into a chaotic spectacle.


    Electric sparks crackled, and the sea, once merely tempestuous, now boiled with heat.


    Erik closed his eyes and focussed on unleashing as much power as possible. He understood the energy required to electrify the sea to a point where it could quell the threat of these creatures was extremely high.


    For this, he unconsciously used both the aetherium in his Arcanist storage and the power umted in his Runebound body.


    He didn''t realise it, but this was the first time he had used both powers simultaneously, taking the first step on the road to perhaps one daybining the two.


    Elora noticed this but didn''t want to disturb Erik, so she simply took note of everything that happened as the two powers intertwined and flowed into the sea.


    Lightning crackled all around Erik''s body as he stood like a conduit of nature''s wrath. Wielding the storm to annihte the creatures threatening his ship.


    Finally, mere momentster, charred corpses of flying fish began to float to the surface. Still, Erik didn''t stop until everyst bit of power was squeezed out of his body, making absolutely sure to kill everything in the surrounding area.


    When he was done, he was panting heavily. He quickly stored the hammer back into his armour before turning around and sagging down against the ship''s railing.


    Despite his exhaustion, he grinned excitedly, "Phew, that was kind of fun. It''ll definitely teach them not to nibble on my boat."


    He looked up and grimaced a little as he had forgotten about thest cloud of flying fish that had attached itself to his ship. They were no longer in danger of capsizing, but it would still mean bad news if these few fish managed to finally bite through the ship''s reinforced wood.


    Luckily, there weren''t many of them, and Emily and Emma came out of the ship''s living rooms just in time. Emma had once again donned her maid outfit.


    The cute girl saw the exhausted Erik and immediately put aside her embarrassment aboutst night, turning it into concern instead.


    She rushed to his side, worry etched on her face, "Sir! Are you alright? Can I help? Wait, I know!" A brightly shining magic circle appeared on her hand, and a light shone down on Erik.


    While her first light spell didn''t directly heal wounds, cure illness or restore energy, it did speed up various bodily processes, including the generation and absorption of power.


    Elora''s magic could do the same, but since she and Erik shared the same aetherium storage when theybined, she had no more aetherium avable to cast spells than he did.


    That said, Emma''s still barely even rank one magic had minimal effect on his powerful body. But it was the thought that counts. He knew Emma would grow more powerful eventually.


    He didn''t want to discourage the girl, so he patted her head with a grin, "Thank you, Emma. That feels better."


    He turned his attention to Emily, who was still scowling at him but at least looked somewhat less hostile than when she stormed into his room. He assumed the two sisters had a talk about what happenedst night.


    He waved his hand at the still surviving fish attempting to bite through the ship, "I took care of everything in the water. Can you take out the remainder?"


    Emily mumbled something under her breath about him being a pervert. Erik realised she probably had more to say about what she found earlier. For now, though, she nodded. A ck magic circle appeared in front of Emily, and with it, a small number of tiny ck dots.


    These dots quickly flew away and began skewering the few remaining fish on board. While useful against these rtively low numbers, her magic would have been pointless against the entire school.


    While Emily took care of that, Erik turned to Emma with a yful smirk, "So, not avoiding me anymore, are you?" He was perfectly aware Emma had been awake while he was putting on his armour earlier, but he had other things on his mind then.


    Emma''s magic circle stuttered as her body trembled, and her face became as red as a tomato. "P- Please don''t mentionst night, Sir. I- I was not myself."


    Having regained some energy, Erik stood up and kept smirking as he looked Emma in the eyes, "You can lie to yourself, but you can''t lie to me."


    Suddenly, his face gained a mischievous expression, one he had clearly picked up from Elora, "In fact... I suppose I could use the covenant to force you to tell me the truth of your thoughts and reasonings fromst night. But should I?"


    Emma paled, her eyes went wide, frantically shaking her head. Panic set in. Luckily, Erik had no intention of breaking her trust.


    He chuckled and threw up his hands in surrender, "Alright, alright. I was just joking. I wouldn''t do that. Please don''t give me that look. Listen, despite your current feelings of awkwardness, did you enjoy yourselfst night?"


    With his promise not to make her articte her thoughts, the panic in her eyes quickly disappeared.


    Instead, a hesitant smile appeared before she nodded slightly. She trusted Erik with her life, and the pleasure she feltst night, even without really doing anything, was like nothing she had ever felt before.


    Seeing this, Erik smiled back at her with confidence, "Then what does the rest matter? Yourst seven years have been truly awful. It''s time to find you found out what you enjoy and want to do with the rest of your life."


    His words offort made Emma smile brighter as the hesitancy disappeared. But then it suddenly became a yful grin, "You mean, after these ten years are over, Sir?"


    Her words, and especially the emphasis she put on the word sir, disyed a level of sass that took Erik by quite a bit of surprise. But he had to admit he enjoyed it. So heughed.


    "Well, you got me there, Emma. But tell me. Would you leave if I released both you and Emily of your covenants right now? Assuming I offered to take you to shore first? Let me remind you that I never ordered you to call me sir."


    The sass quickly disappeared from her face as it became embarrassed again. Her mouth opened and closed several times as if trying to say something. Still, she eventually pouted cutely and mumbled her decision, "Of course not."


    A decision which had nothing to do with Emily''s condition, as Emma was still unaware her sister continued to struggle. Back in the bedroom, all Emily had told her was that she had be furious at Erik when entering the room and nothing about the corruption that still gued her soul.


    Instead, it was partly her desire to repay what Erik and Elora had done for her and partly because she enjoyed the feeling of stability and safety that came with serving someone she felt she could trust. However, she was far from ready to say thosest words out loud.


    Erik grinned at her cute looks when Emily returned, having finished her task. "All the fish are dead, and I''ve ordered the captain to continue the journey. But this won''t be thest attack by such creatures."

 Chapter 56: Chapter 56 - Elora takes an apprentice

    Noticing Emma''s pout and uneasy mood, Emily narrowed her eyes at Erik. "What did you say to Emma?"


    Erik grinned mysteriously and wiggled his eyebrows. "Wouldn''t you like to know?"


    He knew it was risky to tease this woman, considering her tendency to lose control, but he just couldn''t help himself. It was fun. Besides, she needed to learn control, and he was providing practice.


    But Emily remainedposed. Perhaps it was the earlier encounter or perhaps the happiness twinkling in Emma''s eyes despite her pout. Either way, she simply snorted. "Fine. Don''t tell me. We still need to find a way to prepare for future attacks."


    Erik was surprised at her calm reaction but only felt his respect for her rise. Quick to anger, maybe, but also quick to adapt.


    He nodded at Emily''s words. "Don''t worry, Elora and I have already thought of something." Elora immediately appeared next to him. Her crimson hair blew in the wind; her green eyes twinkled with mischief, and a corset with a short skirt once again adorned her figure.


    Before even fully materialising, her finger was already pointing at Emily. "That''s right! And you''re going to help me!"


    Emily looked surprised. Perhaps she had not fully realised Elora was back yet despite having seen her earlier. She spoke up. "Wait, how did you even get back here?"


    The wolf and fairy pair had never thoroughly exined the n to Emily and Emma. There simply hadn''t been time. All they had known was that Elora was going with Katya, disguised as an average human.


    Erik had exined the situation to Emma yesterday when the girl had asked him about Elora''s safety. But Emilly still knew nothing.


    The fairy giggled condescendingly, looking at the ck-haired woman as if she were an idiot. "Please, as if that oaf of a bear-woman could keep Erik and me apart. We have an unbreakable bond and can never be far from each other."


    It wasn''t much of an exnation, but Emily wouldn''t get anything better from her. Elora continued. "Anyway, from today on, you''ll be my little apprentice. We will be covering this boat in sigils while I begin to teach you."


    She grinned maliciously as her eyes twinkled with cruelty. "Better prepare. I am not a kind teacher."


    Just as Elora had told Erik back in the Ashcroft mansion, she saw tremendous sigil-crafting talent in Emily, and intended to nurture it. She may not care about the sisters like Erik did, but she respects talent.


    Besides, a servant who could craft sigils was far more useful than one who couldn''t.


    Emily raised her eyebrows in surprise. "You''re going to teach me?" Then, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Why?"


    Ever since creating that aetherium infusion sigil, she had wanted to learn more about it. Both because she recognised the potential and because she found the process enjoyable.


    But, the few interactions she had with Elora clearly depicted her as a callous woman. So why teach her?


    Elora''s lips curled up in derision, "I have my reasons. But why bother asking about them? I can see in your eyes that you want to learn, and even if you refuse, the covenant will force you. So, any more questions? No? Good.


    Follow me!"


    Having finished her words, Elora flew off to the front of the ship.


    Annoyance and anger were visible in Emily''s ck eyes, but no sign of losing control. In the end, she really did want to learn. And if Elora was willing to teach, Emily would suffer the fairy''s dismissive attitude.


    She suddenly began to appreciate Erik''s more inclusive attitude a little more. She even began to suspect Erik was the only reason Elora hadn''t simply kept her as a doll without a will.


    With a helpless sigh and an increased opinion of Erik, she followed after Elora.


    Erik chuckled at the appreciative look Emily had given him before leaving. It was not the first time this happened.


    Regardless of whether this was their intention or not, Erik and Elora''s differing attitudes had always created somewhat of a good cop bad cop situation.


    After all, anyone who dealt with one of them had to take the other as part of the deal, and when they suffered through Elora''s callousness and mischief long enough, they would suddenly yearn to deal with Erik instead.


    Some would perhaps be confused as to why Erik loved someone like that. But Erik didn''t care. He only cared about how Elora treated him, so long as she was at least a little considerate towards anyone Erik cared for.


    He turned his attention to Emma and noticed she was still casting her light spell on him. Considering its limited effect on him, he barely even noticed it. Drops of sweat had begun to appear on her forehead as she continued to pour power into her spell.


    Erik smiled at her willingness to help but didn''t want her to exhaust herself for no reason. He touched her magic circle and used his superior control of aetherium to gently break her spell. Breaking a spell like this could cause a bacsh if done without care.


    Emma looked at him with confusion and sadness. Likely wondering if she had done something wrong. But Erik smiled reassuringly at her. "Thank you for the help, Emma. I''m fine now."


    Hearing his encouragement made a bright smile appear on Emma''s face. Erik felt almost blinded and once again wondered who had been unfair enough to give Emma this level of beauty and cuteness.


    He looked in the direction Elora and Emily had gone before turning back to Emma. "Aren''t you worried about your sister?"


    Emma shook her head without losing her smile, "She''ll be fine. I know Miss Elora cares little for big Em and me, but she does care a great deal about you. And you care about us. She may be a little harsh with big Em, but she won''t do anything to harm her."


    Erik chuckled as he marveled at the intuition for people''s intentions and feelings that Emma''s nature affinity had given her. "You''re right," he said and patted her head.


    "Anyway, go inside and prepare some tea or something. I''ll be with you in a moment. I want to spend our time on this boat increasing your power as much as possible since you''regging behind the rest of us."


    Excited at the prospect of bing more powerful and helpful, Emma''s smile became even brighter. "Yes, Sir!" She said energetically before running off to the ship''s kitchen.


    A lowugh escaped Erik''s lips, amused by her enthusiasm. He turned around and gazed out over the sea, thinking about whaty beyond--the deeper ocean and, eventually, the Americas. He wondered about the state of the world there.


    He had only ever heard stories and seen movies about the United States, many of which involved an apocalyptic America. Were they doing better or worse than Europe? Who was ruling it? Or had it be a no man''snd like Africa?


    He also considered Canada and the countries in South America. The council''s info said something about a human supremacy regime in parts of Asia. Maybe there were simr setups with shapeshifters. Could he and Elora use that to their advantage? Only time would tell.


    Then, his thoughts turned to the deep blue ocean. Since the awakening, no ship had ever returned after attempting to sail to the other end. What kind of mutations had the aetherium caused in the massive creatures that dwelled in the deepest and darkest ces of the world?


    Perhaps he would find out. Or, perhaps, he would simply find a ne and get to America by air. Or something else entirely. Either way, he would go there eventually, but likely only after getting revenge and growing much stronger.


    For now, they would travel along the coastline, going from the Nethends to Germany, then Denmark, and finally, Norway, before going all the way around to the other side and reaching Kirkenes.


    Hopefully, this will avoid any truly dangerous sea creatures and allow them to have smooth sailing all the way. ''No pun intended,'' Erik chuckled inwardly. He turned around and went to see what Emma had prepared for him.


    ********


    About a dayter, luckily without encountering any more tidal tempests, all four of them had gathered at the front of the ship.


    Erik looked at an exhausted Emily with a sympathetic grin, knowing all too well the


    unforgiving taskmaster Elora could turn into when dealing with sigils.


    Sigils and Erik were the only things that could make Elora set aside her mischief and summon all the seriousness her small body could muster.


    The tired Emily was currently on one knee in the middle of arge sigil and using a small, ck sphere on the tip of her finger to etch in the finishing touches under the supervision of a surprisingly stern-looking Elora, who gave the asional pointer.


    This wasn''t the only sigil they had created, however. In fact, the entire ship was now covered in sigils. Not even the ship''s underbelly had been spared.

 Chapter 57: Chapter 57 - The Council (1)

    Erik had limited knowledge of sigils, but from what little he had picked up, he knew it was possible to draw a sigil on one side of a wall and have it appear on the other, which was likely what they used here.


    When Emily finally drew thest line, she copsed in exhaustion. Seeing her state, Erik chuckled understandingly and stepped closer to take her into a princess carry.


    Feeling his actions, Emily just red at him. She was clearly unhappy about getting his help despite knowing she needed it.


    Erik grinned confidently at her. "Oh, don''t look at me like that. I know you''re warming up to me."


    Emily scoffed and looked away. "Fat chance of that. We still need to talk about what happened between you and Emma, you pervert."


    Before Erik could respond, Elora flew into the magic circle and spread her arms. It was time to activate them. Dark green aetherium flowed from her hands and into the sigil before spreading over the entire ship.


    Everyone, even Erik, looked on in wonder. Elora spoke. "This is actually the first time I''ve done something like this. Let''s see if everything works as intended."


    Erik ignored Emily''s mumbling about being the one to actually do all the work.


    All the other sigils on the boat began to glow with the same dark green colour, lighting up their boat like a Christmas tree. The Ashcroft sisters, who still didn''t know what these sigils were supposed to do, began wondering if bing a beacon of light was really a good idea.


    But they were quickly proven wrong. The dark green glow began to die down, and with it, the boat started to... fade away.


    Emma and Emily panicked as they saw the floor they were standing on literally disappear before their eyes. "W- What is happening?!" one of them yelled.


    Erik and Elora both chuckled with amusement at their reactions. It didn''t take long before the sisters realised the boat wasn''t disappearing. It was simply bing invisible.


    Emma''s eyes sparkled with wonder. She looked around and excitedly said, "That''s so cool!" Even Emily looked begrudgingly impressed and perhaps even a little prideful about having worked on this herself.


    Elora was much less subdued than Emily as she puffed up her chest in pride, "Haha! I know! I am amazing!"


    Emily still had some concerns, however. "Won''t we still create movement in the water, though? Also... does this make us invisible, or are we just floating in the air now?"


    Elora ignored her questions; apparently, she was done teaching her for now. Instead, she shrunk to her smaller size and flew towards Erik before sitting on his shoulder. She kissed his cheek. "Aren''t you proud of me?"


    Erik smiled warmly. Even Elora could be a little needy sometimes. So he used his finger to caress her head. "Amazing as always, Elora."


    She puffed up her chest again. "That''s right! Now, since I''m tired, you can answer their questions for me." Before Erik could answer, she had disappeared in a cloud of light specks, taking refuge in his soul.


    Erik chuckled wryly but turned towards Emily, whom he had put down a little earlier.


    "To answer your first question, yes, we still create movement. The invisibility is also more like sophisticated camouge, and it is not the only thing these sigils do.


    The camouge is only really intended to confuse and avoid, which should be enough for most creatures to ignore us. If they don''t, there are also defensive sigils that rely on my lightning.


    As for your second question, only the outside of the boat is obscured, not us. When we get inside again, we''ll be able to see everything like usual and be just as visible from outside as we''d have been before the sigils. Meaning, not at all.


    Last but not least, the sigils draw power from all of us, so you both may notice a slight drain in your aetherium storage. Don''t worry, though. It won''t significantly slow down your advancement. At least not while the defensive sigils aren''t activated."


    Emma suddenly looked confused, "Wait, but then... shouldn''t we have done this from inside the boat?" She looked around, "I mean... where is the entrance?" Emily looked simrly confused. After all, at least in their perception, they were floating above the water right now.


    Erik grinned mischievously, "Well, I figured I might as wellbine this event with some training! You both still know only the basics about aetherium usage, even you, Emilly, and I need you to get better."


    He jumped up and somehownded on an invisible higher part of the ship before taking a seat and looking down on the sisters. "Don''t worry, I won''t go anywhere. But neither of you will get inside until you can find your way there by using aetherium to ''see'' your surroundings."


    Both sisters had the same anxious expression as they looked at the blue sea under them and voiced someints, but Erik ignored them. He would give them pointerster if necessary, but for now, he intended to let them discover what they could on their own.


    He was just there to rescue them if they fell overboard.


    While the sisters started gingerly looking around, Erik continued exploring his ice glyph and rune. He had at least two weeks on board this ship and nned to make the most of it. Luckily, pulling a second affinity up to the next rank was easier than advancing to adept rank the first time.


    *******


    Meanwhile, in the heart of what used to be Brussels, a modern high-rise was located called the Nexus Tower. This was one of the few buildings to havergely survived the initial earthquakes that apanied the awakening and the six years of chaos that followed.


    For the past year, since the council was formed, it was fully restored and now serves as their headquarters. Above the entrance door was arge version of the council''s emblem, worn by peacekeepers all over Europe.


    The entire building shimmered slightly with various colours, something most people assumed was just a pomp and show from the council, but in actuality, stemmed from the many sigils carved into the tower''s sides.


    Sigils that most people simply didn''t know existed. After all, knowledge is power, and the council knew this all too well. For various reasons.


    While the outward appearance of this tower was modern, and most of its floors followed that trend, the top floor was a little different. Its aesthetics and feel were more ancient.


    This floor held the council chambers. The chambers were divided into three equal parts, each upied by one of the three races that governed the council--humans, vampires and shapeshifters.


    At the heart of this tripartite arrangementy the deliberation hall. This circr room exuded warmth with its dominant wooden ents, featuring three doors, each leading to one of the adjacent sections.


    The centre of the hall remained empty. It served as a podium where non-council members could stand to address them if the need arose.


    Surrounding the central space were an array of luxurious seats, each elevated in steps to provide a clear view of the centre. The seats were crafted from rich, dark wood cushioned with plush fabrics, providing bothfort and an aesthetic appeal.


    In each of the three sections, one chair stood taller and more intricately designed than the rest. These regal seats were reserved for the faction leaders, each embodying authority for their faction.


    Currently, the council is in session, and many of the seats are filled. Not all of them, however, and the numbers weren''t equal, despite every council member being present.


    It was this way because of how the council worked. The only requirement to sit and have a vote was to be a third or expert-ranked Runebound or Arcanist. This meant that the strongest faction would also have the most say.


    Even in a non-dictatorial government, the strongest fist still rules. At this time, that fist belonged to the human faction, with six Arcanists at the third rank, while the vampires and shapeshifters each had four.


    A man of clear Balkan descent sat on the vampire faction''s council leader seat. His facial features were aristocratic, with a chiselled jawline and high cheekbones that spoke of a forgotten nobility.


    His face was framed by long ck hair, his eyes were piercing red, and his skin was pale. In this, he was much like a typical vampire. Yet, he was anything but. This man was d Drac the Fifth, grandson of d Drac the Third, aka the impaler.


    d Drac the Fifth ruled the vampire faction with an iron fist. His word wasw, and any who dared to oppose him would soon find out exactly how much he took after his grandfather.


    Yet, despite his authoritarian ways and cruel punishments, his rule was otherwise fair and focused on the good of all vampires. A fact that earned him the reverence and loyalty of most, leaving him little opportunity to use his stakes.


    Truly, this man had taken carrot and stick to the masses.


    His affinity was one that was not as widespread among vampires as one might expect: blood. A powerful affinity on the level of lightning or nature.

 Chapter 58: Chapter 58 - The council (2)

    On the opposing seats sat the rulers of the other two factions: Zara Yaga and Aria Lefay.


    As with d the Fifth, these two were descendants of legendary figures from the past, and all three of them had been born into families with powerful bloodlines and extensive knowledge.


    They were the three most powerful people in the room by virtue of their rare affinities and high talent, despite the fact they were still only third-rank, like every other council member. Naturally, everyone in this room was locked in a race to be the first fourth rank.


    Zara Yaga ruled the human faction with kindness and wisdom. She was a woman of medium height with long white hair, warm brown eyes and a voluptuous figure. Her motherly vibe and charisma had turned the human faction into something akin to a cult where the members hung on her every word.


    She was a descendant of Baba Yaga, but how far removed, or even how old Zara was exactly, no one knew. In fact, Zara rarely spoke about herself or her past.


    After the awakening, she had announced herself as thest remaining member of the Yaga bloodline, and since no one came out to challenge her statement, it was simply epted as fact.


    Her affinity was powerful, rarer than most and the same as Emma''s second affinity: nature.


    Last but not least, Aria Lefay ruled the shapeshifter faction with cunning and guile. Aria had anky build, but unlike what you might expect, her movements were never awkward. Instead, she possessed a graceful beauty.


    Her face was slender and featured prominent cheekbones, light red hair and yellow eyes. It was a pretty face. But anyone who knew her would do their very best to avoid her like the gue, as her personality was anything but.


    Her faction was not as coherent and unified as the other two, partly because most shapeshifters possessed a fierce desire for independence and partly because most of her faction members hated her. While the desire to submit to a powerful alpha was also a trait many shapeshifters possessed, Aria Lefay simply didn''t inspire that kind of feeling in others.


    She truly was the most powerful shapeshifter in the room, but she had solidified her rule only through ckmail, threats and deception. Aria was selfish and cared for little other than her own power. Her only redeeming quality was, perhaps, her absoluteck of racism.


    Human, vampire or shapeshifter. As long as they had something to offer her, she would wee them with open arms and a knife at their throat to ensure loyalty.


    If she managed to be the first fourth rank in this room, dark days would be ahead for Europe.


    Aria Lefay was a descendant of the infamous Morgan Lefay and a wereserpent with the shadow affinity. Shadow and darkness rted to each other, much like water and ice did, with one being a stronger version of the other.


    Despite the fact that Aria originally came from the UK, thatnd was now ruled by the human faction.


    This was because, during the council''s formation,nds were assigned based on the poption, not their current rulers and the UK simply had a muchrger human poptionpared to either of the supernatural races.


    Aria now ruledrge parts of Germany, France and Spain. She had no problem with this development, however. More subjects meant more power, and she felt no particr attachment to her ancestral home.


    Among the council members in the shapeshifter faction was a person well-known to Erik and Elora. Katya Ironova. On the podium in the middle of the hall were another two people they would have recognised, Seraphina Nightshade and Enzo Ri.


    Each of them was kneeling in the direction of their own faction, but while Enzo was rtively rxed, Seraphina looked a little nervous. After all, Enzo was only guilty of failing, while Seraphina had actually betrayed the council, even if they didn''t know it yet.


    The council had just received a verbal report from Katya and Enzo about what happened in London, including the boat theft, but when it was Seraphina''s time to talk, things took a surprising turn.


    The vampire leader spoke up in an authoritative and slightly threatening tone of voice, "What do you mean... you say you cannot tell us anything of what went on in that house?"


    Seraphina trembled a little. Well aware of this man''s reputation. But she had decided that, because of d''s well-known fairness and her father being a council member, honesty was the best policy.


    Or as much honesty as she could muster under the covenant''s rules.


    She gulped before answering, in as steady a voice as she could manage, "Yes, my lord."


    His voice became a little more threatening, "And why is that?"


    Hearing the question she most dreaded, Seraphina decided to face d with courage, knowing he would respond better to that than cowardice. She stayed on one knee but raised her head to look d in his piercing and using eyes.


    Normally, those eyes would make any vampire in Europe quake with fear, but Seraphina felt herself unconsciouslyparing them to Erik''s amber-coloured gaze and found herself less intimidated than before.


    Perhaps d noticed this, as he raised an eyebrow but otherwise said nothing about it. Seraphina answered the question, "I cannot say, my lord."


    The covenant prevented her from revealing any information about Erik and Elora that the council was not already aware of. And, unfortunately, that included their ability to make these covenants in the first ce.


    She wondered if she''d have epted Erik''s deal back then if she knew he was unlikely to hurt Emily or Emma.


    Sure, she''d have been left bleeding on the ground, at the mercy of Liam''s henchmen, but she doubted they would have had the courage to actually do anything to her.


    Unlike the council.


    She wasn''t even sure why she helped Erik when Katya showed up! Was it just because of Emma''s sincere words, or was it because she couldn''t get the damn taste of that perverted asshole''s blood out of her mind!


    Another terrible consequence of her deal with him!


    She sighed inwardly at her hastiness back then yet, for some reason, couldn''t imagine refusing the deal if she went back in time.


    Her thoughts were interrupted by d''s next question. He narrowed his eyes, leaned over a little and didn''t lose the threatening tone, "Cannot, or will not?"


    Seraphina began to tremble a little but quickly steeled herself, "Cannot, my lord."


    d didn''t say anything else but kept staring into Seraphina''s eyes as if searching for the truth. The vampire woman, many years his junior, looked back without wavering.


    She may be afraid on the inside, but she wouldn''t let that show. She knew d favoured unwavering determination and courage above all.


    Meanwhile, among the other vampire councillors, there was one man who looked at all this with anxiety, slightly squirming in his seat. This was Lucius Nightshade. Seraphina''s father.


    ''Damnit, Seraphina, I don''t know what happened back there, but if we both still live by morning, I swear I''ll scold you until even my Runebound body loses its voice!'' he thought to himself.


    He didn''t really think d would kill both of them for his daughter''s failures. He even doubted d would kill the rising star of the vampire faction at all. But if, somehow, d decided to make an example of Seraphina, Lucius would definitely step in.


    He would fail and share in her demise. But step in, he would. He cherished his daughter, after all.


    The rest of the room looked on with bated breath, wondering what d would say to Seraphina''s clear defiance. After all, defiance it was, regardless of her reasons.


    Some, particrly those of other factions, hoped for the vampire prodigy''s swift death. Others were indifferent, and only one person besides Lucius hoped for Seraphina''s survival. Katya. After all, the girl was her subordinate and a damn good one at that.


    After a few more moments of being stuck in a staring contest, d nodded and leaned back, his face stern and his thoughts unknowable. "Fine. Seraphina Nightshade, you are excused."


    Relief flooded Lucius and Seraphina''s faces.


    With no pause, d turned his head towards one of the shapeshifter councillors, "Katya Ironova. I assume you realise your wrongs? What do you have to say for yourself?"


    But before Katya could even open her mouth, it was the furious and lightly lisping voice of Aria Lefay that answered him, "Hold on a second, you old fart. Have you gone senile in your old age? First of all, Katya is my councillor, and if anyone is going to question or punish her, it will be me.


    Second of all, you''re gonna let that girl off just like that? Just because she is some kind of prodigy? Do you think Zara and I will ept that?! Whatever happened in London is raising all sorts of red gs, and we need to know what we''re dealing with!"

 Chapter 59: Chapter 59 - The Council (final)

    Greed was apparent in the wereserpent''s voice. Clearly, she just wanted her hands on whatever power Elora used to escape from that helicopter while wearing a restricting band. Not to mention the girl with darkness affinity.


    Actually, Aria was quite upset that she had failed to snatch up the Ashcroft brat when she was still living in the UK. Unfortunately for her, news travelled slowly before the council''s formation, and Aria had her base of operations in the Northern parts of the country.


    Sure, she had heard rumours about some Witch of London, but never enough to make her take notice. Not until the council formed and started to asses any internal threats, that is.


    It was Zara''s warm and motherly voice that responded to Aria''s outburst. "Now, now, Aria, dear. Let''s not lose our heads."


    She turned to d, "That said, Aria does have a point. Setting aside the missed opportunity to recruit someone with a darkness affinity, these people¡­ I think you called them Erik and Elora?


    They seem to have some mysterious knowledge and abilities, and we can''t let them run around in ournds doing as they please. Behaviour like that is precisely why we formed the council, to begin with."


    She quickly nced at Aria, "Well, for some of us, anyway."


    She turned her attention to Seraphina with a warm smile, "I don''t mean to put undue pressure on you, child. But surely you understand we can''t let this go without proper exnation."


    Seraphina didn''t answer. Doing so would have been an insult to her own liege, and she wasn''t about to make matters worse for herself now that it appeared like she may be getting off scot-free.


    d waved his hand dismissively, "She has already said she can''t speak of these matters. Regardless of the reason for her inability to do so, I consider the matter closed."


    Whether he actually considered it closed or intended to grill Seraphina for answers himselfter was anyone''s guess. The other two leaders had always considered d a little entric and wouldn''t put either option above him.


    Aria was happy to voice her doubts, "Come now, you old bat! She''s obviously lying!" A long and slightly forked but still distinctly human tongue left the woman''s mouth and licked her lips, "Just give me a few hours with her, and she''ll squeal like a pig."


    Power thrummed in the air as blood-red runes appeared on the vampire ruler''s skin. His voice was heavy with the threat of violence. "Touch a hair on the heads of any of my vampires, and I''ll turn you into a handbag, you overgrown snake."


    Then, as if nothing had happened, he returned to normal and scoffed, "Anyway, just because your faction is a nest of vipers who all hate your guts does not mean it is the same for me. I trust my people."


    No one seemed fazed by d''s outburst, apparently used to it. Aria just grinned at his provocation, and Zara still smiled warmly as she said, "I understand the sentiment, d. I feel the same about my own people.


    That said, even if we assume Seraphina is speaking the truth, there must be a reason she can''t speak of what happened in that house, and we should try to uncover it."


    Seeing how even the more reasonable Zara wouldn''t let this go, the old vampire relented a little. "Fine. When this meeting is done, I invite the both of you to join me in my chambers.


    We will examine Seraphina, within reason, to see if we can uncover the cause of her inability to talk. However, if we cannot find anything, you will let this matter go. Continue to pursue this afterwards, and you will find yourself at the busines end of my sword."


    He knew the other two, not even Aria, would go to war over this matter. And even if they did, he was prepared to face them.


    As much as d the Fifth was a cruel and authoritarian tyrant, he was also fiercely protective of his own people.


    Zara nodded calmly at d''s words, clearly epting his proposal. Aria was a little less graceful but epted the proposal as well.


    Meanwhile, Seraphina looked anxious but still relieved about the stay of execution. Her father seemed mostly anxious, however, as he turned his head towards d, "My lord, I-"


    But before he could continue, d stuck up his hand, "Yes, Lucius. You may attend."


    With his concern alleviated, Lucius released a breath, "Thank you, my Lord."


    d nodded sternly and turned back to the council. "Before we move on to other matters, do we have any idea at all where these people may be headed? We can''t exactly send search parties in every direction, but the longer we wait, the lower the chances we find them."


    Everyone present sank into thoughts, but no one spoke up. Until Zara offered a question directed at Seraphina, "Seraphina, I understand you can''t or won''t tell us anything right now, but if you could or would, do you have knowledge about their next destination?"


    Seraphina looked at d questioningly, and only when he nodded did she stand up from her kneeling position and turn towards the human section. She gave a slight bow and said, "No,dy Zara. They never spoke about this in front of me. I suspect not even the Ashcroft sisters knew where they were going."


    Zara nodded and turned towards her two counterparts. "In that case, assuming the girl speaks the truth, I suggest we simply alert all our coastal and riverside settlements and leave it at that. We don''t have the manpower to go on an extensive manhunt throughout Europe. Assuming they even stay on this continent, to begin with.


    We can discuss the matter again if our investigation reveals some new information."


    They quickly held a vote, and mere momentster, the result was unanimous. A full manhunt was off the table for now. Even Katya voted against it despite her desire to find Erik again. She had her own personal subordinates and would put them on this task.


    Keeping the council out of the way was only beneficial for her.


    Zara nodded, "Good. Now that that''s settled, let''s move on to other matters."


    The leaders seemed to have made an implicit agreement not to mention Katya''s impropriety any more.


    Sure, she made a mistake and put her own interests ahead of the council''s, but the fact was Katya was strong. So strong, in fact, that some suspected she was no weaker than Aria, and the only reason Aria ruled was because Katya had no interest in it.


    Yet, others refuted that thought, as it was well-known that Katya hated Aria more than anyone. Surely a battle maniac like her would not shy away from a fight against someone she hated if she had even a remote chance of winning?


    Whatever the truth, no one disputed that Katya was first below the leaders and, because of that, was given some implicit leeway in her actions.


    d nodded in response to Zara''s statement, "Yes. We need to talk about the operation in Finnmark and, especially, about the situation in the East. The Pax Orientis is getting more aggressive by the day. I suspect war may not be more than a year away at most."


    *********


    Some hourster, five people gathered in a luxurious room on the vampire''s side of the council chambers: Seraphina, her father and the three faction leaders.


    The father and daughter pair were standing in front of the most powerful people in Europe with some anxiety. Lucius a little more than his daughter, perhaps.


    Zara smiled warmly at them, like a mother calming down her children, "Don''t worry so much, you two. So long as Seraphina hasn''t lied to us, nothing will happen to her."


    Everyone ignored Aria''s snort as d agreed with Zara, albeit more sternly. "Correct. For this examination, we will work from the assumption you haven''t lied to us. This means you are somehow forced to remain quiet about parts of your time in London.


    Can you tell us if this is done by magical means?"


    With the covenant, Seraphina had to carefully consider and change her words if it prevented her from speaking. So she spoke slowly, "Yes, it was done by magical means."


    The covenant only prevented her from revealing information about Erik and Elora, so this was still fine.


    d nodded, "Good." He turned to the human next to him. "Zara, if you would?"


    The motherly figure nodded and extended her hands towards Seraphina, causing Lucius'' anxiety to increase, even while Seraphina bravely stood her ground. A soft green magic circle appeared, and light of the same colour began to wash over Seraphina.


    After a few moments, under everyone''s curious gazes, the light gathered together at the back of Seraphina''s right hand. It continued to glow as Zara put her hands down.


    d immediately stepped forward with a frown on his face, "Extend your right hand, girl."


    Seraphina did as asked, and soon, they all stared at the wolf''s head with fairy wings: the mark of a covenant with Elora and Erik.

 Chapter 60: Chapter 60 - Emma pours her heart out

    It had been nearly two weeks since Erik and his merry band set off from the London harbour.


    The most significant thing to happen during this time was a conversation between Emma and Emily involving Emma''s ''evolving rtionship'' with Erik and Elora.


    The werewolf and fairy went at it like animals almost every night, with Emma mostly observing them while tied up in bondage.


    Naturally, Emma could have long since started weening herself of this dependence on being tied up to fall asleep. Yet, she found herself unable to resist continuing.


    So every night, despite knowing what was going to happen, she would once again appear at Erik and Elora''s door with rope in hand and a pleading expression on her face.


    Meanwhile, Emily wasn''t oblivious to all this, but she could only grind her teeth and stay out of it. She tried to talk to Erik about leaving Emma out of his perverted crap as she had intended from the moment she found out, but just when she was about to approach him, Emma stopped her.


    Emma stood before her big sister, her face more serious than Emily had ever seen. "Don''t do it, big sis. Please. I need this."


    The cute little Em she knew was momentarily gone, and what was left was a young girl in pain, gazing at her with a haunted look in her eyes. The words she said next echoed in Emily''s head for a long time afterwards:


    "Ever since our parents died, it''s been seven years of misery, Em. Watching you slowly fall apart, theck of food, the constant terror and fear of what would happen should Liam manage to bring you down.


    And yes, your treatment of me, too. I always hoped you would break free from your darkness, but you didn''t. And I don''t me you, big Em, I really don''t. If anything, I me myself for giving you that book. But the fact is that it happened. And it left a scar.


    Then, one day, in the midst of that pain and darkness, a light suddenly entered my room. Sure, it may have been a light in the form of a dark and scary man, but a light nheless. That light was a lifeline¡ªa connection, a warmth that defied the cold reality I''d be ustomed to.


    I get what you''re trying to do here, sis. Even in your corrupted state, you only ever wanted to be my guardian, the one holding the fragments of our lives together. And you did, in part.


    Yes, you mistreated me, but things could have been so much worse for a young, defenceless girl like me. I''m fully aware that even your corrupted protection was better than whatever Liam had in store for me.


    But things are different now, big Em. I''ve found something that eases the constant pain and ever-present fear. He entered our lives, and I can breathe a little easier for the first time in years."


    Her face lost some seriousness, and she blushed a little, "I know what goes on in that bedroom isn''t normal. It''s certainly not what I envisioned for myself, and I have no idea where it will lead to."


    Her seriousness returned, "It''s not perfect, I know that. I mean, setting aside that I''m not even really sure what I feel or want just yet, Sir already has Miss Elora, and I''m well aware I stand little chance of overtaking her position in his heart. But is that so bad?


    So what if I will likely always y second fiddle to that woman?


    So what if Sir isn''t a particrly good or kind person?


    After these seven years, all that''s left for me is to grab onto anything that makes me feel safe and protected. Anything that makes me happy. And this is it!


    Please, big Em, try to understand. I know you don''t like or trust him much yet. I know you like to be in control and hate relying on anyone, but I''m not like that. All I want is to feel safe, protected and happy. You tried to give me that but failed.


    Now, I''ve found someone else who can give me those things. And I need you by my side, Em. Not as my shield but as my sister. Someone who is there for me when I actually need her, not when she thinks I need her.


    I know I might be making a mistake. But if so, then it''s my mistake to make, sis. That is more freedom than I''ve had in a long time. So, please don''t interfere."


    By the time she was done, tears had appeared in her eyes as she looked up at her sister with a pleading expression. Emily was dumbstruck. She simply had no response. For what could she say? Emma''s words had hurt her, but she knew them to be true.


    Before she found the right words, Erik entered the room, and in a disy of how much Emma had learned about aetherium control already, she used her light affinity to clean her face and evaporate the tears before turning around and greeting him with her usual, carefree and delightful smile.


    But it wasn''t a fake smile. Emily knew that. It was simply how she felt when Erik was around.


    Erik naturally wasn''t fooled by the girl''s quick attempt to clean her face. In fact, he had heard every word Emma said. But he wouldn''t embarrass her by revealing that, so he greeted Emma with a smile and pretended not to know a thing.


    Meanwhile, Emily slinked away to think about Emma''s words. Unfortunately, no one noticed the corrupted red flickering through her eyes.


    On the one hand, Emma had poured oil on Emily''s desire to resist her corruption, but on the other hand, the pain and sadness she felt were exactly what the darkness loved to attach itself to.


    Ever since that conversation, Emma remained lightly involved in Erik and Elora''s lovemaking.


    asionally receiving kisses, getting a share of Erik''s fluids from Elora, or simply rubbing herself into oblivion on the crotch rope that had be a standard part of her bondage attire.


    Yet, despite her light involvement, she had already be addicted to the whole thing.


    Such was the danger of being around Erik''s body in an intimate setting. His pheromones and fluids, modified by Elora into bing ultimate tools of pleasure, were nearly impossible for a rank one human girl to resist.


    Especially when they were happy to give in.


    Over time, Emma also became more and more interested in getting directly involved, but she was too embarrassed to say anything. The couple naturally noticed this but kept quiet, waiting until Emma found the courage to ask them herself.


    They knew that, to truly make someone fall into their web, they couldn''t always take the next step. It sometimes had toe from the other person for the most impact.


    Aside from this interpersonal drama, however, the rest of the journey proceeded with speed and rtive safety.


    Everyone on board spent most of their time training hard, with Elora and Emily asionally taking breaks to continue sigil-crafting lessons.


    Some new and different kinds of mutated creatures had appeared during their travel to inspect the invisible ship. The water movement attracted them, but they always left the camouged ship alone when it became clear there was nothing to find.


    Eventually, they entered the colder regions, prompting more lessons from Erik to the sisters. This time, about resisting extreme temperatures through aetherium.


    During their travel along the Norwegian coast, they went especially close to the coast in order to watch the magnificent fjords pass by.


    While Erik and Elora had seen plenty of amazing sights on S?l, the fjords were still beautiful, and the Ashcroft sisters had never seen anything like this at all, having never even left London despite their wealthy parents.


    The rugged arctic beauty and coastal charm they encountered all along the Norwegian coast had charmed them all in one way or another.


    Luckily, it was currently summer, so there was not enough ice on the sea to hinder their ship. That said, there was still more than expected, which was a phenomenon rted to the awakening.


    Havinge from an awakened world, Elora and Erik naturally knew much more of what this process meant for a than anyone else on Earth, except perhaps for the council and simr people around the world. It was still unknown exactly how much they knew.


    Regardless, Earth was currently in the first phase of awakening: saturation. During this time, aetherium would slowly assimte with the''s biosphere, bing an essential part of its ecosystem.


    This phase has three notable consequences: first, there are the mutations to various unintelligent wildlife.


    For some reason, only intelligent life could be Arcanists, while unintelligent life would be mutated until they either gained the intelligence required or simply became feral beasts with more power than sense. Most of the time, it would be thetter.


    It was uncertain if these creatures could also be Runebound. But, so far, the evidence suggested that only werewolves and vampires possessed whatever specific requirements were needed to be Runebound.

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 - Memories (1)

    The second consequence for a world in the saturation phase was that global temperatures would be more extreme. While temperate climates, like in most of Europe, would remainrgely unaffected, the poles and equator would see severe cooling or warming, respectively.


    This was why Erik and his group still encountered quite a bit of ice along the way despite the warm season. Were it winter, they would have most certainly had to walk.


    Last but not least was the main reason, besides revenge, why Erik and Elora were happy to be on Earth. The instability of aetherium and its integration with the world would allow for much faster strength growthpared to other worlds, not only in the absorption of aetherium but also in understanding glyphs and runes.


    After all, the aetherium integration caused the world''s elements to be in constant flux, allowing for a much quicker understanding of those elements.


    While elemental understanding was not particrly important for a person''s strength, it did influence the speed by which one would grow to understand their glyph or rune.


    The only reason most people in Europe were still only first-rank initiates was that they had spent thest seven years focusing primarily on survival. That said, now that the council was stabilising the continent, there would likely be an explosive growth in power among the poption.


    In fact, if the other continents stabilised earlier than Europe, they might have a severe power advantage over them.


    Meanwhile, Erik still needed twice as much time as anyone else to advance because he had two systems to work on, soing to a world in its saturation phase was like a golden goose falling in hisp.


    Just in time, too. During the past seven years, Elora has been heavily boosting Erik''s growth with the resources she gained from her mother before she left the obsidian enve. Which was the only reason Erik had managed to be a rank two, despite his limitation.


    But those resources were quickly running out, so finding this world was a great opportunity. Unfortunately, everyone on Earth gained the same benefits, so Erik still had to work harder than anyone else. The benefits would only really show if he returned to S?l.


    Yet, they couldn''t simply find a ce somewhere and quietly grow stronger, assuming Elora could convince Erik to put his revenge on hold, because the saturation phase would simply notst forever.


    Which meant they had to prepare for phase two.


    Luckily, phase one wouldst for a few more years. Even if it was uncertain how long it wouldst exactly.


    Meanwhile, Erik and Elora still had plenty to do.


    Their ship sailed around the North Cape[1] and now cruised close by the coast, mere moments away from reaching Kirkenes.1


    Emily was currently captaining the ship after learning everything she could from the old man she had enved back in London. As it turned out, Emily had a talent for many things, sigils and sailing included.


    The old captain had already been left behind on the Danish coast, with all his memories wiped.


    Since he was a rtively good man, and simply dumping him on a beach somewhere took little effort, Erik thought it unnecessary to kill the guy. Elora grumbled a little about the extra time, however slight it was, but Erik managed to cate her in the end.


    Perhaps leaving him alone in the wilderness signed his death warrant anyway, considering the way the world is now, but at least he stood a chance. They certainly didn''t want to alert anyone by dropping him off in a more inhabited area.


    Along the way, the ship came across several other small docks but never noticed any signs of life. That wasn''t entirely unexpected, though. They knew from Seraphina that the council hadn''t reached this far North yet, and the poption had always been sparse here.


    It was not too much of a stretch to consider the possibility of most, if not all, of the people here simply exploding when the awakening happened. That said, the few vampires and werewolves that lived here should have survived still.


    Perhaps they had all killed each other? Only time would tell.


    Finally, they saw the coastal port of Kirkenes appear in their view.


    Emily was at the helm, her hands navigating the ship with surprising grace, considering her inexperience. Emma, Elora and Erik were leaning against the railing, their eyes fixed on the little town gradually approaching on the horizon.


    An eerie silence enveloped the port. Several ships, some nothing more than half-sunken relics or aimlessly drifting vessels, painted a haunting picture of the world that once was.


    Sails reeled in, the electric motor hummed, and their ship glided past the haunting metal skeletons of icebreakers, fishing ships and trading vessels.


    "It''s a little spooky," Emmamented, breaking the silence. Erik nodded before a frown appeared on his face, and his gaze drifted to something ashore.


    Soon, they were aligned with a docking port. Erik jumped ashore and tied the boat to the cleats before casting a distant look at the familiar yet not-so-familiar surroundings.


    Nostalgia and sadness surged as he surveyed the town he''d once visited with his father. How long had it been since those carefree days of simply buying supplies for theirmunity?


    Their small and remote vige had been a tight-knit, closed-offmunity. For good reason, of course. And young, somewhat timid Erik didn''t mind so much back then. He enjoyed the simple lifestyle and wasn''t interested in exploring the wide open world.


    Things were different now, of course. In his seven years on S?l, he had learned to crave adventure, challenges and fighting.


    Yet even back on Earth, the monthly trips to Kirkenes were a highlight for him. Not so much for the chance to witness a part of the world beyond, but more because¡­ Edda always wanted toe along.


    So he went along to spend time with her.


    Memories of youthful love andughter shed through his mind. His father busy with goods on the docks, and a carefree Edda grabbing his hand, pulling him along to see if any new wonders had appeared from farawaynds.


    Her golden hair, bright blue eyes and infectious smile filled the young Erik with love and affection. Yet, the older Erik, recalling these moments, felt only a bitter mixture of sadness and fury.


    At some point in the past, when her betrayal was not so fresh anymore, a part of his fury had transformed into a yearning for understanding. Understanding of how a young, seemingly innocent child deceived not only him but their entiremunity?


    But the older Erik''s eyes turned cold. Those doubts were all in the past. Eventually, that yearning had made way for fury once again. In the following years, it only became stronger and more entrenched in his being.


    As he set foot on the familiar docks of Kirkenes, Erik couldn''t escape the raw emotions conjured by these memories. The town that once symbolised innocent joy now stood as a backdrop to a betrayal that had cost him everything. His fists clenched involuntarily.


    Despite the seven years that had gone by, his past was an unyielding spectre. Now, amidst the remnants of civilisation, Erik couldn''t shake the feeling that he was walking back into the heart of his deepest wounds.


    There was a reason he almost ran off without even thinking when he realised they were on Earth. He was eager to put it all behind him. But for that, he first had to find Edda¡­ and pay respects to the fallen.


    He didn''t make himself any illusions about being able to find bodies after all this time. But perhaps he could still make a symbolic grave in memory of his parents.


    He was pulled out of his thoughts by two small hands that encircled his left fist. He looked beside him with some surprise, but his expression quickly softened when he looked at Emma''s encouraging smile.


    "I don''t know why we''re here, but you seem distressed. No matter what happened in the past, you''re not alone now. Please let me help however I can."


    It was true. Erik had never mentioned the reason for their travel to Kirkenes. Yet, Emma had never asked, happy to just follow along.


    Meanwhile, Emily had been too preupied with other things.


    Elora appeared on the other side and grabbed his right hand, yet instead of an encouraging smile, there was a yful smirk. "Honestly, that girl is much too sweet. I hate it. Yet, it''s almost impossible not to like her! Truly, it''s a conundrum.


    I almost find myself hoping she''ll pass the test."


    Erik could feel the concern and support flowing through their bond despite her actions and words. Meanwhile, he couldn''t help but smirk at Elora''s mention of her test. He had to admit he was curious about the results.


    So far, no one had passed, but he really liked Emma.


    Putting those concerns aside forter, he unclenched his fists and took Emma and Elora''s hands before turning to the white-haired girl on his left with a smile. "I used to live not far from here before the awakening. We''vee to pay a visit."

 Chapter 62: Chapter 62 - Memories (2)

    Emma looked at the surroundings in wonder, "Sir was born here?"


    Erik smiled at the curiosity in her voice before shrugging. "Not in this town exactly, but somewhere near here."


    "I see," Emma mumbled. Then she blushed a little. "I''m actually a little surprised. At some point, I had this weird idea that you and Miss Elora were from some other world or."


    It wasn''t exactly a strange thought. They knew a lot about magic but very little about the current Earth, and Elora was either not human or had gone through some bizarre mutations.


    Still, Erik''s lips curled up, and he patted Emma''s head, "That intuition of yours is truly terrifying." It wasn''t time for a big reveal just yet, though. So he continued, "We''ll tell you about our past someday."


    Meanwhile, Emily had joined them as well. However, she remained silent and avoided looking into Erik''s eyes. Ever since Emma had poured her heart out to her big sister, Emily had tried to avoid him as much as possible. And he had let her.


    He knew Emily needed some time to figure out her own emotions and desires now that she was no longer controlled by her corruption and had been told in no uncertain terms that Emma didn''t want her protection anymore.


    Nodding to Emily in greeting, Erik turned towards the town. He began walking over the wooden pier with Emma and Emily in tow while Elora shrunk down and sat on Erik''s shoulder.


    They were all wearing the outfits they had left London with since they didn''t have the time to pack much else back then. Luckily, that simply provided Erik another chance to teach them a lesson in aetherium usage and control by having them clean their clothes with it.


    Erik was in his standard ck armour, and Elora was in her usual corset and skirt as well, although her''s was simply conjured by magic and could be whatever she wanted it to be. Emily still had a ck crop top and edgy cargo pants with chains, andstly, Emma wore her maid outfit.


    Kirkenes resembled a frigid ghost town with the remnants of a once-active port now entombed in ayer of snow and ice. Skeletal structures of various offices and warehouses, covered in a white nket, loomed overhead.


    They were marred by signs of destruction, but not only by earthquakes. Several buildings had scorch marks, while others had clearly manmade holes.


    Everything appeared in a state of disrepair and abandonment. It seemed apparent that no one had been here in a long time, yet something was strange.


    Emily mumbled, more to herself than the rest of the group, "Where are all the bodies?"


    While there was snow, it wasn''t deep enough to hide anything. After all, despite the temperatures bing more extreme on Earth, it was still summer, and they were only in a sub-arctic climate, so most of the time, they remained above the freezing point.


    Erik and Elora nodded at her words. Erik answered, "Good question. There''s clearly been fighting here, but no bodies.


    I guess it''s possible the survivors wanted to bury their friends and allies, but why would they remove the bodies of whoever they were fighting with as well? It might make sense if they were going to stay here, but this ce seems abandoned.


    Speaking of which, where are the survivors? I assume they fought over control of this town, but then why not stay?"


    The others remained quiet, and his questions went unanswered, as they had no idea either.


    They walked deeper into town, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the light snow. asionally, a gust of wind would send loose snow dancing through the air.


    The eerie silence was only broken by the asional creaking of a loose sign or the distant howl of the wind, making Emma and Emily jump up a little. Meanwhile, Erik was a little lost in memories, and Elora looked around from atop Erik''s shoulder, frowning as if searching for something.


    As they ventured further, the buildings closed in around them. Once-bustling shops and cafes stood frozen in time, their shattered windows telling tales of the chaos that had unfolded here in the past.


    A rusty swing creaked in the breeze at a deste yground, and abandoned vehicles, bothrge and small, were half-buried in snowbanks, silent witnesses to the town''s abrupt abandonment.


    They all kept quiet as they felt the weight of the past press down on them. Even Elora looked solemn and alert. Sometimes, her eyes would suddenly dart to a spot and squint before looking away again.


    Still lost in memories, Erik noticed a cafe where he, his father, and Edda would eat lunch when they came for supplies. He could see himselfughing and smiling but found the memory bitter.


    His father''s name was Leifur, and he had always been a kind and peaceful man. In fact, back then, many people would say Erik took after him the most.


    His mother, Runa, on the other hand, was bolder and enjoyed challenging Erik in various ways. Perhaps hoping to pull him out of his passivity. Erik knew she loved his father, but clearly, she wanted her son to be a little more energetic and adventurous.


    Likely so she could have more inmon with him.


    Thinking about his mother made Erik smile. While he didn''t always get along with her in the past, he loved her like no other because he could always see the overflowing fondness and passion in her eyes.


    He realised Runa would immensely enjoy the person he had be. Even if it required her death to do it¡­


    It was his mother who pushed most heavily to continue the training they gave him, despite Erik''s disinterest at the time. Leifur would often attempt to talk her down a little, but frankly, Erik''s father was a pushover when it came to Runa.


    Erik chuckled as he realised he would have likely turned out the same if he hadn''t met Elora. She didn''t want a pushover for a protector or a husband and partner, so she had spent significant effort in changing him.


    Erik didn''t mind. He liked who he had be, and he loved Elora.


    He was naturally immensely thankful for their training now. He would never have survived the night of Edda''s betrayal otherwise. Not to mention that it had made the beginning of his life in S?l much easier.


    Looking at that cafe, a specific memory came to him. The fifteen-year-old him was sitting at one of the tables with his father and looked a little glum. This time, Leifur had opted to leave Edda behind and take only Erik.


    But that was not the reason Erik was a little down.


    Leifur had brought Erik out here because he had once again fought with his mother about the nearly endless training she had made him go through.


    Leifur put a hand on Erik''s shoulder. "Talk to me, my boy. You know it''s never good to leave anything unsaid, especially when ites to family."


    Young Erik sighed with a hint of frustration in his voice, "She''s relentless about the training, Dad. Day in and day out, I''m constantly either fighting, learning, or getting my body conditioned somehow.


    I love Mom and know she loves me, but I wish she could understand that it''s not what I want. What use are these skills anyway? Who are we fighting? Themunity is perfectly safe andfortable."


    Leifur nodded understandingly, "Your mother has always had a strong will, Erik. She believes in preparing you for a future that might not be as kind as the present. It''s her way of showing love, even if it doesn''t always feel like it."


    "I know, Dad. But I''m just not interested in all that. I just want a normal life, get together with Edda, live in the vige peacefully, away from constant drills and training," Erik protested.


    Leifur paused, choosing his words carefully. "Son, your mother simply worries about what might happen when we''re no longer around. The world can be challenging, and she wants you to be ready for anything."


    Erik nced at his father, frustration evident in his eyes. "I know you two worry about me, but sometimes I feel like I''m being pushed too hard."


    Leifur sighed, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "I won''t deny that your mother can be a bit brash in her methods, but she sees great things destined for you. You have a strength within you that even I didn''t possess at your age. There''s a reason she pushes you to your limits."


    Erik furrowed his brow, scepticism and curiosity filling his expression, "What great things could I possibly be destined for when there''s no way I''ll ever even defeat Mom? Uncle Viljar, a werebear, stands no chance in a wrestling match with her, let alone me."


    Leifur smiled warmly, "Your mother is¡­ special, my son. You''ll learn about that when you''re older. Please, just humour her for a little longer, alright?"


    Younger Erik sighed and nodded at the same time as Elora pulled the older Erik out of his memories, speaking through their mental connection.


    "We''re being watched."

 Chapter 63: Chapter 63 - Ghouls

    At the same time as Elora''s warning, Emma''s intuition also reared its head. She prodded Erik''s side and whispered, "Sir? I can''t shake this feeling that we''re being watched." Her gaze darted nervously between the empty buildings.


    Only now did Erik, too, feel the weight of unseen eyes upon them. It appeared this town might not be as deserted as it appeared.


    He cautiously eyed his surroundings. "I suppose we''ll have to deal with that then."


    He put thoughts of the memory he just relived out of his mind for now but reminded himself to talk to Elora about itter. His father said some things that, while innocent at the time, seemed a lot more interesting considering what he knew now.


    They were currently right in the middle of a broad street. If the small town of Kirkenes could be considered to have a main street sporting most of the town''s cafes and shops, then this was it.


    It was the perfect ce for an ambush.


    They probably would have been a little more careful if Erik hadn''t been lost in memories.


    Suddenly, a loud shriek filled the air.


    An equally loud male voice followed, "Go on, you wretches, show yourselves! They''ve already discovered you. But don''t you dare attack before I give the word!"


    More shrieks followed before arge number of strange pale creatures emerged from windows, doors and alleyways. Even the roofs were quickly covered in these creatures.


    Before they knew it, the group had been surrounded by at least fifty of these things.


    Each of them had different reactions: Elora looked unconcerned but still transformed into a cloud of light specks and merged with Erik, making him the strongest he could be.


    Erik looked equally unconcerned as he raised an eyebrow and inspected the creatures around them. Yet there was a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. He''d been getting antsy, sitting around doing nothing but absorbing energy, training, sex and researching his runes or glyphs for two weeks.


    Sure, the sex was fun, but he''d been aching for a fight!


    Emily''s expression was very different. It was a wicked and bloodthirsty smile. She, too, had been getting antsy during the boat ride, but instead of wanting to fight something, she''d been hoping for an excuse to go on a killing spree and work off some stress.


    As predicted, her corruption still had plenty of effect on her.


    Lastly, Emma looked anxious at first, but when she noticed Erik''sck of reaction, she quickly calmed down. She had no reason to be afraid since her Sir apparently saw no serious threat. Such was her trust in him.


    Erik and Elora, through him, continued to inspect the creatures until they came to a conclusion. They were vampires. At least, sort of.


    Their red eyescked any sign of critical thinking, their nails had grown into ws, and their pale skin was wrinkled like that of a corpse. Most of them were either naked or wore rags that weren''t much better.


    ording to Elora, these creatures were all rank-one Runebound, exining why their bodies seemed fine despite the cold.


    Erik''s mind immediately recalled the teachings of his parents on the subject of vampires, identifying the ominous creatures before them as ghouls. Ghouls, he knew, were what vampires turned into after prolonged periods without blood.


    Contrary to the expectation that vampires weakened by blood deprivation would be feeble, these ghouls were anything but. In fact, they exhibited a strength that defied their presumed vulnerability.


    In the lore passed down by Erik''s parents, vampires undergoing blood deprivation would initially experience a gradual decline in power. However, as they reached their lowest point, an unexpected reversal urred ¨C their strength would begin to rise again. The catch: this resurgence came at the cost of intelligence and reasoning, rather than blood.


    Remarkably, this condition wasn''t irreversible, provided the vampire hadn''t lingered as a ghoul for too long. A replenishment of blood could revert the transformation.


    Before the awakening, knowledge of a vampire''s ability to transform into a ghoul was not widespread. It was a rare urrence, and those who underwent the transformation were typically dispatched swiftly by hunters or fellow vampires, or managed to find bodies to drain in order to regain their vampire form.


    Despite the rarity of such transformations, Erik''s parents adamantly asserted the existence of ghouls in the realm of vampires.


    The thing is, ghouls are supposed to be mindless creatures who crave blood and attempt to kill and drain whatever is nearest to them. But these ghouls were clearly following orders and waiting patiently despite the apparent insanity behind their eyes.


    But now was not the time to consider the reasoning for that.


    Suddenly, a well-dressed regr vampire stepped forward on one of the roofs and looked down at the group with clear condescension. ording to Elora, this man was a second-rank Runebound but likely wouldn''t be able to tell the strength of Erik and Emily from that distance.


    The man grinned maliciously. "Well, well, well! If it isn''t the start of a ssic post-apocalyptic joke. An armoured marauder, an edgy tomb raider, and a maid walk into a bar... or rather, hobble into post-apocalyptic ruins. I must have taken a wrong turn at the punchline!


    I''m surprised to see any humans travelling freely, however. I figured they would have died out or been enved across the world."


    Looking at this group of people, the man actually assumed Erik was a human because of his armour, which didn''t seem friendly to shapeshifting, while Emma and Emily were shapeshifters because of their light clothing despite the cold.


    He clearly didn''t know humans could protect themself from the cold with aetherium.


    The roof-man continued, "Well, no matter. Unless you people want these wretches here to rough you up a little first, I suggest youe with me. Quietly."


    Erik looked up at him calmly, "Your words seem to suggest humans aren''t doing so well in thesends? And where exactly are you intending to take us?"


    The man raised an eyebrow in curiosity, "Oh? You don''t seem particrly concerned. Well, no matter, I don''t mind exining."


    He spread his arms in an elegant flourish and spoke with pedantic pride in his voice, "I''m not surprised you don''t know, since you came by boat and all, but thesends are ruled by Sigurd ckthorn.


    In my lord''s infinite wisdom, he has determined that all non-vampires will be used as blood banks! And since non-vampires include you three, you''ll have toe with me to one of our blood farms. Willingly, or less so."


    He shrugged nonchntly, "As for humans, why would they be doing well? Their squishy bodies can''t even handle the cold without thick clothing and heating. Most of them died out seven years ago, anyway."


    It appeared that humans never had much of a chance to develop their power here. It made sense, however, as supernaturals had likely outnumbered humans after the awakening.


    The man smiled maliciously again, "So, shall we go?"


    Erik cocked his head to the side, "Hmm, let me think about that for a moment."


    Instead of speaking further, he lifted his hand and touched one of his lightning glyphs. A whirling and cracking mass of lightning formed. "Here''s my answer."


    Heunched the concussive lightning st straight at the building on which the vampire man was standing. It sailed through the air, and before anyone could react, it exploded, causing the building to copse.


    The man screeched in anger as he quickly moved back to avoid falling down and being buried by rubble, "Damn you, you walking bloodbag! Wretches! Attack! And don''t you dare kill any of them! For every one of them that dies, I''ll kill ten of you!"


    The man disappeared behind the mass of pale creatures while the building he stood on continueding down under loud crashing sounds and a chorus of screeching ghouls.


    Finally, being given the order to unleash hell, the tide of fifty-plus ghouls charged at Erik''s group with wild abandon, loud growls and spit flying everywhere.


    Emilyughed maliciously and excitedly as various pitch-ck magic circles appeared around her. Emma looked anxious and closed her eyes.


    ''Calm down, Emma. Sir can handle this. Remember what he said I should do when a fight starts: Protect yourself, and don''t move until it''s over.''


    Luckily, Emma''s first nature spell was ideally suited for that goal. A bright green magic circle appeared. Vines sprang forth from the snowy ground, and she was soon encased in a thick bramble of thorns and branches.


    Seeing Emma remember his instructions, Erik focused on other things.


    For example, his excitement.


    His expression morphed into excited savagery. "It''s been a long time since I went two weeks without a fight. Time to let loose!"


    He howled his excitement into the air and prepared to engage with the many ghouls as lightning began to course through his body, and a light sheen of ice covered his armour.


    Despite his excitement, he did take this fight seriously. After all, rank-one they may be, but there were still a lot of them, and he also needed to keep an eye on Emily and Emma. Their bodies were a lot less durable than his, after all.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 64 - Fighting the horde

    The air crackled with aetherium energy as Erik and Emily prepared to face the ghoulish onught.


    Erik''s body was encased in a thin sheet of ice through which lightning seemed to crackle and pop. They almost appeared to bebined elements, but instead, lightning simply ran through the armour behind the ice.


    Erik first had to reach the second rank with his ice affinity before he could even beginbining the two elements, mainly because ice couldn''t usually conduct electricity.


    Meanwhile, Emily was surrounded by many small ck orbs capable of taking any form she liked.


    Such was Emily''s first spell. As a second-rank Arcanist, Emily naturally had two glyphs, each with its own spell.


    While her second spell focused on dominating and enving others, her first spell involved conjuring these small ck orbs that could take any shape as if they were made of water and had a highly prative and even corrosive quality.


    For the moment, she could conjure only five of these. Two turned into something akin to arrows, another two floated around her for protection, and the final orb began floating protectively above Emma''s sphere of roots and thorns.


    The arrows shot off towards the charging ghouls in different directions and began skewering them under Emily''s bloodthirstyughter. "Fuck that feels good! Finally, I can work out some of my frustrations! Die! Die! Die!"


    It was apparent she had been saving up her corrupted, homicidal tendencies for a while now and was fully prepared to let them all out in this fight.


    While her arrows skewered ghouls left and right, the second set of orbs morphed into small disks, protecting Emily against any ghoul getting too close. Until that is, Emily decided to try something else.


    One of the ghouls got close to her, but she didn''t try to defend or avoid. Instead, a dark magic circle formed above her hand. "Let''s give these creatures a better master to serve," she mumbled with an evil grin.


    Despite her weaker body, she gracefully sidestepped the clumsy ghoul and touched its forehead with her magic circle.


    But when she attempted to form a mental connection, something went wrong. There was a block. As if this creature''s mind was already being controlled by something.


    This was the first time, aside from Erik that her spell didn''t work, and she was momentarily frozen in astonishment.


    Yet, a moment was all the shrivelled-up ghoul needed. It shrieked, causing spittle to fly everywhere as it turned around and swiped at Emily with its ws.


    The shriek made Emily return to her senses, but it was toote. The creature''s w was nearly at her throat. Her voice trembled, and her eyes went wide in fear, "F- Fuck!"


    But at thest moment, an armour-d w appeared and ripped off the ghoul''s head. A gruff Erik''s voice sounded, "Don''t lose focus. These ghouls are strange, but we can consider whyter."


    Emily nodded a little more meekly than usual but quickly steeled herself. ''Damnit, Emily. He''s right. Get a hold of yourself. Don''t let your corrupted urges control you.''


    Having saved Emily, Erik''s armour, ice and lighting-d body charged back into the fray without ever straying far from Emily and Emma.


    He had foregone using his hammer in favour of his ws to increase his attacking speed. The hammer would have provided the ability to use sweeping attacks, but with the sheer number of ghouls present, the sweeps might be too burdensome.


    ''Let''s save my Arcanist spells for now since that vampire still hasn''t shown himself,'' he thought as he kept a watchful eye out for the master of these creatures and continued ughtering the ghouls with his hands.


    One thing he noticed was that these ghoul''s ws were surprisingly sharp. So sharp, in fact, that they could even scratch his armour. Something that the second-rank Seraphina was unable to do with her sword.


    Since these first-rank ghouls were naturally weaker than the second-rank Seraphina, the only exnation was that these ws were much sharper than the young vampire''s woman''s sword.


    Luckily, the sheet of ice around his armour, stemming from his first ice affinity rune, provided the extra protection needed to keep his armour safe.


    The fight raged on as the ghoulish horde swarmed around the threebatants. asionally, a few ghouls would scratch at Emma''s protective sphere, but they were always quickly dispatched by either Erik or Emily.


    The ghouls preferred moving targets, so Emma''s sphere was mostly left alone.


    The horde quickly began to thin out. While numerous, the ghouls were only rank one, and their mindless state prevented them from using tactics or essing the Runebound skills they could use when they were vampires.


    While Erik and Emily fought, Emma continued hiding inside her dome of nt life with an anxious expression. She hugged her knees and closed her eyes, mumbling, "Trust in Sir and Big Em. Remember how calm Sir looked. They''ll be fine!"


    Despite her conviction, however, she kept listening closely to any sounds of distress from Erik or Emily. While she knew her magic was helpful in other situations, she hated being unable to do anything in an actual fight.


    She steeled her heart and hardened her eyes. "If I hear them in trouble, I''ll undo the dome and try to help. If I just sit here as they die, I''ll never forgive myself!"


    Her concerns were unnecessary, though, as ck arrows and a wolf d in thunder and ice were already cleaning up the remaining number of ghouls while remaining none the worse for wear.


    Yet, they didn''t rx even while killing thest few ghouls, as their master still hadn''t shown himself.


    Suddenly, a strangely hot wind hit Erik in the face even as he plunged his right w through one of thest ghouls. He frowned. "Warm wind? Here?"


    Considering the environment and neither he nor Emily having affinities that could heat up the air, this naturally piqued his interest.


    He looked to where the wind came from but saw nothing and felt no problem with himself. His eyes scanned the battlefield, but Emily seemed fine, and Emma was still inside her protective spell.


    He pulled his hand out of the unfortunate ghoul but didn''t let his guard down as he remained on high alert. Emily seemed to have noticed nothing as she continued to revel in the ughter of thest few ghouls.


    Suddenly, Elora''s voice sounded in his head, "Emma!"


    It wasn''t so much a concerned cry as it was simply the quickest way to alert Erik to where he should direct his attention.


    And it worked like a charm.


    No sooner had he heard Elora''s warning before he turned to face the direction of Emma''s protective spell.


    Yet, before he could even move, he was already toote.


    The air around the dome of nts shimmered, and in a burst of me, the vampire man appeared as if out of thin air.


    His affinity appeared to be fire, while at least one of his Runebound skills was rted to a mixture of speed and invisibility.


    The burst of me turned the dome to ash and destroyed the ck orb Emily had left behind. Emma screamed. Luckily, the dome had still prevented Emma from being harmed.


    But perhaps it was only a temporary reprieve, as the vampire quickly grabbed her neck and held her out in front of him in Erik''s direction. "Stop!" He yelled. His earlier bravado was gone as he eyed Emily and Erik with caution.


    Emma struggled with tears in her mismatched eyes, but she could do nothing. She could barely even breathe with that hand around her throat. ''Not only am I useless in a fight, but now I can''t even keep myself safe while hiding,'' she thought sadly.


    However, her fear was quickly reced by calm despite her desire to free herself. Erik was there, and he would keep her safe. That was the belief that thoroughly ingrained itself in her.


    Erik stopped in his tracks and growled, "Let her go."


    He remained calm, however. Before heading into unknown territory, he had naturally taken steps to keep the weakest member of his group safe. He just needed to buy a little time.


    Meanwhile, Emily killed thest ghouls and finally noticed what was happening. She screamed. "No! Emma!"


    Corrupted red flickered through her ck eyes as she desperately tried to fight the urge to simply charge forward.


    The effort to control herself made her physically pant. Her eyes overflowed with hatred and malice. "I''ll tear you into a thousand pieces if you hurt her," she screeched.


    The vampire scoffed, "From how you look at me, I believe you''ll do that regardless."


    He turned his attention to Erik, who looked solemn but otherwise remained calm. "You seem like the more reasonable person to talk to. Here''s the deal. You threee with me, and you can all live together on one of the blood farms.


    Refuse, and I will kill this bitch, before using my incendiary discement ability to disappear. I clearly underestimated you two earlier and make myself no illusions about being able to defeat you, but we have ways of keeping you under control at the farms."


    Emily''s expression became even more crazed while Erik''s amber eyes narrowed. Rage was boiling inside him because this vampire dared to threaten someone he cared about and considered his. He grinned maliciously, "I think that should have been long enough."


    The man scoffed and was about to ask what he was talking about when something changed. Emma''s skin under his hand began to glow.

 Chapter 65: Chapter 65 - Protective sigil

    Emma''s face scrunched up a little as she suddenly felt the aetherium in her storage being quickly drained. However, she remained calm, her trust in Erik absolute.


    Things happened fast after that. Mere moments after the vampire man noticed Emma''s glowing skin, he began yelling and shaking Emma, "Hey, girl! I don''t know what you''re do-"


    Boom!


    Before he could finish, the sound of an explosion echoed through the empty streets. A bright sh of light urred, and a shockwave made everyone''s hair flutter while snow and ice sted in every direction.


    Screams were in the air, and the vampire was forcefully separated from Emma. The man flew backwards. A look of shock and agony twisted his features as he looked at the stump where his hand used to be.


    Emma looked a little dazed but none the worse for wear, seemingly unaffected by the explosion. Yet, her long white hair fluttered as she crumpled to the ground.


    Erik quickly caught the girl in a princess carry and turned back into human form, while the vampire roared as he crashed through a wall and into the cafe Erik had been having memories about.


    Emma looked exhausted but otherwise fine. She looked up at Erik, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and lingering fear. "I- I knew you''d save me, Sir. What happened, though? I feel empty¡­" Her voice was a whisper filled with shock but also trust.


    Erik''s lips curled into a possessive grin as he looked down at the girl in his arms with concern in his piercing amber eyes.


    He quickly ensured she was fine before answering her question. "Of course, I''d save you. Can''t let the best maid I''ve ever hade to any harm, you know? Although, you mostly have Elora to thank for this one."


    He exined, "During one of the many nights you spent with us, she imprinted a sigil on your body. It activates when an unauthorised person touches you for longer than a few seconds, draws power from your aetherium storage and then expends that power in a directed and controlled explosion."


    As Erik exined Elora''s protective measures, Emma''s smile returned, not just out of gratitude but with a hint of awe at the magical foresight that had kept her safe.


    A small fairy appeared, sitting on his shoulder. Elora lounged back and shrugged nonchntly, "Yeah, but I probably wouldn''t have thought to do it if this bleeding heart over here didn''t ask me to."


    Emma giggled, and her mouth split into an even wider smile, so bright it could blind gods, "Even so, thank you, Miss Elora. You are amazing."


    Elora snorted and disappeared into Erik''s soul again. However, Erik was momentarily stunned because he could feel a little embarrassment from Elora. But that was only possible if she cared what Emma thought.


    "Elora, did you just get embarrassed?" He asked mischievously through their connection. The answer he got was immediate, "Shut up! That girl ys unfair! Go deal with that vampire man, and be sure to make him suffer!"


    Erikughed loudly. This was the first time in seven years Elora had shown any kind of care for people outside of her family, and he loved her tsundere attitude about it. Emma was truly an unfair entity in managing to melt even Elora''s heart.


    Hisugh quickly ceased again as his face contorted into a severe grin. "Right, let''s see if we can extract some information from that guy before we torture him to death." He said out loud.


    Because of her kind nature, Emma was a little taken aback as her face showed some light struggle. She had always known Erik was not particrly concerned with morality, but this was the first time she was confronted with it so clearly.


    But it took mere moments before she sighed. ''You''ve suffered enough over the years, Emma. Stop worrying about other people, and let yourself be happy. Besides, if Sir thinks he deserves it, it must be true.'' She thought to herself.


    So she nodded with a calm smile. Her eptance was less because that vampire had just threatened her and more because the idea that Erik could be wrong in his actions simply seemed foreign to her.


    Yet, it appeared he was already toote. Agonising screams echoed from inside the building the man had crashed into. Emma''s face showed panic.


    Erik looked around and noticed Emily was missing. He sighed with exasperation, "Now I have to stop this girl before she kills the guy." Emma''s expression quickly morphed to understanding before bing sadness as she realised what was happening.


    Erik quickly walked towards the hole the vampire had crashed through and tried to put Emma down, but she stopped him. "Wait! I- I know what''s going on in there and that you think I won''t want to see it, but.. I do. Whatever Emily is now, she''s still my sister, and I should know what she is like."


    Erik looked a little surprised but felt mostly respect for Emma. He liked her, but before now, he still thought she was perhaps a little too soft. Now, he reconsidered that thought. Although, he still suspected she wasn''t ready to see the new Emily.


    But he had no time to argue with her, so he stepped through the wall and looked around.


    The air was heavy with the scent of decay and neglect. The once-cosy interior was now a shadow of its former self, with mould creeping up the walls and furniture in disrepair.


    The vampire man was hanging from a wall, cornered, desperate and exuding a mix of fear and defiance.


    His left arm, now missing a hand, was hanging loosely on his side, while his remaining hand was hanging by a pitch-ck chain. A sizzling sound came from his wrist, and smoke rose up from it as if it was slowly eating through his flesh.


    He screamed in agony.


    In front of him was Emily, with a crazed expression and a corrupted red flickering through her eyes. "You thought you could harm my little sister and get away with it!? Suffer for your ignorance, you disgusting bloodsucker!" She said viciously.


    While three of her five orbs of darkness had been merged to create that chain, thest two had formed themselves around Emily''s hands into terrifying ws of darkness.


    Sheughed as she plunged those ws into various body parts and left them there momentarily so their corrosive nature could slowly eat away the flesh and cause immense pain.


    Emma covered her mouth, and tears appeared in her eyes while Erik shook his head in exasperation. "She really needs to control herself," he mumbled.


    The man kept screaming until he suddenly yelled, "Enough!" Fire-red runes appeared on his skin while heat was expelled from his body, causing Emily to stagger backwards.


    Elora didn''t even have to warn Erik, who had, luckily, already put Emma on her own two feet.


    He immediately activated his second lightning rune, lightning sh, allowing him to move short distances at near instantaneous speeds, so long as he had spent some time charging it during a fight.


    Naturally, the ghouls had provided that opportunity.


    He shed and appeared next to the man, acting as Elora''s ride, who instantly appeared and pressed a dark green magic circle against the vampire''s sternum. The same symbol that had appeared on Liam''s chest back in London appeared again, and the fire-red runes quickly disappeared.


    While this all seemed rtively straightforward, it really wasn''t. If the man wasn''t so distracted and in pain, he could have avoided Elora or at least resisted the seal. Not that the fairy was in any danger, as Erik was right next to her and would have saved her if something went wrong.


    But it went off without a hitch. The vampire staggered, "W- What? What did you do?! Why can''t I disce myself?!"


    The fairy grinned deviously, "Because I blocked the power flow towards your runes." She sighed exaggeratedly, "It''s actually a little annoying to do with you, Runebound people, as the power is all through your body.


    Not to mention that I can''t even do anything about your strength. All I can do is stop you from using your skills! It''s so much easier with Arcanists, where I just plug up their aetherium storage, and that''s basically it for them."


    The man was still panicking and barely even listening to her exnation. He tried to run, but setting aside his heavily wounded body, Erik was right next to him. He quickly grabbed the vampire by his neck and tossed him on the ground, "Uh, uh. You''re not going anywhere, buddy. We want information."


    The man''s face contorted and dripped with venom, "Screw you, you disgusting dog. I''m not gonna talk. Just wait until the others get here! They must have heard the noise by now."


    Erik''s lips curled into a grin, "We don''t need you to talk. We have our own methods."


    While Elora could read memories and take control of others, she needed an opening or a wounded soul to do so. And this man had neither.


    Luckily, they had someone in their group who had a much more forceful method. Erik nced towards Emily. However, when he noticed what she was trying to do, he cursed inwardly and tried to stop her.


    But it was toote.


    Emilyughed maniacally and sank her darkness-covered ws into the vampire''s left leg, used their corrosive aspect to eat through its Runebound resilience, and, under the man''s agonising screams, Erik''s exasperated sigh, Elora''s chuckle, and Emma''s horrified gasp, ripped it off him.

 Chapter 66: Chapter 66 - The aftermath

    Confronted for the first time with her big sister''s corrupted brutality, Emma covered her mouth and sank to her knees as she trembled. "E- Emily," she whimpered.


    Meanwhile, Emily noticed none of her little sister''s struggles. Under the vampire''s agonised screams, she prepared to continue torturing the man as if having lost all connection to the outside world. More and more corrupted red flickers appeared in her eyes.


    Naturally, Erik could not allow this. Setting aside that he didn''t want Emily to lose herself, he also needed more answers from the man, who was already not long for this world, judging by the blood flowing from his leg.


    "Oh no, you don''t," he growled.


    Before Emily could sink her ws into the vampire again, he grabbed her by the throat and pulled her up with one hand while quickly immobilising her arms with the other.


    Emily struggled and screeched, "Let me go! I''m gonna kill him! Slowly!"


    But it was useless. Erik was far too strong for her.


    He frowned as his piercing amber eyes locked onto Emily''s ck and red ones. Unlike two weeks ago, when he at least still saw a struggle in her eyes, he didn''t notice any of that now. She seemed all too ready to lose herself to hatred.


    It didn''t appear like Emily had learned much control over the past two weeks. Perhaps it was time for him to take a more direct hand in helping Emily control herself.


    But first, he had to deal with the current situation. "Calm down," he said in an authoritative tone of voice.


    The symbol on Emily''s hand shed, and like magic, unsurprisingly, the covenant kicked in and forcibly calmed Emily down, just as it happened on the boat a few weeks ago.


    The corrupted red disappeared, and soon, her eyes were once again like pools of midnight. Her face went ck, and her struggling ceased.


    The first thing Emily noticed when she got her senses back was the sound of Emma''s whimpering and slight sobbing. She quickly remembered what she had just done and realised why Emma was upset.


    Her eyes went wide, and she began to struggle again, trying to turn her head towards her little sister. "No! E- Emma, I-" But Erik still had his hand around her throat and wouldn''t let her. He snapped his fingers in front of her face.


    "Hey! Focus here! You can exin yourself to Emma in a moment. First, thanks to you, we have limited time with this guy," he pointed downwards, "so quickly enve him and tell him to answer my questions."


    Emily gulped as she saw the anger directed at her in Erik''s eyes. She knew she had screwed up. So she nodded meekly, causing Erik to let her go.


    Emily turned towards the groaning man on the floor who was close to fainting and felt intense hatred and anger burning below her own surface. Yet, Erik''s order to calm down still affected her, so she had no change in expression.


    It was a strange feeling, but not a feeling she hated. She felt more in control of herself than she had in a long time, except when Erik did this to her before. She knew she shouldn''t like this. It was not really her control, after all. It was Erik''s. And yet, she did like it.


    But before she could think more about what this meant, she focussed on the vampire man instead.


    A ck magic circle appeared on her hand, and she bent down to force a connection between her and him. Soon, the man''s eyes went a little dazed, but after hearing Emily''s order to answer Erik''s questions, he focussed on him.


    After she was done, she quickly turned to Emma. She felt like a knife had stabbed her heart when she saw Emma''s kneeling position, wide-open eyes and terrified expression.


    Emily took an uncertain step in her sister''s direction, "E- Emma, I-" but her heart nearly broke when she saw Emma scramble backwards a little, fear in her eyes.


    No matter what may have happened since then, the way Emily treated her during thest few years still left a scar on Emma''s mind. And, in Emma''s eyes, it was the Emily she had grown so scared of over the years that now approached her.


    Seeing this interaction, Erik sighed. He looked over at Elora, who had been looking at all this with a half-smile and a curious twinkle. Clearly, if she had some popcorn and a chair, she''d be lounging back as if watching a drama show.


    Erik waved his hand towards the now quiet but still quickly dying man on the floor, "Elora, could you please¡­?"


    Elora knew what he wanted and rolled her eyes, "That damn bleeding heart of yours." But she still did what he asked by stomping her foot on the vampire''s bum leg and sending healing energies into him, quickly stifling the blood flow.


    If the man still had his own mind, he would have surely groaned heavily from Elora''s treatment.


    Her healing wasn''t nearly as good as Emma''s would be in the future, but it still bought them some time.


    Using this time, Erik turned towards the Ashcroft sisters, who were now awkwardly looking at each other from a distance. Emma with fear and apprehension, Emily with sadness and regret. Emily stood while Emma sat and hugged her knees. They both trembled a little.


    He stepped closer to Emma, who didn''t take her eyes off Emily but quicklytched on to him despite the cold ck armour he was wearing. "S- Sir, I- S- She-"


    Erik crouched down and patted Emma''s head with a caring look in his eyes. "I know, Emma. But I''m here. You know nothing will happen to you."


    His patting and words quickly calmed Emma down. She looked up at Erik with somewhat terrifying amounts of trust. She smiled. "I- I know, Sir."


    Erik nodded. "Good. Now, listen. I tried to keep you out of this situation, but you refused. You wanted to see what effects the corruption still had on your sister. Well, here it is.


    Are you going to run away now?


    Are you going to ruin what little chance your rtionship with your sister still has because you decided to see something you couldn''t handle?"


    Emma opened and closed her mouth a few times. His words seemed to have reached her, but she still seemed uncertain, and fear quickly returned to her gaze when she nced at Emily.


    Erik pushed on. "Think about your years in London when Emily was corrupted. She mistreated you, tied you up against your will, and fed you barely enough to survive. But did she ever hit you? Physically hurt you in any way?"


    Emma hesitated but eventually shook her head, "N- No."


    Erik nodded, "Right. She wouldn''t do that to you because even in her corrupted state, all she wants is your safety. Do you really think she would harm you now?"


    Emma looked at the floor. "N- No." She looked back up at Erik with tears in her eyes, "I''m sorry for being so weak, Sir. For constantly needing your help." Whether she was referring to the fight, her capture, her fear of Emily, or all of the above was uncertain.


    She tried to steel her gaze, "I- I''ll try to be better in the future."


    Erik cracked a reassuring smile, "Don''t worry too much about it. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. You may not be a fighter, but trust me. You have plenty of power all your own." As he said that, he thought about Elora''s slowly increasing care for the girl and grinned.


    Emma now looked at Emily more bravely and seemed ready to talk. Erik stood up and walked towards Emily. Tears were in her eyes as she looked at Erik with immense gratitude, "I- I- T- Thank you¡­"


    But Erik ignored her words and gave her a harsh look. "Listen closely. Today you fucked up, and I''m unwilling to wait and see if it happens again. You are clearly failing to control your corruption, so I''m going to help you.


    But first, the moment we find a ce to rest, I will be punishing you for your actions today. Then, I will begin to teach you some much-needed discipline. Understood?"


    Despite his harsh words and her previous aversion to Erik''s control, Emily''s face still overflowed with gratitude over his words to Emma, and she quickly nodded, "Y- Yeah. Absolutely."


    Erik nodded contently, "Good. Now go make up with Emma." Before Emily could run off, however, he stopped her. "One more thing. It''s time to tell her we didn''t manage to remove all of your corruption.


    At some point, simply saying your behaviour is a leftover scar bes unfeasible."


    Emily''s face turned sad and unwilling, but she nodded anyway, "I know¡­"


    Erik nodded again. "Good. Go."


    Emily walked with a hesitating gait towards her sister, sat down in front of her, and hugged her knees in the same manner Emma was doing. It was time for a difficult conversation.


    Erik had no time to listen to them, however. He turned to face a dying vampire and an impatient Elora, ready to get a few answers about exactly what the situation was in his old homnd.

 Chapter 67: Chapter 67 - Enclave and Dominion

    When Erik arrived by Elora''s side, she scoffed at him, "Finally done dealing with the kids while you left me to keep this asshole alive?"


    Erik chuckled and took Elora in his arms before kissing her deeply despite the mutted vampire at their feet. Elora tried to continue acting mad but quickly giggled and responded in kind.


    She greedily drank Erik''s saliva, which she had personally made as delicious as she could while making it only a little bit addictive.


    When they separated, lust burned in her eyes, and she grinned, "How dare you use my own work against me. You know I can''t stay mad when you kiss me like that."


    Erik grinned back and caressed Elora''s crimson hair, "Don''t pretend you''re actually angry, my wicked little ember. We both know you heard what I said to Emily. If I check a certain part of your body, I''m willing to bet it''s dripping in anticipation of punishing her and teaching her some discipline."


    Elora gasped, exaggeratingly, "My love! How dare you suggest such an absolutely true thing!"


    "Because I know what you like," he chuckled in response.


    Despite their equal partnership, Elora loved giving up control to Erik in the bedroom. But she also loved reminding other women that she was second-inmand.


    So she grinned with lust in her eyes, "Of course you do. If you didn''t, that would have meant I chose poorly seven years ago. And I don''t do anything poorly.


    Anyway, before this gets any further, let''s just see what this vampire has to say. I can''t keep him alive forever."


    Erik nodded, and with ast quick peck on Elora''s lips, he crouched down and turned his attention back to the vampire, his demeanour shifting from tender to resolute as he looked at the empty-eyed vampire, still controlled by Emily''s spell.


    "First question," he started. "Have you heard of or seen a human woman by the name of Edda? About 1.8m tall, blond hair, blue eyes, freckles, athletic, yet voluptuous?"


    The man mechanically shook his head and spoke in a strained voice. Clearly, his wounds still affected him, even while enved. "The only humans left in Lord Sigurd''s territory are part of his personal blood bank or harem, depending on their gender and appearance. No such woman is among them."


    Erik sighed. ''I didn''t think it would be that easy, but it would have been nice,'' he thought. His eyes red, ''I just hope the awakening or something else hasn''t robbed me of the chance to get my revenge.''


    He didn''t like to think about it, but he knew that, technically, it was possible Edda simply died during or after the awakening, and his revenge was already impossible.


    Luckily, he had only just arrived, and even if he couldn''t find Edda here, he still had a lead from that mysterious voice in his dream telling him to find Edda in Africa.


    He turned his attention back to the vampire. Despite seven years having passed and not even really being sure what he expected to hear, his next question made him a little anxious. "What do you know of the vige of Frostvik?"


    Elora noticed his slight distress and looked down at the bloody stump she had been treating. She had pretty much done what she could at this point. The man would soon die, and whatever few seconds she could still extend his life by continuing to use her magic was not worth the emotional support she could be providing Erik instead.


    So, Elora shrunk down and took ce on his shoulder while caressing his cheek. If anyone who only knew of Elora''s uncaring and mischievous side saw this gesture, they would likely spit blood.


    The vampire seemed to think for a moment, increasing Erik''s anxiousness, but eventually answered, "Frostvik was one of the viges wiped out in the pre-awakening cullings. It hasn''t been significant since."


    Erik closed his eyes. The cold, matter-of-fact tone of the vampire''s voice offered no sce. Each word was a stark reminder of the brutal reality of what had happened to Frostvik.


    Somehow, he had still hoped to hear of some survivors. But he knew he shouldn''t have expected anything. He sighed and hardened his heart. But before he could start on more general questions, Elora frowned, "What do you mean, one of the viges? Are you saying this happened in multiple ces?"


    Erik blinked. Preupied as he was, he hadn''t even noticed that detail. He perked up his ears, waiting for the answer.


    The man nodded, "Many viges, both vampire and shapeshifter, were targeted simultaneously that night, all betrayed from within, all by humans who were originally adopted as babies."


    Despite his otherwise emotionless behaviour, the man scoffed with hatred in an almost instinctual reaction, "That is why humans were mostly wiped out in revenge after the awakening."


    After learning this new information, Erik fell silent while Elora mumbled, "Sounds like a coordinated and simultaneous strike that had been years in the making".


    Still, when they noticed the vampire man''s consciousness slowly sinking away, they quickly decided to think more about the consequences of that revtionter and began asking more general questions.


    After a few more mechanically voiced answers, Erika and Elora got a clearer image of what they were dealing with.


    Sigurd ckthorn was a third-rank vampire and ruled a territory he referred to as the Nocturne Dominion. A grandiose name for a rtively minor power that barely stretched beyond the county of Finnmark.


    Minor, that is,pared to a significant power like the council. Locally, the ND was the strongest organised power and was still slowly expanding its borders. The only thing impeding their growth was a faction of shapeshifters calling themselves the Silver Enve, led by a third-rank werewolf named Frostfang.


    When he heard the faction name, Erik smiled sadly. Silver was a nickname from his youth, based on his silver-grey hair and fur. But, naturally, this silver enve would have a different reason for that name.


    Until a few months ago, the enve and dominion were equal in power and in a Cold War state, where they both tried to overpower the other before going into total war.


    But everything changed when the vampires gained a second third-rank vampire. Yet, not because of the reasons one might suspect.


    This second vampire was Sigurd ckthorn, who immediately betrayed his former lord instead of using the new power imbnce to crush the enve.


    Exactly how this went down was unknown, even to Erik''s captive vampire. Still, the fact was, one day, Sigurd ckthorn became the new lord, and the old one disappeared. No one dared ask questions because no one had the power to survive the new lord''s wrath.


    But the moment Sigurd took over marked a dark turn for both the enve and the dominion. Apparently, Sigurd had been trying to convince the former lord of some rather extreme methods but always failed to do so.


    Yet, now that he was lord, he had all the freedom in the world. It was at his orders that many first-rank vampires were to be starved into bing ghouls.


    The dominion had always had more vampires than the enve had shapeshifters, but the vampires were never at their strongest because there simply wasn''t enough blood for everyone.


    Sigurd changed all that. With many of them suddenly bing ghouls, the remaining vampires had all the blood they needed to remain in peak condition, while the ghouls didn''t need blood to be powerful, just their reason and critical thinking.


    As for how the ghouls were controlled, no one was entirely sure. Sigurd had a small number of confidants who took care of this, but Erik and Elora''s captive was not one of them.


    Though, from what the man did know, Elora quickly deduced that Sigurd was likely using some sort of sigil, created to control the minds of beasts, which a ghoul, essentially, was.


    Sigurd''s cruel methods not only led to a vastly more powerful Dominion but also to much more stability in his territory as all people living in the Dominion were now either imprisoned in blood farms, mind-controlled ghouls, or terrifiedplicit vampires.


    It took a little while to create enough ghouls, but eventually, Sigurd''s new soldiers and their controllers took to the fields and quickly began defeating the Enve at every turn, driving them deeper and deeper into desperation. ording to the enved vampire, the Enve was barely holding on and would soon be finished off.


    Erik and Elora listened to all this to better understand their surroundings, but they didn''t particrly care. Erik may be a shapeshifter, but he had no interest in going up against a third-rank, and who knew how many second-ranks just because of that.


    He had other things to focus on.


    ording to the vampire, the Enve was even more brutal towards humans than the dominion and simply killed them all on sight, so the chance that Edda was still alive somewhere in this region had just dropped to near zero.


    With that in mind, the only thing left to do in Finnmark was to head for the ruins of Frostvik, pay respects and erect a few fake graves for his parents and other people he cared about.


    The question was, would it be that simple?

 Chapter 68: Chapter 68 - A snowman

    While Elora and Erik were absorbed in their interrogation, Emma and Emily sat awkwardly across from each other. They hugged their knees close as they sat engulfed in heavy silence, punctuated only by the sounds of the interrogation.


    Fear shimmered in both their eyes. Emma''s eyes held a wariness born of what Emily might do, reflecting past mistreatment and present events. Emily''s gaze, in contrast, was clouded with the terror of potentially losing Emma forever, a prospect that seemed to hollow her out from within.


    Emily opened her mouth, and the voice of a desperate woman came out, "I- I''d never hurt you, Emma. Not in any way when I''m myself, but even when I''m¡­ not entirely myself, I''d never do anything like what I just did to you. Please believe me¡­"


    At the mention of the violence, Emma involuntarily shivered, her body recoiling as if the blood stter and the gruesome sounds of Emily tearing off the vampire''s leg were happening all over again.


    This involuntary reaction was like a physical blow to Emily, her eyes welling up with tears that shimmered in the dim light, each one a silent testament to her pain and regret.


    Emma averted her gaze, "I- I know. Somewhere inside, I know that. It''s just hard to really trust you again after all these years."


    Emily nodded, a sad understanding dawning in her tear-filled eyes. She seemed to shrink in on herself, physically embodying her helplessness and longing.


    "I just wish we could go back to the way things were. Despite our age difference, I always loved to watch movies or y with you," she mumbled, her voice barely audible.


    A small, nostalgic smile flickered across Emma''s face, her eyes gaining a distant, zed look as if peering through a mist back into a past untainted by the present''s shadows. "I miss the days when we yed together, too."


    For a brief, fleeting moment, they both were adrift in their shared memories, lost in a sea of what once was - a past filled with innocentughter and carefree days, now seeming like echoes from another life.


    Afterwards, Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath while clenching and unclenching her fists a few times. She was trying to summon all her courage through an inner monologue.


    ''I promised Sir I''d try to be better in the future. Well, that may have been a few moments ago, but the future is now! Be brave, or forever remain a weak little girl!


    The past is in the past, but the future can only be what I want it to be if I confront my fear! Right now, at this moment, only bravery can pave a path forward!


    You want to make Sir proud?! You want to get close to your sister again?! Then take the first step!''


    She tried to think of the best next action to take. The answer came to her surprisingly quickly, thanks to the memories that had surfaced just before, in the form of a movie she had often seen together with Emily.


    The movie, and especially the iconic song associated with it, was actually surprisingly reminiscent of their current situation.


    She opened her mismatched eyes, showing steely determination in her gaze, before suddenly standing up and walking towards the ruined cafe''s hole in the wall.


    Seeing this, Emily panicked and scrambled to her feet, "W- Wait! I-"


    But before she could continue, Emma had reached the hole and looked out over the snow-covered street while asking a question.


    "We can''t change or return to the past, but¡­ perhaps we can build something new. Starting with a snowman?"


    Before Emily could answer, the younger sister began singing. Her voice was beautiful, haunting and sad, yet also full of hope. Her maid dress and long white hair, while standing in the cold light of the sun, made her look enchanting.


    It was about two sisters who used to y all the time but now grew apart for reasons the little sister didn''t fully understand. The little sister wanted to be let in. To understand what was going on with her big sister. To y and grow close with her again.


    Emily widened her eyes as tears streamed down. The fact was, ever since the corruption''s direct hold on her had been broken back in London, she and Emma had never really had a serious conversation.


    Sure, they danced around it a little, said some titudes perhaps, and then there was Emma''s heartfelt speech back on the boat, but that was all.


    Ultimately, Emily was too scared of herself, so she lied to Emma about how much the corruption still affected her. On the other hand, Emma had more trouble letting go of the past than she pretended.


    Meanwhile, they were both wrecked with guilt. Emily because of her actions, and Emma because she was the one to give her sister that book.


    But while none of these issues had really gone away, Emily recognised what Emma was doing.


    This was an open hand. A new beginning. A proposal to y like they did when they were younger and to begin working out their issues together.


    Emily wasted no time in grabbing that hand. When Emma was done singing, she stood beside her little sister and said, tears streaming down her face, "I''d love to build a snowman with you."


    And so they did.


    They walked out onto the snow-covered street of this abandoned, post-apocalyptic ruin of a town and began to make a snowman.


    Naturally, they moved a little to the side of the bloody battlefield and ghoul corpses.


    While they worked, Emily told Emma everything about how the corruption had only loosened its hold on her but was always there in the background, waiting for her to slip up.


    Emma listened patiently, and when her big sister was done, she began to talk about her own experiences during thest seven years and now in the previous few weeks with Erik.


    They talked about everything and anything, and in the end, they hugged while standing next to the snowman. They naturally didn''t have a carrot or a smoking pipe, but they made do with what they could find amongst the rubble.


    There was an orange piece of piping for the nose and some misshapen pieces of bricks for the smile and eyes. It didn''t look like much, but that wasn''t the point of this. Instead, it was a symbol of their new beginning.


    The fear,ck of trust, and guilt were all still there. But at least now, they had a foundation upon which to rebuild their rtionship.


    Besides, no matter what, they still loved each other.


    Emma smiled confidently, "Don''t you worry, big Em. I''m gonna work hard and grow stronger so that I can soon burn away all that corruption in your soul, and you can be free again."


    Emily sniffled a little and nodded, "I know you will, little Em. Just¡­ please promise me you won''t try to grow too fast. I would never forgive myself if you ended up being the one corrupted instead."


    "Don''t worry, big Em. I already made that promise to Sir." She answered.


    It was then that their lovely reconciliation was interrupted by the sound of a sickening crunch just before Erik walked out of the cafe with Elora on his shoulder and blood and gore on one of his feet, signifying the ignoble end the vampire man had suffered.


    When he noticed the sisters hugging, he smiled genuinely. "I''m d to see you two made up."


    Then his face became stern, "We have to leave now, though. Although that vampire lied about his friends being close enough to hear the sounds of fighting, it still won''t be too long before theye to check what happened to him."


    The girls broke up their hug, and Emma smiled brightly at Erik, "Yes, Sir!" while Emily looked a little unsure how to act suddenly. Instead of figuring it out, she asked, "What about the boat, though? It won''t remain invisible without us there to power it, right?"


    It was Elora who answered, apparently wanting to give Emily another lesson in sigil crafting.


    As it turned out, the sigils on the boat could also use aetherium from the environment, just not as efficiently. This means the sigils can''t absorb aetherium from the surroundings fast enough to keep the invisibility going.


    But during their two-week journey, all the required energy came from the four of them while the aetherium from the surroundings was stored forter use. Like right now.


    Using abination of the stored aetherium and continued absorption, the boat should be capable of remaining invisible for at least a few weeks.


    But even if these people discovered it, so what? It''s not like there weren''t other ships in the harbour, and frankly, what would these vampires want with their boat, anyway?


    After Elora was done exining, they prepared to leave, which included collecting the tough and sharp ghoul ws. Never knew when those mighte in handy.


    Before they left, however, the fairy whispered an idea in Erik''s ear.


    It was a little maniptive, as one might havee to expect from her, but Erik smiled, as he didn''t see any harm in it.


    Under the surprised gazes of Emma and Emily, he walked towards the snowman they built and put his hand on it.


    Slowly, it began to be encased in a thinyer of ice. He didn''t use any skill or spell, just fine aetherium control and ice affinity.


    When it was done, he smiled a little crookedly, "There. No wind, rain or even first-rank asshole will be able to affect it now."


    The girls looked at him with gratitude. Emily made almost a 180-degree turnpared to London and the boat trip since the events in that cafe, as she looked at him with manyplicated emotions that she had to sort through.


    Meanwhile, Elora snickered a little. Setting aside the added positive emotions that Emily would now feel for Erik, this action would also subtly create the unconscious thought in Emily and Emma''s minds that Erik was the pir holding up their own lives and rtionship, increasing their reliance on him.


    When all was done, they turned towards the open road and began to head for Frostvik.

 Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - A cabin in the woods

    After leaving Kirkenes, they travelled quickly. Or as quickly as they could, considering there were two humans in the group.


    The world of Arcanists offered many rapid modes of travel, but these were out of reach for a first and second rank, such as the sisters.


    Their aetherium could only rejuvenate their tired muscles and mind so they could endure the long trek.


    Sometimes, Erik would carry one or both of the sisters if they encountered particrly difficult terrain or the girls simply became too tired. Often doing this in werewolf form, his supernatural strength would navigate the ruggedndscape with effortless grace, even as one sister clung to his neck and the othery in his arms.


    They travelled like this for at least 12 hours across various beautiful frozenndscapes,kes, rivers and taiga forests. Emma, particrly, was enchanted by the sights of these wilds. Her eyes would often light up at the frozen wonders around them.


    They didn''t travel along any well-established roads, as they might encounter more so-called ''ghoul patrols'' from the dominion that way. Instead, they stayed on the more rugged hiking paths.


    They encountered a few mutated animals, some aggressive and some less so, but none dangerous. Any that attacked them were mere first rank and quickly dispatched by either Emily or Erik.


    Eventually, they came across an isted log cabin. At this point, it was already past midnight, and Emma looked a little haggard as she turned a pair of beautiful pleading eyes in Erik''s direction, who sighed and relented.


    It''s not like he was in any serious hurry, not to mention that this might be an excellent opportunity to do what he had nned for Emily.


    They entered the cabin to find it covered in thickyers of dust and upied by two frozen corpses. Likely humans who, even after bing Arcanists, couldn''t handle the increased cold during winter.


    Emma looked a little sad, but Erik was not going to take the time it took to bury the unfortunate souls, so he dumped them outside and gave them a cremation burial using his lightning.


    The cabin itself was small but looked cosy. It was only a single room with a table, some chairs, a sofa, a two-person bed, a stove and, of course, a firece.


    Some wood was already prepared there but had gone unused by the previous upants, likely unable to create a fire after lighters and matches ran out, and neither of them having an affinity that could be used for such a purpose.


    Erik, however, was not one such being. None of them really needed the heat, but it would certainly make things morefortable, so he quickly started a fire with a spark of lightning.


    Next, Elora created a few sigils to conceal the smoke from their fire and then a few on the door and windows to protect against intruders and stop any light or sound from escaping.


    When all that was done, Erik took out some food from the storage in his armour, which he had barely touched over thest few weeks, as those flying fish had been particrly delicious and nutritious.


    Soon, the three of them were seated around the single table in the cabin, a fire crackling in the hearth, spreading warmth and light. At the same time, they enjoyed the delicious food prepared by Erik. Elora had gone back to Erik''s soul for now.


    Were it not for the realities of the world outside, it would almost seem like the awakening had never happened, and the three of them were a family or group of friends on vacation. There wasn''t much conversation, but the happy smile on Emma''s face prevented the atmosphere from bing awkward.


    When they were done eating, Erik''s face grew stern despite his inward excitement. It was time to punish Emily for earlier and teach her some much-needed discipline. Naturally, his method for doing both would be sexually charged, but he couldn''t show that on his face.


    He needed to maintain an air of authority despite his excitement. He truly would be doing this mainly to help Emily, but if she suspected Erik might be doing this for other reasons, she would surely baulk.


    That said, there was simply no reason Erik and Elora couldn''t enjoy themselves.


    Plus, there was something else: he didn''t enjoy Emily''s currently subdued state much. He liked her spunky attitude. He just needed her to direct her rebellious nature towards others while epting his leadership.


    Luckily, he suspected ayer of Emily''s personality was hidden behind her attitude and rebellious nature. Something he could use to give her back her confidence while epting her role as his follower.


    He turned to Emily, who gulped a little when she noticed his gaze. Today''s events had somewhat undermined her usual bravado and confidence when facing him.


    A spark of dependence on Erik had appeared in her mind, and she found it hard to continue thinking of him as just the guy who woke her up from her corrupted state and kept her out of the council''s hands in exchange for her and Emma''s servitude.


    Now, she thought that, perhaps, this whole deal was not so bad. The question was if she would still think that way after tonight.


    Erik raised an eyebrow, "You know what''s going to happen now, right?"


    Emily nodded, some unwillingness showing on her face but no real defiance.


    Emma''s eyes flickered with concern as she nced at her sister. "Uhm, but, Sir, is this really necessary?" Her voice quivered slightly, a testament to her inner turmoil. She was torn between her loyalty to Erik and her protective instinct for Emily.


    Erik maintained his stern demeanour, addressing Emma with a firm but understanding tone. "It''s about more than just necessity, Emma. It''s about understanding the consequences of actions and making choices.


    Back in London, Elora and I offered Emily a way to keep her corruption at bay without needing to fight it constantly. But she didn''t like the consequences of epting our help, so she refused and chose to face the corruption on her own terms.


    I must admit I admired her for that. But now, she has failed to control herself and must face the consequences of her choices. If she doesn''t, then today will also be thest time I help to calm her down. Next time she loses control, Elora will simply turn her into a puppet again until we can fully cleanse her."


    While Elora needed an opening or a damaged soul to take control of someone, the covenant provided more than enough of an opportunity.


    Emily''s eyes widened slightly at Erik''s words, and she regained some of her defiance. "What you and that-" she was doing to say bitch, but remembering what happenedst time, she quickly swallowed that word and continued. "I mean.. what you and Elora offered was very!"


    Erik shrugged, "And?"


    "You¡­" Emily released an exasperated sigh and deted a little. Her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Part of her still screamed to resist and maintain her defiant stance, but another part was worn down by recent failures and a feeling of dependence on Erik.


    The fact was, she couldn''t afford to lose his help in the future. After trying and failing twice, she didn''t really believe she could control this on her own anymore. So long as magical very was off the table, she could at least take responsibility for her actions.


    With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, she finally nodded. "Fine. I don''t like it, but I get it. I can''t just expect your help if I''m unwilling to face the consequences. So just¡­ get it over with."


    Emma seemed to ept Erik''s exnation and certainly didn''t want her sister to turn into that lifeless doll again.


    She turned to Emily with a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, big Em. I''ll be here with you, no matter what. Besides, you know you can trust Sir, right? Especially after what happened today."


    Emily closed her eyes and nodded with a sigh. The fact was, she still felt immensely grateful for Erik''s actions earlier. He could have just focussed on the vampire and left her and Emma to sort things out for themselves, but he didn''t.


    Erik turned to Emma, asking, "Are you sure you want to stay? You could simply go to sleep. Elora can make sure you don''t wake up."


    He needed to propose this for the girl''sfort, but he and Elora hoped she would refuse. The more, the merrier, after all.


    Luckily, Emma shook her head without hesitation and instead, with a determined gaze, proposed something even more interesting. "No, what happened today was my fault, too. I should have protected myself better. So, instead of keeping me out of it, I- I want you to punish me, too."


    Eloraughed and cheered inside Erik''s mind while Erik himself had to do his utmost to keep a straight face. The sisters didn''t even know what he and Elora had in store for them, but they seemed happy to jump in with both feet.

 Chapter 70: Chapter 70 - Fun in a cabin [1/3] (partial 18+)

    [A/N: A lot of character progression for Emily in these chapters, but also a lot of BDSM focussed smut, so be warned. Honestly, it ran a little longer than I originally nned. If you just care about the progression, chapters 72 and 73 will be the most important.]


    Before he could answer, Emily''s protective instinct kicked in. She vehemently shook her head, "Absolutely not! Emily, that guy was a second-rank Runebound with an ability that incorporated both speed and some sort of camouge. There is nothing you could have done.


    I deserve whatever punishment he has in mind, and some discipline training might even be good for me, but you don''t need or deserve any of that!"


    Emma smiled warmly at her sister but shook her head, "No, Big Em. Back in Kirkenes, we promised each other to start over. You don''t have to protect me from this. No matter what, I will share both responsibility and punishment."


    Emily opened her mouth to respond, but Erik was first. "That''s enough. I believe it is still my decision who gets punished." He turned to Emma.


    "If this is what you want, then fine, but it won''t lessen Emily''s punishment, and since I agree with her that you really couldn''t have done much to protect yourself in that situation, your punishment will be much lighter as well.


    Knowing that, do you still want to go through with this?"


    Emily frowned but didn''t say anything, waiting for Emma''s response.


    Emma seemed saddened that she couldn''t lessen Emily''s punishment but still gave a determined nod. "I understand, Sir. I''d still like to be punished."


    Once again, suppressing his grin while listening to Elora''s cheering, he kept a stern expression and nodded. "As you wish, then. But for now, your punishment will only include watching. Your real punishment will startter."


    Seeing that everyone was now on the same page, Erik stood up.


    At the same time, Elora appeared next to him with a perverted grin that made Emily a little apprehensive. Clearly, Erik''s partner had much less reservation than him about showing her perverted interest in this punishment.


    The fairy snapped her fingers, and suddenly, a strange device simr to a pillory appeared in front of the couch.


    This device did note from the storage in Erik''s armour, as it was much too big for that. Instead, it came from the red jewel that adorned Elora''s forehead, which was also a storage space, except muchrger.


    Exactly what Elora kept in that thing, not even Erik knew. All he knew for sure was that it held the blood Elora used for infusion and a lot of perverted devices like this one.


    The device resembled a traditional pillory in its basic form, featuring a slot for the victim''s head and two openings for the forearms. However, its uniqueness lies in the addition of a robust, horizontally positioned metal bar.


    This bar was strategically ced so the prisoner would have to arch over it to position their head and arms into the device. Once secured, the bar would force the hips to remain elevated, even if the captive''s legs were to give out.


    The entire structure was designed to adjust to the height of the individual and the specific pose desired by the captor. The metal bar and the headpiece could be elevated, forcing the prisoner to stand upright with legs fully extended and their back in a horizontal position, or it could be lowered, making the victim kneel while maintaining a horizontal back.


    However, this pillory''s most intriguing and perhaps most menacing feature was its ability to independently adjust the front and back sections to different heights.


    This functionality allowed for an array of positions, where the prisoner''s legs could be either kneeling or fully extended while their upper body was angled upwards or downwards.


    This versatility meant that the prisoner''s head could be ced at various heights, serving whatever purpose the captor intended, from humiliation to easier essibility for various forms of punishment or other exciting uses.


    Seeing this thing, Emma''s eyes widened and, perhaps unsurprisingly, considering what she, Erik and Elora had gotten up totely, sparkled with a bit of interest.


    Emily, however, panicked and backed away while brief shes of red appeared in her eyes, "H- Hold on, what the fuck are you intending to do to me?!"


    Erik raised an eyebrow, "Calm down. What, do you think I would rape you or something? Surely, we''ve built up a little more trust than that over thest few weeks."


    Emma gasped, "Big Em! He would never do that!"


    Hearing their words, Emily actually felt a little guilty. The corrupted red disappeared from her eyes, and she sighed, "I- Yeah, sorry. I- I do know that. But that thing looks terrifying."


    Erik nodded thoughtfully, "Of course, it does. To you, anyway. You are terrified of giving up control after these seven years and with good reason. But that is not only why this makes a good punishment, but also why it will serve to build a little trust between us.


    I won''t tell you any more before you actually decide to take the leap and trust me. So, will you go back on your decision to ept punishment, epting all the consequences thate with that decision, or put yourself in a position of vulnerability?"


    Emily hesitated a moment longer, but seeing the expression of absolute trust in Erik on Emma''s face, she sighed, epted her fate and began walking towards Elora and the device next to her.


    Finally, Erik released some excitement and grinned, "Good."


    Meanwhile, Elora mirrored Erik''s grin and beckoned Emily with her finger, "Good girl. Come to Mommy and ept your punishment."


    Emily couldn''t resist a shiver when she heard Elora''s taunt. She didn''t much trust, or like, this woman, but from what she had seen, she believed Erik to be capable of reigning her in, so she bravely stepped forward, arched over the metal bar to ce her head and arms in the pillory and allowed the fairy to restrain her.


    After Elora secured Emily while wearing a perverted grin, she also applied a seal to lock Emily''s aetherium storage, providing the maximum possible feeling of vulnerability.


    Emily was now fully immobilised, her hips forcibly raised by the metal bar, her legs straight while bncing on her toes and her upper body restrained into a horizontal position.


    Emily trembled as she had not felt this vulnerable in a long time. Yet, it was only going to get worse.


    Elora snapped her fingers and caused Emily''s clothes to disappear, exposing Emily''s pale, tattooed skin to the open air. Her medium-sized breasts defied gravity, remaining firm and close to her body instead of sagging downwards.


    Next, Elora transformed her own corset and skirt into a ck leather dominatrix outfit. Complete with a riding crop and high-heeled leather boots.


    She was standing beside Emily, not behind her, so despite her immobilised state, Emily could still see Elora.


    Immediately, Emily''s conviction faltered, "W- What a-" pats! "ah!"


    Elora used the riding crop to spank Emily''s ass. "Uh uh. The time for talking is over now, little pet. Now is the time to take Mommy''s punishment like a good girl."


    "Wait! I- I thought it would b-" pats! "ah!"


    The lusty fairy grinned widely as she caressed Emily''s ass with the crop, "What did I just say? You''ll talk when spoken to and not before. Your master has his own part to y in your punishment."


    "Master?! Wha-"


    Pats!


    "Ah! Damnit, just lis-"


    Pats!


    "Ah! Alright, alright, ju-"


    Pats!


    "Ah!"


    This time, Emily grudgingly kept quiet as she noticed the futility of her words. Instead, she just red at the fairy-turned-dominatrix next to her.


    After waiting a few moments with anticipation shining in her eyes to see if Emily would speak again, she caressed the now slightly red ass of the goth girl, "There, isn''t it better when you listen to Mommy?


    Of course, those were only some light taps to ensure you understand your position. The real punishment has yet to start."


    Annoyance and a little corrupted red flickered in Emily''s eyes as she opened her mouth toin but reluctantly closed it again when she noticed Elora''s excited grin and raised riding crop.


    Annoyance and corruption soon made way for reluctant eptance. She sighed inwardly. She knew something like this might happen when she agreed to be punished. Her gaze steeled as she determined to take whatever they wanted to give her withoutint or noise.


    She refused to give them, or rather, Elora, the satisfaction.


    She wondered what Erik''s role in all this would be as she tried to turn her head as much as possible in his and Emma''s direction.


    What she saw shocked her as Emma was looking at her with an entranced expression while lightly rubbing her thighs together.


    "Emma! You-"


    Pats!


    "Ah!"


    "Shush, little pet. Let the poor girl enjoy herself if she likes." Elora''s teasing voice sounded.


    Emma didn''t seem to have heard it, as Erik whispered in her ear.


    "Exciting, isn''t it? Would you like to be strapped into that thing someday?"

 Chapter 71: Chapter 71 - Fun in a cabin [2/3] (18+)

    Hearing Erik''s question shook Emma free from her trance-like state. "H- Huh? N- No! I- I mean, no, it''s not like that." She said, extremely unconvincingly.


    Finally unable to keep his excitement inside, Erik grinned lustfully, "There''s no need to be ashamed of it, Emma. You enjoy bondage; many people do. Plus, It''s not like Emily is doing this against her will. What''s the harm if you enjoy yourself a little?"


    Seeing that Emma was too embarrassed to respond any longer, he chuckled and left Emma to stew in her own thoughts and arousal.


    He walked closer to the restrained Emily and, with every step, lost a piece of his intimidating ck armour. Soon, he was standing next to the raven-haired girl entirely in the nude.


    Elora weed him with a smile but continued to keep an eye on Emily in case she slipped up. Erik let his hand wander over Emily''s back while the girl shivered from difort.


    She wasn''t used to being this vulnerable and couldn''t understand why Emma liked it so much.


    Emma and Emily had talked about many things while building their snowman back in Kirkenes, so Emily was now fully aware of precisely what went on in that bedroom during their boat trip.


    Erik reached the girl''s tight, perky ass and grabbed it roughly, causing Emily to let out a sound that sounded like abination of a groan and a moan.


    She wanted to speak up andin, but Elora was eyeing her constantly, and she didn''t want another pointless swat on her bottom. Not for something rtively harmless, anyway.


    Erik enjoyed Emily''s silky smooth skin, kept that way by the aetherium nourishing her body, and wandered over her back with his hands while Elora watched. Lust glimmering in her beautiful green eyes.


    When he had his fill, he gave Emily a hard spank, causing her to yelp, and moved on to sit on the sofa.


    She red at him but continued to remain silent. She promised herself she wouldn''t give Elora the satisfaction, and she held to the promise.


    For now, anyway. Whether she would manage to keep it up was anyone''s guess.


    Erik''s nine-inch member was fully erect and challenging the heavens while he slowly stroked himself, making Emily gulp a little. She was unable to take her eyes off it.


    It wasn''t the first time she had seen it, considering how she walked in on him in the bedroom more than once, but it was undoubtedly the first time she had seen it up close.


    And it looked a lot more intimidating this way.


    Erik grinned at her behaviour which made his cock even harder. "See anything you like? You''re allowed to answer direct questions."


    But Emily remained silent anyway. Either not trusting his promise or simply not having anything to say.


    Erik continued stroking himself slowly while looking Emily straight in the eye. He simply ignored her silence and continued talking. "Would you like to hear what we have in store for you tonight?"


    More silence. Emily just red at him with defiance glittering in her gaze. She may have submitted herself to punishment, but she wouldn''t surrender so easily.


    Erik sighed, "Well, you''re right. I was gonna tell you anyway." He answered an unasked question.


    He waved elegantly towards the intimidating Elora, "My lovely wife and partner will administer your punishment. You''ll have to excuse me, as even I don''t know exactly what she has nned for you, but you can trust she won''t break any rules."


    Then, he indicated himself, "As for me, I''ll give you your first lesson in discipline." He grinned at his partner, "Elora, if you would?"


    The fairy giggled, "With pleasure, dear." She turned to Emily, "I hope you enjoy yourself. I worked very hard to make his pheromones and scents just right, you know."


    Confusion flickered through Emily''s eyes, but she waited silently.


    Elora reached over and fiddled with the restraining device when Emily suddenly felt her head move downwards, right towards Erik''s cock.


    She couldn''t remain silent this time as panic filled her face, "W- Wait! Y- You promise-"


    Pats! "Ah!"


    Pats! "Ah!"


    As punishment for talking, she received two hard swats on her bottom while her head kept moving lower. She didn''t speak again but looked up at Erik with pleading, almost fearful eyes.


    Luckily for her, Erik didn''t leave her hanging long. "Don''t worry. My little friend isn''t going anywhere inside you. In fact, your challenge tonight is to resist the temptation of doing exactly that."


    Momentarily surprised, Emily naturally had the urge to scoff, but before she could, her face was ced right in front of the base of Erik''s shaft, and she was suddenly hit with a heady, musky odour that really shouldn''t smell good, and yet not only did but also send her head into a tailspin.


    She was now in a rather ufortable position, essentially bowing deeply and with a straight back. Meanwhile, Erik was sagging a little on the sofa, pressing his lower body forward.


    Emily''s entire body began heating up, and suddenly, the urge to lick the thing in front of her jumped into her mind. But she squashed that thought as soon as it came to her.


    Her eyes showed panic and confusion as she looked up at Erik, who grinned at her as he caressed her hair. "See? You can resist your urges, after all! Now, you just need to keep doing it for as long as your punishmentsts.


    Oh, and if you''re wondering about the smell, that''s Elora''s handiwork. And also your main obstacle in keeping your tongue off my dick."


    They weren''t done tempting her yet, however.


    After Emily was properly secured and in ce, Elora kneeled on the couch right next to Erik. She licked her lips seductively as she stared at Erik''s cock and nced at Emily with a smirk. "Now let Mommy show you what you''re missing, little pet."


    She bent over and gobbled Erik up in one go. She had certainly had enough practice over the years, so taking his entire nine inches down to the base was as easy as breathing.


    Erik smiled confidently, put a guiding hand on the back of Elora''s head and leaned back,pletely ignoring Emily, who had be nothing more than a spectator to the couple''s lovemaking.


    And it was hard for her not to spectate.


    She was entranced by the giant meat stick being gobbled up by the short yet domineering Elora. Emma had told her about some of the things these two got up to, but to see it first-hand was something else.


    Elora''s ministrations caused more and more pheromones to be released as she bobbed up and down while expertly using her tongue to bring Erik as much pleasure as possible.


    Erik released a pleasured sigh, "That''s it, my slutty little ember. No one is as good as you," and continued to pat Elora''s hair.


    But he didn''t stay idle either, as he moved his other hand towards Elora''s well-rounded bottom and gave it a quick spank, causing Elora to moan and move faster. Next, he slowly snaked his hand further, moved the ck leather covering her cave of wonders to the side, and slid two fingers into the fairy''s ever-so-tight pussy, making her moan even louder.


    He stuck a third finger into her ass and used his expert knowledge of her most sensitive ces to quickly bring his partner closer and closer to orgasm.


    It didn''t take long this way before they both came simultaneously.


    Elora shook and moaned but didn''t take Erik out of her mouth. Instead, she kept only the tip inside, as she had ns for his spunk and didn''t want it shooting too far down.


    Naturally, Erik knew this and didn''t try to push her down, something he knew she would have loved under normal circumstances.


    Instead, he kept his fingers lodged inside Elora to extend her orgasm and closed his eyes while he enjoyed his own.


    When they were both done, Elora released Erik. She moaned with an ecstatic expression while she sloshed his cream around in her mouth before turning to Emily with a wicked expression.


    Emily, who had been lost in a daze of pheromones and perverted interest, blinked and, upon seeing what Elora was about to do, quickly panicked, "W- Wha-"


    But it was exactly this opening that Elora quickly used to press her mouth against Emily and share the prize she had just gotten.


    Erik watched with glee as Emily''s eyes rolled up in pleasure from the delicious taste and concentrated, pheromonal smell. Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Emma was wholly lost in her own world, having sunk to her knees as she furiously worked her own snatch.


    It wasn''t necessarily Emily''s involvement that was doing it for her, as much as it was Emily''s situation. Emma had long since gone from hesitant dependence to full-blown kink when it came to bondage.


    Only when Erik did it, though. Trust was essential.

 Chapter 72: Chapter 72 - Fun in a cabin [3/3] (18+)

    But when Elora pressed her lips on Emily''s to share the milk, she couldn''t help but snap out of it for a moment to gaze at their interaction with jealousy. She knew that taste all too well and wanted more. She was just too embarrassed to ask.


    Elora separated from Emily as a string of cum and saliva still connected their mouths.


    The fairy grinned at theirtest victim. "Now, what do you say to Mommy and Master for your treat?"


    But Emily was lost in a daze and barely recognised what was happening. All she could think of was that delicious taste in her mouth and how it seemed familiar, despite being sure it was the first time she tasted it.


    However, that wasn''t entirely true, as she had already tasted Erik once before. Only, at the time, she was possessed by Elora.


    But while Emily herself had no recollection of that event, her body did. Erik''s intoxicating aroma and taste had made Emily''s body want more on a subconscious level that Emily herself didn''t realise.


    Only now was her unknown desire satisfied, and she felt great relief and pleasure because of it.


    Erik grinned at Emily''s confused and pleased face before turning to Elora. "I don''t think she heard you, dear."


    His partner chuckled and grabbed the riding crop, "Well, then we''ll just have to make her listen."


    Pats! "Ah!"


    "Mommy asked you a question, dear. What do you say to Mommy and Master for your treat?"


    Emily had lost her previous defiance to abination of pleasure and confusion. Still, despite the painful sting waking her up a little, it was not yet enough. "Uhm, I- W- What?"


    Pats! "Ah! T- Thank you!"


    Elora immediately patted the girl''s head. "There''s a good girl."


    Yet, it seemed thisst interaction also shocked her out of her confused daze when she shook her head and suddenly seemed to realise what she had just said. "W- Wait! No! What the hell did you just feed me?! I- I feel so hot."


    Elora grinned, "You know perfectly well what that was, little pet. And there is only one ce to get more."


    When she heard those words, Emily trembled and closed her eyes, trying desperately to ignore the urge that was slowly building up inside her as her brain swam in a pink fog of arousal.


    Erik grinned at Elora''s attempts to make Emily give in to temptation. He and Elora had nned this whole thing extensively but with slightly different goals.


    Erik was enjoying himself, but his main goal really was to help Emily control her urges. Elora, on the other hand, loved to see women fall to the pleasure Erik could provide through the body she herself modified and hoped Emily would give in.


    She and Erik actually had a little bet on how this would turn out in the end. A bet with the usual stakes. Either Erik would call Elora Mommy, or Elora would call Erik Master. But only for a week, of course.


    But for now, it was time to let Emily stew in the smells and tastes for a little while, so Elora got up and stood behind Emily. It was time for the punishment to begin.


    She smiled and caressed Emily''s butt while admiring it, "You really have a great ass, Emily." Next, her smile turned far more sadistic. "And I''ll greatly enjoy teaching it what happens to disobedient girls who cause trouble."


    Emily barely paid attention to the words that were said as she focused all her attention on ignoring the increasing heat and desire that spread through her body.


    But she certainly noticed what happened next when Elora put away the riding crop and brought her empty hand down on Emily''s poor, unprotected ass.


    "Aah!" She yelped and likely would have shot up if the contraption she was locked inside had allowed her.


    Instead, she was forced to remain where she was, breathing in Erik''s lust-inducing pheromones while Elora spanked her ass.


    Naturally, Elora didn''t stop at one but kept going.


    Meanwhile, Erik justid back and enjoyed the show.


    Pats! "Ah!"


    Pats! "Ah!"


    Pats! "Ah!"


    Small tears appeared in Emily''s eyes, but rather than pain, a different feeling started spreading through her body. A feeling she tried to deny with everything she could.


    When she was done, Elora began caressing Emily''s red skin and spoke teasingly, "How does that feel, Emily? Perhaps I''ll go easy on you if you call me Mommy."


    But Emily didn''t answer. She kept her mouth shut tight while inwardly yelling at herself to not give that woman any satisfaction or give in to this overpowering urge to stick out her tongue and lick that disgusting snake that had once again filled with blood and risen up high.


    She even shut her eyes tight so she didn''t have to look at it constantly.


    Her defiance only made Elora more excited, as she kept spanking the poor girl''s ass with her open hand until it was bright red. But that was when, suddenly, Emily couldn''t hold it in anymore and opened her mouth to cry out in pleasure as her body shook and clear liquid squirted from her pretty hole all over Elora''s ck high heels.


    Seeing this, Erik looked amused, and Elora actuallyughed out loud. "Oh my," Elora giggled before turning to Erik. "It seems we were right, my love. This little pet enjoys pain!"


    Emma looked at this with wide eyes and was so shocked she even stopped touching herself. While she was envious of Emily''s restrained position, she was sure she didn''t enjoy pain and couldn''t imagine herself cumming from getting spanked.


    Emily had wide eyes and shook her head as much as she could. She surely would have covered her mouth if her hands weren''t stuck as much as her head. "No, no, no, no, no, no. This can''t be happening. Why is this happening?" She mumbled over and over.


    Erik leaned over, grabbed her chin and looked into her ck eyes, "Do you want me to tell you?"


    Lost in confusion and desperate for answers, she nodded her head.


    Before he spoke, Erik considered his words carefully. This was important. He wanted to help Emilye to terms with herself, not manipte her. He just needed her to be a little more vulnerable than usual before she could ept his words.


    "It''s possible you were always this way and simply hid it away unconsciously.


    But I don''t believe that. I think that spunky, confident, independent woman is the real you, but you''ve lost something ever since Elora and I woke you up from your corrupted state.


    You lost confidence in yourself. You fear yourself because of what you might do to Emma if you lose control again. And most of all, you feel guilty. Overwhelmingly guilty over what you did to your little sister over thest seven years.


    Now, you probably already realised all that, but what you perhaps didn''t know is that these kinds of feelings can often transfer into a form of masochism. You subconsciously think you deserve to be punished, and the relief you feel from getting that subconscious desire satisfied is what just made you cum."


    Having regained some of her senses after that mindblowing orgasm, Emily blinked. Erik''s words struck a chord, and she realised he was right. But she didn''t know what to do with that information and looked towards Erik for more answers. "S- So now what?"


    He grinned, "So now we look for solutions. Your fear and guilt are part of the reason you find it so hard to control your corruption. I can''t help you resolve those feelings. Only you can do that.


    But Elora and I can punish you asionally so that your guilt is satisfied until you can resolve it yourself. As for your fear¡­ let''s talk about that after your punishment. I think Elora has an exciting idea on how to continue."


    Having said what he wanted to say, he leaned back on the sofa to leave Emily with her thoughts while Elora prepared the next part. An evil grin appeared on her face at the same time as a dark green circle appeared on her hand.


    She touched Emily''s body with the circle as she exined what she was doing, "Mommy has just locked your orgasms, little pet. For the next hour, I''ll be giving you both pain and pleasure, but you won''t be allowed to cum.


    If you fail to resist your urges and lick your master''s cock during that time, another hour will be added before you''re allowed to cum, but you can lick him for as much as you like during that time.


    Understood? Good. Let''s begin!"


    Before Emily could say anything, Elora produced an item that looked suspiciously like a vibrator and pushed it against the poor girl''s still sensitive clit. Emily couldn''t stop herself from screaming.


    Meanwhile, Erik''s cock and its temptations remained right in front of her face the entire time.

 Chapter 73: Chapter 73 - Emilys acceptance [1/2] (partial 18+)

    Erik spent most of this time either enjoying the show or exploring his ice glyph and rune.


    But in the end, Emily proved her pride and willpower were still intact when, an hourter, she was mostly delirious yet had still not given in to the tempting smell and taste in front of her.


    She panted heavily, and the desire to cum was burning in her eyes, but she remained quiet. Still refusing to give Elora more satisfaction than she already had.


    The fairy in question stood behind Emily with a pout on her face and various tools in her hands. "Turns out I lost another bet, Master." She said, without any real shame or regret. Calling Erik master for a week had no impact on her and was just a bit of fun.


    Erik chuckled happily, "Well, not for ack of trying, my wicked little ember."


    He turned to the panting Emily and leaned forward to grab her chin again as he smiled. "Congrattions. You won. You can cum in a moment, but first. Let''s talk about your fear."


    Had he talked to her about this before she was in her current state, she would have likely gotten furious and refused, simply because her personality wouldn''t even let her think about it. He needed her to be vulnerable and a little more open.


    Emily didn''t have the strength to answer and could only pant and blink, but Erik could still see the spark of rity in them.


    He continued, "I get why you denied our offer of magical very back in London, and I doubt you will ept now, nor do I even want you to, but you do need to ept that I am in charge, and you need to follow.


    Since you don''t have confidence in keeping yourself in control and fear losing it, trust me to do it for you instead. You know I have both the strength to subdue you and the covenant to calm you down.


    Put your trust in me, serve me willingly, even without the covenant, and I swear I will never let you go out of control or hurt your sister in any way. Meanwhile, with Emma''s help, we will eventually cleanse youpletely."


    Emily forced what little rity she still had to the surface and panted, "Can I¡­ really trust you¡­? And¡­ what if I don''t want¡­ to do any more perverted crap¡­?"


    Erik had a serious expression on his face, "I swear it on my love for Elora. And I don''t joke about that. Plus, Emma trusts me. Surely that gives me some bonus points?"


    Elora smiled happily at his words. She seemed almost like a young wife in love if it weren''t for the various sexual torture devices in her hands and the dominatrix outfit she was dressed in.


    Then again, perhaps that simply depended on the marriage.


    Losing the seriousness, Erik grinned, "As for the perverted crap, we don''t ever have to go further than these punishments, assuming you even want to continue with those as a method to ease your guilt.


    Our new rules would be the same as those of the covenant. You''ll just be doing it willingly rather than feeling forced."


    Erik and Emily stared at each other for a little while before Emily sighed, the desperate desire to cum still present in her voice, "F- Fine. But only you, not Elora."


    Despite Elora''s pout, Erik smirked and nodded, "That''s fine. Now seal our new deal by asking me to let you cum."


    Just because he mostly did this to help her didn''t mean he also didn''t immensely enjoy himself.


    Emily closed her eyes for a moment and released a heavy breath as if releasing something else as well. Then she opened her eyes and looked directly at Erik. "Please let me cum, Master."


    Her voice held desire and a hint of desperation but no hesitation. Since she had made this decision, she would stick with it.


    Erik was surprised she went as far as calling him master and highly doubted she would do so again, but simply smiled and patted her head before nodding to a still-pouting Elora.


    Of course, his beloved partner was mature enough not to throw a tantrum, so she simply sighed, removed the orgasm lock from Emily and pressed the vibrator against the girl''s sensitive pussy for thest time.


    It took less than a second for her to scream and orgasm so loudly; it would have travelled all the way back to Kirkenes if it hadn''t been for Elora''s sigils. She immediately fainted afterwards.


    Finally done with all this, Erik sighed and leaned back into the sofa, where Elora shortly joined him. She had lost her pout and kissed Erik on the cheek. "Well, I admit I was hoping for a slightly different ending, but this is fine, too. Plus, I had fun."


    Erik chuckled happily. "I''m d."


    Elora looked at his still erect cock and giggled lustfully before straddling him, pulling her outfit aside and inserting Erik inside. She, too, had be awfully excited after all that.


    Erik smiled and embraced his partner happily.


    It didn''t take long before they both came in a gentle and loving manner.


    When they were done, Erik kissed Elora on the lips and stood up. Elora swapped her dominatrix outfit for her regr clothes and followed him.


    They unstrapped the exhausted and sleeping Emily from the device before Elora put it back in her storage jewel. She also put the clothes she had taken from the girl back on her with a wave of her hand.


    Next, Erik put Emily on the only bed in the cabin and walked towards Emma, who had also fainted in a puddle of her own liquids. Emma had asked to be punished as well, but it appeared this would have to wait for another time.


    Or perhaps it would simply be forgotten about.


    He chuckled and asked Elora to clean the girl up before putting her next to Emily in the bed.


    He then went to lie down on the sofa, closed his eyes and sighed. He, too, was tired after all that. If not physically, then at least mentally. But he was not fated for sleep just yet, as the featherweight of Elora''s smaller formnded on his chest.


    He opened his eyes and smiled at her. "I suppose we still need to talk about a few things."


    Elora smiled back and nodded, "You remembered something significant before that vampire showed up, right? At that cafe?"


    Erik looked thoughtful, "Maybe, but I''m not entirely sure. My father mentioned something about my mother being special, an uncertain future and my destiny. Here, let me show you."


    He shared his memories with her, and soon, Elora had seen the same scene. She looked equally thoughtful now. "At the time, it seemed perfectly innocent. I mean, I was just a fifteen-year-old kid, but now¡­" Erik mumbled.


    Elora nodded as she thoughtfully stroked her chin, "Yeah, now it seems like more than that. It''s entirely possible your parents or at least your mother were one of the people already aware of aetherium and was probably already a first-rank Runebound at the time.


    Not to mention that she may have known something about what that dream back in London was about."


    She looked regretful, "It''s a shame we can''t ask her." Before suddenly looking awkward, "I- I mean, it''s a shame she''s not around, period."


    Erik snickered and used a finger to caress her small head, "I know what you meant. Don''t worry. I still miss them, but I''ve epted their death." Then he frowned, and fury shed across his face, "Or I will, after I''ve avenged them."


    Elora sentforting emotions through their link, and Erik soon calmed down. "Anyway, perhaps we''ll still discover something in Frostvik. If my old home still stands, that is."


    The fairy nodded, "We''ll soon find out." Then, she moved on to the next point, "What about the fact that Frostvik was not the only ce that was raided that night? And all in the same way? Even if some people possess power and knowledge that they shouldn''t in this world, making so many time-bomb babies still seems like a stretch."


    There was also something else about this method of attack that was brought into question. Still, Elora wanted to see if Erik would arrive at that thought on his own. And if he didn''t, she wasn''t sure if she wanted to bring it up.


    But evidently, he didn''t, as he simply shrugged, "If you have no idea how they did that, then I surely have none either. Perhaps we''ll discover their methods when we find Edda."


    Elora wondered if Erik was purposefully ignoring the obvious possibility or if his fury blinded him. Regardless, she decided not to bring it up for now. Chances were he wouldn''t listen to her anyway. Perhaps she could discover the truth herself when they found Edda and discuss it with Erik then.


    So, instead, she simply nodded with a smile, "Perhaps we will. Anyway, I think that was all the important stuff. Assuming we''re still not nning on getting involved in this dominion vs enve business?"


    Erik shook his head, "Not unless you see a reason, no. Let the council figure it out when they finally reach here."


    Elora giggled in response and nodded, "Good idea."


    Having discussed everything they needed to, Elora turned into herrger form and rested her head on Erik''s chest while he folded his arms around her.


    Soon, they fell into a blissful sleep.

 Chapter 74: Chapter 74 - Emilys acceptance [2/2]

    The following day, Erik woke up slowly with the feeling of Elora''s voluptuous body pressed against his.


    Soft morning light spread throughout the small cabin while a tiny bit of ck smoke still rose from the firece.


    His senses immediately told him something was moving around in the apartment, which was likely what woke him up in the first ce.


    A quick nce to the side told him that it was Emily who was already moving about. It was a great surprise to Erik, as he expected the girl to sleep for quite a while afterst night.


    ''I wonder how much she will acknowledge ofst night. We needed that situation to make her vulnerable enough to be open to the idea of giving up a little control, but the danger is in whether or not she feels regret now.'' He pondered.


    She appeared to be busy doing some stretches and exercises. It wouldn''t be strange if her body ached a little after yesterday''s long trek through the cold wilderness, followed by her ordeal in the pillory, even with aetherium to nourish her body.


    Noticing his movement, Emily looked up and saw him looking at her curiously. The raven-haired girl stopped what she was doing and smirked at him. "Morning, Boss. Wondering if I''ll stab you in your sleep afterst night?"


    Erik raised an eyebrow and curled his mouth into a half-smirk."Boss, huh? That''s not exactly what you called mest night." Meanwhile, he thought, ''Still, that''s promising. I don''t need her to call me master, anyway. So long as she willingly follows my lead.''


    He ignored her question. After all, they both knew the covenant would prevent Emily from harming him.


    Emily scoffed. "Yeah, well, I was pretty delirious back then. Calling you master is still a little too very-esque for me." She sighed, "But I will stand by my words fromst night. From now on, I''ll put my trust in you and follow willingly."


    She rolled her eyes, "I just wish you weren''t such a pervert and had just talked to me about all that during dinner."


    Erik had tough softly, "Come now. Are you telling me you would have listened in that situation? By making you vulnerable, I allowed you to look past your hang-up on being in control and see the greater good for what it is."


    Emily rolled her eyes, "Don''t pretend you didn''t enjoy doing that to me. That little fairy of yours certainly did."


    Erik grinned knowingly at her but didn''t answer. Emily became a little ufortable under his gaze. "What are you looking at?"


    He shrugged, or as much as he could in his horizontal position with Elora on top of him, "Well, first of all, you enjoyed yourself plenty, too." Then he smiled genuinely at her, "But mostly, I''m d to see you this way. You''re not afraid, angry, annoyed or uncertain.


    You''re just¡­ you. And I think Emma will enjoy that, too."


    The once goth-rocker girl blushed a little and looked away. "Shut up."


    A yful grin appeared on Erik''s face. "That''s ''Shut up, Boss'' to you."


    But the girl just presented him with her middle finger, causing Erik tough. He liked this morefortable Emily. It already appeared like the corruption had less of an effect on her now that she hade to terms with some of her inner feelings.


    Suddenly, Emily became more serious and crouched beside Erik''s face. "Anyway, there''s, uh, something I wanted to talk about regarding the things you said yesterday. About¡­ my fear."


    Erik matched her seriousness and nodded, "Alright, tell me."


    Emily scratched her cheek in a surprisingly cute manner, "Well, first of all, you were right. I didn''t want to acknowledge it before, but I was afraid of myself. Or rather, fearful of what I might do to Emma if the corruption took hold again.


    Yet, I couldn''t allow myself to look weak before you. I''d already thoroughly embarrassed and humiliated myself right after I was freed by begging you to either do more or kill me."


    She sighed, "And after I had some time to think, I realized I had no reason to trust you, and I couldn''t let you think you''d walk all over me because of what I said in that basement. So I may have gone a little too far in the opposite direction."


    Emily offered him a small, grateful smile. "Anyway, what I mean is, thank you for not giving up on me. You could''ve easily let Elora turn me back into her puppet, but you chose the harder path. It took me a while, but I see that now, and I appreciate it more than you know."


    Her expression shifted, the seriousness returning, but with a flicker of unease in her eyes. "But, there''s something else, something we didn''t talk aboutst night. Another reason why I fear myself."


    Erik''s curiosity piqued, his eyebrow arching. "I''m all ears. What did we miss?"


    A disturbing change overtook Emily. Her eyes briefly danced with a wild, corrupt red, and her smile twisted, revealing a glimpse of something dark and exhrating within her. "I enjoy it, Boss. The surge of power, the intoxicating freedom. ying god with life and death. It''s exhrating."


    She visibly shuddered, casting away the haunting smile for a look of genuine fear. "But that scares me. I don''t want to go on a rampage, murdering any innocent Ie across.


    That was another reason I gave in to your offerst night. Not only do I need you to keep me from harming Emily. I also want you to keep me pointed in the right direction so I don''t go on a killing spree just for the fun of it."


    Erik, slightly taken aback but not entirely surprised, understood the depth of her struggle. He had seen the girl''s crazy smile while ughtering ghouls, after all.


    He caressed her cheek. "Don''t worry. Just follow my lead, and you''ll only ever kill our enemies."


    A relieved smile blossomed on Emily''s face, her trust in Erik solidifying. The recent events in Kirkenes had been a turning point for her, and after the whirlwind ofst night''s perverted adventure and a night of restful sleep, she felt ready to face her new reality.


    Seeing that the serious part of the morning was done, Erik smirked. "Good girl. Now, you can thank me with a kiss."


    Emily immediately narrowed her eyes, "I''m pretty sure you promised no more perverted crap."


    But Erik didn''t relent and kept smirking. "Woah, you consider kissing perverted? I thought a rebellious girl like you would be a little more liberated than that." He shrugged nonchntly, "But fine, fine, no kisses then."


    He was about to turn his head and wake Elora when Emily''s head suddenly shot forward and pressed her lips against his.


    It wasn''t a peck either and quickly turned into a much deeper kiss, with plenty of Erik''s delicious saliva finding its way into Emily''s mouth. The ck-eyed girl couldn''t help but moan a little.


    It was a few minutes before they finally separated, and Emily panted with a slightly dazed look on her face. Erik smacked his mouth a little as he could still taste the girl''s sweet lips before smirking curiously at her, waiting for an exnation.


    After Emily recovered, she grinned at him, "Damn, did Elora really change your entire body to be so delicious? Because that''s pretty unfair."


    Then she looked a little embarrassed but didn''t lose her grin, "Anyway. Perhaps a little perverted stuff now and then wouldn''t be so bad¡­"


    Suddenly, a third face stuck itself between the two of them with a grin, "I like the sound of that! Don''t worry; your mommy and master will treat you well!" Elora chirped.


    Emily yelped and jumped back before ring at the fairy.


    It seemed she had forgotten Elora was even there, but her expression was a clear rejection of Elora''s offer.


    Elora didn''t mind and just giggled at her behavior. "Well, I don''t mind." Then she winked, "Besides, Mommy will still get her hands on you during punishments."


    Hearing Elora refer to herself as Mommy again made Emily shiver, but she ignored the taunts and simply turned around to see if Emma had woken up yet.


    Elora turned to Erik with a mischievous grin. "I don''t think she likes me much."


    Erik chuckled and kissed his beloved partner on the lips. "It''s her loss!" To which Elora sat up and puffed out her chest. "That''s right!"


    Then she leaned over again and pecked Erick on the lips. "Alright, you have a good morning. I''m going to continue resting." Next, she disappeared into a cloud of light specks and entered Erik''s soul.


    He smiled and shook his head before getting up and donning his armor.


    After Emma had woken up and gotten over her embarrassment fromst night, it didn''t take long before the group left the cabin and returned to the road.


    They didn''t know it yet, but today would prove to be eventful.

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75 - Astrid [1/2]

    Not long after the trio of Erik, Emma, and Emily left the cabin, they walked under the watery northern sun as it cast elongated shadows on the snow that nketed the ground.


    The air was crisp, filling their lungs with cold, clean, and sharp air as they walked along a rough, barely used road through a taiga forest with ancient pine trees on all sides, their branches heavy with snow.


    Emma was basically skipping and couldn''t stop smiling as her gaze switched between Erik and Emily. Even the visible puffs of airing from her mouth seemed to twirl with happiness, reflecting her infectious energy.


    Erik just took it in stride, a small smile ying on his lips, enjoying the lightness of the moment. Emily, however, seemed to be getting a little annoyed, sighed, exasperated, and rolled her eyes. "Oh my god, little Em. You''re acting like you''ve found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," Emily teased, her tone a mix of amusement and mild irritation.


    Emma, undeterred by her big sister''s attitude, continued to skip along as the skirt of her maid outfit danced in the wind. "Can you me me, big Em? My two favourite people in the world are getting along now! What could be better than that!"


    While the sisters still had plenty of things to sort out, it was clear that Emma was making every effort to mend fences and start over, just like they promised each other back in Kirkenes.


    Although whether Emma''s current mood was permanent or even entirely genuine, only time would tell. After all, back on the boat, she gave Emily a pretty desperate speech, during which her usually cheerful attitude was reced by a haunted look.


    It seemed unlikely that part of Emma had wholly and suddenly disappeared.


    But Emily wouldn''t bring that up now. The raven-haired woman scoffed and turned her head away, trying to avoid her little sister''s probing and teasing. "We''re not getting along! I just¡­ decided not to be sobative all the time¡­"


    But Emma was having none of it. "You can''t fool me, big Em! You know how Sir exined I have a great intuition due to my nature affinity? Well, it''s telling me that you like him!"


    Emily palmed her head and sighed, a mixture of frustration and affection in her voice. "I love you, little Em, but you can be very annoying, you know that?"


    Completely ignoring her sister''sment, Emma began to sing, "?Erik and Emily, sitting in a tree. K. I. S. S. I.


    N. G.?" The words floated through the air, light and teasing.


    As it turned out, Emma was already awake by the time Erik and Emily started kissing earlier and had seen the whole thing.


    Emily groaned, "Are you sure you''re eighteen? I feel like I''m talking to a child."


    Still cheery, Emma just said, "Impossible!"


    "Why?" Emily asked, knowing she wouldn''t like the answer.


    Appearing as if her words couldn''t be more obvious, Emma grinned, "Because I''ve also kissed Sir, and if I was a child, that would make him a child molester, and Sir is not a terrible person. Therefore, he can''t be a child molester, and thus, I can''t be a child!"


    Erik, who walked a few meters ahead of them, couldn''t help but chuckle and nod, "Can''t argue with that logic."


    Emily red ahead and disagreed. "Yes, you can! Very easily! I''m sure plenty of people out there consider you a terrible person!"


    Erik thought back to some of the things he''d done back on S?l and nodded casually, "Can''t argue with that either, to be honest."


    Finally, the bright smile slipped from Emma''s face and was reced by a disgruntled huff, "Lies and nder!"


    Erikughed loudly, his heart warmed by Emma''s faith in him. Inside his soul, Elora also couldn''t helpughing at the young woman''s loyalty. "I bet you could ughter an entire vige, and that girl will find a way to justify it." She said to him through their link.


    He smirked in response, "Maybe, but let''s hope we never have to find out."


    Meanwhile, Emily relented a little, knowing the argument was pointless. "Fine, he''s a saint. Why do you like this situation so much anyway? You do know it''s not exactly normal for a girl to want to see their sister kissing the same guy they like, right? Not to mention, that guy is basically married!"


    Immediately, Emma blushed and quickly nced at Erik in front of them before shushing Emily, "Shhhh. Do you have to say that out loud?"


    Emily rolled her eyes but waited with Emma to see if Erik would respond, as they knew perfectly well there was no way Erik wouldn''t hear every word they said, no matter how softy, from just a few meters away.


    But Erik smirked and ignored the chatter behind him. He enjoyed listening to the sisters as they bickered and yed around. It felt refreshing.


    When she realised Erik wouldn''t embarrass her today, Emma sighed in relief before turning to her sister. She pouted and said softly, "I don''t care about any of that! All I want is for the two most important people in my life to be happy. And if they are, then I am, too!"


    Inside Erik''s soul, Elora groaned. "By the spirits. I bet she really means that. How does a girl like her even exist? Especially after all she''s been through?!"


    Truly, Emma was an extraordinary yet wounded soul, and she hadtched on to Erik with all four limbs.


    Emily sighed and finally gave in, "Ugh, I can''t argue with you when you''re like this¡­ I love you, little Em. And there is no one in the world like you."


    Emma puffed up her moderate chest in pride, "That''s right! I''m unique!"


    Meanwhile, in front of them, Erik''s senses suddenly picked up something they hadn''t in a long time.


    His senses were still very powerful even in human form, especially as a second-rank Runebound, so it was no surprise he picked up a familiar smell, even from a long distance away.


    He abruptly stopped walking without exnation, immediately causing the sisters to do the same. Emily scanned the surroundings suspiciously while Emma looked anxious, thinking Erik had stopped because of nearby danger.


    Suddenly, Erik shifted to his werewolf form, stuck his nose in the air and sniffed like a dog searching for a scent.


    After a few moments, he looked in a particr direction and frowned. Aplicated look appeared on his face as he looked behind him at the two sisters and seemed to debate something inwardly, either with Elora or himself.


    Eventually, he seemed toe to a decision. He sighed before moving in the direction the smell came from while looking at the two sisters behind him. "Come on, we''re making a detour. Be prepared because we might be in for a fight."


    He didn''t change back to human form and continued to move in the same direction.


    The sisters shared a look before following behind him: Emily was stern yet eager for a fight, while Emma was a little anxious yet mostly calm.


    They rushed quickly yet silently through the frozen pine trees. Naturally, Erik was holding back quite a bit in order for the girls to keep up with him. He could rush ahead, but he didn''t want to leave the sisters alone, and the smell was not travelling away from them anyway.


    After about fifteen minutes of this, Erik held up his hand, and the girls stopped. From here, they began to crouch and move slowly while using the trees for cover.


    Luckily, the snow muffled their steps, and soon, they were standing on top of a ridge while looking down at their target. A dominion ghoul patrol.


    About fifty first-rank ghouls were shuffling along a rtively wide and well-maintained road, travelling parallel to the gritty, narrow roads that Erik took.


    Surprisingly, or perhaps not, the ghouls were carrying a metal sheet attached to wooden poles with a regrzy chair on top of it. And in thezy chair sat a bored-looking, second-rank female vampire.


    Except for the leader''s gender, this patrol seemed to be a carbon copy of the previous one they encountered, with one other exception. At the front of the ghoul pack was another ghoul, but this one was a second rather than a first rank.


    This ghoul was a woman, and she wore a few more clothes than the others. Plus, she looked more like a regr vampire than the other ghouls. Not too much, though.


    She was still a pale and dried-up husk, but unlike the bald first-rank ghouls, she still had her strawberry blond hair, even if it was quickly greying. Her eyes showed the same level of barely contained, destructive insanity as the other ghouls, however.


    It was this ghoul that Erik had his eyes on and whose smell he recognised. This woman was someone from his past.


    His eyes narrowed withplicated emotions, "Astrid," he whispered.

 Chapter 76: Chapter 76 - Astrid [2/2]

    Seeing Astrid again caused Erik''s mind to travel back to a simpler time. It was now eleven years in the past, four years before the awakening and Edda''s betrayal. Erik and Edda were both fourteen years old at this point.


    The icy wind of Kirkenes in winter swept through the still-bustling harbour, carrying with it the salty tang of the sea and distant echoes of what few hardy seagulls stayed in the north rather than migrate to the south.


    There was no sun in the sky, despite being midday, as Kirkenes was currently at the start of its pr midnight phase, where the sun wouldn''t return for at least two months. Instead, streetnterns and a twilight gloom lit up the harbour.


    Erik, his silver-gray hair tousled by the breeze, stood beside Edda as they looked out over the harbour crowd. His eyes, reflecting a timidity that would shock anyone who met him inter years, wandered over the crates and ropes that littered the docks.


    Edda, bright-eyed and brimming with excitement, tugged at his sleeve. "Come on, Erik! It''s finally the time of year when we can meet up with Astrid again! Let''s go find her!"


    As vampires, Astrid and themunity she lived in would usually go for supplies at night. Only during the pr midnight period would Astrid''s mother agree to bring her here during the day.


    After all, before the awakening, vampires still had trouble staying under the sunlight.


    Despite Edda''s enthusiasm, Erik looked a little reluctant. He didn''t dislike Astrid per se; he just preferred spending time alone with the girl he loved instead.


    But he could never refuse Edda anything, especially not when her enthusiasm was as high as it was right now. So he put away his reluctance and gave Edda a timid smile before nodding, "Yeah, let''s go."


    But before they could move, Erik was suddenly jumped from behind by a slightly older girl who tousled his hair with her fist andughed loudly, "Looking for me, are ya?!"


    Edda''s face lit up at seeing her friend again after many months. They tried to meet up in between the pr midnight phases, but it was difficult and often didn''t work out. Luckily, they could always stay in contact over the Inte.


    "Astrid!" She said happily and jumped in to hug Erik and Astrid at the same time, as Erik was still held hostage by the vampire girl.


    The younger Erik just closed his eyes and sighed, letting it happen, even if he was slightly annoyed. The fact was, Astrid was not only older but also a vampire, which meant she had constant ess to her full strength, while Erik would have to change to his werewolf form first.


    And it''s not like he could show his wolf form in the middle of a busy dock filled with regr humans.


    Astrid continued tough as she rubbed Erik''s head with her fist, "Edda! It''s good to see you, girl!"


    Finally, she and Edda let Erik go and stepped back a little.


    Astrid was a sixteen-year-old vampire with strawberry blond hair, typical red vampire eyes, and pale skin. She was still growing, of course, but as a sixteen-year-old, her beauty was already apparent.


    Seeing the disgruntled look on Erik''s face, Astrid chuckled sheepishly, "Sorry, buddy. I know you don''t like that, but I can''t help myself. It''s good to see you!" She pouted a little, "I wish you would respond to my messages a little more often. I missed you, you bastard."


    Erik sighed. Despite her behaviour and the fact he preferred to hang with Edda alone, he did care for Astrid, even if it hadn''t always been that way.


    Their little trio of friends had actually started from the basis of Erik and Astrid rather than Astrid and Edda, as one might have expected.


    It all started two years ago when Erik was twelve and Astrid was fourteen. Astrid was almost theplete opposite of Erik: a rabble-rouser and a troublemaker who loved to get into fights. The problem was hermunity had very few kids her own age.


    So, she naturally got intrigued when she heard from her mother about this shapeshifter kid from Frostvik who could win fights against people two or even three years older than him.


    So, as soon as the next pr midnight rolled around, she convinced her mother to arrange a meeting in Kirkenes.


    Unfortunately for Astrid, it didn''t exactly go as nned. Despite Erik''s strength and skill, he didn''t really enjoy fighting and only did it to appease his parents. But since nothing forced him to ept this random vampire girl''s challenge, he simply ignored her.


    Yet, Astrid didn''t give up so easily and, over the next month, continued to pester Erik, hoping he would finally ept. Erik naturally grew annoyed as Astrid seriously cut into the time he could spend with Edda.


    During this time, Edda tried to befriend Astrid but was wholly ignored, as the vampire girl was entirely focused on getting Erik to ept her challenge.


    Eventually, Erik decided it was better to ept the challenge and get it over with so she would hopefully leave him alone.


    But, unfortunately, it didn''t work out that way. Erik managed to defeat Astrid despite being two years younger, and the vampire girl gained an obsession because of it. After that event, Erik found it entirely impossible to get rid of the vampire, so he reluctantly stopped resisting her friendship.


    Soon after that, Astrid and Edda became friends as well.


    Erik scratched his head awkwardly, "Yeah, sorry about that. You know how it is. First, you wait a little while to respond because you''re busy with something. Then you procrastinate for some other reason, and, eventually, it just bes too awkward to still respond."


    Then he smiled softly, "But it''s good to see you again, too, Astrid."


    Astrid, whose obsession with Erik had long since turned into a crush despite their age and racial difference, only heard thest part as she put her hands on her hips andughed. "Of course it is!" Then, her eyes lit up with excitement as she asked the same question she always did when they saw each other again. "You wanna spar?!"


    At this point, for Astrid, the sparring was just as much about the fight as it was about spending time alone with Erik without Edda. But Erik realised none of this. In typical young boy fashion, his entire being was absolutely obsessed with one specific girl while ignoring any and all others.


    And that girl was Edda, not Astrid.


    Erik sighed, still not a particr fan of fighting, "Come on, Astrid. We always do that, and it leaves Edda with nothing to do. How about we just walk around a little?"


    Astrid pouted, "Come oooon. Just a quickie!" Just like Erik, Astrid was a little clueless about some things.


    Some people walking by momentarily halted when they heard a sixteen-year-old girl mentioning a quickie. Still, they all decided it was none of their busines and moved on.


    Edda, the only one not so clueless between the three of them, giggled at Astrid''s choice of words before turning to Erik with a cheeky smile. "Oh, just give her what she wants, Erik. Give it to her hard, okay?! I''ll just watch from the side."


    Neither Astrid nor Erik understood what was so funny, but Astrid didn''t care either, as she cheered, "Yeah! Come on, let''s go!" She grabbed Erik''s sleeve and, under his exasperated sigh, pulled him along to find their usual spot, just outside the town.


    Unfortunately, along the way, they ran across a group of slightly older vampires, finally able to explore the town again during the daytime, who decided to cause trouble for the trio, particrly for the weak human girl with them.


    Seeing the malice and curiosity in their eyes, Erik tensed up and instinctively moved close to Edda when the group blocked their path. He may be timid, but he would protect Edda with his life if it came to that.


    Yet, he also knew he couldn''t simply transform right now. They were in a rtively quiet area, but the risk was still high that a random human might see him. He ground his teeth in frustration as he thought of a way out.


    Sensing the rising tension, Edda clutched Erik''s arm, her cheerful demeanour fading into apprehension, appearing aware of her vulnerability as the only human in the group.


    Astrid, however, stepped forward, her posture radiating confidence. "Got a problem, jackass?" she challenged, her strawberry blond hair seeming like a fiery halo in the dim light.


    The leader of the opposite group, a tall, 16 or 17-year-old vampire with a sneering expression, looked them over. "What''s this? A little mixed gathering? You still hanging around with the mut and the human, Astrid?"


    Their group consisted of vampires from variousmunities. Still, their leader just so happened to be from the same vige as Astrid.


    Astrid''s eyes narrowed, and her voice was ice. "They''re my friends. More than I can say for you, you little shit. Already forgotten thest time I beat you up for thinking you could get handsy with me?"


    The leaderughed, his gaze lingering on Edda. "Come now, Astrid. Why protect a human? You''re outnumbered here, and she''s nothing but¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Astrid lunged forward, her vampiric speed a blur. She tackled him to the ground, her fists connecting with his face before the others could react. The rest of the group moved to intervene, but Astrid was a whirlwind of fury, her movements swift and precise.


    Erik still held back while holding on to Edda as he prepared to transform if there was no other choice. He felt a surge of admiration and fear for Astrid. He wasn''t unhappy with himself, but sometimes he wanted to have that kind of determination.


    Suddenly, the fight ceased as quickly as it had begun. Astrid stood up, the leader of the vampire group lying dazed and bloody on the ground. Hispanions, toote to save him, quickly helped him up as they cast wary nces at Astrid.


    "Next time you talk about one of my friends like that, I''ll rip your fangs out of your mouth and stuff them in your ass," Astrid hissed, her eyes still zing. The opposing group, now more cautious, slowly backed away and then dispersed, leaving the trio alone.


    Astrid turned to Erik and Edda, her expression softening. "You guys okay?"

 Chapter 77: Chapter 77 - Crashing down from above

    Hearing Astrid''s question, Erik nodded, relieved that everything had ended up alright, "Yeah, thanks to you," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude and respect.


    Edda, recovering from the shock, threw her arms around Astrid. "You were amazing, Astrid!"


    The vampire girlughed boisterously, but her words were humble, "It wasn''t that amazing. Erik could have done the same if he had been free to transform."


    Having dealt with the troublemakers, they continued on their way. As they walked, Erik couldn''t help but feel a shift in his perception of Astrid. She was more than just the annoying sort of friend he couldn''t seem to get rid of; she was someone who cared for them and would protect them.


    And in that moment, a seed of understanding and appreciation was nted in Erik''s heart. Unfortunately, it would remain only a seed, as four yearster, he was tossed into the world of S?l, and every memory that involved Edda was tainted by her betrayal, causing memories of Astrid to slowly fade into the background.


    Only now, back in the present, did he not only remember her again but also finally understand the feelings Astrid had for him back then.


    As he looked at the ghoulified version of the girl he once knew, he couldn''t help but sigh as a bit of anger at himself welded up inside. He mumbled, "I''m sorry for not thinking of you all this time, Astrid. Hell, if I hadn''t encountered you today, I might never have thought of you again until it was toote.


    But you were never to me for Edda''s betrayal, and it was wrong of me to forget about you for so long. I''m d coincidence has given me a chance to make things right. I don''t know how you ended up in this situation, but I''ll get you out of it." His eyes shone with conviction at those words.


    He shortly spoke with Elora to discuss the best n of action. They considered running ahead and nting some sigils on the road for a proper ambush, but there were simply too many uncertainties in that n.


    After all, they would have to move quite far ahead to have the time to set those sigils up, and they had no idea if there would be any splits in the road before then.


    So, instead, it would be a no-nonsense frontal assault. It''s not like it was all that risky. Even Erik alone could fight a regr second-rank ghoul and vampire together, let alone when he had Emily to back him up.


    As for the fifty rank-one ghouls, they would barely be an obstacle. He would have to be careful with them, as they could technically pierce his armour, but they would pose little to no real threat.


    Before getting started, though, he felt like he was missing something. When he realised what it was, he chuckled inwardly. "Aren''t you going to call me a bleeding heart?" He asked Elora.


    Surprisingly, instead of an amused giggle, he received a stream of serious yet warm feelings from his partner. "Of course not. Emma and Emily were strangers, and you really are a foolish, bleeding heart for helping them. But this Astrid is different. Let''s do whatever we can to help her, and I hope it helps bring you a little peace regarding your past."


    Erik grinned warmly. "Oh, if only the Obsidian Enve could see you now¡­"


    He received the mental equivalent of rolled eyes in return. "Shut up and just get going already." Erikughed a little before doing precisely that.


    He turned towards Emma and Emily, who were looking at him curiously, wondering why this particr ghoul patrol was so special. However, they knew it wasn''t the time to ask, so they just waited to see what Erik wanted from them.


    First, he spoke to the younger sister, "You know what to do, right Emma?"


    She looked sad that she still couldn''t help but understood why and didn''t make a fuss. "Yes, Sir. Don''t worry about me. Last time, we were in the middle of a town, but here, in a forest, my thorn dome will be all the more powerful. Plus, we''re high up, so they might not even realise I''m here."


    He smiled at her and nodded, "Good girl. Don''t worry; we''ll get you to second-rank as soon as possible." Seeing Emma smile brightly and nod with anticipation, he turned to Emily. "Can you take care of the vampire woman?


    I know a frontal battle isn''t exactly your forte, but you only need to keep her busy while I deal with the ghouls. I''m sure Elora''s gift wille in handy for that."


    A frontal battle against a second-rank Runebound was not easy for Emily, as her strengthy more in control, harassment, and range, and getting close to the woman in an attempt to enve her was mostly just a quick way to die.


    Emily looked slightly reluctant about using Elora''s gift, but that was mainly because of who it came from. So she nodded with a bloodthirsty smile as she released her corrupted desires.


    Yet, there was no corrupted red flickering in her eyes this time. It appeared their session fromst night really had helped her gain some more control. "Sure, Boss. But what''s the goal here? Just so I don''t screw anything up by ident."


    Erik''s face became grave upon hearing her question. "I want to get that second-rank ghoul. Alive. Understood?"


    Seeing his expression, Emily had to gulp a little before she nodded. Clearly, this was important to him, and she wasn''t yet ready to find out exactly how forgiving Erik was towards her. She pulled the reigns on her bloodthirsty instincts before asking a second question.


    "Got it, Boss. But, uh, how do we get down there? It''s a ten-meter drop at least, and I''m no Runebound."


    Losing his grave expression, Erik grinned. "You leave that to me."


    The darker sister looked a little apprehensive at his grin but simply nodded her ascent as she had decided to put her trust in him.


    Seeing the sisters were both ready and considering he was already in werewolf form, Erik wasted no time. He nced at the ghoul patrol below, which was moving slowly along the broad forest road and hadn''t made much distance since they arrived.


    He conjured his hammer from the armour''s storage, held it in his right hand, tensed his leg muscles, and jumped high into the air with a loud, reverberating howl. But not before snatching Emily by the waist and taking her with him.


    Emily, unsurprisingly, screamed, "You asshole!" in surprise and fear as the hard ground below suddenly came up to greet her, her bloodthirsty expression all but lost.


    Erik felt the world around him slow down as adrenaline pumped through his body, and an excited grin appeared on his face. It was time to fight, and Erik looked forward to it.


    As he fell and the ghoul patrol below them slowly jumped into action, lightning began to gather on the head of his hammer, a clear sign of his second lightning spell, concussive st.


    When he was only two meters above the panicking patrol, he suddenly used his enormous strength to toss Emily up and to the left in the direction of the vampire.


    His upward andteral throw essentially counteracted much of the downward velocity from gravity, and Emilynded rtively safely, if a little ungracefully, right on her ass and on top of the vampire''s ghoul-carried tform. "Ah! Careful, damn it!" She yelled.


    Meanwhile, Erik took his hammer in both hands, aimed the head at the ground and plunged thest meter downwards. Hended right in the middle of the ghoul pack as his hammer hit the ground, causing the concussive st to release its force in every direction.


    A loud explosion, apanied by the fizzling and crackling of lightning, echoed through the otherwise quiet forest. More than half of the patrol''s ghouls sted out in every direction, as many of them received heavy wounds or even died before being able to get a swipe in. Even some nearby pine trees were felled.


    Between jumping down andnding, at most, two seconds passed, and considering the patrol leader''s unprepared and seated state, she was still in the process of getting up from her chair when Emilynded on her tform, and Erik released his concussive st.


    "What the f- Ah! Fuck!" She began to yell but was interrupted by her tform sinking to the ground, as some of the ghouls carrying it were sted away by Erik, while the remaining failed to keep it in the air, considering a human just crashed down on it.


    Emily was already on her ass, so she went mostly unaffected, but the vampire woman immediately lost her footing and sank back down into her chair. Seeing an opening, Emily wasted no time conjuring two pitch-ck arrows from her seated position and hurling them towards the vampire.


    Still confused but realising the danger, the vampire reacted quickly and yelped as she crossed her arms in front of her face. Dark brown runes appeared on her skin, and a tough shell of small rocks began to form all over her body, blocking the arrows.


    Emily immediately cursed under her breath. "It just had to be a defensive type," she mumbled hatefully.

 Chapter 78: Chapter 78 - Battle in the forest.

    The vampire woman''s eyes burnt with fury as she looked at the ck patches slowly corroding her earthen armour. She quickly dismissed it before the corrosive darkness reached her skin.


    She wasn''t sure what affinity this woman used, but it was clearly dangerous. She would have to focus on avoiding it, as dismissing and restoring her armour every time she got hit would drain her energy way too quickly.


    Both Emily and the vampire were now on their feet and staring at each other. Despite her bloodthirst calling out for it, Emily didn''t make another move. After all, Erik had asked her to dy this woman, not defeat her.


    The vampire leader growled, "Who are you?! How dare you attack a Dominion patrol?! I don''t know where you came from, human, or how you avoided detection for so long, but you should have remained hidden!"


    Only then did she finally notice Erik, who was busy ughtering ghouls just behind Emily. "And a werewolf!? When did those beasts from the Enve stop killing humans on sight?!"


    Emily kept pulling on the reigns of her instincts as she responded so she could dy as long as possible. "Who says we''re with the Enve?" Her lips were curled into a bloodthirsty smile as if she couldn''t wait to attack again, which was true.


    The vampire scoffed, "I don''t care who you''re with. You made a mistake attacking us!" She grinned maliciously. "Let''s see how that mutt over there deals with my second-rank ghoul."


    She was right to be confident. Second-rank ghouls remain essentially mindless, but they retain much more of their original self''s motor skills than first-rank ghouls. She knew this ghoul was one of their best fighters, even though no one knew who she had been before bing a ghoul.


    Plus, since a ghoul essentially traded their critical thinking for power, they were always at the top of their game, unlike regr vampires, who were only at their most powerful when they had a belly full of blood.


    Lastly, second-rank ghouls are¡­ unique in how they are controlledpared to first-rank ghouls.


    All this makes second-rank ghouls the strongest front-line solder avable to the Dominion. The only problem was that they still couldn''t use their affinities.


    Yet, despite her confidence in ghoul Astrid''s abilities, she knew wasting time would be a mistake. After all, in a group fight with two second-ranked on each side, the winner would be decided by the one who could turn the battle into a two vs one the fastest.


    So she activated her second rune, causingnces made from rock to appear on her hands, and charged at Emily, who cursed under her breath but also felt relieved at being able to let loose the reigns of her bloodthirst.


    As a Runebound, the vampire''s physical abilities were naturally far beyond Emily''s. Hence, she had to make sure to stay out of melee range.


    She quickly made five pitch-ck balls float around her and began to harass her opponent with them to slow her down while Emily moved back, essentially beginning to kite her. These were the moments when she really wished her second spell was some kind of defensive or movement spell rather than envement.


    Luckily, as a reward for ''being a good girlst night'', as Elora had put it, the fairy had taught her how to create a simple augmentation sigil. This sigil was the primary method used on S?l by lower-ranked Arcanists to increase the power of their body.


    It wouldn''t make her body even nearly as powerful as a Runebound, but it might just make the difference between life and death. She poured her energy into the sigil. A symbol quickly shed on the back of her hand, and right away, great power filled her body to the brim.


    She grinned widely. ''Time to annoy this woman to death'', she thought.


    Meanwhile, Erik''s impact had attracted every ghoul in the patrol towards him, leaving Emily free to move about.


    He had stowed away his hammer and turned into a whirlwind of lightning and ice as his ws ripped apart everything that came close. While he did so, Elora kept an eye on Emily for him while he was locked in a staring contest with the ghoulified Astrid.


    In her eyes, all he saw was insanity and obedience to whatever sigil the Dominion had used to keep their ghouls under control.


    Luckily, ording to what he learned from his parents, ghouls could return to normal as long as they actually got their fangs on some blood. Not to mention that he had both Emma''s light affinity and Emily''s seidr magic to smooth over any kinks. That said, he couldn''t help worrying as he looked at the thing his childhood friend had turned into.


    Her behaviour was a little strange, though. "Why do you think she''s just standing there and looking at me? You think she''s not entirely mindless after all?" He asked Elora while continuing to ughter ghouls.


    Elora was quiet for a moment before speaking up. "I doubt it. Her behaviour suggests she''s literally observing you, which suggests critical thinking. Instead, I suspect she''s under the direct control of someone¡­"


    As he ripped another ghoul''s head off, Erik frowned. "Direct control¡­ You mean someone else is looking at me right now?"


    He received a mental nod, "Right. There are many types of beast control sigils, some of which allow for aplete takeover. I doubt every one of these ghouls is under direct control, but it''s not surprising if they use this method for second-rank ghouls.


    They could simply use a weaker first-rank for the task and get a second-rank ghoul that can actually think for itself. Kind of, anyway."


    While Eora talked, Erik breathed deeply, opened his mouth, and touched his first ice spell. A blue magic circle appeared before his mouth, and he released a breath of icy shrapnel, instantly annihting another five ghouls.


    "So why is she, or whoever''s controlling her, not attacking then?" He asked.


    Elora seemed to think for a moment, "Good question. I''m not entirely sure. It''s possible whoever is controlling her is trying to find a weakness or hoping the first-rank ghouls will tire you out. However, it still seems like attacking would be a better strategy."


    She sent him a mental shrug, "Anyway, does it matter? They won''t find a weakness to exploit, and with me here, physical stamina is the least of your concerns."


    Erik couldn''t find any fault in her words, so he nodded and went back to killing ghouls while keeping an eye on Astrid.


    *******


    Meanwhile, on the other side of Finnmark, the county where the Dominion ruled, in the city of Alta, a man was sitting on arge,fortable leather chair while sipping a red, viscous fluid from a whiskey ss.


    The room was located in an underground bunker, left over from World War two, and had clearly been initially built with utilitarianforts in mind.


    However, since then, it has been refurnished and modified to be the well-secured yet veryfortable living quarters of Sigurd ckthorn, the dominion''s current leader and its only third-rank fighter.


    Lighting was sparse yet warm, which, as a vampire, suited Sigurd just fine. Various paintings and other art were spread around the room, which,bined with the luxurious furniture, warm light, rugs and wood-covered walls, created an atmosphere of opulence andfort despite being in a utilitarian World War Two bunker.


    Sigurd himself was a tall man with typical red eyes, chestnut brown hair and a sinister face, with eyes full of malice. He released a sigh of contentment as he sipped on the ss of blood in his left hand and put his right hand on the head of an unfortunate young woman between his legs.


    "That''s it, girl. Please me, and perhaps I''ll go a little easier on your mother the next time I call on her." Panic and tears were evident in the girl''s eyes, but she didn''t stop. She didn''t dare to.


    Suddenly, a rapid knocking sounded on his door. Anger and annoyance shed through Sigurd''s eyes as he grabbed the woman''s hair tight and pushed her further down while responding to the knocking in a calm voice that belied the anger in his eyes.


    There was only one man who would dare to disturb him now. "What is it, Lars? I know you must have a good reason to disturb me during my rest."


    A rushed man''s voice sounded from the other side of the door. "Deepest apologies, Lord Sigurd, but you asked me to inform you the moment anyone found news about the girl."


    All the irritation was immediately wiped from Sigurd''s face as a wide grin appeared on his face, "Oh? Did you find her?"


    "Yes, Sir! But the situation requires your urgent attention. She somehow ended up as a ghoul soldier in one of our Eastern garrisons near the town of Kirkenes. The problem is that we found her because the beastbinder sigil warned us ofbat, and the sigil master who took control of her noticed her identity.


    In other words, she is currently engaged inbat, and her survival is in question."

 Chapter 79: Chapter 79 - Liv Frost

    Sigurd''s grin quickly turned into a frown as he realised the severity of the situation. If the girl died, he would have to find some other way to convince that bitch, and he had no idea where to even start with that.


    He cursed under his breath and stood up before pping the girl between his legs away from him. "Fuck off, bitch. We''ll continue this another time."


    The girl yelped, stumbled back, and fell against a table, where she quickly curled up to protect herself.


    Sigurd just ignored her. He adjusted his elegant and dignified clothing so that he was once again fully covered up and rushed out the door, nearly bowling over his personal assistant, Lars, who brought him the news.


    "Tell me everything you know!" Sigurd barked as he continued to move through the bunker''s narrow hallways. Lars, who only barely kept up with his lord, quickly exined what he knew while they moved to the base''smand centre.


    Themand centre was where the sigil masters controlled the second-rank ghouls and even the asional second-rank beast through the beastbinder sigils.


    The way this worked was that the beastbinder sigil on every second-rank ghoul would send a signal back to this base when they were about to get into a fight, thereby prompting one of the sigil masters on duty to take control of the ghoul and direct them as if they controlled a drone.


    It was a truly ingenious setup that not only proved Sigurd''s intellect and callousness but also his extensive knowledge in the art of sigil-crafting. Had Elora known all this, she would have likelymended Sigurd on both his ruthlessness and his talent with sigils.


    Now more aware of the situation, thanks to Lars, Sigurd stormed into themand centre. Inside were tens of first-rank male and female vampires sitting in front of screen-like sigils that projected the ghoul''s vision.


    These screens connected with a second sigil imprinted on the controller''s hand, which they used to direct the ghouls.


    "Which of you has connected to Astrid?!" he yelled. One of the women in the room stuck up her hand but didn''t take her eyes off the screen, which clearly showed Erik as he ughtered ghoul after ghoul. "Me, Lord Sigurd.


    I''ve been holding off on doing anything with her before you got here, Sir, but this unknown werewolf is tearing through the rank-one ghouls like they''re warm packets of butter. Soon, I''ll have to act or let her die."


    "You did well, Kari!" he said hurriedly. Despite his callous personality, he knew how to keep a small group of people loyal: by treating them with respect, giving them plenty of benefits, and praising where praise is due.


    Then, under the astonished gazes of everyone in the room, he used his sharp nails and considerable power as a third-rank Runebound vampire to tear out the piece of wall the sigil was etched on.


    Since the sigil drew power from the surroundings and from the sigil master it was connected to, in this case, Kira, it could function just fine this way.


    Not waiting to exin his actions, he just told the woman controlling Astrid to follow him and quickly walked out of the room with the piece of wall under his arm and an expression of sinister anticipation on his face.


    Both Kari and Lars quickly followed after him. Despite their astonishment at Sigurd simply ripping out a piece of wall, they did realise where they were going. It wasn''t hard to guess, considering this rted to Astrid.


    Sigurd and hispanion soon reached the maximum security area of the bunker, their steps echoing down a long hallway that ended at a lone door.


    With an expression filled with triumphant glee, Sigurd opened the door, revealing a room dominated by arge ss box in the centre, its surface etched with various coloured sigils.


    Inside the box sat a woman, Liv Frost. Her legs were crossed, and her strawberry blond hair framed a face marked by the red eyes that characterised all vampires. Despite her appearance, it was clear she was not in her prime; her skin and hair were greying, sagging, and wrinkling ¨C the ghoulification process was taking its toll.


    This woman was the original founder of the Dominion, making her a third-rank vampire, just like Sigurd. Yet, despite their supposedly equal rank, Liv was far more powerful than Sigurd, mainly because of her affinity, which was especially deadly for vampires.


    Sigurd had managed to dethrone her only a few months ago, upon attaining the third rank himself, by tricking her and exploiting the only advantage he had: his profound knowledge of sigils.


    First, he challenged her to a duel for the Dominion''s leadership, which she epted without hesitation. With her limited understanding of sigils, Liv underestimated their power and overestimated her own, assuming Sigurd''s ambition had clouded his judgment. She just figured he needed to be taught a quick lesson before falling in line.


    Unfortunately, Sigurd never intended to fight her. Instead, he cunningly lured her into her current prison by disguising the entrance to this ss box as the doorway to their duel location. Now, the very sigils she had underestimated were the only things keeping her confined.


    Sigurd knew that if he ever dared to enter the prison, he would not survive, regardless of Liv''s weakened state.


    As Sigurd stepped into the room, Liv''s eyes snapped open, fixing him with a gaze filled with intense hatred and resentment. Despite her deteriorating condition and the erosion of her reason and critical thinking due to the ghoulification, her calm demeanour and unwavering gaze spoke volumes of her immense willpower and resilience.


    "What do you want, Sigurd?" Liv spat, her voice dripping with venom.


    Sigurd grinned maliciously. "Why, dear Liv. Ie bearing good news! My people found Astrid!"


    A glint of despair shed across the woman''s eyes, but she quickly mped down on those feelings and regained her calm. "You''re lying," she spat with disdain. As it turned out, this woman was not only the Dominion''s founder but also Astrid''s mother.


    Chuckling, Sigurd presented the piece of wall with a screen sigil on it. "Come now, Liv. Do you think I woulde here without proof?" At the moment, the screen only showed Erik and a rapidly thinning horde of rank-one ghouls. There were only about ten left, and a confrontation between Astrid and Erik was mere seconds away.


    Yet, since the scene was shown from Astrid''s eyes, her face was naturally not visible, so Liv simply scoffed. "All I see is some random shapeshifter ughtering your precious ghouls. I should thank him for putting them out of their misery."


    Sigurd ignored her words and turned to Kari, the woman controlling Astrid. "Kari, if you would?"


    The woman nodded without much expression. She didn''t care about Astrid or Liv, which is precisely how Sigurd liked his people.


    Kari made some movements with the hand that held the control sigil, and soon, the view of the screen shifted to looking down at the ground. After Erik''s lightning crash, much of the snow on the ground melted from the generated heat, so there were many puddles of water spread around.


    One of these puddles now showed a clear reflection of Astrid''s ghoulified face, which Liv immediately recognised as her daughter. Before her thoughts caught up, Liv stood up, yelling, "Astrid! What did you do to her?!"


    Sigurd smiled victoriously and shrugged, "Nothing yet. Until just now, I had no idea where your precious daughter was, and I still don''t know how she ended up in her current situation exactly. But frankly, I don''t care."


    He turned his attention to the screen and noticed Erik was done ughtering the first-rank ghouls and now looked at Astrid with confusion before approaching her. Sigurd whistled, "You''re lucky this werewolf is a cautious one." Completely misinterpreting why Erik didn''t just go for the kill straight away.


    He turned back to Liv, cruelty burning in his eyes, "You know what I want from you, Liv, and you better decide quickly whether you''re going to give it to me because I''m not ordering Kari here to fight back before you do."


    Despair filled Liv''s face as she looked at the werewolf she presumed was about to kill her dear daughter. Yet, what Sigurd was asking of her was a lot. "Y- You still might be lying! This could be a fabrication created from your damn sigils!"


    Sigurd sighed and shrugged, "Actually, that would be very hard to do, if not impossible. But I don''t suppose you''d believe that. Regardless, do you want to take the risk?"


    Liv looked back at the screen and noticed the werewolf''s w quickly approaching her daughter''s face. Tears streamed from her eyes, conflict clear in her eyes, but in the end¡­ she finally gave in. "Fine! Fine! I''ll give you what you want. Just don''t let her die!"


    Knowing what Sigurd would want her to do now, Kari quickly made a hand movement and, at thest second, made Astrid avoid the w approaching her face.


    Sigurd grinned. "Good choice! Let''s get started then, shall we?"

 Chapter 80: Chapter 80 - Despair

    Back at the battle site, Erik frowned as Astrid dodged his w at thest moment.


    He naturally wasn''t going to hurt her; he just needed to make prolonged physical contact so that Elora could wipe out the sigil controlling her. Since the girl was just standing there, even after he finished the rank-one ghouls, he figured something was going on with her controller and hoped to make use of it.


    Unfortunately, his actions had unknowingly harmed the girl''s mother in some way, which would surelye back to bite him in the future.


    For now, though, he had no idea about any of this.


    He refocused on Astrid and thought, ''I suppose whoever is behind her controls has finally woken up. I guess I''ll have a fight on my hands after all.''


    Astrid now stood in a battle-ready stance, with her ws out, ready to receive him. Erik naturally obliged, and they quickly began trading blows.


    Behind them, Emily and the unknown vampire leader also continued their fight. Or perhaps fight was a strong word. In gaming terms, it resembled a duel between a tank and a ranged character.


    However, in this case, the tank moved faster than her opponent, putting serious physical and mental pressure on Emily. She constantly had to devise new ideas for using her dark orbs to slow the vampire down while she attempted to wear down her opponent''s energy and armour.


    The only upside for Emily was that she actually had some experience fighting against Runebound from back in London, while this vampire had never actually encountered a second-rank Arcanist since all humans in this region were either dead or enved in blood farms.


    Eventually, she felt the need to say something, as things were bing more and more dangerous for her. "Hey, Boss!" she yelled while barely dodging the vampire''s rock drill arms once again, "Can you help me out already?! I''m not sure how much longer I can keep this up!"


    As he kicked Astrid in the stomach to provide some room, he yelled back, "Just bring her to me. I''ll make sure she leaves you alone!"


    Meanwhile, he spoke to Elora inside his mind. "We need to create some sigils for mentalmunicationter, we can''t just be yelling our ns across the battlefield. Emily only speaks English, and we can''t exactly assume our enemy doesn''t. Especially not when the Dominion leadership is listening."


    He received a mental nod in return. "You''re right, but let''s finish this first."


    Emily didn''t question his orders, nor if he was actually able to hold both Astrid and the vampire together. She needed to do what he said, or she''d soon be dead.


    Naturally, the vampire heard everything they said, but she could do nothing about it. Emily tempted fate onest time by slipping past her opponent and sprinting towards Erik while her orbs of darkness floated behind her to slow down the vampire.


    The woman cursed herck of ranged skills as she attempted to catch Emily before reaching her fighting partner. "Come back here, you human stain! Learn your ce and be a blood bag like a good girl!"


    But in the end, Emily''s tactics in using her dark orbs proved superior when Emily finally stood next to Erik, panting heavily but alive and unharmed.


    The vampire closed in and tried to continue attacking Emily, but Erik was a whirl of ws and lightning, forcing the vampire and Astrid to engage with him or suffer the consequences.


    He continued using his ws rather than his hammer, as he needed the speed his ws provided to keep both his opponents engaged.


    His body surged with lightning, increasing his agility, speed and reflexes while it was covered in a thinyer of ice. He didn''t use any Arcanist abilities for two reasons.


    He didn''t want to give the person controlling Astrid any more clues to his dual nature, and those spells were also a little too destructive when his goal was to keep Astrid alive.


    He could only hope the other side had not yet caught on to his peculiarity, as he didn''t need another third-rank character''s attention when he already had Katya after him.


    Using the opportunity, Emily disengaged from the meleebat and created some distance.


    Finally in her element and able to let loose, corrupted red flickered through her eyes, and a bloodthirsty smile appeared on her face as she focussed her gaze on the vampire patrol leader. "Time for payback, bitch." she mumbled as all five dark orbs floated around her again.


    For the next few minutes, lightning crackled, ice sparkled, darkness consumed, and stone endured as this four-person battlefield raged on, disturbing the ordinarily peaceful taiga.


    Unfortunately, despite his generally higher battle power, Erik had one disadvantage: he wanted to keep Astrid alive while his opponents constantly went for the kill.


    Taking care of the patrol leader turned out to be pretty straightforward, however, especially with Emily''s help. It wasn''t long before the patrol leader had no more energy to keep her rock armour up, as she had to constantly dispel and recreate it when it came into contact with Emily''s darkness.


    When he noticed this, Erik sent Astrid stumbling backwards with a right hook, careful to avoid cutting her with his ws, before turning around, burying his hand in the exhausted vampire''s chest and ripping out her heart.


    Seeing that woman finally go down, Emily released a sigh of relief and sank to the ground as she used the newly gained control over herself to stamp down on her instincts and corruption.


    She was exhausted, and her magic was far too destructive to help against the ghoul since Erik wanted her alive for some reason. So, she saw no point in continuing and preferred to rest and ensure her mind stayed on the sane side of the mental scale.


    Finally wholly free to focus on Astrid, Erik had to pant as he observed her for a moment. He was actually bleeding from various wounds, as he had been unable topletely avoid Astrid''s ws, which were able to just barely cut through his armour.


    Luckily, his armour could repair itself if he provided some raw materials through the engraved runes, even though it would take at least a few days.


    Elora could heal him, but for now, she decided to save their shared energy storage just in case something happened.


    After that, it took mere moments before the already exhausted and wounded Astrid was taken in a chokehold by Erik,pletely immobilising her. At the same time, Elora quickly went to work on erasing the sigil controlling the girl.


    *******


    Meanwhile, in the bunker under Alta, Liv kneeled inside the ss prison with an exposed back while Sigurd stood behind her as he drew a sigil. Liv''s eyes were firmly cast on Kira and the screen she was standing next to.


    She had demanded the screen remain in sight so that she could be sure they wouldn''t pull any tricks.


    But when Liv saw what happened on the screen, quickly followed by the screen going ck, signifying a loss of connection, she went berserk. She rushed to her feet, tossing Sigurd on his ass, and screamed in despair. "No! Astrid!"


    Immediately, bright orange runes appeared on her skin, and the prison''s insides began to heat up.


    Lost in her rage, she turned around, intending to kill Sigurd, but, unfortunately, the man knew when to cut his losses. He had used Liv''s brief moment of despair to relocate himself outside the prison and close the door.


    Rage filled the man''s face as he turned to Kira, "What the hell happened?! You and that ipetent patrol leader were facing him together, yet you couldn''t take him down?! Useless!"


    Kira had already sunk to her knees and was shaking in terror. "I''m sorry, my lord! I''m sorry! I don''t know what happened with that werewolf, but he wasn''t normal! His armour was ridiculously tough; his speed was off the charts, and his stamina seemed inexhaustible!"


    But Sigurd wouldn''t be cated. "Excuses! Pay for your sins!" he growled in fury before ripping off the mere rank-one vampire''s head in one swift motion.


    Meanwhile, Liv continued to rage behind him in an emotional cocktail of rage and despair. "I''ll kill you, Sigurd ckthorn. One day, I will kill you!" She screamed as tears flowed down her face, and her body continued to shine brighter and brighter as if she was about to blow up.


    Still furious but having regained his calm, he nced at Liv with annoyance before quickly making his way out. He didn''t doubt the prison would hold, but that light pricked even his third-rank Runebound skin, and he didn''t care for it.


    Once outside, Lars silently walked behind his lord until he couldn''t stop speaking up anymore. He was Sigurd''s most trusted man and doubted he would be killed so easily. "My lord¡­"


    But Sigurd interrupted him, knowing what he would ask. "I didn''t manage to finish. It is partiallyplete, but exactly how much control I''ll have over her when she finally bes aplete ghoul is uncertain."

 Chapter 81: Chapter 81 - Emmas shocking reveal

    "It''s done," Elora said, "It really wasn''t very hard, as it''s not aplicated sigil."


    As the beastbinder sigil disappeared from Astrid''s back, the blood-crazed insanity inside her had nothing to hold it back anymore, so she began screeching and iling wildly in Erik''s arms.


    But, it was useless. They were both second-rank, but with Elora boosting Erik''s physical capabilities and Astrid being far more exhausted than him, there was no way she could escape from his grip.


    As he continued to hold her in ce, he turned to the exhausted Emily, who was still panting and sitting on the ground. "Come over here, Emily. It''s not time to sit on your ass yet. I need you to enve her."


    Emily chuckled, "No rest for the wicked, Boss?"


    He rolled his eyes, "That''s right. Now, get going. You think it''sfortable holding her back like this?"


    Sighing, Emily stood up, "Fine, fine. Damn, vedriver."


    While walking towards Erik, she gained aplicated look on her face. "Are you sure you want me to do this? I don''t know who she is to you, but she seems important."


    Her question was a fair one. They hadn''te to an understanding that long ago, after all, and if Emily still held some resentment, using Astrid was a great way to get some leverage over Erik.


    Who would be faster: Erik, wielding the covenant''s power to wrest control of Astrid from Emily, or Emily, exploiting her envement of Astrid topel suicide?


    The covenant, after all, was only good for short-termmands. Anything long-term had to be part of the original deal, so simply ordering her now not to harm Astrid would be pointless.


    While Astrid continued to growl and struggle in his arms, Erik shook his head. "Trust is a two-way street. You trust me, so I''ll trust you." For Erik, that wasn''t entirely true, however.


    Erik and Elora were big believers in the proverbs ''trust but verify'' and ''better safe than sorry'', so they had taken some additional precautions in case a situation arose where the covenant wasn''t enough to prevent a possible betrayal by Emily. Even Emma wasn''t spared from those precautions.


    Some people would say the duo had a small problem with trust.


    And they would be right.


    But Emily had no idea about this, of course. She couldn''t help but smile a little. Being trusted by someone she had begrudginglye to respect felt good. "I''ll try not to let you down then," she said as she conjured a pitch-ck magic circle and touched Astrid''s forehead with it.


    Enving the mind of a second rank took at least a few seconds, and Erik decided to fill the silence. "You did a good job against that vampire. I honestly expected I might have to save you at some point, but you didn''t even get a scratch."


    Despite thepliment, Emily looked a little angry at herself and had to refocus to continue forming a mental connection with Astrid. "Yeah, but I didn''t defeat her."


    Erik shook his head, "Don''t beat yourself up over that. It was a bad matchup for you. Personally, I actually think we made a great team."


    Emily couldn''t believe the warm feeling she felt flowing through her body because of his words. What happened to the tough girl she was supposed to be? She decided not to answer and quickly finished forming the connection before turning around to hide her slight blush. "Y- Yeah, well¡­ anyway. It''s done, so let''s get going?"


    Erik grinned at her behaviour and finally released Astrid, who had stopped growling and now just stood silent with a ssy look in her eyes. Erik inwardly apologised to his childhood friend for instantly enving her again just after she got free.


    Luckily, it wouldn''t be for long. Soon, she would truly be free.


    Emily stood at the bottom of the cliff they had just jumped down from and looked up. "So, uh, I''m sure you and the ghoul can climb up there, but how am I supposed to do it?"


    Erik, still in his werewolf form, released a growling chuckle. "Surely that should be obvious, no?" The moment he finished talking, he grabbed Emily by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder.


    "Ah! Asshole! Stop doing that!" she yelped.


    Erikughed as he began the climb up. "But you make it so much fun!"


    Emily grumbled a little with her arms crossed as she hung over his shoulder, forced to look downwards while they climbed higher and higher. She thanked her lucky stars she wasn''t afraid of heights.


    Seeing Astrid still standing there, she quickly remembered to mentallymand her to follow them.


    Looking up, Erik could already see the smiling face of Emma looking over the edge and waving at them. Clearly, she had dispelled her thorn dome when the sounds of fighting died down and wanted to check if he and Emily were alright.


    Erik sighed, ''foolish girl,'' he thought, ''what if we had lost?''


    When they arrived on top, Erik put Emily down, and Emma quickly began fussing over them, "Are you both alright?! There''s so much blood down there!"


    She inspected both of them for any injuries with a worried expression but found nothing apart from gashes on Erik''s armour. Erik and Emily just let her do her thing with indulgent smiles.


    Despite her smile and the clear happiness at her little sister''s behaviour, Emily couldn''t help but roll her eyes, "We''re fine, little Em. You should have seen the Boss fighting like a maniac down there! Now, stop fussing already!"


    Emily never received any wounds, and Erik had already healed for the most part, as all his wounds were not much more than superficial scratches after just barely piercing through his armour and ice barrier.


    Meanwhile, any blood had already been cleaned by Elora, so the only thing left was the damage to his armour, which would take a few days to fix.


    Yet, when Emma touched the gashes in his armour, she looked up at him with a worried expression despite seeing no blood. "Are you sure you''re fine, Sir?"


    Erik smiled and returned to human form before caressing Emma''s silky white hair. "Yes, Emma, I''m fine."


    His expression then morphed into a frown. He took her chin in his hand and made her look into his eyes. "But you wouldn''t have been if we''d lost that fight. You should have stayed hidden until we actually got up here and made our presence known."


    Smiling brightly, Emma gave an answer that shocked both Erik and Emily, "What would be the point of that? Had you both died, I would have jumped from the cliff anyway."


    Erik even felt Elora''s soul tremble just a little bit inside of him, though that was likely just surprise.


    Seeing Erik and Emily lost for words while their expressions went from shock to anger to sadness, she suddenly felt a little guilty over her hasty words.


    Erik had already released her chin, so she looked at her feet and poked her fingers together. "S- Sorry, I shouldn''t have said that. I guess my thoughts got a little away from me while I sat up here and listened to you fighting.


    It''s just¡­ the two of you are all I have. Setting aside whether I would want to continue living without you two, I don''t even have any survival or fighting skills. All I can do is do a little healing or curl up in a ball to protect myself temporarily."


    Clearly, the bright-eyed girl still had some demons inside her.


    As her words sank in, Erik felt the weight of her life press down on his shoulders, and he sighed. He removed the upper pieces of his armour and took Emma into a hug without saying a word.


    What could he say? I don''t want to hear you say such things? That wouldn''t change her feelings, nor, in fact, the reality. Because she was right. This was a dangerous world, and Emma had no real way of protecting herself. All she could do was rely on Erik and Emily.


    Back on S?l and most others out there, healers were highly regarded and would often have powerful bodyguards. But here on Earth, it would really all depend on who you encounter, and considering what they knew of the Enve and Dominioin, neither of them was likely to care about her abilities.


    Emily also closed in, and it soon became a three-way hug, with Emma in the middle.


    "Idiot girl," Emily whispered.


    "We need to get her to rank two. Or at least give her some other method of fighting. And soon." Erik said to Elora inwardly.


    Elora responded immediately, "Yeah¡­" Then sent him a mental sigh, "This is what you get when you''re a bleeding heart, you know."


    Meanwhile, Emma still looked guilty over causing them distress but also smiled a little as she enjoyed the hug.


    After a few minutes they separated and seemed to havee to a tacit agreement not to talk about what just happened. At least, not for now.


    Seeing the awkward mood she had created, Emma quickly tried to think of a way to change the topic and notice the ghoul with ssy eyes, who had been standing next to them this whole time.


    "So, who''s this?" she asked.

 Chapter 82: Chapter 82- Reaching Frostvik

    Erik chuckled at her question, knowing full well what she was trying to do. And he was going to let her. "Well, perhaps it''s time I tell you girls a little more about myself. I''ll do it while we walk, though; it shouldn''t be long now before we reach Frostvik."


    They started walking, and Erik told them about growing up in Frostvik. He exined how he knew Astrid and that he really should have treated her better. He talked about his kind father, his boisterous mother, his friendly uncle Viljar, and, of course, Edda, his childhood crush.


    He finished by exining how he and Edda had just begun to explore the possibility of a real rtionship when she betrayed the vige and chased him through the woods. He didn''t mention S?l just yet, though.


    "Coincidentally, that was the same time that the awakening happened, which I managed to leverage into an escape. I haven''t been back here since then." he finished with a shrug.


    The girls had different reactions. Emily narrowed her eyes, "That Edda sounds like a real snake. Think she''s still around somewhere?"


    Meanwhile, Emma clung to Erik''s front like a ko despite the fact that Erik continued to walk, "I would never betray you, Sir!"


    Erik smiled at both of them, first responding to Emma as he caressed her head, "I know you wouldn''t, Emma." Which was, again, not entirely true. He was maybe 99% sure she wouldn''t betray him.


    He turned to Emily. "I doubt she''s still around here somewhere, as neither the Enve nor Dominion seems very fond of humans, but I have a clue as to where she might be. We''ll be heading there after we''re done here."


    Then, to both of them, "Anyway, don''t be too sad on my ount. Yeah, that day was terrible, but the seven years since then have been pretty good to me, unlike for the two of you."


    Continuing to cling to him, Emma headbutted Erik''s chest while pouting, "It''s not a contest, Sir."


    She turned to the ssy-eyed Astrid walking next to them, "I''m sure it''s nice to meet a friend from back then who''s still alive, right? Well¡­ sort off. Will she be alright? I don''t know much about vampires, let alone ghouls."


    Erik patted her head, "Don''t worry, she should be fine. In fact, you''ll be able to help me save her."


    Emma''s eyes lit up immediately as she heard she would be able to help Erik with something. "Really?! I''ll do anything for you, Sir!"


    Immediately, Emily rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Have a little shame, sis."


    Meanwhile, Erik grinned at the girl still clinging to his body, "Oh? Anything, huh? Well, I suppose I have some things in mind. Especially when you cling to my body like that."


    Emma''s face went red at the implication of Erik''s words, but she didn''t let go. "O- Okay¡­"


    Seeing thebination of innocent lust and embarrassment on Emma''s face made Erik excited, something that clearly showed on his face. In a quick movement, he grabbed Emma by the neck and pulled her up to his face, where he quickly began to suck on her lips.


    Emma was surprised but had long lost any resistance to Erik and quickly gave in. She clung harder to Erik''s body as she became lost in their kiss, his delicious taste quickly making her forget about the world around her.


    Next to them, Emily stomped on the ground, "Do you have to do that right next to me?!"


    After a few more moments, Erik broke his kiss with Emma, causing the girl to quickly lose strength in her arms. Luckily, Erik caught her, and she now sat on his powerful right arm.


    He turned to Emily with a smirk and used his left arm to pull her closer, "Jealous?"


    Now mere centimetres from his face, Emily had to gulp as her eyes were inexplicably pulled to Erik''s lips, which were just recently locked in a battle with Emma''s. "N- No?" she mumbled unconvincingly as she remembered his taste.


    "So that means you don''t want a kiss?" he teased, his mouth now millimetres away as his warm breath tickled her skin.


    Emily began panting as her gaze went from Erik''s teasing amber eyes to his mouth. Finally, Emily didn''t feel like resisting any longer. She closed whatever gap remained between them and assaulted his mouth, causing her to moan and tremble as her body was assaulted with pleasure.


    Erik responded by wrapping his free hand around her and pulling her against his body. By now, they had stopped moving, and under ghoul Astrid''s ssy stare, Erik continued to hug, grope and kiss both sisters, forcing them to also taste each other.


    Thissted a few minutes before they finally continued walking.


    Erik wore a satisfied grin as he smacked his lips and enjoyed the taste these two girls left behind. Aside from having been pleasurable, he could also feel some of his apprehension melt away.


    He didn''t really think he would feel like this when the day of his return rolled around, not after seven years. He was a different man now, powerful and assertive, yet he couldn''t avoid some of the scars left behind by his past.


    Meanwhile, Emma and Emily suddenly looked remarkably simr, as they both had red faces and embarrassed looks while doing everything they could to avoid eye contact.


    A few hourster, they emerged from the Taiga forest. Erik''s pace slowed until he stood motionless before the edge of one of the many cliffs in the mountainous region where they found themselves.


    This cliff had been a witness to his life''s most devastating moment - the cruel eradication of his roots. This was where he first felt the prick of Edda''s betrayal and where he woke up, only to find his life had turned upside down.


    He gazed at the forest''s edge they had juste from, where he had once begun his flight from Edda and her hunters, his heart a battleground of emotions. As they walked through the taiga earlier, he attempted to spot his path that night but recognised nothing.


    Unsurprising, perhaps, as he had other things to focus on back then rather than think about exactly where he was going.


    Erik''s heart was aplex mix of emotions. He wasn''t scared or anxious about what he might find, but it felt a little unreal. He had spent seven years on S?l, putting the past behind him, expecting not to see Earth for a long time, if ever.


    Yet, here he was anyway, and while those seven years on S?l, together with Elora, had been a balm, the scars remained, hidden but unforgettable. The rush of despair, fury, and an acute sense of loss emerged again from the depths of his memory.


    As Elora materialised before him in herrger form, still dwarfed by Erik''s stature, she lifted herself on her wings to meet his gaze. Her hands, delicate yet firm, cradled his face, her smile a beacon in the emotional storm. In her eyes, he found not just sce but a reflection of the strength he had forged in their years together.


    As Erik looked into Elora''s smiling face, those feelings weren''t so hard to bear now. He wasn''t alone. And considering the bond that existed between the two of them, he likely never would be again.


    They kissed, and it was as a seal over the wounds of the past, a reassurance of their intertwined future. "Thank you," he murmured, a genuine smile breaking through his chaotic thoughts.


    Behind him, Emily looked a little uneasy. She simply wasn''t sure what she felt as she looked at the disy of affection between Erik and Elora, but it felt disturbingly simr to jealousy.


    Emma, on the other hand, just smiled happily and genuinely.


    After Erik and Elora separated, she turned into her smaller form. She sat down on his shoulder, ready to be a physical presence offort. "Come, show me where you grew up," she said.


    Erik grinned to slightly alleviate the mood, "Haven''t you seen everything in my memories already?"


    To which the fairy giggled, "Yeah, but it''s not the same thing."


    Her green eyes took on a darker and more intense shade. "I''ve experienced every memory, every pain, every joy in your past. But now, I want to feel it with my own two hands and see it with my own two eyes. I want to walk where you walked and sleep where you slept."


    Erik smiled a little. He didn''t see this side of Elora often, but he always knew it was there, simmering under the surface, and couldn''t deny he kind of liked it.


    Despite her usual yful and caring attitude towards Erik, there was also an aspect of obsession with her love for him.


    It wasn''t entirely unexpected, perhaps, considering that Erik was basically the answer to not just one but two of her greatest desires from the moment she was born.


    He was the partner she had always wanted to rule side by side with, who possessed the first, and so far only, body she had encountered that could be infused with various powerful bloodlines through her unique ability.


    In the beginning of his life on S?l, this obsession created the greatest obstacle in what eventually became their love story, as Elora cared more about grooming him to be her partner and using him as an experiment than the man himself.

 Chapter 83: Chapter 83 - Memories (3)

    Naturally, Erik eventually managed to pierce through the obsession, which then began to be slowly reined in by Elora''s growing love for him. But, it never entirely disappeared, as part of the obsession simply changed faces.


    Suddenly realising what she had just said, Elora coughed a little and had a rare, embarrassed expression on her face, "A- Anyway, let''s get going?"


    Erik snickered and caressed her head with a finger, "You know I don''t mind when you get a little crazy over me, right? In fact, I might even like it."


    She still looked a little ufortable but enjoyed his caress while answering, "Yeah, but¡­ I don''t like myself that way¡­ back when all my feelings for you stemmed from obsession over my own desires, I didn''t treat you very well."


    She particrly remembered the first time she infused Erik with a bloodline.


    She shook her head, "And I don''t want to return to that."


    Erik smiled at her, "You worry too much. It''s not like your feelings for me are suddenly going to disappear, after all."


    Sporting a relieved smile, Elora shook her head, "No¡­ Of course not."


    Feeling the conversation''s end and seeing the anticipation in Elora''s eyes, Erik finally approached the edge and, despite being unsure why, had to sigh in relief when he saw Frostviky spread out below them, mostly intact yet unfamiliar.


    Themon building, the heart of the vige, and more a bar than anything else stood as a reminder of amunal life so distant from his current reality. The simple yet sturdy houses evoked memories of a simpler, unburdened existence.


    A wave of nostalgia washed over him. He was thrilled with his current life and was not interested in returning to his old one, but he had a happy youth in Frostvik until it ended. Many memories he had suppressed because of Edda started floating to the surface again.


    But there were also the bad memories, particrly of that night. It was from here that he witnessed both of his parents fighting for their lives, and in particr, his kind and loving father was driven into a corner on the verge of being killed.


    He turned to where hest saw his mother while she valiantly led the vige in its defence. Would she have approved of his choice to run away? Or would she have preferred he stand his ground together with the vige?


    He had asked himself this question in the past and always concluded that she would have wanted him to run, especially considering what running away led him to. Yet, doubt always managed to creep itself back in.


    Shaking himself free from these thoughts and once again confirming to himself that he did the right thing, he kept inspecting the town.


    There were new additions that caught his eye ¨C a robust fence, for one.


    When he lived here, there was no need for such a thing, as it would have been hard to build anything that would actually protect against hunters and vampires, while a shapeshifter''s strong hearing and sense of smell were usually enough to warn of any intruders.


    Unless someone had poisoned the whole town with wolfsbane, of course.


    It was a blessing that aetherium had severely reduced a shapeshifter''s weakness to wolfsbane in the same way as it had done with a vampire''s weakness to light.


    The second new addition he could see had some more impact ¡ª it was a graveyard, a stark memorial to the lost. His gaze lingered on the stones, each a silent guardian of a story that ended too soon.


    His heart began to beat faster. "Could someone have survived?" he mumbled. "Someone who went through the trouble of burying everyone?"


    Yet, the voice of harsh reality came from his shoulder. "I don''t want to stomp on your hope, but we can''t assume that," Elora said. "Seven years is a long time, and we don''t even know if it''s actually your people that are buried there."


    Erik put a halt to his thoughts and sighed, "I know. You''re right. We should get down there and check the ce out."


    While she couldn''t read his thoughts, Elora did notice the swirl of emotions he was going through and put her small hand on his cheek as she smiled. "There''s no point to stewing in your own thoughts when you can find out the truth for yourself."


    Erik sighed. She was right. And when had he be so emotional anyway? He thought he''d put all this behind him during his time on S?l, but just being here made it alle rushing back.


    He smiled and turned to the three women behind him, "Come on. Let''s see what''s left of my old home."


    Emma smiled, but Emily lookedplicated. She may havee to some form of agreement with Erik, but she still wasn''t sure how much she actually cared about him emotionally.


    Meanwhile, Astrid naturally didn''t react at all.


    They descended a path to the right and soon found themselves in front of the fence. Strangely, there didn''t appear to be any opening or gate to allow people through. It was all just one long, uninterrupted wall of stone, wood, chain-link fencing, and barbed wire.


    Naturally, this didn''t stop them, but since all his methods were a little too destructive, he asked Emily to use her corrosive darkness to create a hole instead.


    Emily nodded without saying anything. She noticed Erik''s emotional mood and felt that her input would only make things awkward.


    Instead, she just conjured her five dark orbs,bined them all into one big, t surface, and covered as much of the fence with it as she could.


    Soon, a hole appeared that wasrge enough for them to fit themselves through, and not long after that, they were all standing next to the first house.


    It looked intact.


    In fact, just from looking at this settlement, you wouldn''t be able to tell that the inhabitants were once ughtered. But that wasn''t a big surprise. Those hunters used abination of guns and melee weaponry, which meant norge explosions.


    After all, back when the hunters attacked, the destructive powers of today''s Earth were still rare.


    Currently, he and Elora suspected Erik''s mother of having already been a rank-one back then, which meant the hunters likely had a rank-one as well, assuming they investigated their opponent before attacking.


    Yet, two initiate-rank fighters were not enough to demolish a town like Frostvik, where the houses were sturdy and had plenty of space between them.


    The worst he found were some bullet holes in the walls.


    Erik''s footsteps crunched in the snow. Each step felt like a journey back in time as they passed house by house. Sometimes, Erik would stand still and let some memories of his past drown out the present.


    While reminiscing, he told the girls everything that came to him. It helped to talk about it out loud. That way, the memories became real and no longer locked inside his head.


    Emily and Emma just followed silently, not wishing to disturb Erik''s moment.


    Sometimes, he would look at a spot and recognize it as the location of a significant memory. Like the ce he first kissed Edda, one of the many would-be sweet memories, which Edda''s betrayal had turned sour instead.


    Or where he talked about the birds and the bees with his father after the man learned about that exact kiss.


    Or the spot where he often trained with his mother. A bittersweet memory, as he got to spend time with his mother while doing something he didn''t enjoy at the time.


    He also saw himself being pampered by Aunt Ingrid and Uncle Viljar. They were his actual Aunt and Uncle because Ingrid had been his father''s sister.


    As he passed their home, he could almost smell the hearty stews and hear the warmth of theirughter. Ingrid, always bustling around with a smile, and Viljar, the gentle giant whose strength was matched only by his kindness.


    It was them who adopted Edda when she and Viljar found her as a baby, left alone in the woods. Fury rose inside him when he thought about their kindness being used against them. Against their family. But he quickly shook it off. This was not the time for anger.


    Viljar was a werebear, but most just called him the local teddybear, despite his absolutely fearsome strength being only second in the entire vige, right after Runa, Erik''s mother.


    Approaching themon house, the heart of theirmunity, Erik''s eyes fell upon the makeshift graveyard. The snowy undisturbed, each grave marked by a boulder, names etched with a care that spoke of respect and mourning. His heart tightened at the sight ¨C a tangible reminder of what was lost.


    He seemed to hesitate a moment but immediately shook his head. He had already sorted through his emotions earlier. Now, it was time to act. It was time to find out whose graves these were.

 Chapter 84: Chapter 84 - On their trail

    Meanwhile, back at the battle site, on the blood-soaked road winding through this dense taiga forest, more than fifty corpsesy scattered about, and the air still hummed with the powers released during the recent fighting.


    Five people, three men and two women, emerged from the underbrush and looked around. They wore strange clothes that looked like extremely stic body suits, fitted with various straps and bands while covering only the chest and upper thigh areas.


    Both the men and women wore essentially the same things.


    As they inspected the bloody scene, none had disgusted looks on their faces, as they appeared curious instead.


    The tallest among them was built like a bear, with wide arms and legs and a barrel chest to match. In general, he looked ready to snap some trees in half. His hair was long, ginger, and wild, as was his beard, which had been done up with Viking braids.


    He looked around with a frown before speaking in a deep,manding voice, "Bj?rn. Tell us again what happened here."


    A much shorter and skinnier man stepped forward. Physically, he was extremely underwhelmingpared to therger man. Still, there was a ferocity in his eyes that would leave many hesitant about engaging him.


    He enthusiastically spoke, "Ah, you should have seen it, Boss."


    He waved a bit behind him to the opposite side of the cliff Erik jumped down from. "I was sitting in a tree somewhere over there, following that patrol as you said, and thinking about how boring this assignment was when bam! Down came some armored werewolf, jumping from that cliff and causing an explosion or something."


    He exined the ensuing fight in excruciating detail while doing some shadowboxing and excessive hand movement as if he were a participant in the battle.


    When he was done, a voluptuous woman with tinum blond hair and a lustful grin spoke up, "He sounds hot. A little savagery is never a bad thing in a man."


    The second woman, Anne, who looked far more lithe and athletic, palmed her face, "Damnit, Nora. Keep your panties on for once. We don''t even know if this guy is friend or foe yet."


    Nora wasn''t deterred and licked her lips, "That''s fine. If he''s an enemy, I''ll just chain him up first¡­ actually, I might do that either way."


    Anne rolled her eyes before she narrowed them. "Anyway, I''m more interested in that disgusting human. I thought we killed them all after the purges seven years ago. So, where did this onee from? And how is she so strong?"


    It remained silent for a moment as no one had an answer.


    Instead, Bj?rn beganughing and turned to a voluptuous woman with tinum blond hair, "Human aside, I wish you good luck with chaining that armored maniac up! From what I''ve seen, only the boss might have a chance of keeping him in one ce."


    Seeming to think of something, he turned towards the man in question, "In fact, I would pay good money to see you and that werewolf slugging it out sometime!"


    The man he called Boss released a deep, disgruntled huff, "We''ll see about that. Now, let''s get to the interesting part."


    What happened after the fight was what most interested these five people. Had it not been for that, they would have simply sent some first-rank weakling trying to earn his stripes and see if these people could be reasoned with.


    Seeing the boss wasn''t in the mood, Bj?rn sighed, "Alright, alright. So, when it was all done, it got weird. The guy only killed the second-rank vampire, but not the ghoul. Instead, he just took it into a chokehold for a few seconds until the ghoul suddenly went crazy, as if whatever method the Dominion used to control their ghouls was removed.


    Next, the werewolf and the human talked, but I was too far away to hear what was said. The girl walks over to the ghoul and does something I can only describe as creepy before the ghoul suddenly goes all docile and stops resisting."


    Bj?rn shrugged, "And that was basically it. The werewolf helps the girl up the cliff, and the ghoul follows like a good pet. After that, I figured it was better to get you, Boss, rather than keep following them."


    The Boss nodded thoughtfully, "You did good, Bj?rn. If they discovered you and you died, we would have known nothing now. We should be able to follow their trail from here. But first, any opinions on what happened at the end there?"


    The other men and women looked at each other and scratched their heads until Anne, who had ash-blond hair, spoke up, "Well, assuming that Bj?rn is right and the Dominion''s control was removed, then that girl must have applied some new method of doing the same.


    Either that or the ghoul going crazy was a coincidence, and it was simply the girl taking over the Dominion''s method. Whatever the case, we need what they have, which is why Frostfang wanted five second-rank on this."


    The boss nodded, "Right, but there''s one thing that bothers me about the first possibility. Bj?rn, how sure are you that the werewolf first removed the Dominion''s control?"


    The man in question shrugged helplessly, "Even if you beat me ck and blue, I still wouldn''t know for sure. I was too far away to hear their voices, let alone see the ghoul''s eyes.


    All I know is that the ghoul went from skillfully trying to escape that man''s chokehold to basically just iling around like a puppet with its strings cut as its movements became erratic and uncoordinated."


    The third man, f, who had yet to speak, snorted in disdain, "You should have gotten closer then."


    Bj?rn didn''t bother himself with the man''s disrespect and just shrugged, "And risk ending up on the business side of that armored maniac''s ws, or, worse, that creepy human''s pitch ck magic? No, thank you."


    f looked at Bj?rn with ridicule, "I thought you wereverines made up for your physical shorings with ferocity? Now you''re telling me you were scared?"


    Bj?rn was clearly aidback man, as he kept his calm and simply waved his hand in dismissal, "Ferocity is not the same as stupidity, f. Maybe I''ll show you when we''re back at camp."


    Before f could retort, their leader stopped him. "Enough. The reason I asked that question before you idiots began bickering is that I can''t help but wonder if that human might be controlling the werewolf¡­"


    Immediately, all eyes went wide as they all gnashed their teeth. It was Anne who spoke up first. "That damn human stain. Wasn''t it enough they wiped out so many viges just before the awakening? Now they wish they control us, too? I''ll rip her to shreds."


    Her voice became increasingly agitated until Nora put a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Anne. We all have reasons to hate humans, but we need this one alive. At least until we know how she controls those ghouls."


    Their leader nodded, "Nora is right. I hate humans just the same, but we have to think of the greater good right now."


    He moved away from the edge of the battlefield and stood beneath the cliff. "Either way, let us move on before the trail gets cold."


    After those words, his body began to change. Limbs elongated, muscles expanded, fur grew, and in less than a second, the bear-like human had be an actual werebear, one of the most brutal and powerful shapeshifters in existence.


    His size had grown and would now likely tower over even someone like Erik. His fur-covered arms and legs were enormous, covering almost balloon-like muscles that could likely tear anything in half, so long as it was at most second-rank.


    His clothes had grown along with the man as the stic materials stretched to their limits while the various straps and bands lightened the material''s load.


    His face was now much like that of a bear as he roared into the sky and mmed his enormous wed hand against the cliffside before beginning to climb up.


    Behind him, the remaining four people underwent a simr transformation, with Bj?rn bing a wereverine, f and Nora bing werewolves, and Anne bing a werelynx.


    They jumped onto the cliff wall and began climbing upwards to follow their boss.


    When they arrived at the top, the werebear was already sniffing around and suddenly spoke up. "There was a second human up here. But that''s not important. What I don''t understand is why I can''t smell that werewolf. I thought it was because of the many ghouls and gore that I couldn''t pick it up at the bottom, but even up here, I only smell two humans."


    This was a habit that Elora had picked up back on S?l. She was essentially removing any trace of his passing when they traveled. Or at least what could be picked up with natural senses.


    The others started sniffing around and inspecting the ground as well and soon had to concur with the werebear. "We can''t smell him either, Boss," Bj?rn said.


    Their leader''s bearish face contorted in a frown momentarily, but then he shook his head. "Well, no matter. Let''s follow those humans for now."


    He turned towards the west and frowned. "I don''t like this direction they''re heading in, however. There''s only one thing there, and I don''t know what they could possibly want with that ce¡­"

 Chapter 85: Chapter 85 - Honouring the dead

    Standing in front of the graveyard, Erik walked forward with the intention of finding out whose graves these were, and as he looked at the name on the first stone, he immediately had his answer.


    Erik closed his eyes and sighed.


    "They really are the graves of the people who died that night," he mumbled before a small smile appeared. "That raises the chances someone survived. I wonder who it was? And whether they''re still alive today¡­"


    Elora''s melodious and soft voice sounded from the side. "You know there''s an easy way to check, right? I doubt whoever buried them did the same to him or herself."


    Erik chuckled a little at that thought despite the morbidity of it. "Good point."


    He started to move from stone to stone as he traced the names with his fingers, each one evoking a face, a story, a life. They were more than just names; they were the legacy of Frostvik. The legacy of his youth.


    As he read the names, Elora''s presence on his shoulder was a silent anchor, her small hand resting lightly on his cheek. Her touch was a reminder of the life he had built, the love he had found, and the strength he had gained.


    Eventually, he came to thest few stones, and he read the first name that truly hit him. Ingrid Gunnulf. His aunt and his father''s sister; the best cook he had ever known and the most hospitable person you''ll ever find.


    He had never directly learned to cook from her, but it was his memories of her that guided his learning process for the craft back on S?l. He stopped a little longer at her stone and closed his eyes as he recounted his memories of her once again.


    After a few minutes, he opened his eyes again. "I won''t forget you, Aunty," he mumbled.


    He moved on to the next stone and expected to see his Uncle Viljar, but instead, he staggered when he noticed the name on this tombstone.


    Leifur Gunnulf. Beloved father devoted husband.


    He knew this was to be expected; he had prepared himself, and he had epted it a long time ago. But actually seeing his grave was still a blow to the gut.


    He sank to one knee and put his hand on top of the gravestone. "Dad," he mumbled.


    Elora returned to her human size and hugged Erik from behind, while Emily and Emma had wide eyes andplicated expressions when they realised who was buried there.


    Despite his feelings, Erik had prepared himself for this. He closed his eyes, and tried to recall what his father taught him of the S¨¢mi customs. Finally, he took a deep breath of crisp air and, in a deep baritone, started a low, rhythmic chant, a melody that seemed as ancient as the mountains themselves.


    It was a sound that transcended words, each hum and whistle weaving the essence of his father ¡ª the kindness in his eyes, the warmth of hisughter, the wisdom in his silence.


    Around him, the world seemed to listen. The wind carried his song over the tundra, a mournful yetforting melody that spoke of love and loss, of a son''s reverence for his father.


    As Erik whistled, hummed and chanted, memories flooded through him ¡ª lessons learned, moments shared. With each note, he felt as though he was conversing with his father''s spirit, sharing his journey, his struggles, and his victories.


    It was more than a tribute; it was a bridge between the living and the dead, a way for Erik to express what words alone could not. And as thest note lingered in the cool air, he felt a sense of peace. Finally, after seven years, he was able to honour his father the way he deserved.


    Behind him, Elora had her eyes closed as a smile yed on her lips. Not really for the song or for Erik''s father, but because she could feel some tension being relieved from Erik''s soul.


    Meanwhile, Emma and Emily both had tears in their eyes, although while Emma cried openly, Emily had turned around to hide herself. They didn''t understand a word of what Erik just sang, but it sounded hauntingly beautiful and full of emotion.


    "W- What was that?" Emma asked.


    Erik smiled at her, "That was a joik. It''s a traditional S¨¢mi music style, usually also sung in the S¨¢minguage. My father was a S¨¢mi, and he loved his heritage, so I gave him a farewell that I know he would have loved."


    He startedughing joyfully, "I''m just d I still remembered how to do it."


    "It was beautiful," Emma whispered.


    Emily had turned back around and tried her best to look nonchnt, but her voice cracked a little when she asked her own question. "Boss¡­ I don''t know what your ns are after we''re done here in Norway, but do you think we can pay a visit to our old estate in London?"


    Erik knew immediately what she wanted to do there. It wasn''t hard to guess, considering he had seen her memories and what just happened here. Perhaps normally, he would have teased Emily a little first, but he just couldn''t bring himself to do it right now.


    So he simply nodded. "Sure. It might be a little dangerous since they''ll probably be watching the ce, but I think we can handle it."


    "Thank you," Emily whispered. Once again, feeling a powerful sensation of gratitude flowing over her.


    Emma also realised what Emily wanted to do and smiled at her sister meaningfully.


    Finally, Erik closed his eyes and took a deep breath, allowing himself ast moment of grief, of honour, for those who had fallen. When he opened his eyes again, there was a new resolve in his gaze.


    ''I''vee a long way since that day,'' he thought, ''and Elora and I have a lot longer to go still. I wonder where I will be in another seven years. If I have the chance, I''ll visit here again by that time."


    He looked down at his father''s grave and patted the Earth. "Alright, Dad. It was good to see you again, but I have things to do and ces to be. Particrly taking revenge and¡­" he caressed the letters carved on the headstone, which were clearly done with a shaky hand, unlike the other headstones, "find out if Mom is still alive."


    He remembered every single person who once lived here, and he realised there were no more stones left, meaning there were two names missing. Runa Gunnulf, and Viljar Hafbjorn.


    He never would have imagined his mother was still alive after that night. He had seen how the entire vige was swarming with hunters, even as the defenders were barely able to resist due to the wolfsbane.


    Sure, the awakening happened not long after, which may have wiped out many of those hunters, but that was only after Erik had already been running for several hours. Could Runa really have survived that long? And Viljar, too?


    He shook his head, and conviction appeared in his eyes. "Well, regardless, I now have two goals. Revenge against Edda and finding my mother," he mumbled.


    Knowing what he was thinking about, Elora spoke up. "You know there''s one more stone missing, right? It seems your mother may have been holding out hope."


    Erik chuckled knowingly, "Yeah, I''m not surprised. She likely would have refused to fully ept my death until she actually found a body to bury."


    He turned towards the sisters and the ghoulified Astrid, who had no changes of expression during any of this, with a smile. "Let''s go see how my childhood home is holding up. We''ll take a rest there for the night while we fix Astrid up."


    The sisters nodded, but before Erik could get up, Elora suddenly flew down to the grave and put her hands on it.


    A dark green radiance appeared at her hands and soon epassed the entire grave. Suddenly, tiny specks of soft, glowing light began to rise up and gather right beneath the headstone, where a beautiful blue flower began to appear as it bloomed.


    Erik smiled, as blue had always been his father''s favorite color.


    When Elora took her hands off the grave, and the flower had fully appeared, a soft blue radiance had begun to rece the dark green one from Elora.


    Then, Elora took her ce on Erik''s shoulder again. "It''s a guardian flower. It''s an ancient ritual for honoring the dead and one of the few customs that is still shared between the Radiant de and the Obsidian Enve. The flower will protect the grave from any disturbances."


    She shrugged, "Well, up to a point, anyway. Even I am only a third-rank fairy, and therefore, so is the flower."


    Erik smiled gratefully at her, "Thank you, Elora."


    Proving once again her rules on only caring about family, Elora rolled her eyes. "No need for all that. Your father is extended family; there''s no way I would leave his grave without a little gift."

 Chapter 86: Chapter 86 - A modern home

    After leaving the graveyard, they soon entered Erik''s old house. From the outside, his house was no different from the rest: small but sturdy andfortable, made from wood and stone.


    The inside was weing, with various rugs and warm colors. Pictures of Erik and his family were scattered around the ce, showing the love and care they had for each other.


    Erik felt his nostalgia bubbling up again as he walked through the house, causing him to sigh. Again, memories of various childhood events appeared in his mind, like his first verbal fight with his mother or the ssic doorpost with notches for his height.


    But instead of focusing on those memories, he patted the house''s wall. "I''ve had enough reminiscence for one day. But thanks for keeping my memories safe."


    Several electrical appliances were spread throughout the house since Frostvik used to have ess to electricity.


    Of course, none of them worked now since the electrical grid had long since copsed on arger scale. Luckily, the house had an emergency generator, and while it didn''t have any fuel left, Elora had a solution for that.


    She had little to no knowledge of electricity or modern devices. Still, by studying the phone they had been given by Katya and the electrical motor on the boat they stole, Elora was able to decipher the sigil they used to convert aetherium to electricity.


    Back on the boat, Erik had wondered where such a sigil hade from, considering he didn''t know anything of electricity existing back on S?l or any other. He had decided to ask Elora about it, "Where do you think this sigil came from?"


    "It looks like a modified version of a basic and well-known sigil that simply creates lightning attributed aetherium," she exined. "It''s a little crude and unrefined, but whoever created it did a good job in reducing the power output and making itpatible with your modern technology."


    Soon, she had created her own, more refined version of the sigil and had applied it to both the boat and the phone.


    Now, she nned on doing the same to the house''s generator. She was at the back of the house with Emily, who was brought along to continue her lessons in sigil crafting.


    Emily looked visibly excited, not about learning the sigil, per se, but about getting ess to modern appliances again. After all, their house in London had not had electricity for a long time.


    Currently, Emily had a long, thin, chisel-like tool in hand and was etching the sigil onto the generator under Elora''s guidance. Such a chisel was the standard tool for sigil crafting, and the one Emily was currently holding was lent to her by Elora.


    It took her a few tries, causing her to sigh as Elora scolded her, but soon, the sigil was done, and, under the excited yelling of Emma inside the house, caused the lights to go on.


    That wasn''t all, however. After magically cleaning the emergency water tank and filling it with melted snow, they also gained running water. Unfortunately, the water heater was broken and wouldn''t work even with the electricity. Fortunately, heating sigils were some of the simplest things to craft for someone like Elora. Or, in this case, Emily.


    Thus, after Elora used her Seidr magic to make sure the pipes wouldn''t burst, they ended up with warm showers.


    But before Emily could run back inside to enjoy the house''s newly activated luxuries, she was stopped by Elora. "Not so fast!" the fairy said while exercising the power of the covenant, which she had just as much power over as Erik.


    Forced to stop in her tracks, Emily grumbled and turned around. "What now?"


    Elora grinned evilly. "We still need to make some more sigils in and around the house to protect against intruders and prevent light and sound from escaping outside. And, of course, when I say we, I mean you."


    Emily groaned, "Why do you hate me, woman?"


    While putting on an expression of disbelief, Elora giggled. "Hate you? Come now, pet. I''d have to care about you first. Besides, don''t you want to learn how to craft sigils?"


    That part, Emily couldn''t deny. She just hated the dismissive way in which Elora treated her. Regardless, she sighed and relented. "Fine, fine. It''s not like I have much choice anyway. But can you at least stop calling me pet?"


    Elora grinned mischievously. "Sure, no problem. But only if you start calling me Mommy."


    Feeling a chill down her spine again, Emily quickly shook her head. "No, thank you! I''ll take the pet thing!"


    The fairy chuckled. "As you wish then. Now get to work, P. E. T."


    Emily muttered something unkind under her breath, but began following Elora''s instructions in creating the protection and concealment sigils.


    After they were done with everything, the house had quickly turned into a little haven of modernity, much to the delight of both Emma and Emily, who had been unable to take a proper shower in a very long time. Sure, they could keep themselves clean with some minor applications of aetherium, but it simply wasn''t the same.


    Even Elora had to admit that the humans of Earth had some excellent ideas regarding thefort of living. "I like this hair dryer thing," she said while using it to dry her hair after showering. "It''s much too clunky, though. I can create the same effect with some simple sigils."


    While a modern shower obviously didn''t exist on S?l, there were plenty of sigils that created the same effect, and Elora, too, had been missing the simplefort of such a thing.


    Naturally, there was no need for Elora to do any of this. Drying or cleaning her air was as easy as snapping her fingers, but it didn''t feel as pleasant orfortable as doing it like this.


    Erik couldn''t help butugh when he heard of Elora''s inspirations due to Earth''s modern technology.


    After everyone had their fill of enjoying some modernforts, Erik went to prepare a meal for everyone. While he was in the kitchen, Emma showed up. "Can I help?" She asked, with a bit of anxiety, for fear that he might say no. "I''d like to be able to cook for you someday."


    He could only grin at her desire to serve him and was naturally more than willing to have her help. Although he probably wouldn''t give up on cooking altogether. He hade to enjoy it, and it was a way to honor his aunt.


    With Emma''s help andpany, the time he spent on cooking flew by, and soon, they all sat together around the table.


    While they ate, Erik told Emma and Emily about his immediate ns. "We''ll probably spend at least a few days inside this house. So feel free to getfortable," he said.


    "I want to spend a little time trying to find a clue about my mother and uncle''s whereabouts while I practice with the training notes that that bear woman, Katya, left with me. I''ve only been able to study them on the boat so far, as there wasn''t much room to practice.


    After dinner, we''ll cure Astrid, and she''ll likely need a few days to recover as well. Meanwhile, I want the two of you to focus on getting stronger. Emma, Elora will be helping you to advance as quickly as possible while staying safe."


    Elora, who was currently in his soul, answered. "It''s also a good time to try and find some clue as to what your mother knew about this entity that dragged us here and gave you that dream. Assuming she knew anything."


    Erik nodded inwardly at Elora while the Ashcroft sisters nodded in acknowledgment of his words.


    Finally, when everyone was done eating, they gathered in Erik''s old room. It was time to do something about Astrid.


    His room was nothing special and looked like what any young, introverted boy''s room might look like. There was a bed, a desk with aputer, some posters, and some books.


    And, of course, a hiddenpartment behind his bed where he kept the backup research materials in case the power went down, which wasn''t a rare urrence for a remote vige like Frostvik.


    Emily looked at one of the music posters and then at Erik with an exasperated expression. "Powerwolf? Really? Isn''t that a little on the nose?"


    Erik grinned innocently. "I was going through a phase; what can I say? I''m just d that was my most recent musical phase." Heughed, "I''m afraid you might lose all respect for me if you learned about some of my other phases."


    But Emily patted him on the shoulder in a show of camaraderie. "It''s alright, Boss. I''ve gone through simr things. I won''t judge."


    Immediately, Emma began to giggle. "Right, I vividly remember your ''wan phase.'' Mom and Dad nearly pulled their hair out when you started to bring a rock with you everywhere and called it your familiar pebbles."


    Immediately, Emily lost all color in her face and quickly covered Emma''s mouth whileughing sheepishly. "She''s just kidding!"


    Erikughed loudly at Emily''s embarrassment. "Thanks for that, Emma. I''ll be sure to reward youter."


    While Emma smiled brightly beneath Emily''s hand, and Emily herself grumbled about her little sister being a traitor, Erik pointed at Astrid, "Alright, enough kidding around. Emily, please tell her to lie on the bed."

 Chapter 87: Chapter 87 - Curing Astrid

    The ck-haired girl sighed in resignation at being humiliated by her little sister before giving a mentalmand. The ghoulified Astrid quickly responded by lying on the bed and looking up with a ssy stare.


    Erik took some robust chains originating from S?l out of his storage and bound her arms and legs together. Better safe than sorry, after all.


    He then went down on his knees next to her face and put his arm in front of it. Since his body was the toughest and his blood the strongest, it would naturally be him who would provide the blood she needed.


    Next, Emma took position behind Erik with a gaze that said she would give it her all, although Erik didn''t really expect her to have much trouble. Meanwhile, Elora disappeared into a cloud of specks and merged with Erik to make his body as robust as possible.


    Erik put his hand on Astrid''s cheek and looked at her with care. "It''ll be good to see you again, Astrid."


    He turned to the girl in the back, "Alright, Emily. Remove your control now."


    She looked a little skeptical, however. "Wouldn''t it be safer if I just order her to bite you?"


    But Erik shook his head, "No, I''d rather she wake up with a clear mind. Besides, it might be better to let instinct decide how much blood she needs."


    "As you wish," Emily shrugged, not really bothered either way, as she knew Erik would have little trouble subduing the ghoul again,should ite to that, especially because of the chains binding her.


    Her eyes flickered momentarily, and immediately, Astrid lost the ssy stare while insanity flooded back. She screeched and tried to lunge forward but was unable to move much because of the chains.


    However, it didn''t take her long to smell delicious blood, the one substance that always upied the entirety of a ghoul''s mind, flowing through Erik''s veins. And with his arm being held right in front of her face, she had little trouble reaching it.


    With a sickening crunching sound and a sharp intake of air by Erik due to the pain, she closed her eyes and bit down on Erik''s arm hard before sucking his blood like an electric water pump.


    Even Erik''s powerful body quickly felt the drain and couldn''t keep up with Astrid''s demands. Any non-second-rank-Runebound would have long since been drained of everything they had.


    Luckily, that''s where Emma and Elora came in.


    Despite knowing what was going to happen, the sickening sounds of Erik''s flesh being pierced and then his blood getting slurped up made Emma nearly vomit.


    Luckily, she managed to hold herself together by remembering Erik needed her help. She held out her hand, and a bright white magic circle appeared, which quickly began to bathe Erik in light and elerated his bodily functions, including blood generation.


    Meanwhile, Elora used abination of her seidr magic and her influence over Erik''s body to do essentially the same thing. Between the two of them, Erik''s body was just barely able to keep up with Astrid''s demands.


    Although, that didn''t make the experience any more pleasant.


    Erik had his eyes shut tight as he ignored the pain shooting through his body that came from having his blood constantly sucked away and reced.


    During all this, Emily looked at the proceedings with a morbid fascination that slightly triggered her blood thirst and corrupted desire for murder. But she quickly stamped down on those feelings.


    Yet, everyone''s efforts were having a clear effect, as Astrid''s gray skin was quickly regaining its pale white color, while wrinkles disappeared, and her hair regained its strawberry blond luster.


    Suddenly, she opened her eyes. Insanity was quickly draining away as her ghoulish needs were finally being met, and rity was returning to her gaze.


    Yet, Erik noticed none of this, as his eyes were still closed.


    She turned her head to Erik, and a flicker of recognition seemed to pass through her eyes, but she didn''t stop and kept sucking hard and fast. The sound of slurping dominated the room, as no one said a word.


    It took a whole five minutes of Astrid guzzling down blood like a swarm of mosquitoes in a steroid-induced rage before she finally looked like a normal vampire. She released Erik''s arm from her mouth and, for a moment, looked around deliriously before focussing her gaze on Erik.


    She smiled softly and mumbled, "I guess I¡­ended up¡­in heaven. Maybe here¡­I''ll finally have you¡­all to myself¡­my love." Then, she closed her eyes and fainted.


    Immediately, Elora appeared next to Astrid in a cloud of light specks. A smirk hung on her lips. "All to yourself, huh? I''m afraid not, but since you''ve already dered your love, we may be able to figure something out."


    Hearing Astrid basically dere her love, even if she thought this was the afterlife, gave Erik someplicated emotions. ''Silly girl. She''ll be in for a rude awakening.'' He thought to himself.


    On the one hand, her feelings proved he was right when he determined her affection for him based on his memories, and it gave him a warm feeling at the thought of this kind and boisterous childhood friend of his harboring love for him.


    Yet, it alsoplicated things a bit, as he had first nned to take things slow with Astrid since they had both likely changed quite a lot over the years. At least, he certainly had. Unfortunately, Astrid dered her love, and now Elora had her eyes on the poor girl.


    ,


    While his beloved partner left him a great deal of control in their rtionship, despite their supposed equality, there were some things she would never budge on, and one of those was regarding women who dered their love for him.


    But that was a problem for another time.


    Behind him, Emma had sunk to her knees as she panted heavily. Keeping up her spell for a full five minutes had taken a lot out of her, but she smiled happily at the knowledge that she managed to help Erik.


    ''Sir''s friend has woken up,'' she thought. ''And I helped! Finally, I''ve been able to pay him back, even if just a little.'' She looked up at his back and smiled brightly. ''Maybe I''ll never feel like I''vepletely paid my debt to him. But that''s okay.'' She began to blush a little as a warm feeling spread through her body, ''I''ll just have to follow him forever then.''


    Meanwhile, Emily rolled her eyes as she looked between Elora, Emma, and the newly added Astrid. ''Another lovestruck fool to add to his collection,'' she thought. ''How does he do it, anyway?''


    Whether or not she realized her own slight blush and lost expression when she looked at Erik was anyone''s guess.


    Back at Erik''s side, he looked at Elora and asked, with a bit of concern, "How is she doing?"


    In response, Elora conjured a dark green magic circle and let its light spread over Astrid''s body. Soon, she had an answer for him. "Physically, she''s fine, if extremely exhausted. Her body appears to havepletely reverted to that of a typical vampire."


    "And mentally?" Erik questioned.


    Elora shrugged in response. "I''m not sure. From what I can tell, she''ll retain all her memories from her time as a ghoul, which might screw with her head a little. Especially depending on how they treated her during her time as a ghoul and how it felt to have that beastbinder sigil control her."


    She grinned yfully at him, "She''s still a virgin, though. Just in case you were wondering."


    Erik rolled his eyes at Elora but couldn''t help but feel a little relieved, which Elora naturally noticed through their connection, causing her to giggle.


    Hearing her knowing giggle, Erik nearly groaned but quickly suppressed it and instead asked, "Can you seal her memories of being a ghoul?"


    Elora nodded casually. "Sure. But are you sure you don''t want me to just erase them?"


    Erik shook his head. "No need for that. Those memories mighte in handy someday. Besides, that should be up to her."


    "Well, it makes little difference to me," Elora said before conjuring another dark green magic circle and pressing it against Astrid''s head. Secondster, a mark appeared, signifying the seal, before dissipating into her skin.


    Finally done for now, Erik smiled, stood up, and gave Elora a deep kiss as thanks before doing the same to Emma. "Thank you, Emma. You did amazingly well."


    "?- I-, uh, uhm, y- you''re w- wee, Sir. A- Anything you want." She stammered while blushing furiously.


    Next, he stood before Emily with a teasing grin on his phase. "Well? Want a thank you?"


    Emily grumbled for a moment about unfairness but then closed her eyes and leaned forward in anticipation of a reward. Yet, instead of his lips, all she found was air.


    She opened her eyes and saw him walking past her with a grin. "You''ll have to follow me then. Youe to, Emma."


    Meanwhile, Elora had removed the chains from Astrid''s body and was now rxing in Erik''s soul again.

 Chapter 88: Chapter 88 - Caught up

    Hearing Erik''s demand, Emily was stunned for a moment before she cursed under her breath. "Damn that bastard." She closed her eyes. ''But I''m not going to follow him.'' She thought with overflowing conviction.


    However, Emma had no such conviction and immediately got up to follow Erik with a happy smile. When she caught up to him, she asked, "What about Astrid, Sir? Should we leave her like that?"


    Erik shrugged in response. "It''s fine. She likely won''t wake up for quite a while as her body is exhausted. And even if she wakes up sooner than expected, she should recognize my room. She''s never been in there, but we''ve had video calls. She probably won''t freak out, and even if she does, I''d rather that than have her find herself chained up."


    Emma nodded in eptance but still offered her opinion. "I think she would like it if she woke up with you beside her, Sir."


    "You''re probably right. And perhaps I''ll keep a vigilter, but for now, I''m exhausted from having my body sucked dry and refilled a couple of times after an already emotionally heavy day." He answered while smiling lightly.


    They reached his parent''s bedroom and went inside. Since Astrid upied his bedroom, Erik decided to sleep there instead. The bed was also bigger, so he would be able to fit together with the girls.


    The room was a littlerger than his and had noputer or posters. Instead, it had a few hunting trophies, furs, and rugs. There was also arge wardrobe and various pictures of his parents together, some with him, some without.


    The bed was king-size, making itrge enough to fit three people. Not that his parents were particrly adventurous; they were justrge people. Erik had to get his size from somewhere, after all.


    He turned to Emma and gave her another kiss before producing some rope. "We''re going straight to sleep this time. Do you still want to be tied up?"


    Perhaps it wasn''t the best habit for Emma to have in this dangerous world, but it didn''t matter too much. At least as long as Erik was right next to her. Besides, Emma could quickly burn through her ropes in a second, using her light affinity.


    A shy yet slightly perverted smile appeared on Emma''s face as she nodded almost imperceptibly. Her mind was a happy jumble as she thought about lying helplessly next to Erik, even just to sleep.


    She quickly undressed to be in her underwear forfort. After everything she had already done with Erik, this was minor.


    ''I''m bing a pervert.'' She thought. ''And I don''t care.''


    While Erik tied Emma up, Emily was pacing in light, frantic circles back in Erik''s old room as she tried to resist the urge to follow Erik. ''Damn that deliciously tasting, controlling asshole and his bitch of a partner!''


    She came to a halt and sighed. ''At least I can still swear at her in my thoughts.'' She stood still for a moment and then walked out of the room. ''Whatever. It''s not like he''s that bad¡­''


    When she entered the other bedroom, she wore an expression that said a lot about her turbulent thoughts. ''Damn. I can''t believe I followed him.'' She looked at what Erik was doing to Emma and almost groaned. ''I shouldn''t have expected any different.''


    ''They''re both perverts!'' She thought but quickly scolded herself. ''Yet I can''t even me Emma, as it''s partly my fault.''


    When Erik was done and looked up to notice Emily''s squirming ufortably in ce, he grinned and stepped closer to her. "Decided you wanted your reward after all?"


    Emily red at him but didn''t move as Erik came closer. Soon, his face was right in front of hers with an infuriating, teasing grin on his lips. He grabbed her chin, looked deep into her ck pools, and kissed her deeply.


    Immediately, Emily couldn''t help but moan a little, even as she scolded herself inwardly. It wasn''t even so much about the delicious taste anymore or Erik''s tongue marking every inch of her mouth as his tongue wrestled with hers.


    Instead, she could feel her pleasure being enhanced by her growing affection for Erik despite her desperate attempts to ignore or deny it.


    After he had his fill, Erik released her with a confident grin. He turned around, removed his armor until he wore only underwear, and walked to the bed before lying down in the middle, where he pulled a happily squealing and tied-up Emma against his chest.


    He then extended his arm to the side in a weing gesture as he looked at a still slightly dazed Emily. "You can sleep on the couch, or even with Astrid, if you like, but if you sleep here, I''ll kiss you again. No perverted business tonight, though. It''s been a long and emotional day."


    Emily gulped nervously. This would be the first time she would actually sleep in the same bed as him. Yet, before she could even really think about it, her feet were already moving as she gingerlyy down on the bed and immediately got pulled against Erik''s body.


    Unlike Emma, she still wore all her clothes.


    While Emma''s mismatched eyes beamed with happiness at her sister''s decision to join them, Erik kissed them both, though, with Emma, he had to remove the gag for a second. Then he closed his eyes before drifting off to sleep, sandwiched between two beautiful sisters.


    At this point, Emily couldn''t escape anymore, as she was firmly held in Erik''s embrace. Yet, as she looked at Emma''s overflowing happiness, felt Erik''s strong arms around her, and smelt his calming scent, she couldn''t bother to care.


    Soon, both Ashcroft sisters were mired in a deep sleep.


    ******


    At the same time, five men and women appeared on top of the cliff overlooking Frostvik and gazed down with various gazes¡ªsomeplicated, some menacing.


    It was nighttime now. The moon stood high in the night sky and illuminated the five of them with its radiance, making the scene quite beautiful as the snow glimmered on the taiga forest''s pine trees behind them.


    Naturally, these were the shapeshifters, Nora, Anne, Bj?rn, f, and their boss, who were following Erik and the others. Currently, they were in their human form.


    "Turns out they really did go to Frostvik," Bj?rn said as he crouched down and looked around. "At least, their smell definitely leads here and doesn''t seem to leave again, but I can''t see any sign of them in town."


    The big man with Viking braids in his beard nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, but I can''t figure out why. There''s nothing here unless they''re just looking for shelter, but, as you said, there''s no sign of any houses being upied."


    Naturally, Elora''s sigils kept any kind of light and sound from escaping their current residence.


    Suddenly, Nora spoke up with glittering eyes as she nearly jumped up and down in excitement, "Aren''t you guys ignoring the obvious possibility? What if she''s back?!"


    In response, she received a p on the back of her head by Anne. "Stuff yourdy boner, Nora. There''s no way she would just run to Frostvik withouting to visit the boss. Besides, Bj?rn''s description didn''t sound anything like her."


    The scolded, tinum-blond werewolf rubbed her head with an aggrieved expression, "One can hope, right?"


    But the boss shook his head as he continued to stare at Frostvik with aplicated expression. "No, Anne is right; there''s no way it''s her. Besides, there''s no reason we wouldn''t be able to smell her. This werewolf we''re chasing is still covering his scent somehow.


    Besides, Bj?rn might not have recognized her from that distance, but he could surely see the difference between a male werewolf and a female."


    Just as in their human forms, female werewolves had a thicker chest and more slender build.


    The wereverine with brown hair nodded. "It was definitely a guy, no doubt about it."


    Suddenly, Anne spoke up. As the only werelynx in the group, her night vision was by far the most advanced among them. "Can you guys see that blue glow over there?" she said, pointing towards the graveyard in the middle of town.


    They all moved their gazes in the direction she was pointing, but only their boss managed to find anything. "You''re right¡­ What is that?"


    But Anne shook her head. "No idea, Boss. We''ll have to get closer to find out."


    The boss nodded. "Then that is what we will do." He looked behind him. "Be careful, everyone. From here on out, we are entering enemy territory. There is no way to know if they prepared any traps nor where they are, which means a fight can start at any moment."


    The members of his group nodded sternly before they began their descent along the same path to the right that Erik and his group had followed.


    What they didn''t notice was that a small sigil lit up on some rocks to the side every time a member of their group passed it.


    Back in the house, inside Erik''s soul, Elora suddenly opened an eye as all five faces passed through her mind. But instead of warning Erik, she grinned and thought, ''interesting,'' before returning to sleep.

 Chapter 89: Chapter 89 - Your options are simple

    The group of five reached Frostvik''s fence and quickly found the hole in the wall that Emily created.


    As they climbed through the hole, Bj?rnmented, "This looks to have been created by that creepy human with the pitch ck magic. Honestly, I don''t know what affinity that is, but I know touching that crap is bad for your health."


    Anne nodded thoughtfully as she looked at the hole''s smooth edges. "If this is what it does to a fence, then yeah, I don''t want it touching me."


    Their boss interrupted. "Stow the chatter and stay alert."


    Quickly shutting their mouths, they slowly began to make their way through the quiet town illuminated by moonlight, snow crunched under their boots. As they moved, they stayed alert and kept a close eye on their surroundings.


    Soon, they made it past the first few houses and arrived at the graveyard.


    "Smell says they''ve been here," their leader said. "Let''s check out that blue glow. Carefully."


    The fresh snow muffled their footsteps as they approached the graveyard, their eyes scanning the area for any sign of movement or threat. The blue glow, now more visible, cast an ethereal light over the headstones, creating long, haunting shadows.


    Bj?rn, his eyes narrowed in concentration, whispered, "This glow, it''s not natural. Never seen anything like it in all my years."


    Unable to contain their curiosity, they moved closer to the source of the glow. As they navigated through the graveyard, they soon found what was spreading that strange blue light.


    "It''s¡­ a flower?" Nora said in a confused voice, more as a statement than a question.


    "Sure looks like it,"mented Anne while scratching her head.


    They were now all gathered around Leifur''s grave as they looked at the strange blue flower, swaying slightly in the cold night air.Only their boss seemed to focus on the tombstone instead. "Leifur¡­" he mumbled.


    "Did you know him, Boss?" Bj?rn asked.


    The man nodded slowly with an unreadable expression, "I did. That time feels like a lifetime ago now."


    Meanwhile, drawn in by the flower''s mysterious aura, f got on one knee and extended his hand in an attempt to pluck it but found himself mysteriously unable to get close to it.


    "What the hell?" he murmured as he pressed his hand against a strange blue forcefield that appeared to encapste the grave.


    While the boss still looked lost in thought, the other four team members looked at f''s hand in wonder. "Is it¡­ protecting the grave?" Nora wondered.


    Anne couldn''t help but be fascinated by it, "I don''t know, but I sure would love to have a flower like that."


    Hearing that, f perked up his ears. He was ever ready to score some browny points with beautiful women. Quickly, fiery-red runes appeared on his skin, and a dagger made of mes materialized in his hand.


    "Well then, let me get you that flower, Anne. I''d like to see it protect itself against this!" he said, stabbing at the forcefield.


    But before his hand could even reach the field, a muchrger hand wrapped itself around his neck and throat before yanking him into the air. Feeling his airway close off, the dagger dissipated from his hand as f gurgled, sputtered, and struggled.


    "Are you trying to desecrate this grave, f?" the threatening voice of his leader sounded next to his ear. "I don''t know what this flower is, when it appeared here, or if it''s got anything to do with the people we''re chasing. But setting aside that I once knew the person buried here, I won''t let you disrespect any grave like that."


    Done talking, the bear of a man tossed f to the side and turned towards Erik''s old home. "Let''s move on. The scent of those humans leads to that house over there. It''s time to find out what''s going on here."


    He began walking to Erik''s old house with aplicated gaze. He definitely recognized that house, andbined with the flower on Leifur''s grave, this situation suddenly got a whole lot more personal for him. ''What in the name of the ancient spirits is going on here?'' he thought.


    The other members of his group looked at the still-sputtering f with pity but not with surprise. f hadn''t been with them as long, so he simply wasn''t aware their boss had a deep respect for the dead.


    "Gotta be careful how you handle the dead around the boss, f," Bj?rn said, a little condescendingly, likely as payback for f''s earlier disrespect.


    Finally finding his breath but still coughing a little, f scrambled to his feet and looked at the wereverine with resentment before doing the same with their boss''s receding back while muttering something unkind under his breath.


    But everyone just ignored this, as they quickly ran after their boss.


    They now stood before Erik''s old house with various expressions. Their leader frowned. "Since there is a werewolf among them, he should have already smelled our presence. Yet, he''s noting out, which means he''s either asleep or waiting in ambush. But even if he''s asleep, I doubt they all are, at least not without taking precautions."


    Bj?rn shrugged nonchntly. "Does it matter? There are five of us and two of them. Assuming that the second human is not of much use in a fight. Oh, and I suppose that ghoul, though I''m not sure how much use it would actually be to them."


    Their leader huffed in discontent, "Which means that, in the worst-case scenario, it''s still four against five, which doesn''t exactly sound like an easy win. Especially not if we''re walking into an ambush."


    To which the wereverine sheepishly scratched his head and chuckled, "Suppose you''re right about that, Boss."


    Still angry and annoyed, f barked, "Well, what the hell do you want to do then?"


    Ignoring the man''s tone, their boss walked towards the house, "Simple. I''m going to knock and see if they''ll open the door. The fact is, we do not need to fight them. At least, assuming they''re willing to make a deal and that werewolf isn''t being controlled somehow by one of the humans."


    The others were a little surprised by their leader''s somewhat low-brow method but couldn''t deny the practicality of it, so they simply waited to see what would happen.


    Yet, something unexpected happened when he was about to knock on the door.


    A dark green light shed, and, with a loud roar of pain, the ginger-haired man was tossed through the air, back the way he came from. In fact, the entire team was knocked up into the air under various kinds of screams.


    They allnded about ten meters from the house, unwounded, and quickly scrambled to their feet in preparation for a fight, yet none seemed toe. They looked up at the house in confusion and noticed a dark green barrier of some kind now surrounding it.


    "What the hell¡­" a few of them mumbled simultaneously.


    "Who the hell are these people," their leader mumbled.


    Wanting to take revenge against another barrier, f once again manifested a dagger made of fire and, with a curious glint, stabbed it against the barrier. Yet, nothing happened, as the barrier barely seemed to flinch under a frustrated f''s gaze.


    Back in Erik''s soul, a mischievous little fairy couldn''t help but giggle as she watched what happened outside through one of her many sigils. She thanked her foresight in teaching Emily the art of sigil crafting.


    It would have taken far too long if she had had to create all those sigils on her own.


    Suddenly, she waved a metaphysical finger around, and something began to change outside.


    Anne poked their boss''s side and pointed a little upwards, "Hey Boss, look at that!"


    Frowning, everyone looked up before their jaws suddenly fell down at the sight. "Seriously, who the hell are these people?" the ginger-haired leader mumbled again.


    The barrier now had some letters projected on it: "Hello, unwee guests! Your options are simple: either bash your heads against this barrier for a few hours until it breaks or wait obediently until we''re ready for you. Either way, I''ll be entertained.


    Whatever you do, though, try to keep the noise down. It''ste, and my master needs his beauty sleep."


    She naturally wouldn''t forget her bet with Erik even now.


    Having never seen anything like this, all five team members had to take a few moments to recover from their surprise. Finally, Anne turned to the boss. "So, uh, what now?"


    The man released an exasperated sigh. "Clearly, these people have means and abilities that are alien to us. I think the best option is to y their game for now and just wait it out."


    He frowned, "But I don''t want to see any of you sleeping a wink, understood? Stay alert."


    While f didn''t look particrly happy with that decision, as he would have preferred to release some frustration on that barrier, the others simply nodded and went to find a spot to sit and wait.


    As for their leader, he went to the glowing grave of Leifur and sat down beside it with a sigh, his thoughts unknown.

 Chapter 90: Chapter 90 - Greeting the visitors

    Some hourster, Erik began waking up but had yet to open his eyes. The first thing he felt was a pair of hands and feet clinging to him like a ko. He smirked inwardly, ''I guess Emma burned through her ropes and wanted to hug a little tighter.''


    Then he frowned. ''Wait, that doesn''t make sense. These limbs are grabbing me from the other side.''


    So he finally opened his eyes, only to see that it was Emily, snoring surprisingly cutely while hugging his body closely. He couldn''t help but chuckle softly at the usually defiant girl for sleeping this way. Her head was on his shoulder while his arm was wrapped around her, and all four of Emily''s limbs were wrapped around him.


    Next, he looked to the other side and noticed Emma had already disappeared and left behind some burned ropes. ''I really need to figure out where all these ropes areing from someday.'' He thought.


    Next, the door opened, and Emma walked in, wearing her maid outfit and carrying a tray with breakfast, including a cup of coffee.


    She smiled when she saw Erik awake and quickly put the tray on the bed beside him. "Good morning, Sir! I made breakfast!" Having handed the food off, she looked a little uncertain as she poked her fingers together cutely. "I hope it tastes good. It''s just some leftovers fromst night since the only food that hasn''t gone bad is in your storage.


    But I found some instant coffee that hadn''t passed its expiration date yet!"


    Erik grinned as this girl''s cute and service-minded attitude once again delighted him. "I''m sure it tastes great, but, as you can see, your sister is keeping my right hand upied, so you''ll have to feed me."


    Immediately, the girl went red in the face. "O- Oh. I- I- uh, o- of course, Sir."


    As she brought the first spoon to Erik''s mouth, her feelings were apparent on her face. ''Hehehehe, I''m feeding Sir!'' she thought.


    The food was decent, but mostly, Erik loved getting pampered while he watched Emma''s ashamed happiness and couldn''t help but keep a grin on his face.


    "It''s delicious. Mostly because it''s you feeding me." He said, causing Emma to nearly faint. "T- Thank you, S- Sir."


    While she continued to feed him, she reported some things. "I checked up on Miss Astrid, and she appears to be doing well, but she hasn''t woken up yet. There''s, uhm, there''s also some people outside, but Miss Elora told me not to worry about them."


    Thisst news caused Erik to raise an eyebrow. "People, huh?" But then he shrugged, "Well, if Elora said not to worry about them, then there''s nothing to worry about."


    To which Emma shyly nodded. "Y- Yes sir," while she prepared his next bite.


    Meanwhile, he did ask Elora, who was currently in his soul, about those people. "Anything I should know?"


    The fairy answered with a casual mental shrug. "Not really. There''s someone interesting among them, but you''ll see soon enough. Either way, there''s no hurry. They''ll wait where they are like good little pets."


    Erik returned a mental nod, "Fair enough." He wasn''t really bothered with the specifics. Since Elora said there was no hurry, then that was good enough for him.


    Soon, the food and coffee were gone, so Erik pulled Emma into a kiss, "Thank you, Emma. I already don''t know what I''d do without you."


    Emma smiled bright enough to blind the sun. "I''m d, Sir! I wouldn''t want to be without you, either."


    Meanwhile, next to Erik, Emily finally began to stir. She shifted and sniffed Erik''s smell with a smile on her face before tightening her grip on his body, causing Erik to chuckle.


    Unfortunately, his chuckle seemed to fully wake her up. She suddenly opened her eyes wide and slowly looked between Erik''s teasing grin, Emma''s happy smile, and her own limbs wrapped around his body.


    Her face reddened, and she quickly scrambled to untangle herself and stand up. Soon, she stood beside the bed, still with a clearly embarrassed expression, and huffed. "I''m sure you''re hoping I''ll be embarrassed; well, forget it!" She said. "Y- Your body smells nice, a- and it''s warm. This is a natural reaction."


    She pointed her finger at Erik usingly. "Don''t read anything into it!"


    Erik nodded thoughtfully, but with a teasing glint in his eye, "Sure, sure. Natural reaction," while Emma gave her big sister a thumbs up and a bright smile.


    Emily palmed her face and groaned. "Whatever. I''m going for a shower."


    Erik watched the beautiful ck-haired girl walk away with a grin on his face. ''She''lle around soon enough.''


    Meanwhile, beside him, Emma seemed to have the same idea. "Don''t worry, Sir. You''ll get her soon." She said with an encouraging smile.


    Erik raised an eyebrow at Emma''s words and shook his head before patting the girl''s silky white hair. "Never change, Emma. You always manage to surprise me."


    "That said," he grinned and grabbed Emma''s chin, "I haven''t forgotten that I''m still supposed to punish you at your request."


    Emma trembled as a silly smile appeared on her face. "I''m ready, Sir!"


    Smirking and standing up from the bed, Erik nodded. "Good, we''ll do that tonight then. For now, I have some guests to greet, apparently."


    Immediately, Elora appeared on his shoulder. "Finally done ying with the girls?" She asked with a smirk.


    Erik chuckled. "Don''t give me that. You love watching me embarrass them while getting pampered."


    The fairy giggled. "Guilty as charged. Now,e on! Get your armor on and change to wolf form before you look outside."


    Despite being a little confused about the why, Erik didn''t see a reason to refuse and did as she asked. He put on his still-damaged armor, changed to wolf form, and moved to the living room while Elora returned to his soul. He looked out the window next to the front door and noticed the five visitors, who noticed him in return.


    The five people outside quickly scrambled to their feet and watched Erik through the window with wary gazes while beginning to talk amongst each other.


    Only one of these men and women actually drew his attention, however, causing him to smile warmly as a wave of relief flooded his body.


    "I see¡­" he chuckled, "you want me to mess with him, don''t you?"


    Elora giggled. "Kind of, yeah. You''re pretty unrecognizable in werewolf form, after all. Your new bloodlines have made your fur white instead of silver-gray and given you several ck lightning marks. Plus, I''m masking your scent. He should have no idea who you are."


    Erik raised his eyebrow. "Don''t you think he''s figured it out by now, though?"


    The fairy shrugged mentally. "Only if he actually thinks you are still alive somewhere like your mother might. If he''s thought you dead for seven years, he probably won''t even consider it."


    Then, Elora got a little more serious. "But that''s not the only reason. The fact is, it''s been seven years, and you don''t know if he''s still the same guy you knew.


    Not to mention that we''re outnumbered here. If they actually decide to forget the diplomatic option, that barrier will maybe hold for a few hours, and then it will be you, Emily, and my sigils against five second-rank Runebound. Even if we put Astrid''s recovery at risk by waking her early, those are not ideal odds.


    Therefore, I think we should even the ying field before doing anything else. Just to be sure."


    Chuckling, Erik moved away from the window, under the wary eyes of the five people outside, and walked to the front door. "Well¡­ I have always wanted to fight him and win."


    He moved his hammer from his storage to his hand and swung it over his shoulder before closing his eyes for a moment. Lightning then began to run across his body. About a minuteter, he opened his eyes again and went through the door, swaggering outside.


    He took a deep breath of the crisp morning air and walked up to the barrier with a smug grin on his wolfish face.


    The five visitors had stopped talking and watched Erik approach with various gazes. It stayed surprisingly quiet as he came closer since the sight of Erik in his ck armor andrge hammer was a little intimidating.


    Luckily, the armor''s damage was barely noticeable.


    Yet, they couldn''t help their gazes turning to surprise when they noticed Erik walk through the barrier unhindered and take a stand in front of them.


    Not because he could do that but because he did. It was five against one, after all. No one would have med him if he stayed on the other side of that barrier.


    "You''re pretty cocky, aren''t you?" f growled.


    With his voice morphed from the transformation, Erik chuckled. "The only difference between cocky and confident is the ability to pull it off. So which am I?"


    He actually had no confidence in fighting all five of these people on his own, but he didn''t expect this to end up in an all-out brawl. That said, he still had to be careful and see if he could get an advantage or even the odds.


    While f scoffed at what he thought was apparent arrogance, Erik panned his gaze between the others gathered there. "Anyway, what can I do for you, gentlemen anddies."

 Chapter 91: Chapter 91 - Evening the odds

    All five members of their team looked at him with different expressions.


    f''s face was red with narrowed eyes, Anne had narrowed eyes and a frown, Nora''s face was red as well, but apanied by a lustful grin, Bj?rn looked with a bit of awe. Finally, their leader looked at him with narrowed eyes and inquisitive scrutiny.


    Yet, all of them, even Nora, looked at him with some hostility, clearly ready for a fight and not underestimating him.


    It was their leader who spoke up first. "First of all, do you mind undoing your transformation and putting your weapon away? We did note with hostile intentions."


    But Erik grinned and refused. "I do mind, actually."


    He shrugged nonchntly. "There''s five of you and one of me. You''ll have to forgive me for taking a few precautions. As for your non-hostile intentions, don''t make meugh."


    A confident grin hung on his lips. "The only reason you woulde here with five second-rank Runebound is because, one, you want something from me, and two, you''re prepared to force the issue if I don''t cooperate. The only thing I''ll believe is that you''d prefer if things didn''te to a fight."


    He raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner. "But that''ll depend on what you want from me, won''t it?"


    It remained quiet for a moment, with the five shapeshifters surrounding Erik looking various degrees of ufortable and hostile before the ginger-haired man in front of him responded.


    He sighed in resignation. "Fine, you''re right. Although, if it dide to that, I would have allowed you a moment to rearm yourself, as I prefer to fight on equal terms."


    Erik chuckled, "I actually believe you. But I''m gonna hold on to my weapon and transformation anyway." He got the feeling the man he once knew had changed a lot since hest saw him, but at his core, remained the same, which is why Erik actually believed him.


    Erik pointed with the thumb on his free hand towards f, "Particrly because this guy seems about ready to tear my throat out for some reason."


    f was now ying around with the dagger made of mes in his hand as he stared menacingly at Erik with anger apparent on his face.


    The ginger-haired leader sent a threatening re towards f before turning back to Erik. "Don''t mind him. He''s a little impulsive and annoyed at having been made to wait."


    Erik rolled his eyes. "Well then, don''te at night. People do need sleep, you know." Then he pointed at Nora. "Besides, he''s not the only one. That blond woman looks ready to devour me. Though perhaps not in the same way." He looked at her and winked, "Not that I''m uninterested."


    Nora''s eyes immediately lit up while Anne next to her groaned.


    "We should talkter."


    "Please don''t encourage her."


    They said at the same time.


    Erikughed and thought, ''This is getting interesting,'' before refocusing on the man before him. He waved his hand dismissively. "Well, let''s drop it. Tell me why you''re here."


    The man nodded. "Fine. There are actually a lot of things I''d like to know right now, but the main reason we''re here is that one of us saw your fight against those ghouls earlier. We want whatever method you and your¡­" he seemed to search for the right words as some uncontrolled disgust shed across his face. "Human friend¡­ used to bring that ghoul under control."


    Erik raised his eyebrows in surprise as he panned his gaze between the people gathered there. "I figured you were here because of that fight, but I''m surprised one of you managed to watch without alerting me."


    "Probably some skill that can hide their presence, but I won''t know which of them it was without you touching them." He heard Elora''s voice in his mind. To which Erik nodded inwardly.


    "Anyway," Erik continued aloud, "can I assume you guys are from the Silver Enve then?"


    "That''s right," f said, "so you''d best show a little respect!" Which Bj?rn followed by questioning his origins, "I''m surprised you heard about us. I don''t believe you and your group are from around here."


    Ignoring f, Erik nodded thoughtfully towards Bj?rn. "Well, yes and no." Then, he looked at their leader again. "But never mind that for now. You seem to be their leader, so tell me, what are you willing to offer in exchange for a method to control the ghouls?"


    Before the man could answer, f had enough of the back and forth, "Enough of this! Why are we listening to this asshole, anyway? Here''s our offer: in exchange for giving us what we want, you get to live!"


    Erik sighed in response. "There''s always one, isn''t there?" He quickly exchanged some information with Elora while purple runes suddenly appeared all over his body. Before anyone could react, he disappeared in a sh of lightning and reappeared before f with his armored leg raised.


    Bam!


    With a quick and powerful kick to the stomach, f roared in pain as he flew through the air straight toward the barrier. As he flew, he changed into his wolf form as a reaction to the threat, but it was toote.


    Instead of crashing against the barrier, it opened for him, and he flew straight through before crashing against the house. There, another sigil activated, and under f''s painful howling, lightning chains began to wind themselves around his body.


    The moment Erik''s kick connected with f, the other members of the group kicked into action by transforming into their beast forms and charging Erik, who chuckled and simply stepped into the barrier, forcing his four attackers toe to a halt.


    Naturally, he had used his lightning-sh ability to appear in front of f before anyone could react. This ability needed some time and continued use of electricity to charge up, normally duringbat, but Erik had already done that before he even left the house.


    That and the sigils were the only reasons he could disable a second-rank Runebound this quickly.


    "You bastard! You dare attack so suddenly when we tried to be diplomatic?!" Anne yelled from the other side of the barrier.


    Meanwhile, behind Erik, f groaned in pain as lighting ran across his body. He flexed his muscles while fiery runes appeared on his skin in an attempt to break free, but this only caused him to scream louder.


    "You call what that guy was doing diplomatic?" Erik chuckled as he thumbed over his shoulder towards f. "I honestly wasn''t nning on attacking anyone, but that guy was getting on my nerves. I don''t like being threatened, you see."


    That wasn''t exactly true. From the start, Erik had been wanting to make them lose their advantage, f just gave him the perfect excuse and target.


    While the rest of the team seethed with anger as they red at Erik through the barrier and told him to let f go or face the consequences, their ginger-haired leader remained calm and quickly got his fellows to quiet down.


    "Quiet down!" he yelled at them before turning to Erik. "You''re right. f was impulsive andbative, but that''s no reason for you to react in the same way. Let him go, and we can still talk about this."


    But his request just amused Erik. "Let him go? Now that I''ve gained an advantage in these negotiations? How dumb do you think I am? No. Instead, let me even the odds a little." He turned towards the house.


    "Emily? I assume you''re watching. Come out here."


    Mere momentster, the beautiful, pale, ck-haired girl walked out the door, dressed in what continued to be her only outfit: a ck crop top and cargo pants.


    "Yeah, Boss?" she asked casually, seemingly paying little attention to the people outside the barrier.


    Erik thumbed towards the suffering f. "Even the odds for us, will you?"


    Emily grinned, "Happy too, Boss." Since the uses of her second glyph against an opponent who actually fought back were limited, she always enjoyed the opportunity to enve someone.


    Bj?rn quickly pointed at her. "That''s the creepy human who did something to that ghoul!"


    Erik and Elora immediately identified Bj?rn as likely being the person with concealment skills.


    Immediately, the people on the other side of the barrier became outraged as they watched Emily move closer to the restrained f.


    "What the hell is she going to do to him?!" Anne, currently in her werelynx form, yelled as wind seemed to gather around her ws before she swiped at the barrier, uselessly, much to her frustration.


    Meanwhile, Nora and Bj?rn attacked the barrier with their own skills, while only their leader remained somewhat calm.


    "Don''t make things worse now, boy." He growled.


    But Erik waved his hand dismissively. "Don''t worry; he''ll be fine. We''re just evening the ying field a little."


    f screamed and struggled as he watched Emily close in. "G- Get away from me, Bitch! Don''t touch me!"

 Chapter 92: Chapter 92 - A duel

    Yet, it was useless. Soon, they all watched in horror when Emily pressed her hand against f''s forehead while life seemed to leave his eyes before he was released from his bonds and fell to the ground.


    After falling down, f, still in beast form, staggered back to his feet, yet his eyes were ssy. He simply looked at Emily, waiting for his orders, all defiance and fury gone.


    Stunned, furious, and horrified at these events, Nora, Bj?rn, and Anne forgot to continue attacking the barrier as they stared at Emily, petting theirrade''s head with a grin. "There''s a good boy. Follow your new mistress now." After those words, she went to stand beside Erik with the enved f in tow.


    Erik rolled his eyes at her behavior and decided to put a halt to it. He didn''t want to make these people into life-and-death enemies, especially not their leader. "Don''t humiliate the man, Emily. We''re just trying to give ourselves a better hand in negotiations, not create enemies."


    Immediately, Anne began to hiss. "You think that''s still possible, you race traitor?! How dare you allow a filthy human to take control of f?!"


    Nora, having now lost her lust for Erik, voiced her agreement. "f would have preferred death over envement by a human. Let him go!"


    Bj?rn joined in, too, having lost some of his awe for Erik. "The guy was an asshole, but he doesn''t deserve this! I thought you were a real warrior!"


    Only their leader didn''t say anything, but the disapproval in his eyes was unmistakable.


    Panning his gaze between those four people, Erik''s gaze turned contemptuous as he snorted at their behavior. "You people are pathetic." He turned to their leader. "Even you? I would have expected better from you."


    The now ginger-furred werebear frowned at Erik''s calling him out specifically but ignored it for now, focusing on Erik''s first words. "What are you talking about?"


    Hearing his question, Erik waved his hand dismissively. "You people me an entire race for the actions of a few. How pathetic can you get? Humans are no worse or better than shapeshifters and vampires."


    If there was one thing Erik had learned on a filled with as many different races and species as S?l, it was that there were only two types of people in existence¡ªthose against him and those with him. Race or species had no impact on that, despite his past.


    Anne seemed to lose all reason upon hearing those words. "I dare you to say that to my face." She screeched.


    Seeing an opportunity, Erik grinned evilly. "Sure,e over here, and I''ll do just that." At those words, Elora created a small gap in the barrier, just in front of Anne.


    Lost in rage, Anne was just about to charge through when arge bear w grabbed her shoulder and stopped her. Having lost the opportunity, the gap quickly closed again.


    Erik chuckled at the werebear. "Nice reaction speed. I almost gained theplete advantage there."


    The werebear growled as he continued to hold Anne back. "Don''t let yourself be goaded, Anne." His gaze panned to Nora and Bj?rn, who were both seething. "And the same goes for the rest of you."


    Then, he turned to Erik. "As for you, your words sound wise, but you haven''t gone through what some of us have."


    Hearing those words said by that man, Erik could only smile wryly. "Are you sure about that?" he asked, with pain in his voice. Then he sighed. "Anyway, I suppose I shouldn''t me you for your attitude too much. I may have my own painful past, but I had the opportunity to get some perspective that you''re still missing."


    The werebear and Erik stared into each other''s eyes for a moment, and Erik''s opponent couldn''t help but feel a strange sense of recognition, though he couldn''t put his finger on it exactly.


    In the end, he sighed as well. "Well, whatever the case." He turned to Emily, who was watching this all with a slightly bored expression. "Isn''t it dangerous to hang around with someone of her abilities, regardless of race? What''s to stop her from enving you in your sleep? Or perhaps she''s already done that¡­?"


    While Erikcked the ssy eyes of f, to simply deny the possibility that he might be enved, only because of that, would be foolhardy.


    Before Erik could respond, Emily began tough loudly. "Enve him?! Last time I tried that, I¡­" Suddenly, she stoppedughing and looked thoughtful for a moment before scratching her head. "Well, actually, that didn''t end up so badly in the end." She shrugged, "Anyway, the point is, I serve him, not the other way around."


    Erik gave her an amused smirk when he realized this was the first time she openly admitted to serving him. Then he turned back to the werebear and shrugged. "You heard thedy."


    The werebear looked skeptical but sighed and let it go for now. "Well, whatever the case. It seems we''ve reached an impasse. We can probably break through this barrier with time, but I don''t like our odds on the other side, especially because you still have a ghoul and another human somewhere.


    Meanwhile, you can''t stay in there forever and I don''t like your odds on this side. Naturally, we''re not leaving without f and a way to fight the ghouls, yet we can''t send one of us out for reinforcements because the remaining three wouldn''t be able to contain you. So what now?"


    Erik couldn''t help but grin with excitement. ''This is what I''ve been waiting for!'' he thought. "How about we duel, you and I?" he proposed.


    The werebear frowned. "A duel?"


    Still grinning, Erik nodded. "You versus me, an all-out brawl. If you win, I''ll answer whatever questions you have, do whatever I can to help you against the ghouls, and release f.


    If you lose, I''ll still answer whatever questions you have, but I''ll keep f for a few days as punishment for being an instigating asshole, and I''ll only consider helping against the ghouls. Meanwhile, none of you will be allowed to leave until my group and I do. I won''t have that third-rank leader of yours knocking on my door."


    Since these people didn''t seem to know anything of sigils, and their body suits didn''t leave enough room to hide any othermunication methods, at least nothing that would work in the current day, he didn''t imagine they had a way of contacting their leader remotely.


    Yet, before proposing this, he needed to even the odds. Otherwise, why would they ept when they had the advantage?


    While Anne continued being lost in a rage, Bj?rn and Nora seemed genuinely interested in his offer. Even if they lost, they still got something, and they had confidence in their leader''s victory.


    Even if the werebear himself wasn''t as sure about his victory as he eyed the heavily armored werewolf with arge hammer in front of him, he, too, could see the benefit in it. Anything was better than their current stalemate.


    He growled, "Let''s say I agree; how do we do this?"


    Erik exined. "Simple. Your threepanions move away far enough that they can still see us but can''t interfere quickly. Then, we fight just outside of the barrier. I lose my protection, and you lose yourpanions. I''ll even remove my armor, but I''ll keep my weapon."


    The werebear frowned. "Why would you take off your armor?"


    To which Erik shrugged with a wild grin on his wolfish face. "Because otherwise, beating you wouldn''t be any fun."


    While that truly was Erik''s main consideration, the fact was that his armor was still damaged and would only get worse if he wore it in this battle.


    Suddenly, the werebear''s mind went back to a time in the past when a certain woman had said the same thing while wearing that same wild expression. The reasons were different, but the rest was the same.


    For a moment, he had a lost expression on his face. Then, he shook himself free and looked at Erik strangely. ''If I didn''t know any better¡­'' he thought, but then shook his head again. ''No. That''s impossible.''


    "You alright there?" Erik quipped.


    The werebear nodded with aplicated expression. "Yeah, you just reminded me of a certain fierce woman for a second. No offense¡­"


    That stunned Erik for a moment. ''Could he have meant my mother? Now I''m suddenly feeling impatient to ask him about her¡­'' But then the excitement he felt for this fight drowned out those thoughts, and an excited grin reappeared on his face. ''I''ll ask himter.'' He thought.


    Erik chuckled in the end. "None taken. So, do we have a deal?"


    The werebear nodded seriously. "We do. But how can I be sure you''ll keep your word?"


    Dark green energy began to appear on Erik''s arm while he answered and shrugged. "Personally, you seem trustworthy enough, and I''d prefer to make this a gentlemen''s agreement, but if you really want to, we can make something akin to a magical contract."


    He stuck his arm covered in covenant magic through the barrier and waited to see if the werebear would take it. Erik''s opponent stared at the hand for a moment and then shook his head in apparent unbelief. "You truly have unique methods. But I''d rather not mess with strange magic. A gentlemen''s agreement it is."


    Erik grinned and shook his arm, dissolving the dark green energy. "Good choice."

 Chapter 93: Chapter 93 - Magma affinity

    Seeing Erik''s arm was now free from any binding magic, the ginger werebear used his enormous paw-like hand to grasp Erik''s smaller version, and they shook on their deal.


    Then, he turned to the members of his team. "Go stand back a ways," he told them. But while Bj?rn and Nora quickly agreed, Anne was slightly more reluctant. She was finally calming down a little but still looked ready to tear Erik''s, and especially Emily''s, throats out.


    The werelynx growled and panted from barely contained fury, "Don''t do this, Boss! Let''s just tear that race traitor and his human lovers apart!"


    Before the werebear could respond, Nora had already grabbed Anne''s left arm and began pulling her away. "Don''t be an idiot, girl. I don''t like humans either, but this is the best solution. Even if the boss loses, which he won''t, we''ll still get some of what we want."


    Then, Bj?rn grabbed Anne''s right arm and agreed with Nora. "I understand your anger, Anne, but this is not the time."


    So Anne was dragged away, kicking and screaming, by her teammates under their leader''s concerned gaze.


    Normally, Anne was one of their cooler-headed people. Unfortunately, that was only true in matters that didn''t include humans. Her hatred of them was significant enough to set her usually cool head to boiling.


    While those three moved away, Erik briefly considered telling Emily to kill f if they made a move but quickly discarded that thought. Not only would it sour rtions even more, but he also didn''t really want to lose f as a fighter.


    Besides, Elora could keep an eye on them while he was fighting, and if they made a move, he would retreat into the barrier.


    Meanwhile, Erik had lost his armor and stepped through the barrier, still carrying his hammer. He watched as the trio receded a little into the distance and then turned to the werebear. "You should really start putting aside your hatred for humans and teach them to do the same."


    "Easier said than done," the man answered with aplicated expression. Then he turned to the ssy-eyed f. "And that human of yours isn''t exactly helping matters."


    Erik smirked in response. "So it would have been better if she was a shapeshifter or vampire? f would still be enved, and, factually, nothing would be different. Only your perception would be."


    The werebear smiled, a little exasperated, "Logically, you are correct. But, unfortunately, the world runs on perception." Then he shook his head, took off the bodysuit he was wearing, and moved to stand a few meters opposite Erik. "Regardless, this is not the time for philosophy."


    Since Erik''s home was on the vige outskirts, they moved the battle to the other side to not damage the graveyard or other houses, turning the space between Elora''s barrier and the vige''s fence into their battlefield.


    Erik''s opponent turned to him with a serious expression. "I believe we have a duel to get to. But first, we haven''t been introduced. My name is Viljar Hafbjorn. Please tell me yours."


    Hearing that name, Emily''s eyes widened as Erik had mentioned his uncle to her before. She immediately got confused about why Erik was going through all this but naturally kept her mouth shut.


    Meanwhile, Erik couldn''t help but smile at hearing his uncle''s name. But he wasn''t ready to end this just yet. Not before he finally got to beat his uncle in a fight after always looking up to his strength in the past.


    So he answered with a sly grin, "You can call me silver, for now. My real name, you''ll have to beat out of me."


    Viljar wasn''t exactly happy with that response but epted it anyway, as he took a fighting stance.


    Just like Katya, Viljar had also concluded that his ws were better than any weapon he could get his hands on. This likely meant that one of his Runebound skills allowed him to enhance those ws somehow.


    Which proved to be correct.


    When Erik took his position on the opposite side and adopted a fighter''s pose with hammer in hand, his opponent roared and gained dark-red runes all over his ginger fur. Viljar''s ws began to glow in response, suffused with a deep, fiery light that pulsed from within.


    The once solid ws morphed and began to resemble flowing magma, each now appearing as if forged from the heart of a volcano, with swirls of red and orange encapsting their brutal strength. Drips of molten rock seemed to cascade from the tips and left a trail of heat haze in the cold northern air.


    Elora sounded in Erik''s head. "Magma affinity, huh? Make sure to push your icy shell to the limit if you can''t avoid him. Also, remember he has another, unknown rune."


    Erik nodded seriously in response. This fight would be difficult. Not only was magma affinity powerful, but werebears in and of themselves were one of the most powerful kinds of shapeshifters on Earth.


    Erik activated his own runes and gained ayer of crackling lightning and ice over his skin. The lightning increased his speed and reflexes, while the ice provided increased protection.


    Now, they stood opposite each other, both ready for battle. Erik had a wide stance with his hammer over his shoulder. On his right was his old home, encased in a dark green barrier, with f and Emily behind it. In front of him was his uncle Viljar, and a few tens of meters behind the werebear were Nora, Bj?rn, and Anne, spectating.


    Erik howled and made the first move by charging his opponent while moving the hammer from his shoulder to a dual grip. An excited grin hung on his lips, and a wild glint showed in his eyes.


    Viljar roared and prepared to receive Erik''s hammer with arms crossed in front of his chest. To Erik''s surprise, the fur on his uncle''s arms took on the same properties as the man''s ws, causing his entire body to turn from ginger to dark red and bing like a walking ball of magma as all the snow around him began to melt.


    Viljar seemed to have flipped a switch as he went from a calm leader to a man who loved showing his strength. "Come, boy! And be careful you don''t burn yourself!" he growled at Erik excitedly.


    "Oh my. It''s not just his ws; it''s the keratin from which ws and fur are created that he can change into magma. How dangerous." Elora''s chirpy voice sounded in Erik''s head.


    Yet, instead of being deterred, Erik''s grin only became more excited. He arrived before Viljar and swung his hammer against his opponent''s arms. Yet the dark red magma fur was a strangebination of soft and hard that appeared to absorb the blow easily.


    Despite that, Viljar roared from abination of pain and surprise while skidding back through the now-melted snow puddles.


    "You should care for yourself first, old man!" Erik quipped as he recovered from his attack.


    Viljar shook his arms as if to regain feeling in them andughed. "You have quite a bit of strength in that body of yours. Are you sure you''re not half-werebear?"


    Erik shook his head and responded. "Pretty sure!" Just like his mother Runa, his father Leifur had also been a werewolf. Besides, half-breeds were rare, and most didn''t even believe they could really be born.


    Instead, his increased strength came from abination of being merged with Elora''s body and the two powerful bloodlines flowing through his veins.


    Immediately after Erik''s response, Viljar now went on the offense. He was like a massive clump of roiling magma in werebear form, bearing down on Erik, who felt dwarfed by another in size for the first time in a long time.


    But that didn''t deter him either, nor did he n to dodge, despite his speed likely outssing Viljar''s. Instead, under the astonished gazes of Emily, Nora, Bj?rn, and even Anne, Erik moved his hammer to his left hand, balled his right fist, and charged a concussive lightning st in preparation for Viljar''s arrival.


    Viljar himself seemed to have expected Erik''s move andughed wildly. "You really are like that woman! Now let''s see if you have the power to back it up."


    Using his powerful momentum, Viljar swiped at Erik in a cross formation with his magma ws and met Erik''s balled-up fist in the middle.


    The moment they met, Erik detonated the concussive lightning st, forcing Viljar to contend with both Erik''s strength and the st. Lightning crackled, and ice sizzled as the extra thickyer of icy shell on Erik''s fist began to melt.


    Their confrontationsted a mere fraction of a second before they were both forced to take a step backward. Everyone spectating the fight, except for Erik and Elora, was surprised by the result, as they had expected Erik to be blown back alone.


    Outwardly, neither of them appeared to have received much damage from that, but Erik had to use a lot of power tobat the heat from Viljar''s ws while Viljar felt a strange and aching pain in those same ws.


    Looking down, he noticed they had ckened a little and showed small fractures before quickly going back to their previous magma-like state, causing him to frown.


    Elora noticed the same thing and quickly ryed this to Erik before they came up with a hypothesis together. ''I can make use of thatter,'' he thought.

 Chapter 94: Chapter 94 -Octobear

    After that confrontation, Erik and Viljar began slugging it out in closebat for a while. They both wore excited grins.


    Viljar quickly found himself matched in strength but outmatched in speed, while Erik realized his uncle''s defenses were much higher than his own.


    For Erik, this was also a bit of a cathartic moment, as he felt like he was taking revenge against werebears for his loss against Katya. Not that his loss against Katya, as a third-rank Runebound, surprised him, but it still hurt his pride a little.


    Meanwhile, behind Viljar, his team members were watching with bated breath.


    "Man, despite the situation, I''m happy I get to see this," Bj?rn said with awe in his eyes, seemingly having forgotten his earlier anger at Erik. "Just look at that guy go! He''s a werewolf at the same rank, yet he''s matching the Boss''s strength equally! How?!"


    Besides him, Nora had regained the lust in her eyes when she looked at Erik. "I know, right? Look at him going at it like a savage." She shuddered, "Gah! I want to tame him so bad! Teach that savage monster to obey me! Hehehehe"


    Bj?rn rolled his eyes, "Yeah, right. Even the boss has trouble with him, yet you''re gonna make him roll over for you? With what army?"


    Nora grinned confidently in response and slightly shook her voluptuous chest while caressing her mature body. "You just let me worry about that! Men like him are all the same. You saw him look at me earlier; I''m sure he''ll crawl through shards to get a taste of me!"


    Bj?rnughed loudly. "Well, good luck with that! I think he might surprise you! I mean, race aside, that human girl is even more beautiful than you, yet she seems happy to obey his everymand."


    Anger and disgust shed through Nora''s eyes. "You darepare me to that human trash?!"


    Bj?rn shrugged without a care. "Say what you will, but the facts are the facts. Besides, your n relies on this ''Silver'' or whatever he''s called to care about your consent. But let me ask you this: say he defeats the Boss; what''s to stop him from simply taking what he wants from you?"


    Nora appeared taken aback by that suggestion, causing her to blink, as she apparently hadn''t thought of that possibility. "I- uh." She looked down. ''Did¡­ I just get a little wet at that thought?'' But she quickly shook her head. ''No way! It must have happened when I was thinking about taming him!''


    She stammered a little, having, at least temporarily, lost some of her confidence, "I- I doubt he''s such a person. B- Besides, the Boss won''t lose! Right¡­?"


    While they talked, they continued to hold back a seething and struggling Anne, who finally had enough of their conversation. "How can you two talk like this after what that traitor and his human trash did to f?!"


    Nora and Bj?rn fell silent for a moment while looking a little ashamed. But after a few moments, Bj?rn sighed and shrugged, "Well, is it so bad? The human serves the werewolf, so isn''t f really enved by Silver in the end? Besides, he truly was being an instigating asshole¡­ as usual."


    Anne looked at him with wide eyes and in utter disbelief. She hissed full of venom, almost making one believe she was a wereserpent, instead of a werelynx, "You dare, Bj?rn?! I can''t believe I ever thought of you as a friend! You know what humans did to me!"


    The wereverine nodded sadly. "They did terrible things to all of us, Anne. But most of those humans are dead now. Perhaps Silver is right, and we really are pathetic¡­"


    Anne fell into stunned silence at those words. Though perhaps mostly because her fury rose so high, she didn''t know how to express herself.


    Nora had aplicated expression after hearing Bj?rn''s words but decided to take a neutral stance on the matter and keep quiet.


    Meanwhile, back at the duel site, Erik and Viljar had separated again. The ground beneath them trembled with the aftermath of their powers as they circled each other.


    Neither of them had received any real wounds. Erik was too fast for Viljar to get any good hits in, and even when he did, Erik''s icy shell was the perfect counter for his magma ws, as it not only blocked but also cooled, while Viljar''s defenses proved tough for Erik to break through.


    Their eyes were locked in mutual respect and determination.


    The air was thick with tension.


    It was as if the very environment itself was waiting for the next explosive moment.


    It didn''t need to wait long as Viljar, with a fierce roar, made another set of dark-red runes appear on his skin. He grinned wildly. "You were pretty good, boy. But let''s see how you deal with this!"


    Suddenly, four things that could only be described as magma tentacles snaked out from behind Viljar''s back. The tips were now floating around his body.


    Erik raised an eyebrow and couldn''t help but gulp slightly despite the excitement never leaving his eyes. ''Never thought Uncle Viljar would be an octobear.'' He thought as he chuckled inwardly.


    "That''s impressive," he said as he eyed the slowly swaying tentacles around Viljar with a sly grin. "But you know it''s not about size, or in your case, quantity, but about how you use them, right?"


    Viljar snorted. "That''s funny, boy. Now, let me show you that you should respect your elders!" he said, just before he charged at Erik with the tentacles at the ready.


    Erik howled and met Viljar''s charge head-on. They began exchanging blows again, but Erik immediately felt pressured. Viljar''s tentacles were no less dangerous, precise, or agile than his mighty ws.


    The werebear''sck of speed had essentially been solved by increasing the number of avable limbs. In response, Erik pushed his lightning enhancement to the limit, exponentially increasing his speed, agility, and reflexes. Meanwhile, he had to pump a lot of energy into his icy shell to counteract the surrounding heat.


    His ws and hammer became a blur. For the first time in this fight, he began using his lightning w spell andbining them with concussive sts to keep the four tentacles at bay.


    He had now used all four of his lightning spells and skills before Viljar, and the man had noticed.


    "You know," he said, as he used his enormous ws to swipe at Erik in an uppercut movement, "I''ve been counting, and I think you have too many skills."


    Erik grinned as he dodged a tentacle while blocking the uppercut with his hammer in one hand and simultaneouslyunched a lightning w at a second tentacle with his other hand to keep it at bay.


    "Noticed that, did you? Maybe I''ll tell you why sometime." Erik said as he panted a little. Meanwhile, he started thinking, ''I need to go on the offensive before I''m exhausted to death or make a mistake. I need to get rid of some of those tentacles.''


    Finally, he had an opening.


    Viljar was reeling a little from a particrly powerful concussive st that blew away his tentacles, causing Erik to be without any immediate threats.


    He quickly charged another concussive st, but this time, under one of his wolfish feet. Before Viljar could react, Erik jumped high into the air at the same time as the st exploded.


    Using the double momentum from his jump and the st, Erik somersaulted through the air, right over Viljar''s head. Viljar looked up with astonishment as he saw Erik''s grinning face pass just over his.


    There was no time for Viljar to react.


    With adrenaline pumping through his body and his mind working overtime to get the timing right, Erik experienced this moment as if in slow motion.


    Erik turned around midair and was now facing Viljar''s exposed back, which had the four tentaclesing out of it.


    ''Now''s the time!'' he thought, taking a deep breath and opening his mouth wide. Arge, icy-blue magic circle appeared in front of his face, and he released a mighty howl. At the same time, icy shrapnel sted from his mouth straight against Viljar''s undefended back.


    Eriknded gracefully on his feet, and time began moving fast again. Viljar felt the impact on his back and roared in pain as he turned around, ready to enact vengeance.


    Yet, he felt something was wrong on his back, though he couldn''t quite grasp what it was. But he had no time to think about it as Erik charged at him with a grin on his face and his hammer raised.


    Viljar roared again and attempted to move his tentacles, but instead of movement, he only felt a dull ache. He was confused but had to think fast to defend himself, so he crossed his arms in front of his face in preparation for Erik''s hammer.


    Yet, the blow never came.

 Chapter 95: Chapter 95 - Victory

    Viljar quickly moved his arms to look ahead, just in time to see a grinning Erik encased in lightning just as before he kicked f.


    Viljar knew what this meant but had no way to respond, as his body, and especially his back, felt stiff.


    Lightning seemed to strike where Erik had been running as he activated Lightning sh, which had been charging since the fight started. Thanks to this, Erik appeared behind Viljar once again.


    Viljar''s back now looked very different from his front. Instead of the whirling mass of magma, his fur had turned into, it now looked like steaming ck rock full of cracks. Naturally, this included the base of the tentacles.


    This was the result of the magma being sh-cooled by Erik''s earlier ice breath, turning it into solid stone instead. ''It''s the perfect opportunity to eliminate some of those tentacles. It''s just a shame I had to use the lightning sh to get by Viljar before his back turns into magma again.'' He thought.


    At this point, at most, a second had passed since Erik somersaulted over Viljar and attacked with his icy breath.


    With a wolfish grin, Erik swung the hammer hard, wide, and as quickly as he could, crashing it against Viljar''s back, specifically against the base of the tentacles.


    The werebear roared in pain, spit out blood, and stumbled forward as two of the four tentacles broke off and multiple fractures appeared on his back.


    Yet, while this looked painful and severely damaging, it wasn''t actually that bad. After all, only his fur had been turned into magma and then cooled to stone.


    That said, because the soft yet hard magma was Viljar''s primary defense and had already reced his fur, the werebear''s skin was the only thing left to receive the powerful hammer blow.


    While a second-rank Runebound werebear''s skin was extremely sturdy and capable of taking quite a bit of bludgeoning damage, it wasn''t enough topletely defend against Erik''s mighty hammer, backed by his fearsome strength. Which meant the attack caused significant internal damage.


    Despite the setback, however, Viljar was far from being defeated.


    The werebear''s resilience shone through as he gritted his teeth and turned around to face Erik while the ckened stone on his back finally began returning to magma.


    He spat out some more blood and red at Erik with a mixture of frustration and confusion. "I''ve seen people with multiple affinities before, but so far, I''ve seen you use two ice skills and four lightning skills. Moreover, some don''t fit with the usual Runebound skills, seeming more like human spells. Exactly who or what are you?"


    Erik grinned mysteriously at Viljar. "I told you I''d answer all your questions after the fight, right? Forget about your confusion, Viljar. For now, you are fighting for f''s freedom and a way tobat the Dominion''s ghouls."


    In the past, Viljar was someone with whom Erik had an immense amount of trust, and now that they had met again, Erik had no intention of hiding anything from the man. At least, not now that he was reasonably sure his uncle was still the same man he once knew.


    Hearing Erik''s answers, Viljar roared with a mixture of determination and frustration while Erik did the same, but his roar echoed only with excitement.


    Bothbatants were nowpletely lost in the battle as they once again started a close-quarters brawl, asva ws shed against ice and hammer.


    Viljar adapted his fighting style, returning to a heavier reliance on his brute strength and robust defenses rather than hispromised magma tentacles. Two had been removed from the game altogether, while the others were damaged and stiff.


    All the battle''s spectators, previously chatting and specting, were now watching in silent awe. The intensity of the duel had reached new heights, and they were captivated by the disy of raw power and skill.


    Even Anne momentarily forgot about her fury as her eyes locked on the unfolding battle.


    The battlefield itself wore the scars of theirbat. The fence, which was supposed to have been a border in their battle, had already been demolished. Puddles of water were spread everywhere, as no snow remained intact.


    The ordinarily cold ground had be hot. Its scorch marks and cracks were a testament to the immense forces at y. Erik used the uneven terrain and his superior speed to his advantage by leaping off raised ground for aerial attacks.


    Thebatants now engaged in a frantic dance of attack and counterattack, neither willing to yield. Erik''s lightning-fast strikes met Viljar''s robust defenses in a sh that resonated through the air.


    Each blow was a test of will and strength, a battle not just of physical prowess but of spirit and determination.


    A battle that Erik had clearly begun to dominate after Viljar received that heavy wound to his back.


    As the duel reached its climax, Erik spotted an opening. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, his hammer charged with a concussive lightning st, swinging in a wide arc aimed not at Viljar but at the ground beside him.


    The impact of the hammer and lightning st sent a shock wave of debris and force, throwing Viljar out of bnce.


    Seizing the moment, Erikunched another icy breath at Viljar''s side while, at the same moment, leaping and flipping over Viljar''s disoriented form.


    Once again in mid-air, he shifted his grip on the hammer and brought it down in a powerful targeted strike at the werebear''s exposed and recently cooled side.


    The ground trembled under the impact, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze. Eriknded deftly, poised and ready, while Viljar staggered and spat out more blood. His breath was heavy, feeling the weight of Erik''s attack.


    As the dust settled, the two warriors stood, one panting, exhausted and wounded; the other, panting and tired, but otherwise none the worse for wear.


    They shared a look of mutual respect and understanding before¡­ Viljar sank to one knee and nted his fist on the ground to keep himself from falling.


    Hispanions looked on with a mixture of awe, fear, and surprise.


    "B- Boss, lost?" Nora stammered as Bj?rn''s earlier words suddenly flooded back.


    Bj?rn gulped and nodded. "Looks like it."


    Anne was still too furious to be really concerned, however. "Who cares!" she hissed. "That asshole is tired. If we attack now, we stand a chance!"


    Yet, her teammates continued to hold her back as they remained quiet. They were much less confident in a victory than Anne.


    That said, they kept a close eye on Erik''s actions so they could react in time if he showed any aggression to the already downed Viljar.


    Regardless, their reactions didn''t matter.


    The fight was over, and there was only one clear victor.


    Viljar panted heavily, and despite his respect for Erik''s prowess, he felt dismayed at losing the battle and their bet. Yet, he found himself exhausted and out of energy since maintaining his magma fur, ws, and tentacles was a constant drain on his reserves.


    As his fur slowly returned to its previous ginger color and the heat receded, he turned his head to look at Erik, who looked ready to continue, and panted, "I¡­ surrender."


    Hearing his admission, Erik smiled sincerely and sauntered over to Viljar, hammer swung over his shoulder. He couldn''t help feeling a little apprehensive at the revtion he was about to drop onto his uncle. ''How will he react?'' Erik wondered.


    However, he didn''t show it on his face as he responded to Viljar''s surrender. "You put up a good fight, old man. It was a lot more intense than in the past, but it feels good to finally win for once.


    I''ve always known I''ve grown much more powerful in these seven years, but only now that I''ve aplished something I couldn''t before does it feel real, you know?"


    Viljar frowned, unsure what this man he knew only as Silver was talking about.


    At this point, Erik crouched down next to Viljar''s panting face. "It does feel different fighting you when I''m actually enjoying it, though. Honestly, I''m not even sure why I never liked fighting in the past. The concept seems so alien to me now."


    Viljar looked at Erik with a mixture of confusion, suspicion, and concern. Unsure what he was talking about, while afraid Erik would use this chance to kill him and then his teammates.


    "I don''t¡­ know what you''re talking about¡­ but will you keep your word? I wouldn''t me you¡­ if you took this chance to end any threat to you and yours. But if you do that¡­ please just kill me and let the others go¡­ when you leave here. They are no threat to you." Viljar panted while desperately trying to think of a solution in case Erik broke their deal.


    Erik continued to smile at his uncle, who still hadn''t realized who Erik was. "I''d never break my word to my favorite uncle teddy bear, let alone kill him." He felt a little awkward calling Viljar by that nickname at this age and after so long, but it seemed appropriate.


    Viljar''s eyes widened at hearing a term he hadn''t heard in seven long years. "W- What did you say?"

 Chapter 96: Chapter 96 - Reunion

    Instead of responding to his uncle''s question, Erik slowly undid his transformation while he continued to talk. "I''m sorry for the ruse, uncle. The fact is, I couldn''t be sure if you were still the same person after all this time.


    Tragedy changes a man, and I didn''t know if I could still trust you. But after seeing you interact with your teammates and fighting you, I can see that, while you really need to do something about your anger towards humans, you''re still the same man I once knew."


    Erik chuckled. "It also didn''t hurt that I really wanted to fight you. You see, I have changed far more than you in these past seven years."


    As he watched Erik slowly turn into human form while hearing him say those words, Viljar''s face twitched, receiving a heavy mental shock when he slowly started realizing who Erik was. Or at least pretended to be.


    Now in human form and, unfortunately, stark-naked, Elora quickly used her magic to conjure some simple clothes on Erik''s body. Erik put a hand on Viljar''s shoulder and looked straight into his eyes with a mixture of familial love and concern.


    He asked Elora to heal Viljar as much as she could through the physical connection. While seidr magic wasn''t ideally suited for healing someone the fairy wasn''t bonded with, it wasn''t useless either.


    Elora didn''t say anything and just did as Erik asked. She was happy about Erik''s chance at a reunion and didn''t feel like interfering. That said, she also did something extra.


    Viljar gasped as dark green magic, apanied by a soothing feeling, spread over his body, yet his eyes were unwaveringly trained on Erik''s piercing yet caring amber gaze. He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn''t even realize a set of clothes had appeared on his body.


    Since Viljar had removed the bodysuit earlier to keep it from being damaged in the fight and had also reverted to human form, he was now naked, and Elora was getting tired of keeping her metaphorical eyes closed. She had no interest in seeing a naked man that was not Erik.


    Meanwhile, several memories of a young man he once knew sprang to Viljar''s mind as his thoughts went into a tailspin.


    He remembered giving him pony rides on his knee, wrestling, and sparring with him when he got older, and, eventually, watched him grow closer to the girl he had raised as if she were his own daughter.


    He remembered feeling protective of Edda despite the trust and love he felt for his nephew. Then, he remembered the unimaginable pain he felt at learning of Edda''s betrayal, followed by his wife''s and then Erik''s death.


    Before that fateful day, Viljar had cried only once in his adult life: when he married his wife, Ingrid.


    Yet that day, when everything he knew fell apart, he cried another three times.


    ''It- It can''t be.'' He thought. ''That boy died a long time ago and was nothing like this man.''


    Yet, despite the different hair color, which was now gray-white rather than silver-gray due to the winter wolf bloodline, Erik''s face was unmistakable, even if it was a little older.


    Not to mention that several events suddenly began falling into ce. Why did their groupe to Frostvik? Why did some strange flower appear on Leifur''s grave? And why did they take up residence in Erik''s old home?


    Surely all that wasn''t nned just to trick him right here and now? What would be the point?


    Feeling some of his strength return, Viljar struggled to his feet and sped Erik''s shoulder with a slightly trembling hand. His expression wasplicated as he looked into Erik''s amber eyes.


    "Is that¡­ really, you? Erik?" he mumbled with a slightly shaking voice, just hard enough for Erik to hear.


    Erik grinned, happy that his uncle didn''t seem to mind his little ruse. "Yeah, uncle, it''s m-"


    But before he could finish, Viljar balled his left fist while keeping his right on Erik''s shoulder and, in a surprisingly agile move, heavily punched Erik in the stomach. "That''s for beating up your poor old uncle, you brat!" he said in a hoarse voice, full of emotion.


    Erik doubled over and coughed, his eyes filled with surprise.


    Next, Viljar pulled Erik up and hugged him tight. Tears streamed out of his eyes as he cried for the fifth time in his life. "I thought you died, boy! Where the fuck have you been these seven years! Actually, never mind that it''s so good to see you again, Erik."


    Clearly, Viljar had some trouble dealing with the sudden influx of emotions.


    Feeling the tears drip down his shoulder, Erik smiled and hugged his uncle back, inwardly thanking Elora for giving them both clothes before this point.


    As for the punch, he didn''t mind it and even kind of felt like he deserved it.


    Suddenly, Viljar stopped hugging him, grabbed Erik by the shoulders, and held him at arm''s length with a suddenly suspicious gaze. "It really is you, right? I''ve seen you do some strange things since I got here, and I''d rather not be fooled by some illusion or crap like that."


    Erik chuckled, actually feeling d his uncle had gotten a little more wary over the years. "Yeah, uncle, it''s really me. Try asking me something only I would know."


    Viljar seemed to think for a moment, then coughed awkwardly, "On your sixteenth birthday, your father and I took you hunting, but we didn''t find anything. What did we end up doing instead, and what did it lead to?"


    Hearing his uncle''s question, Erik chuckled, scratched his head, and thought, ''I''m d Elora already knows everything that''s happened in my life,'' before answering his uncle. "You gave me my first taste of alcohol, things got out of hand, and we all thought we saw a troll wearing a tutu, dancing in the moonlight¡­ which we ended up chasing until morning."


    He shrugged while Elora giggled in his head. "When we sobered up, we promised never to mention it again to anyone¡­ until now, I guess."


    Viljar couldn''t helpughing loudly. There was no way Erik had told that story to anyone, not even Edda. He smiled widely, happiness sparkling in his eyes. "It really is you! Come here, boy!" he said as he hugged Erik once again.


    Meanwhile, the spectators had various reactions. Emily wasn''t surprised, as she had already realized who Viljar was earlier, so she just looked at their reunion and felt a strange mixture of happiness and jealousy. ''I guess I care about him since I feel happy. But¡­ I wish Emma and I still had family to reunite with.''


    Little did she know that she still had family out there.


    Although, perhaps not in a way she would expect.


    But that is a story for another time.


    As for Nora, Bj?rn, and Anne, who were all still in their transformed state, they looked at the events between Erik and Viljar with confusion. Nora and Bj?rn turned to Anne, who had stopped struggling in their arms out of pure surprise and confusion.


    "Anne? You have the best hearing here; what are they saying?" Nora asked. The trio was currently about 20 meters away, but several factors like wind and speaking direction were making it hard to hear, despite their enhanced hearing.


    "Screw what they''re saying, where the hell did those clothes suddenlye from?!" Bj?rn eximed. "First, it was that Silver, then it was the boss! Some dark green light shes, and they''re suddenly wearing clothes; what the hell!"


    "How am I supposed to know what they''re saying when the both of you keep yammering on?! Shut up already!" It remained silent for a moment as Anne the werelynx perked up her feline ears. "I can only hear bits and pieces¡­ but I think the boss and that Silver used to know each other? I think his real name is Erik."


    Bj?rn frowned and rubbed his chin in thought. "Erik¡­ It''s amon enough name, but I''m really not familiar enough with the boss''s past to say anything substantial."


    Only Nora seemed to have some idea as she scrunched her face in concentration. "Erik, Erik¡­ I swear I''ve heard that name before in some important context, but where¡­"


    Meanwhile, Erik hugged his uncle back and grinned. "So, no hard feelings about earlier? Aside from the gut punch, I mean."


    Viljarughed boisterously. "None at all! I enjoyed the fight! Although you''re gonna have to tell me what the fuck happened to you in the past few years because, boy, have you changed! You''ve be your mother''s son rather than your father''s!"


    Erik smiled sincerely. "I promised I would answer your questions, and I meant it. It''s a pretty good story, actually. I got married, for one. Well, sort of, anyway."


    Immediately, Viljar broke the hug and looked at Erik with wide eyes. "Married?! You''ll need to tell me everything, boy! Especially what you mean by sort of!"


    He violently patted Erik on the shoulder with his enormous hands. "But that can wait tillter! For now, let me properly introduce you to the others. I bet they''ll shit bricks when they realize who you are!"

 Chapter 97: Chapter 97 - Elora comes out

    Before Viljar tried to lead him anywhere, however, Erik stopped him with an anxious expression. "Wait, Uncle! Before we do anything else¡­ I noticed my mother''s grave is missing¡­"


    Erik''s heart pounded in his throat as he awaited his uncle''s response. He realized he may have inadvertently gotten his hopes up a little too quickly and was now afraid of getting that hope stomped on.


    Hearing Erik''s words and seeing his expression, Viljar quickly felt incredibly guilty as he pped his own forehead. "Shit! I''m so sorry, Erik. In my excitement, Ipletely neglected how you must have felting back here after seven years."


    He quickly collected himself and smiled. "Your mother is alive!" Then his expression turned to uncertainty, "Or at least¡­ she was when Ist saw her¡­ which was actually a few years ago now."


    Erik barely heard his uncle''sst words as powerful relief and tion flooded his system, causing him to startughing. For the first time in many years, tears glimmered in his amber eyes.


    His mother''s missing grave had given him hope and expectation, but only now did it feel real.


    Seemingly, out of nowhere, Elora materialized from a cloud of light specks and embraced him with a warm smile on her face. Words were unnecessary right now.


    Erik just grinned happily and hugged her back. Her wings naturally allowed her to hug him at face height. "You know I''m gonna have to deal with these people more harshly now because they''ve seen you, right?" he said in a light tone.


    Elora giggled. "Think I care? Do whatever you like with them. I just wanted to hug you. Would you have preferred I stayed inside?"


    Feeling the warmth of her hug and her sizable breasts pressed against his chest, Erik could only sigh, "No," while thinking, ''I wonder if Mom and Elora will get along.''


    Meanwhile, every onlooker except for Emily widened their eyes in astonishment and confusion when a short woman with wings and the beauty of a goddess suddenly appeared out of thin air.


    Viljar stammered, utterly confused, "U- Uh, Erik? What''s going on?"


    Erik chuckled as he looked at his uncle''s expression while continuing to hug Elora. "Don''t worry about it, Uncle. Suffice it to say that this is the wife I mentioned earlier, but I''ll exinter."


    "O¡­ kay? I was actually more concerned with where she came from rather than who she is. But I suppose you can exinter." He said while scratching his head.


    As Erik and Elora continued to hug, the world around them was forced to wait.


    The trio of shapeshifters, finally unable to contain their curiosity after the many unexined events, tried to get closer, but a stern look and held-up hand by Viljar made them stop in their tracks.


    Finally, Erik and Elora separated. "We''ll find her." Said Elora warmly, and, while Erik nodded, shrunk into her smaller form before fluttering onto Erik''s shoulder, light as a feather.


    Elora turned to Viljar and nodded in greeting while a confident grin hung on her small lips. As Erik''s non-blood-rted Uncle, Viljar was certainly more important to her than a stranger, but also not as important as actual family, extended or otherwise.


    Viljar, caught off guard by Elora''s sudden size change, raised an eyebrow. However, since it wasn''t that much of a departure from her appearing out of thin air, he quickly brushed off his confusion and decided to wait for ater exnation.


    He returned Elora''s nod with a mix of curiosity and a hint of caution, then turned to Erik. He raised his right hand with a sad expression and wanted to pat Erik''s shoulder when he suddenly realized he was trying to grab the same shoulder that Elora was on.


    He halted to see if Elora would fly up. When he looked at her, and they locked eyes, she had a yful yet daunting smile on her lips as if daring him to disturb her seat. Viljar looked into those beautiful green orbs, and a shiver ran over his spine.


    There was power in those eyes. He saw a promise of endless suffering if he didn''t move his hand immediately. He actually began to sweat a little as he felt intimidated by the tiny humanoid creature that was smaller than his hand.


    Elora may not have any offensive magic, but she was still a third rank and could, therefore, easily intimidate anyone of lower rank by releasing a bit of her aura.


    Erik just looked at this exchange with a grin and couldn''t help but chuckle when he saw his over two-meter tall bear of an Uncle cough and lower his right hand before raising his left one and grabbing Erik''s other shoulder.


    "A- Anyway," he stammered a little but then shook his head and seemed to regain hisposure as he looked at Erik with a sad expression. "I wanted to say I''m sorry about Leifur. He was a good man, an even better friend, and an amazing father."


    Erik''s expression turned solemn as he nodded. "Thank you, Uncle. I''ll miss him, but I''m d I got the chance to honor him through a yoik."


    Viljar smiled when he heard that. "I''m sure he would have loved that." Then he turned a little uncertain, "But uh, do you know what''s up with that flower?"


    Losing his seriousness, Erik chuckled and quickly exined the particrs of that flower, causing Viljar to turn to Elora with a grateful expression. "That was a nice gift, thank you."


    Elora shrugged. "I didn''t do it for you."


    Viljar began to wonder if he had somehow insulted this tiny winged woman and turned to Erik with a little confusion.


    The amber-eyed man shrugged with a grin, "Don''t worry about it, Uncle. It''s nothing to do with you."


    A little relieved, Viljar turned back to Elora. "Well, you have my thanks regardless." He turned back to Erik with a thoughtful expression. "Regarding your mother¡­ Is it okay if I tell you everything I know when we aren''t standing in the middle of a battlefield with four people anxiously staring at us?"


    Grinning, Erik nodded. "Sure, we have a lot to talk about, but we can do thatter. I believe you were about to introduce me to the six pairs of eyes who''ve been staring holes in our backs?"


    Viljar nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Come on, as I said before, I bet they''ll shit bricks!"


    Viljar wrapped his arm around Erik''s shoulder, very careful to avoid Elora, and they walked towards Nora, Anne, and Bj?rn.


    Viljar''s happy expression put them at ease somewhat, but they still felt pressured upon seeing those two powerhouses walk up to them, especially since Erik was still an enemy in their minds.


    Nora inspected Erik''s newly human face and mumbled, "At least he''s handsome enough."


    Meanwhile, Bj?rn mumbled with a lost expression, "She''s beautiful," as he stared at the small woman on Erik''s shoulder. Yet, when his eyes crossed hers, the same shiver that Viljar experienced ran across his spine, and he quickly averted his eyes.


    "Too scary for my blood," he mumbled as another shiver ran across his back.


    After recovering, he turned to Nora with a yful grin. "Are you still confident now that you''ve seen thepetition, Nora?"


    Nora nced at Elora and frowned before snorting and looking away, "Beauty isn''t as important as knowing how to use it. That boy will be mine!"


    Erik and Elora were already close enough to hear her, causing the fairy to giggle and talk to Erik through their bond. "That woman is quite sure of herself. So what do you think, Master? Will she steal you away from me and make you submit to her?" Then her tone took a more sadistic turn, "Or will she regret trying?"


    Erik grinned as he remembered Elora was still bound by their bet to call him master. Then he answered her while chuckling. "Not even the goddess of lust and beauty herself could tear me away from you. If I were ever to submit to anyone, it would be you."


    "And don''t you forget it!" Elora answered smugly.


    As Erik and Viljar approached the trio, Erik''s gaze softened slightly, intending to mend their rocky start. "You know," he began, his toneced with a blend of amusement and respect, "Elora and I prepared contingencies in case you three chose to flee after my victory. Yet, here you are, standing tall. I must admit, I''m impressed."


    Nora''s expression momentarily flickered with offense, her pride pricked by the insinuation of running away. Anne, however, seemed to have not even heard his words. Her re was unwavering and brimming with silent fury.


    Bj?rn, embodying a more pragmatic approach, simply gave a nonchnt shrug. "Leaving the boss was never an option," he stated matter-of-factly. "Had you crossed a line after his surrender, consequences be damned, we would''ve faced you head-on."


    Erik''s lips curled into a knowing smile, a nod of acknowledgment following. "That''s amendable spirit. I respect that kind of loyalty."


    Sensing the tension in the air, particrly around Anne, Viljar decided to quickly toss the elephant into the room. "Guys, I''d like you all to meet Erik Gunnulf, my nephew¡­ And Runa''s son."


    Eyes widened, and breaths halted as a pin-drop silence descended.


    As he looked at their expressions, Erik chuckled inwardly, ''At least now they have something on their minds other than Elora.''

 Chapter 98: Chapter 98 - Subduing the trio

    After the initial shock passed, the trio had various reactions.


    Nora looked at him with even more lust than before. ''You just got ten times hotter, handsome. Teacher refused my advances, but you won''t!''


    Bj?rn''s gaze wasplex when he looked at Erik. It appeared as if reverence and respect were fighting with suspicion and caution as he turned to Viljar. "Are you sure you''re not being deceived by another of this guy''s weird abilities, Boss? I can''t imagine Teacher''s son shacking up with humans."


    As for Anne, after the shock had passed, her gaze became even more furious when looking at Erik. "You dare impersonate Teacher''s family?! We all know her family died seven years ago!"


    She turned to Viljar. "How can you believe this crap, Boss! Teacher''s son would never shack up with humans! Don''t you remember what he let that human bitch do to f?!"


    When he heard Emily referred to in such a way, he narrowed his eyes and felt some surprise at the fury that welled up inside him. ''Do I already care about her that much?'' he wondered.


    Regardless, the current Erik was not someone who would ignore something that angered him.


    Before anyone could react, lightning struck, and the werelynx was hanging in the air, lifted up by Erik''s hand around her throat.


    Evidently, lightning sh had recharged in thest few moments of Erik''s fight with his uncle.


    Elora was, somehow, still sitting on his shoulder and looking at Anne with amusement. Happiness sparkled in her eyes at Erik''s behavior. This is precisely how she wanted him to be.


    "I suggest you be a little more respectful about mypanions. I''m sure you have plenty of reasons to feel anger towards humans, but you should know your limits. If you need to be a pathetic ve to your anger, at least save it for when it doesn''t get you killed." He growled and conveniently ignored the fact he was currently acting on anger as well.


    Anne struggled in his grip, unable to believe she could not free herself despite being in beast form while Erik was not. She tried to activate her runes, but every time they began to appear on her skin, Erik sent a heavy electric shock through her system, causing her to lose focus.


    Everyone around them was stunned and unsure how to react. They were afraid to attack Erik for fear he might just snap Anne''s neck. Especially Viljar felt immense surprise at theplete departure from the Erik he once knew.


    "Erik! You¡­ Look, she shouldn''t have called your..." He struggled to suppress the nearly instinctual disgust creeping into his tone, pausing to gulp before continuing, "human friend... by that name. But there''s no need to do anything rash!"


    Erik scoffed before turning his head towards Viljar behind him. "You know, I thought that f guy was the impulsive instigator in your group, but thisdy is giving him a run for his money."


    Holding up his hands in an attempt to calm Erik down, he exined. "Don''t be too critical of her. She normally has one of the coolest heads among us; she just gets a little¡­ agitated when humans are involved."


    Besides Erik, both Bj?rn and Nora had their ws at the ready, even if they looked conflicted. "Let her go!" Bj?rn growled. "If you''re really Teacher''s son, I refuse to believe you would harm her students!" Nora also threw her support behind that statement.


    Erik threw a questioning gaze towards Viljar, who nodded. "After the awakening, these three and f were some of the first people we encountered. Runa was the strongest among us, so she became our leader and their teacher. If you killed one of them¡­ I''m sure she would forgive you, but she wouldn''t be happy."


    His tone was a little desperate, clearly hoping Erik would spare Anne.


    Erik frowned and turned towards Bj?rn. "First of all, if you think my mother would not punish a stranger for insulting someone she cares about, regardless of who they are, then you didn''t know my mother."


    Then he turned towards the struggling and sputtering Anne, who had lost much of the fury and conviction in her gaze. "That said, I can be a little lenient in Mom''s name. So tell me, Anne. Will you y ball by respecting me and mine, or should I have you enved right alongside f?


    If you choose to be enved, I will let you both go in a few days, but if you decide to y ball, this will be your one and only warning. Next time, nothing will stop me from snapping your neck like a twig."


    Viljar, Bj?rn, and Nora realized this was the best they were going to get from him, so instead, they looked pleadingly at Anne, hoping she would know when to ept defeat.


    Having lost much of her human-induced fury and finally regaining some of her calm in the face of certain death, Anne managed to croak through Erik''s hand around her throat, "P- y¡­ b- ball."


    Immediately, Erik let her go, and she sagged to the ground, coughing and sputtering. "Good choice." He said before walking back to stand beside his Uncle, who looked at him with a mixture of surprise and caution.


    "You really have be your mother''s son." He mumbled. He wasn''t sure how he felt about the world losing a sweet, innocent boy and gaining another hard-ass.


    In response, Erik shrugged. "It was that or death." Causing Viljar to remember he had considered the sweet Erik to have died a long time ago anyway, so anything they got back was better than nothing.


    As for Erik''s simrities to his mother, that was true. While much of Erik''s changes over the past seven years could be attributed to abination of losing his loved ones, Edda''s betrayal, and Elora''s influence, it couldn''t be denied that his memories of Runa guided him along.


    Meanwhile, Elora looked physically excited at Erik''s dominant behavior. She giggled. "That''s my emperor! Show them who''s boss! No one talks shit about your possessions!" she said through their connection.


    Erik rolled his eyes at Elora, calling Emily a possession. Still, he couldn''t keep the grin from his face due to her excitement. "Figures you liked that."


    Behind them, Emily hade closer, with f in tow. She hade in case Erik needed help without even really thinking about it.


    Naturally, this meant she had heard and seen everything that happened, causing her heart to feel sweet and a slight smile to appear on her face, something she quickly wiped off her face before anyone noticed.


    Erik turned to the trio in front of him, who were currently crouching on the ground together, as Nora and Bj?rn were helping Anne recover. They threwplicated gazes at Erik.


    On the one hand, his strength and status as Runa''s son caused them to feel awe and respect. On the other, his aggressive behavior and apparent care for humans made them wary and resentful. As for Nora, she also had a healthy dose of lust mixed in there.


    Seeing that the situation was temporarily resolved, Viljar grabbed his forehead. "Alright, alright, how about we all take some time to calm down? You three go take a rest at my old home, and I''ll go have a talk with Erik."


    But before the trio could respond, Erik interrupted. "Hold on, we''re not done yet."


    He stuck out his hand, and dark green magic began coiling around it¡ªa clear sign of a covenant being prepared. Elora had already disappeared from his shoulder and taken up residence in his soul again, as that was the only way for Erik to use this magic.


    Under everyone''s wary gaze, Erik exined. "I trust my uncle, but I don''t know you three, and you''ve seen too much. Especially with Elora''s appearance. I''ll need you all to sign covenants in order to ensure your silence."


    Still a little cowed, Anne said nothing, but Nora, Bj?rn, and Viljar frowned. "Is that really necessary?" Viljar asked.


    Without taking his eyes off the trio, Erik nodded seriously. "Yes, it is. I need to protect myself and my people." He addressed the trio now, "In honor of my mother, I won''t kill you if you refuse, but I will have Emily turn you into a ve until I leave thesends."


    Viljar raised an eyebrow at Erik''s ns to leave again but decided to ask about itter. Instead, he asked, "What are the terms then?"


    He exined in a t voice. "They will stay here in Frostvik until me and my group leave, they won''t harm the humans, Emily and Emma, or the vampire, Astrid, and they are forbidden from revealing new information about me or anyone in my group to others."


    Hearing him mention Astrid''s name, Viljar had a revtion and smacked his forehead. "That ghoul was Astrid! Now it all makes sense!" To which Erik chuckled, "Yeah, I was fortunate to find her."


    "Anyway, one more condition to the deal," he suddenly continued with a mischievous grin. " All three of you are to report for training tomorrow morning. Since my mother isn''t here right now, I''ll ensure you don''t embarrass her with your weakness."


    ''Many fences can be mended on the training field,'' Erik thought to himself. ''Plus, it might be useful to have some training partners.''

 Chapter 99: Chapter 99 - Making covenants

    The trio stared at Erik''s hand with trepidation.


    Anne spoke up, still a little cowed but getting some defiance back. "Are we¡­ supposed to just trust your strange green magic?"


    To which Erik shrugged. "Trust it or not, you know the consequences of refusing."


    Surprisingly, it was not any of them who first grabbed Erik''s hand but Viljar. "I''ll go first."


    Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise and then frowned. "There''s no need, Uncle. I already said I trust you."


    But Viljar was unflinching, clearly having made up his mind. "And I trust you. That''s why I want to do this. I know you won''t bring me any harm with this magic of yours, and I want these guys to ept, so I''ll show them there''s nothing to be worried about."


    Bj?rn tried to stop him. "Wait, Boss! There''s no nee-"


    But Viljar interrupted him by sticking up a hand. "Quiet. This is happening." He turned to Erik and continued. "I understand why you''re doing this, Erik. Even though you''ve obviously changed a lot, you are still as caring a person as you''ve always been. And right now, you''re just trying to protect the people you care about.


    But, so am I."


    Erik could only grin genuinely at his uncle. "You really haven''t changed much, Uncle Teddy Bear." He would have preferred for Viljar to stay out of this for the simple reason that it felt wrong to do this with someone he already trusted.


    Yet, he could see where his uncle wasing from, and thus, while holding Viljar''s hand and making the covenant magic swirl, his expression became serious. He named the same conditions as earlier and then asked, "Do you ept?"


    The moment Viljar nodded and said, "I do," the magic disappeared into the back of Viljar''s hand while leaving Erik alone. After all, he had no part to y in this deal.


    Viljar inspected the new mark on his hand with wonder before turning to the trio beside him. "There, it''s done, and I''m none the worse for wear. You guys are up next."


    They still hesitated for a moment, but then Bj?rn stood up. "Fuck it, then. I''ll be next." He grabbed Erik''s hand and looked him in the eye. "You''re a great warrior, surrounded bypetent and beautiful women, and I have nothing but respect for that. That said, you realize this is not a good way to start a friendship?"


    Erikughed softly at Bj?rn''s remark. "Perhaps not, but I do what I must." He grinned slyly, "But you seem like a man I might enjoy having as a friend, so I hope we can move past this someday."


    Bj?rn nodded thoughtfully, "Perhaps we will. I do admit to looking forward to the training tomorrow. Anyway, do your thing."


    Soon, Bj?rn, too, had a mark on his hand. He scratched a little at it with curiosity but then shrugged and turned to the others. "Well?"


    Nora sighed but soon had her own covenant mark. Now, only Anne remained.


    Yet, surprisingly, she offered no objections and soon sported a covenant mark as well. Her expression was one of defeat. "Just¡­ promise I won''t have to deal with any of your humans."


    Noticing the haunted look in her eyes, Erik sighed inwardly and wondered what had happened to her exactly. Yet, it was not his job to solve the psychophysical problems of a stranger. So he nodded and gave a nonmittal answer, "I''ll see what I can do."


    When they all had marks, Viljar pointed towards a bored-looking Emily and a ssy-eyed f, who stood behind Erik. "What about f?"


    Erik looked back at the enved werewolf, having nearly forgotten he existed. ''I originally nned to leave him like that for a while as punishment, but perhaps I can turn him into a peace offering instead.''


    He turned back to Viljar and shrugged before answering. "You tell me. He hasn''t seen anything of note right now, so I don''t mind simply releasing him in a couple of days without ever needing to agree to a covenant. Alternatively, you can try to convince him to agree to the covenant in exchange for being released early. I don''t mind either way."


    The four shapeshifters shared a look and quickly came to a unanimous decision. Soon after, f was released from his very despite a disappointed Emily.


    The werewolf was a little agitated, but soon, he, too, gained a covenant mark. Although there was a lot of grumbling and angry res involved. The news that Erik defeated Viljar and nearly killed Anne had sufficiently cowed him into not making a fuss.


    As the main peacemaker between these two groups, Viljar sighed in relief when it was all over. "Alright, now that everything is settled, why don''t you four go rest in my old home, and I''ll talk with Erik regarding¡­ well, everything. I''lle byter to tell you guys what I can."


    Despite their still many unanswered questions and doubts, the four shapeshifters trusted their leader to exin moreter and trudged off toward Viljar''s home with variousplicated expressions.


    After watching them walk away with a thoughtful expression, Erik turned to Viljar. "Are you sure you want to do this now? It''s not like we''re in a hurry, so you can rest a little first if you like."


    But Viljar turned to him with a happy smile. "Forget it! That strange green magic and my natural regeneration have already taken care of most of my wounds. I''m just a little tired. But that won''t stop me! I haven''t seen you in seven years, thinking you were dead, and now I want to know everything!


    Especially about how you turned out this way¡­"


    Despite his words, Erik could see the concern Viljar felt towards him. Clearly, his behavior and some of the things he had seen had worried Viljar.


    Regardless, he hoped to put some of his Uncle''s concerns to rest during their talk. For now, though, he smirked jokingly. "Don''t tell me you don''t like the new me, Uncle?"


    Erik''s words caused Viljar to sigh. "No¡­ that''s not it. Not exactly. The new you is appropriate for the times, and that''s good, although I can''t deny missing your old self. I guess I''m still just a little in shock about everything." Then he nodded. "But I think hearing your story will help."


    Erik answered thoughtfully, "Alright, but before we go, although you keep it hidden better than those other four, I can see the hatred you have inside for humans. I have two humans and a vampire inside my house. Can you y nice with them? If not, we might be better off having this discussion in your home instead."


    A shadow mirroring disgust and anger passed through Viljar''s eyes, but he quickly suppressed those feelings and nodded. "I''ll be fine. Or at least, I promise not to create a fuss."


    Smiling, Erik beckoned Emily over, who was still standing not too far away from them. "Good, then let me introduce you to Emily Ashcroft."


    Emily''s feelings about Viljar were mostly indifferent, and Viljar still had a long way to go before he''d befortable around humans again, so their introduction was a little cold.


    That said, the three of them soon made their way to Erik''s house, where they found a happy Emma waving at them in her usual maid outfit.


    Immediately, Viljar staggered a little and turned to give Erik a strange look. "A maid?"


    Erik chuckled as he waved back at Emma before grinning slyly at his uncle. "She likes it. What am I supposed to do? Deny her?"


    Viljar rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah, I''m sure you hate it."


    Erik chuckled and didn''t deny anything.


    Soon, they reached the house. The barrier had already been removed. After all, with all the neers now bound by covenant, they had be unable to harm anyone except for Erik. He did this purposefully, as the training they would start from tomorrow onwards would otherwise be rather dull.


    Emma nearly skipped to Erik with her signature bright smile and hugged him. "I''m so happy you found some living rtives, Sir!" Unlike Emily, there was no jealousy in her mind at all.


    That didn''t mean she had no desire to find some living family to reunite with, but these were twopletely separate issues to her. Jealousy was simply not in her vocabry.


    Erik smiled at Emma, something he found himself doing more and more when this bright-eyed girl was around and patted her head while turning to his uncle. "This is Emma Ashcroft, Emily''s younger sister. Emma, this is my uncle Viljar."


    While staying in Erik''s arms, Emily turned her sparking, mismatched eyes and bright smile toward Viljar and said, "Hello!"


    Viljar nearly had a heart attack as he looked at Emma''s cute face full of kindness. ''Such expressions still exist in this world?!'' he thought as his face twitched due to his inherent disgust towards humans, which was now crossing swords with the instinctive desire to protect and cherish that most would have upon seeing that face.

 Chapter 100: Chapter 100 - Telling his tale

    "Do you need anything else, Sir?" Emma asked after having just served Erik and his uncle some instant coffee.


    They were currently in the house''s living room, where Erik and Viljar sat on sofas across from each other. Emily had already retreated to the bedroom, where Emma would soon join her to continue exploring their glyphs and advancing in power.


    After all, Erik was about to talk about things that not even Emma and Emily knew about yet.


    Perhaps he was a little hasty in wanting to tell his uncle everything, but he simply couldn''t pass up the chance to talk to someone from his past about everything that happened to him in thest seven years.


    Especially when that someone was somewhat of a parental figure and trusted pir from his youth.


    Erik smiled at Emma. "No, thank you. Go train with your sister. Oh, and check up on Astrid asionally."


    Smiling sweetly, Emma nodded and was about to turn around and leave when Erik grabbed her hand and pulled her on hisp.


    Emma yelped but gave no resistance when Erik took her chin in hand and grinned evilly at her, "Where are you nning to leave without a kiss?" he asked yfully.


    Viljar nearly spat out his coffee when he heard that.


    Emma flushed red, and her eyes darted towards Viljar before gulping and slowly shaking her head. Erik grinned and kissed her deeply, causing Emma to tremble.


    A few momentster, a flushed and slightly panting Emma quickly darted out of the room in embarrassment.


    Meanwhile, Viljar looked at him with wide eyes. "You¡­ what about that woman from earlier?"


    Naturally, Elora took that moment to appear because, as they say, speak of the devil, and she shall appear.


    A cloud of light specks separated from Erik''s body and formed into the life-sized version of Elora, who took her ce on hisp. She grinned yfully at Viljar. "What about me?"


    Viljar nearly spat out of coffee again. "Gah! Dammit! Where do you evene from!"


    Erik chuckled at his uncle''s surprise and wrapped his arms around the fairy. "She lives inside me. But that aside, I believe I mentioned her name, but I haven''t properly introduced her yet. Uncle, this is Elora. She is my wife, empress, partner in everything I do, and the reason I am alive today."


    He didn''t say anything else nor introduce Viljar to Elora. There was no need. Elora knew everything he did, and she didn''t particrly care anyway.


    Viljar looked at her with caution, a little suspicion, and some awe. He couldn''t help but recall how her smaller form had intimidated him before. Her beauty, too, was unexpectedly disarming, even for someone as seasoned and traditional as himself.


    After taking a moment to collect himself, Viljar coughed and greeted Elora, "It''s a pleasure to meet you, Elora."


    Elora giggled before responding with a confident grin. "I''m sure it is." She nestled back into Erik''sfortable chest, who patted her head while grinning at Viljar''s expression. He looked forward to seeing his uncle''s reaction to the specifics of his rtionship with Elora.


    "Anyway," Elora continued, "What about me?"


    Viljar looked uncertain and nced at Erik. He had just seen Erik kiss another woman, and although he disapproved of such yboyish behavior, he also didn''t want to cause any problems for the nephew he had just reunited with.


    Seeing his difficult expression caused Elora to giggle. "It''s cute to see you worry about my rtionship with Master, but did you really think I was unaware of what just happened? Master just told you I lived inside of him."


    "Wait!" Viljar eximed. "Now you''re calling him Master?! What happened to the wife and empress part?!" He was starting to get a headache as he began losing sight of the situation.


    Elora and Erik both couldn''t help butugh at Viljar''s confusion, causing Viljar to huff in annoyance, thinking these youngsters were making fun of him. "Let me exin," Erik said after he was doneughing.


    The rtionship between Erik and Elora wasplicated, especially by modern Earth standards, so it was not a short exnation. Naturally, he included the part about them making asional bets to exin her calling him Master.


    By the end, Viljar was grabbing his forehead as he groaned. "I can''t believe sweet little innocent Erik is creating a harem of all things." He turned towards Elora, eximing. "And you''re encouraging it!"


    Elora giggled yfully while a lustful glint shone in her eyes. "And why wouldn''t I? You think Master is the only one to enjoy himself with this arrangement?"


    Viljar''s conservative mind once again groaned at Elora''s casual mentioning of such things until he finally sighed. "I''m too old for this shit. I get tired even thinking about theplications thate with your rtionship."


    Erik smiled softly and with warmth. "It''s not that hard, Uncle. All you need isplete honesty, a lot of love, and ack of interest in what anyone thinks of you. Plus, the fact that our connection passively shares our emotions with each other doesn''t hurt."


    Erik and Elora firmly believed that uncertainty was the main obstacle to most harems. After all, no one could be one hundred percent certain of their partner''s love for them, and if a third person entered the rtionship, doubt would inevitably creep in.


    But Elora didn''t have that problem. Not only did she know they would be connected forever through their bond, but she could constantly feel his immense love for her, just like he could feel hers for him.


    Naturally, this didn''t currently count for Emma and Emily, but there were solutions to that.


    If they passed Elora''s test, that is.


    Viljar shook his head in exasperation. "Well, whatever. I don''t exactly approve, but I won''t interfere. Not that I have any right to, anyway. Besides, I have no interest in marring our reunion with a lecture. If you''re happy, Erik, then so am I."


    Erik could only smile warmly at his uncle''s eptance. He wasn''t exactly worried, nor did he even want or care for anyone''s approval. But it still felt good when it came from someone as important to him as this man. "Thanks, Uncle."


    Viljar sagged back in his couch a little, apparently relieved they could finally move on from this topic.


    "Anyway," Viljar continued, his voice now carrying a somber weight. "tell me everything that happened to you in thest seven years. Your mother and I only knew you were with Edda outside the vige when the hunters attacked."


    His eyes dimmed as he reflected on the gravity of that day, the shadows of the past momentarily clouding his expression. Especially when he mentioned Edda did abination of extreme depression and fury pass over his face.


    The betrayal of the young girl he raised from birth had hit him hard. Even now, seven yearster, it still weighed heavily on him.


    With a solemn voice, he continued, "We heard your howl, but after that, nothing. We searched for you the next day, but the trail went cold. All we found were scorched earth and ashes, which we assumed were from hunters caught in the awakening."


    Seeing the expression on Viljar''s face, Erik wasted no time, hoping to take his Uncle''s mind off those events. "Alright, Uncle. Let me tell you my story. I suggest you getfortable because it''s going to take a while." He said before beginning to spin the tale of hisst seven years while hugging Elora.


    Erik began to talk about everything that happened from the moment he woke up on that cliff overlooking the town. From the chase through the woods to the confrontation near the light to waking up on another, he left nothing out.


    It was a unique and fantastical tale, and telling it all felt good. The only reason he hadn''t told Emily and Emma any of this yet was because their rtionship was technically still temporary.


    They might still decide to part ways with him after ten years.


    But with his uncle, it was different. They would always be family, after all.


    He did skip over many of the parts of his life on S?l, as they werergely irrelevant right now. Eventually, he spoke of his return to Earth and how he met the Ashcroft sisters.


    Throughout his tale, Viljar had mostly remained quiet, only asionally asking a question to get rification. For the most part, only his expression changed from shock to wonder to various other emotions.


    Yet, his next question surprised Erik and Elora.


    Viljar frowned and asked, "That council you mentioned, can you tell me some more?"


    Erik, and especially Elora, were very curious about Viljar''s interest in the council but decided to let it rest for now. Erik simply nodded and told his uncle everything he knew of the council, causing Viljar to frown.


    While there was clearly something going on there, Erik decided to simply continue his tale with the boat ride, the arrival in Kirkenes, his encounter with Astrid, and, finally, his return to Frostvik, leading to his encounter with Viljar.

 Chapter 101: Chapter 101 - A difficult conversation

    When Erik was done, the only thing he left out was the white void and his vision back in London. Simply because Elora and him still had no idea what that was about.


    Viljar shook his head in amazement. "Had anyone else told me that story, I would have written them off as insane." He sighed, "But since it''s you, and Elora herself is pretty irrefutable evidence, I really have no choice but to believe it."


    He turned to Elora with a grateful expression. "I know you had your own reasons for doing it, but regardless, you have my sincerest thanks for saving him and keeping him safe all these years."


    Elora suddenly looked a little thoughtful, "I did have my own reasons. Two of them, in fact. And while those reasons are still valid for me, I''m d to now have a third, far more important reason."


    She turned her head and kissed Erik with a loving smile.


    Viljar smiled and sighed. "Ah, young love." Then grimaced. "Well, young love in a weird andplicated rtionship."


    Yet, as he watched Erik and Elora, a shadow seemed to pass over his features. His usual warmth dimmed, reced by a subtle, introspective expression that hinted at deeper, unspoken thoughts.


    Thinking of Erik and young love had suddenly sent his mind in a direction he always tried desperately to avoid¡ªErik''s previous young love.


    His expression turned to that of a depressed and slightly broken old man as he sagged back into the sofa and turned quiet, his mind drifting to dark and lonely ces.


    Erik separated from Elora and looked at his uncle with concern. "Uncle? What''s wrong?"


    Viljar''s gaze lifted to meet Erik''s, his eyes shadowed with a mix of sorrow and resignation. "You haven''t said it outright... maybe to protect me," he began, his voice faltering, "but you''re nning to confront Edda, aren''t you? Assuming she is still alive¡­"


    Erik turned somber. After seeing his uncle''s expression when he mentioned Edda''s name earlier, he had been trying to avoid this topic, yet it seemed it was inevitable.


    He could only imagine his uncle felt even worse than he did about what had happened.


    Erik had been betrayed by a childhood friend and crush, causing him to lose his father, which hurt worse than anything else he had ever felt.


    Viljar, on the other hand, was betrayed by the cute, kind, and loving daughter he had raised from birth, causing him to lose his wife. Viljar had no one left anymore, especially not now that Runa had apparently gone somewhere.


    Meanwhile, Erik had Elora and, with some luck, also his mother in the future.


    All in all, if grief could be measured on a scale, Viljar''s was probably a little heavier.


    He sighed and nodded in response to his uncle''s question. "Yeah. I will."


    A mixture of pain and understanding drifted across Viljar''s face. "I understand¡­ You really are like your mother now. She, too, left in search of that girl." His voice trembled a little. "I thought abouting with her, but I couldn''t. I¡­ I can''t kill her, Erik. Not even after all she''s done."


    Erik felt the urge to stand up and at least put his hand on Viljar''s shoulder to show support to a family member in pain, but he knew his uncle wouldn''t want to be shown any pity.


    So he just nodded with an understanding expression. "I understand, Uncle."


    That wasn''t entirely true. While Erik''s own feelings towards Edda were aplicated mix of fury, betrayal, and a shared past, the idea that any Frostvik survivor would want anything but her death was alien to him.


    That said, he had enough presence of mind to realize his uncle''s unique circumstances, allowing him to at least act in an understanding manner rather than be angry and condemn his uncle for his apparent weakness.


    "Thank you," Viljar said in a slightly hoarse voice before asking a favor. "Just¡­ if you find her." His voice was heavy with emotion, and Erik knew his uncle was resisting the urge to cry, "Do it quickly, okay?"


    Erik once again nodded. "Of course."


    This time, he meant what he said. While there had been a time in the past when he would have dly made Edda suffer for a long time before granting her the sweet release of death, such feelings had long since disappeared.


    All he wanted now was to get his revenge and then put it behind him so he could move on with his life together with Elora. Although, whether that belief would change when hey eyes on her was another thing altogether.


    After Erik''sst words sounded, Erik gave Viljar the time he needed to gather himself. Elora, too, remained quiet. She knew she had no input in this and, despite her nature, had no desire to act yful or mischievous right now.


    Viljar took a deep, steadying breath, his hands unconsciously smoothing the fabric of the couch. He blinked slowly, clearing the mist of past pain from his eyes before nodding slightly, an unspoken signal that he was doing better now.


    It remained quiet for a moment longer as the room settled into a reflective silence. Viljar absentmindedly traced the patterns on the sofa, lost in thought. Sensing the emotional weight in the air, Erik finally decided it was time for a lighter subject.


    He cleared his throat gently and turned towards Viljar with a raised eyebrow. "So, why were you interested in the council, Uncle?"


    A small smile appeared on the ginger-haired Viking''s head, thankful for Erik''s attempt at changing the topic.


    He leaned back on the sofa and sighed. "This is supposed to be a big secret, but I don''t suppose telling you would make any difference. For thest week or two, we''ve been in talks with a shapeshifter who came up from Sweden, offering us aid against Sigurd in exchange for bing a part of their council."


    He scratched his head in part confusion, part exasperation. "The problem is, he talked about the council as if shapeshifters ruled it. Yet, assuming it is the same council, now you''re telling me it has equal ruler-ship between all three races."


    As Viljar expressed his confusion about the council, Elora leaned in, her eyes sparkling with the experience regarding politics and schemes that her original home, the Obsidian Enve, was so well known for."The dynamics of power are rarely straightforward," she interjected smoothly. "Consider the possibility of hidden agendas at y here."


    She giggled, "I mean, you people would clearly never ept a mixed council considering your feelings towards humans and, to a lesser extent, perhaps, vampires."


    Viljar looked confused and irritated at Elora''s words. "So, what? They just lie to us and then expect us toy down and ept the truth when we find out? Do they think so little of us?"


    Erik had some idea of what was going on, but he just leaned back and let Elora handle it, as she was still far better at this than him. Luckily, the fairy didn''t mind enlightening her beloved''s uncle a little.


    The fairy responded with a sly grin. "Oh, I doubt they spend much time thinking about this tiny little frozen corner of Europe at all, but regardless, that is only part of it. Let me ask you this. Considering this council is mixed, how much would you like to bet there is a vampire representative over at the Dominion pitching the exact same thing?"


    Viljar blinked as this new information and possibility settled in his mind. It didn''t take him long to realize the high probability of what Elora was saying.


    Immediately, Viljar jumped up with wide eyes, all sadness and depression from earlier forgotten. His expression conveyed abination of fear and sudden realization. "That¡­! If that is true, then I need to go warn Frostfang right now!" he said in a rare moment of impulsiveness.


    Unfortunately for him, the moment he tried to move towards the door, the covenant mark on his hand shed, and he found himself unable to move.


    Erik scratched his head in slight embarrassment. "You can''t leave, uncle; the covenant prevents you."


    Viljar turned his head towards Erik with some grief and sadness, "Are you¡­ keeping me here?"


    But Erik shook his head. "Of course not. I trust you not to say anything that could put me and mine in danger, which is why I never asked you to agree to the covenant in the first ce. If you like, I will release you of it right here and now, but¡­"


    Viljar frowned. "But¡­?"


    Yet, instead of Erik, it was Elora who answered with a mischievous grin. "But if you leave now, I won''t give you a method of dealing with the ghouls."


    An excited glint shed across Viljar''s eyes. "So you do have a way to help against the ghouls!" But the excitement died down when the full breadth of her words sank in. "But¡­ why only help us if I stay?"


    He looked at Elora with apprehension, wondering why she would do this.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 102 - Viljars past [1/2]

    Elora shrugged nonchntly in response to Viljar''s question. "Two reasons. Firstly, because I don''t trust you as much as Erik does. I won''t try to convince him to keep you here by force, but neither will I help you if you don''t.


    As for the second reason¡­" she suddenly looked a little awkward. "Erik has just reunited with you, and I want to give him the chance to spend some time with you."


    Viljar''s eyes twitched a little upon hearing Elora''s words. "Couldn''t I juste back here after I warn Frostfang? It''s not like I don''t want to spend some time with Erik either!"


    But unfortunately, Elora waved her hand dismissively. "No deal. As I said, I don''t trust you yet. Besides, there''s no guarantee this third-rank Runebound, Frostfang, won''t follow you back here."


    Not really able to refute her words, frustration passed across Viljar''s face as he nced at Erik almost pleadingly, hoping he would say something to the fairy.


    Unfortunately, Erik had no intention of doing so.


    He raised his left hand in defense, as his right hand was still caressing Elora, and said, "Despite the fact she calls me Master right now, I don''t actually control her."


    He lowered his hand and frowned. "But more than that, I have no interest in trying to convince her otherwise. Fact is, while I care about you, Uncle, I don''t care about your Enve. Besides, Elora is right about Frostfang possibly following you back.


    On another note, I wholeheartedly suggest you simply ept the Council''s offer. Frankly, I prefer the Council''s inclusiveness over the Enve''s xenophobia."


    While their difference in ideology really was part of his reason for preferring the council, there was something else. The fact was, the farther the council was able to spread its influence, the easier it would be for Elora and him to take over in the future.


    They had alreadyid the groundwork with the council, after all.


    Not to mention that if the Silver Enve joined the council, this Frostfang would be a councilor, making them the third councilor Erik and Elora have some sort of connection with, with the other two being Seraphina''s father and Katya.


    When the time came, they would be able to exploit those connections to gain some influence in the council and, with some luck and skill, eventually gain control of it.


    Or at least, that was the n.


    Viljar looked conflicted after hearing Erik''s words. But then sank back into the sofa with a defeated sigh. "There''s no way Frostfang and the others will go for that. Even I feel apprehension at the thought."


    He scratched his head and did onest chance to convince him, "Would it make any difference if I told you Runa was the Silver Enve''s founder? Or that Frostfang is highly unlikely to make trouble when he finds out who you are?"


    Erik chuckled. His mother having founded the Silver Enve was no big surprise, nor did he particrly care. "Not really. Mom clearly didn''t care much about the Enve, considering that she left it." If his mother didn''t care enough about the Enve to stay, why would he?


    Viljar''s second point made Erik realize that Frostfang likely knew his mother, which wasn''t much of a surprise either, perhaps.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t make a difference for Erik. "As for Frostfang, highly unlikely is just not good enough. Without sufficient preparation, we simply have no way of dealing with a third-rank Runebound in case he does turn aggressive."


    If it actually were Runa asking him, Erik would have likely done whatever he could to keep the Enve safe. But unfortunately for Viljar, he simply didn''t have that kind of pull with Erik, especially not when it included dealing with a game-changing unknown quantity like this Frostfang and his third-rank strength.


    Viljar shook his head, "I really don''t think Frostfang would ever do anything to you, but¡­" he sighed, "I understand your concerns and have no way to refute them."


    Then he leaned back into the couch as several memories seemed to pass in front of his eyes. "As for your mother¡­ I suppose you''re right about her. The Enve was just a way to survive and a ce to leave me and the others at. She was always nning to leave eventually."


    Now that the topic had switched to his mother, Erik could no longer contain his curiosity. "Speaking of my mother¡­ Now that I''ve told you about myst seven years, I think it''s time you told me about yours. And about my mother''s."


    The ginger-haired man perked up and nodded with a soft smile. "Of course!"


    Viljar felt no resentment towards Erik for not helping more. After all, he knew Erik had his own matters to handle and no attachment at all to the Silver Enve. It saddened him, but he understood.


    Either way, he certainly wasn''t going to keep information about his mother from Erik.


    He scratched his head, a little uncertain how to start. "Well, it certainly isn''t as interesting a story as yours was."


    Erik chuckled at his uncle''sment. "I don''t doubt it. But just start at the beginning. How did you and my mother survive that day? Before I ran away, it didn''t look like anyone was going to survive."


    Viljar looked thoughtful. "Actually, I''m not entirely sure about that myself. Your mother never fully exined. All I know is that, at some point during the fighting, after most of us were already dead, the Earth beneath us started lighting up, and not long after that, the human hunters suddenly started exploding one by one. This was before the awakening started."


    Erik immediately asked Elora, through their mental connection, if she had any idea what that light might have been. "Any idea what that was, Elora?"


    But he received a mental denial. "I can''t be sure." Elora fell silent for a moment as a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. "Though, if I had to guess, considering that aetherium wasn''t actually in the air at that point, I''d say it was a kic sigil."


    Erik frowned and mentally indicated his surprise. "Kic sigils? Is it strange that I haven''t heard that term before? What are they?" he asked Elora.

 Chapter 103: Chapter 103 - Viljars past [2/2

    While entering teacher mode, Elora began to exin what she knew of kic sigils.


    "Kic sigils are a rtively rare type, which is why we didn''t encounter them in thest seven years and why you don''t recognize the term.


    The main difference with regr sigils is the energy they use. Where regr sigils simply use aetherium, either from the surroundings or from a person, a kic sigil will gather kic energy from movement over a certain area and then use that energy to unleash its effect.


    Such a sigil takes much longer to activate, but it is very hard to detect up until the moment it finishes gathering energy. On S?l, it''s mainly used for its stealthy nature, but using it in a ce where there is no aetherium is certainly an ingenuous way to exploit a kic sigil''s unique nature."


    Sending a quick thanks to Elora for her exnation, Erik refocused on Viljar, who had barely noticed the discussion between Erik and Elora, as their mentalmunication took less than a second.


    Continuing with his story, Viljar shrugged cluelessly. "After the hunters all died, I copsed from my wounds and exhaustion, only to wake up in bed with bandages and medicine applied all over my body. Next to my bed was a hardened-looking Runa."


    Viljar''s expression turned sad and a little ufortable. "I think something died in her that day, and I¡­ I hope you can find her and give her back some of what she lost."


    Erik sighed in resignation. "I doubt anyone in the world came through that day without losing something of themselves, Uncle." After all, that was the same day as the awakening, and he couldn''t help but think of Emily and Emma.


    He continued. "That includes you and me. But I get your point, Uncle."


    Despite his words, Erik hoped his mother was okay and once again solidified his desire to find her as quickly as possible.


    Viljar chuckled mirthlessly. "Good and Fair enough." Then he shrugged. "Anyway, after that, your mother told me I was the only one to survive my wounds. She also exined how she had already gone after you and¡­ well, you know." He finished with a sad expression but quickly shook himself free, not wanting to fall back into the topic of Edda.


    Erik noticed his uncle''s struggle and quietly waited for him to continue.


    Which happened soon after. "She said she couldn''t find any trace of either of you before returning to the vige and ensuring I was alright. Then, after I''d recovered, we¡­ went to bury the dead." There was sadness in his voice but also eptance.


    While Edda was still a sore topic for him, he had had seven years to mourn and ept the loss of the friends and family who died that day.


    Naturally, the same went for Erik, who sighed with solemn eptance while continuing to caress Elora''s hair.


    Viljar gave Erik a strange look before continuing. "Your mother refused to create a grave for you, steadfast in her belief that you were still alive somewhere."


    His expression then turned into a happy grin, in stark contrast to the earlier mood. "And as it turns out, she was right! Shows me what I know, right?" He said,ughing boisterously at the end.


    Clearly, he was truly happy at reuniting with Erik, and his happiness was infectious, as Erik couldn''t help but chuckle at this uncle''s words.


    Viljar turned serious again and continued his story. "Anyway, after that, we stayed in the vige a while longer, grieving the dead, recovering from our wounds, and, in my case, learning how to deal with my new status as Runebound. Something that Runa was apparently able to help with."


    His expression turned curious and confused. "She never exined exactly why or how she was already aware of¡­ you know, how it all worked. Still, I can''t help but imagine it had something to do with how she always seemed to be stronger than me before the awakening."


    Erik nodded in response and quickly exined to his uncle how they found out several people already knew about aetherium and even gained ranks before the awakening.


    Viljar nodded in response. "It would certainly exin a lot if your mother was one of those people, though how or why I have no idea about."


    He continued again. "Anyway, we built that fence to stop wild animals from messing with the graves and then went out searching for other people. I didn''t understand your mother''s insistence on gathering other shapeshifters together at first.


    To be honest, I was pretty lost in depression at that point, and, subconsciously, I think I just wanted to waste away in Frostvik until death imed me."


    Erik quickly recalled how he wasn''t much different at first. Back when he arrived on S?l, Elora had offered to simply kill him, and he had seriously considered it. "I''m d I didn''t take your offer for a quick death back then," he said to Elora mentally.


    He received a short giggle in reply. "So am I."


    Viljar continued as he smiled softly. "But your mother pulled me out of there, and together, we soon gathered a small group of people around us. Those people were Anne, Nora, f, Bj?rn, and Jonas. As the strongest among us, your mother became our leader and our teacher.


    From there, we snowballed and gathered an increasing number of people. At some point, your mother reached second rank, and it wasn''t long after that before we were one of the strongest factions around. It was then that your mother named us the Silver Enve."


    He chuckled, "I guess she wanted to honor you in some way by using the nickname she always called you by."


    Erik nodded with a smile, having already expected that, although it still felt good to hear Viljar confirm that his Mother was thinking of him.


    Viljar sighed, lost in his memories. "Anyway, we only epted shapeshifters, and with most of us having suffered greatly at the hands of humans, we didn''t hesitate to kill any humans we found.


    After three years of that, Jonas became the second Shapeshifter to be a second-rank Runebound, after your mother. Not muchter, she handed leadership of the Enve to him and left, stating she was going to find Edda."


    Viljar had already mentioned Runa''s reason for leaving earlier, but now, Erik wanted to know a little more. "Do you know if she had a destination in mind?" he asked with a frown and a little anticipation.

 Chapter 104: Chapter 104 - A reason to enter the war

    Not entirely surprised by Erik''s question, Viljar shook his head with a sigh. "Unfortunately not. She did say she had a lead but wouldn''t tell me where it came from. She just smiled at me and told me to try and focus on building a new life in the Enve."


    Erik and Elora both frowned upon hearing that. "Think she had a dream, just like me?" Erik asked through their connection.


    He received a mental shrug in response. "Possibly, but there''s no way to know. Although I''m unsure if I like the implication in the event she had such a dream. It would mean that this entity, whoever he, she, or it is, is making us all dance to their tune."


    Erik could only nod in agreement as a feeling of dread and uncertainty filled him. Immediately,forting feelings of support flowed through their connection from Elora, and he smiled at her. Whatever happens in the future, they will face it together.


    Meanwhile, the ginger-haired Viking scratched his head awkwardly. "Anyway, only after your mother left did I understand why she formed the Enve in the first ce."


    Gratitude filled his voice as he continued, "She wanted me to have a home with people to care for, even after she left. And, well, she seeded. I found a new family in the Enve."


    Viljar had a warm smile on his face as he thought about the home he had built over the years. Yet, a dark shadow passed over his face when he remembered how the dominion was currently threatening their existence.


    Shaking himself free from his thoughts, he continued. "After that, time passed rtively quickly. Jonas took the moniker of Frostfang for himself and suddenly started gaining power at a much quicker rate than everyone else until he became a third-rank after another three years, just in time to match up to the dominion."


    Elora and Erik perked up their ears at the revtion that this Jonas was the third-rank Frostfang. After all, so far, they had assumed that only those who were already first-rank when the Awakening came had managed to reach third-rank within seven years.


    But, ording to Viljar, this Frostfang was no different from the rest of them when they first met.


    Erik couldn''t help but ask. "Do you have any idea how Jonas gained power so quickly after Mom left?"


    But Viljar shook his head. "No idea. He never exined and only said he wouldn''t be where he was today if it hadn''t been for Runa."


    Erik sighed at his uncle''s response. "Mystery after mystery, and we can''t even go ask this Frostfang."


    Viljar had aplicated look on his face. "Won''t you trust my word that he won''t harm you?"


    Erik shrugged and replied with a somewhat harsh answer. "I trust your intentions, Uncle. But not those of this Jonas, Frostfang, or whatever he''s called. Frankly, I know you are loyal to a fault, but not everyone returns that loyalty.


    Elora and I have never entered a situation where we have to rely upon another''s mercy, at least not while we still had other options, and we won''t be starting now."


    Viljar looked regretful. He was about to simply ept their decision when he suddenly frowned and seemed to get an idea. "By the way, you said you rescued Astrid from a ghoul patrol. I guess you already fed her enough blood to restore her. But, have you talked to her yet?"


    Not sure where his uncle was going with this, Erik saw no reason to hide the truth, so he simply shook his head, "No, I haven''t. She''s still asleep. Why?"


    Suddenly, a sly grin appeared on Viljar''s face. "Oh, nothing. I just remembered something that might cause you to enter this war after all." He leaned back, now feeling a little relieved that the powerfulbination of Erik and Elora might aid the Enve against the Dominion after all.


    He continued, "Anyway," he turned his attention to Elora. "You said something about a way to deal with the ghouls?"


    Both Erik and Elora looked at him with some suspicion, wondering where this sudden confidence wasing from, yet decided to let it go for now. It apparently had something to do with Astrid, so they would find out soon enough.


    So Elora nodded at Viljar''s question. "As long as you stay here, I''ll teach one of those people who came with you two sigils that will allow them to disrupt the Dominion''s control over their ghouls."


    By now, Viljar had already learned what sigils were and that Elora was proficient in them, so her words came as no surprise. He still frowned but about something else. "Disrupt? Not take over? Or kill?"


    To which Elora shrugged. "I won''t simply spread killing sigils so easily; you never know when they''ll be used against us. And I don''t have any methods to hijack the ghoul''s control. So it''s disrupt, or nothing."


    Viljar seemed to think for a moment. "So I suppose disrupt means the ghouls will return to being regr, feral ghouls? Attacking anything close to them?"


    Seeing Elora nod caused Viljar to sigh. "Well, it''s certainly a lot better than we had before. Thank you, Elora. Does it matter who you teach this to?"


    A mischievous grin appeared on Elora''s face. "Not really, though I suggest you pick someone calm and willing, as I won''t be going easy on them." Then she giggled. "You''re free to pick yourself as well."


    Suddenly feeling slightly sorry for whoever would end up as Elora''s victim and quickly decided to take himself out of the running, Viljar coughed and shook his head, "T- That''s okay; I think I know the right person."


    After that, it remained silent for a moment, as all three of them seemed to be thinking and internalizing all of the new information they had gained in this conversation.


    Erik and Elora were also talking through their connection, making new ns and adjusting old ones based on what they now knew.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 105 - A medallion [1/2]

    After a few minutes, Viljar sighed. "Well, I think we both need some time to let this all sink in." He looked at the duo in front of him. "Before I leave, though. How much can I tell the other four about you?"


    Erik and Elora had already prepared an answer to that question, so Erik shrugged. "Just leave out the parts about traveling to another world and the specifics about Elora. Let them draw their own conclusions about what she is and where I''ve been thest seven years."


    With a nod, Viljar stood up, "Fair enough." Then he looked at Erik with a warm smile. "It really is amazing to see you again, Erik. You don''t know how good it feels to know you''re still alive."


    Erik chuckled in response. "I have some idea, Uncle. I feel the same way, after all."


    Elora fluttered from Erik''sp, changed into her fairy form, and ced herself on Erik''s shoulder, allowing him to stand up as well.


    Viljarughed boisterously. "I''m d to hear you still enjoy seeing this old man!" He spread his arms wide. "Nowe, you''re not too old and powerful to give your uncle a hug yet, are you?"


    The amber-eyed Erik chuckled, "Never!" and walked to his uncle to hug him. Naturally, Elora was yfully yet domineeringly smiling at Viljar to ensure he avoided her perch on Erik''s shoulder during this time.


    Which he did. Carefully.


    Despite their sizes now being much more simr than in the past, being encased in his uncle''s signature bear hug still brought back a lot of good memories and made his reunion with the man seem all the more real.


    When they separated, tears glimmered in the ginger-haired Viking''s blue eyes. "You''ve turned into a man, Erik. I think your father would be proud of you, even if he would regret the loss of your innocence."


    Then he chuckled. "As for your mother¡­ I think she''llugh happily for the rest of her life when she finds out what kind of man you''ve be."


    Erik chuckled warmly in response. "Thank you, uncle. I can only hope you''re right."


    Viljar said goodnight and was just about to leave, already in the door post leading to the outside, when he suddenly smacked his forehead. "I can''t believe I almost forgot!"


    He turned around to look at Erik with a slightly guilty expression because he had almost forgotten something important, "Your mother gave me something before she left and told me to give it to you in case you showed up."


    Despite his curiosity about what this something could be, Erik smiled warmly at the fact his mother continued to think of him. "She really was sure I was alive, huh?"


    To which Viljar shook his head somewhat mournfully. "She wasn''t as sure as she wanted others to believe. I think she mostly tried to convince herself, but I could always see some doubt in her eyes."


    He grinned happily, "Anyway, I''m d she was right." Then he reached into a carefully hidden pocket on his bodysuit and pulled out a small, t medallion made from some kind of copper-colored metal. Various symbols were carved on its surface, which Erik and Elora immediately recognized as a sigil.


    He handed the item to Erik. "Here you go. Although I never really believed you were still alive, itforted me to keep something that connected me to my past close to me."


    Erik took the object and inspected it closely with a frown. It was about the size of his palm, heavier than it looked, and felt a little warm to the touch. Despite the color, Erik felt pretty sure it wasn''t copper, though he had no idea what it was actually made from or what the sigil was supposed to do.


    After discovering nothing special about it, he looked at Elora on his shoulder while holding the medallion in front of her. "Care to take a look?" he asked.


    The fairy nodded with curiosity burning in her emerald eyes before leaning over and touching the medallion. Dark green magic shed, and the sigil on the medallion lit up for a moment before going dormant again.


    However, the fairy didn''t say anything yet and kept touching the object with a concentrated frown.


    Sensing Elora had discovered something interesting and was currently exploring it, Erik turned to Viljar with a grateful smile while continuing to hold up the medallion to his shoulder. "Thank you for keeping it all this time, uncle. Did mom say anything else about it?"


    Viljar stroked his beard in thought, trying to remember everything Runa had said that day. To be honest, while he did keep the medallion with him all this time, he didn''t think he would ever need to repeat what she said that day.


    After a few moments, he seemed to remember something and said, "She didn''t say what it does, but she did mention that you should take it to the ''pirs in the forest.'' Whatever that means."


    Erik''s eyes lit up as he knew exactly what ce his mother was talking about.


    Seeing Erik''s expression, Viljar quickly concluded that his nephew knew where to go, so he simply nodded with a smile and turned around. "Well, I''ll leave you to it, Erik. See you tomorrow."


    After bidding his uncle farewell, Erik watched Viljar step into the early evening air and leave for his old home. Despite looking a little lonely, there was a spring in his step. Clearly, no matter what else, finding Erik alive had done him good.


    Closing the door, Erik looked at Elora, who was still touching the medallion he was keeping up for her. He smirked at her. "Not to rush you or anything, but if this is gonna take much longer, I''ll put you and the medallion down somewhere."


    Elora grinned yfully without losing the concentration in her eyes. "Aw, is this tiny thing bing too heavy for your idiot strength?"


    Erik grinned back at her. "You know, you can just say, ''Master, please be rough with meter,'' instead of trying to rile me up, right?"


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about." She said innocently despite the lust flickering through her eyes. "Now shut up, I''m almost done."

 Chapter 106: Chapter 106 - A medallion [2/2]

    In the dim light of the house''s cozy hallway, Erik stood infortable clothes with Elora on his shoulder. The air around them was still a little charged with the remnants of their somewhat emotional discussion with Viljar.


    After Elora''s polite demand, Erik sighed and continued to hold the medallion up to his shoulder so that Elora could inspect it. It wasn''t like he was actually getting tired; it just wasn''t veryfortable.


    Luckily, it didn''t take her more than a few seconds to finish.


    Elora released a sigh, her tiny shoulders drooping ever so slightly, indicating her investigation had tired her out a little. Although, not too tired to toss another small jab at Erik. So she giggled, "Alright, I''m done; you can rest your oh-so-weary arm now."


    Erik rolled his eyes and grinned as he lowered his arm, "Keep it up, my slutty little ember, and I''ll make sure to make you beg for mercyter."


    Of course, that just caused a teasing, lustful grin to appear on Elora''s face and a mischievous sparkle to ignite in her eyes. "Promises, promises." She whispered in a teasing voice.


    Erik chuckled and shook his head. He really couldn''t help but love this girl. But now it was time to hear what she found out. He raised a questioning eyebrow and asked, "So, what did you discover?"


    Before answering, Elora puffed out her chest with prideful confidence, causing Erik to wait with anticipation for his partner to share her amazing discoveries.


    Yet, her next words made his eyelids twitch. "Absolutely nothing!" she said with supreme confidence.


    Despite letting out an exasperated sigh, affection was evident in Erik''s eyes as he looked at the mischievous fairy. With a gentle motion, he flicked Elora''s tiny forehead.


    "Ah!" she yelped and reacted exaggeratedly before rubbing her forehead and ring at Erik. "Brute!"


    "That''s exactly how you like me." He grinned with confidence. "Now tell me what you found!"


    Elora chuckled teasingly at him. "I already told you. Absolutely nothing!"


    Finally realizing she meant what she said, Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You mean the sigil was too high level for you?" Erik''s surprise came from the fact he had never seen Elora stumped in front of a sigil before. The only reason for that he could think of was that the sigil far surpassed Elora''s third rank.


    Immediately, Elora waved her hand in dismissal. "What? No! The sigil was easy. I mean, it was of a higher rank than my sigil craft, but it was still easy to recognize as a sigil key."


    Erik nodded as he recognized the term for a sigil that was linked to another one and acted as a key for activation. Still, he wondered what Elora was talking about then.


    Losing her yfulness, Elora then sank into a thoughtful expression, frowning with her tiny eyebrows in a way that seemed more cute than anything due to her current size.


    She lightly chewed on her hair, something she often did when thinking deeply. "That sigil is boring. Instead, that metal is much more interesting." She mumbled, as much to herself as to Erik.


    Erik blinked as he didn''t expect that answer. He raised the medallion again in an attempt to take a closer look at the material it was made from but couldn''t find anything interesting about it.


    He just noticed the same things he did earlier. It was a little heavier than expected, and it felt warm to the touch.


    He turned to Elora with confusion in his eyes. "What''s so special about the metal?" he asked.


    Still appearing to be lost in thought, Elora decided to answer him. "That''s the thing! I don''t know! I don''t recognize the metal, nor can I figure out its exact properties!


    Back on S?l, my mother gave me an extensive education, and considering her power and influence, that means something. Particrly that this metal is something even the Obsidian Enve doesn''t know about. All I can say with some certainty is that it is likely a blend of two metals."


    Beginning to grasp the importance of this medallion, Erik now looked at it with interest, wondering how his mother got her hands on something like this.


    Erik, too, now began to show a thoughtful expression. His brows furrowed, and he asked Elora. "The Obsidian Enve is spread over multiples, but not all of them, right? So what are the chances these metals originate froms that the Obsidian Enve does not have a presence on?"


    To his question, Elora shook her head. "Low. Even if they don''t have a presence in a world, the Obsidian Enve would still make sure they gather information about it. After all, experimentation, research, and knowledge are the cornerstones of ou- I mean, their way of life."


    Erik noticed how she almost said our as if she was still a part of the Obsidian Enve. Even now, seven yearster, it is still hard for her to fully let go of her old home despite the fact she made this choice herself.


    He smiled at her and caressed her head. "Any regrets?"


    Knowing what he was talking about, Elora chuckled and shook her head before locking her emerald green eyes on his amber ones. "Nah, I''m happy with the choice I made."


    After a moment of looking into each other''s eyes, Erik brought the topic back to the medallion. "So what do you want to do about this thing?"


    Finally losing her thoughtful expression, Elora sighed. "Nothing, for now, I suppose. Nothing we can do. I''ll experiment with itter, but we should probably first check out that ce your mother wants you to go to.


    I assume that whatever sigil this one is connected to is there, and if I somehow damage the sigil key on that medallion, we might not be able to activate it."


    Erik nodded and put the medallion in his pocket. "Good idea. But we should do that after we leave Frostvik. That ce is still at least a day''s travel from here, so we should finish up here first."


    Elora nodded back. "Fair enough." Then, her eyes began to glitter with barely concealed lust. "Now¡­ I remember something about making me beg for mercy?"

 Chapter 107: Chapter 107 - A shadowy figure (partial 18+)

    A little over an hour had passed since Viljar left the Gunnulf residence, Erik''s old home. Shadows stretched long and thin across the snow-nketed ground, cast by the dimming light that still lingered in the sky above the silent, mostly empty houses.


    Outside, in the cold,te evening air of Frostvik, the soft sound of snow crunching underfoot sounded in the air.


    An unknown figure, cloaked in the anonymity provided by the dim light, moved cautiously from one shadow to the next. Each step was deliberate, avoiding the patches of snow that looked too crisp and might betray their presence with a louder crunch.


    The figure was clearly adept at sneaking.


    They paused at the edge of one building, their breath forming small clouds of mist that dissipated quickly into the cold air.


    With a quick nce over their shoulder, the figure darted across the open space between the houses, their movement a mere whisper against the snow. They reached the next building, pressing themselves against its wall, feeling the rough texture of wood beneath their fingers.


    For a moment, they stood still, listening for any sign of discovery, but the vige remained silent, almost as if it were holding its breath along with them.


    When they were sure nothing was happening, they released a breath of air into the cold night. They were nervous, even though they tried to stamp down on that feeling as much as possible.


    They were here for a reason, and nerves would only obstruct them.


    They snuck around the walls of the house they were currently pressed again until they found the front door. A quick peek through the window told them there was no one directly on the other side, causing a grin to appear on their face.


    Yet, when they reached for the door handle, they remembered what had happened thest time someone tried to open that door and hesitated.


    However, the hesitation didn''tst long as determination, backed by a dash of insanity, flickered in their eyes. The figure didn''t want to wait any longer, and they doubted there would be a difference between the house''s defenses now versuster.


    Either the defenses had been lowered because of the earlier events, or they hadn''t been. Either way, it was time to find out.


    The figure touched the doorknob, turned it, and held their breath in anticipation.


    When, again, nothing happened, they released their breath and chuckled. "You''ll soon find out what a mistake you made! Soon, you won''t be able to escape me, Erik!" they mumbled excitedly.


    Slowly, the figure opened the door and passed into the house like a shadow.


    They marveled at the electric light, casting a soft glow across the hallway. "The boss was right. They actually have electricity here." The figure mumbled.


    It took a mere moment before the figure shook themselves free of useless thoughts and looked around to take in their surroundings. "Interior looks about the same. Which means that¡­" they turned in a particr direction, "bedrooms are that way."


    Before they could continue on their way, however, they suddenly heard a noiseing from somewhere else. They turned toward the sound with lightning-fast reflexes but only saw a slightly ajar door.


    The figure frowned and looked between the door and the direction of the bedrooms and quickly made a decision by moving towards the door. "I think that door leads to the basement. I should at least check out where that soundes from, as I don''t actually know where Erik is." They mumbled.


    They snuck closer to the door and slowly opened it from its ajar position to wide open while inwardly thanking their lucky stars that it didn''t creak.


    On the other side of the door was a set of stairs leading down to another door, again, slightly ajar, where bright light was escaping.


    As the figure crept slowly down the stairs, the sounds became more explicit, and soon enough, they realized what they were hearing.


    Wanting confirmation, they snuck up to the door and peeked through the crack. When they saw the scene on the other side, a wide grin appeared on their face.


    *****


    The basement of Erik''s childhood home was a rugged and utilitarian space. Stone walls enclosed a wide area filled with equipment like various kinds of wooden dummies for practicing strikes; some armored, some not.


    The walls featured a selection of weapons with dull edges for easy ess and mats covering the floor for groundwork and sparring.


    Heavy punching bags hung from the ceiling beams, swaying slightly. In one corner, a forge and anvil were ced. This now cold and dusty equipment was once used to maintain and craft the training gear.


    Clearly, this space was intended for training purposes.


    Right now, however, something very different was happening on the training mats in the middle of the room.


    Pulling on a chain and thrusting his hips forward, a naked Erik growled, "Ready to beg yet?!"


    On the other end of the chain, and connected to his hips, was a confidently and lustfully grinning Elora, despite her situation.


    Just like Erik, her divinely beautiful body was on full disy. Her heavy, disproportionatelyrge breasts retained their form, despite swinging back and forth with Erik''s thrusts, which smacked against her tight bubble butt.


    Her wings were gone, hidden, so as not to interfere in their fun. Around her neck was a cor with a metal chain connected to it, which a grinning Erik firmly grasped.


    They were both on their knees, with Erik facing Elora''s back while continuously pistoning his nine-inch member in and out of the crimson-haired beauty''s soaking cunt. At the same time, he asionally pulled on the chain to drag Elora upwards and lightly choke her.


    Not hearing a response from the fairy, he growled again, this time apanied by a more forceful pull of the chain. "I asked if you''re ready to beg yet?!"


    With her airway slightly blocked off by the cor and chain, Elora released a choked giggle before sputtering, "N- Never!" The confident grin never left her face.


    Despite their apparent focus on the debauchery, a much calmer conversation was happening through their link.


    "Did you notice our visitor?" Elora asked with a mental smirk.


    Inwardly chuckling, Erik responded. "Of course. I assume you have a fun idea? We could do with a spy in the Enve, after all."


    "Who do you think you''re talking to!" Elora responded with a mental giggle. "Here''s my n!"

 Chapter 108: Chapter 108 - A visitor (partial 18+)

    After Elora exined her n, Erik continued to fuck her hard and rough until, with a satisfied groan, he finally unloaded his seed deep inside her.


    Elora shook and trembled as she felt the warm cum that she had personally modified with aphrodisiac properties flow inside her, causing her fourth orgasm since they started down here.


    Elora had now reced her confidt grin with a silly smile, had lost the use of her muscles, and was only remaining upright by virtue of the cor and chain, causing her to choke a little, which just wided her silly smile.


    Elora definitely had some masochistic tdcies, ev if they only came out during sex and only wh it was done by Erik, the person she had designated as her emperor, partner, and conqueror.


    Seeing Elora''s state caused Erik to grin with a feeling of aplishmt before he slowly lowered the chain, carefully bringing Elora to the surface, where she remained hunched over and seemingly in a daze.


    Th he stood up and turned his piercing amber eyes towards the slightly ajar door, where a pair of blue eyes peeked at their lovemaking. A pair of eyes that now couldn''t help but drift down Erik''s body to his still rock-hard, nine-inch cock covered in fluids.


    He smirked at that pair of eyes. "Voyeurism is fine, Nora. But I wouldn''t have expected you to be nervous about walking out into the op."


    It remained quiet a momt before the door fully oped, and a confidt-looking Nora tered the room. Her tinum blond hair cascaded down her .9 meters (6''3") tall, mature, beautiful, and voluptuous body.


    However, while beautiful, she was clearly a step below both Emily and Emma while being at least two steps below Elora. Her biggest assets were, well, her ample assets, which were asrge, if notrger, than Elora''s.


    She was wearing a sexy, ck leather lingerie body suit that really only covered her breasts and pussy. It clearly had the intded purpose of making the wearer look both intimidating and overpowering.


    While walking inside, she smirked with confidce. "Nervous? Why would I be? I was just joying the show."


    Yet, despite her appart confidce, there was an unmistakable flicker of anxiety in her eyes.


    She wasn''t able to resisting here, yet now that she was actually faced with Erik''s powerful naked body while remembering his match against Viljar, she couldn''t help but lose some of her confidce.


    But she quickly shook her head and regained her conviction.


    She would tame this beast and make him crawl before her, just like with her other past lovers! ''And th maybe, just maybe, I can leverage that into getting teacher into my bedter!'' she thought while inwardly grinning with lust.


    Nora could be categorized as a domineering, mature woman with a high sex drive. She joyed taming the oft wild shapeshifters that followed their inner beast. That said, the times she actually had sex were rtively limited, as she mostly just joyed toying with and dominating them.


    While Nora walked closer to Erik with a confidt gait, Erik looked her up and down and had to admit that her body was impressive. It was both mature and captivating; with the addition of her confidt look and intimidating clothing, a less expericed man might have already fall at her feet.


    Unfortunately for Nora, Erik had be thoroughly conditioned by his time on S?l to never kneel or bow before anyone. The only person he might ever consider an exception to that rule was Elora.


    While appreciating her body, there was something he wondered about. "You look impressive, Nora. But where did you get the clothing? I doubt you wore that before, as it doesn''t look very stretchy."


    Without losing the confidt and sultry expression, she purred. "I found it in the Boss''s house. I was just lucky it fit me." Th she giggled. "I can''t help but wonder what the boss and histe wife got up to wh there''s clothing like this a."


    Suddly, a disturbing image of his sweet aunt dominating hisrge and masculine uncle while wearing that outfit passed through Erik''s brain, and he shuddered with horror before filing that image away in the deepest recesses of his mind, hoping never to have to see it again.


    Quickly recovering from that mtal shock, he refocused on Nora, who had reached him by now, and walked in circles a him while tracing his body with a finger. "You have a good, strong, handsome body, boy."


    She continued to have a sultry and confidt grin on her face, but Erik could see the struggle in her eyes not to look down at his impressive member. Naturally, this struggle was only worsed by the conctrated, lust-inducing pheromones and smell that his fluid-covered cock was actively spreading in the air.


    ''What the hell is this sweet smell,'' she practically screamed on the inside. ''And why am I feeling so hot!''


    Yet, she managed to keep her expression.


    Erik didn''t answer her and just looked at her with barely concealed amusemt, wondering about the next step in her appart n to dominate and tame him.


    Nora looked down at the still, slightly trembling and shivering Elora and scoffed with disdain. "Look at the mess you made of this girl."


    She put her hand on Erik''s chest and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I''m sure doing something like that to weak-minded girls gives you some temporary pleasures, but wouldn''t you like a real woman to take care of you for once?"


    While such disrespectful talk about Elora would usually sd Erik into an anger-induced rampage, he remained strangely calm this time, knowing Elora would have wanted him to follow the n and save the revge forter.


    Since Viljar had told her and the others very little about Elora, Nora was under the impression that Elora was simply an admittedly beautiful human woman with strange magic.


    The fact she thought Elora was a human, and now seeing the way Erik treated her during sex, only reinforced her belief that Elora was just a weak little girl.


    She would soon discover how wrong she was.

 Chapter 109: Chapter 109 - Battle of wills

    Inside Erik''s old basemt, the atmosphere was hot and heavy. Nora stood slightly on her toes as she leaned against Erik''s powerful chest with her hand, her mouth right next to his ear.


    Erik smiled softly at Nora''s question, appearing somewhat interested, while dly taking this chance to look down Nora''s significant cleavage. "Is that why you came here today, Nora? Wh I saw the lust in your eyes earlier, I figured you would proposition me at some point, but this is sooner than expected. Only a few hours ago, anger and aggression still outweighed your lust."


    Nora slowly grinded her body against Erik''s, ev while she still carefully avoided his somewhat intimidating cock and answered him softly. "That was before your idtity was revealed, and you solved everything so elegantly and yet dominantly. Now I can''t wait to¡­ take care of you."


    She almost purred out herst words as she did everything she could to tice Erik as much as possible.


    Not yet satisfied with Erik''s response, she took the leap and snaked her hand down to grab his cock, making her shudder slightly as she felt the warmth and power behind Erik''srge tool. "Just look at this. Your little toy down there left you unsatisfied. You''d never have to worry about that with me."


    Erik had to admit that this woman was good at what she did. Elora could be very ticing, but her method was more brute force, while Nora was clearly more subtle. He could actually feel his desire for Nora skyrocket as her body pressed against his, and her soft hand grabbed the base of his dick, causing a shiver to pass through Erik''s spine.


    Yet, this was far from ough to make Erik submit.


    Finally making a move after just passively standing there so far, he wrapped his left arm a Nora''s body to pull her closer and used the other to grab her chin.


    He had to make her feel like there was actually something to conquer, after all.


    "Your offer intrigues me, Nora. Go ahead and take care of me th." He said with a smile before kissing her deeply, making sure his lust-inducing fluids were spread all a her mouth.


    Feeling the strgth in his grip and the taste of his mouth, Nora couldn''t help moaning as her body became hotter. A momt of doubt passed through her eyes, but it was quickly stamped out again.


    After their tongues separated, Nora let go of Erik''s dick, put both hands on his chest, and panted slightly. She looked into Erik''s piercing amber eyes while trying to match their intsity despite the lust now burning through her veins.


    "Now you''re just using your superior strgth to take care of yourself while using my body. That''s no differt from the girl you just fucked into aa, leaving you unsatisfied." She said while still panting a little.


    "Maybe that''s what I joy the most." Erik grinned.


    Nora gulped slightly. This was a crucial momt. Now, either she would seed, or Erik would simply take what he wanted.


    Maintaining the intsity in her eyes, Nora looked at him. "If that''s what you want, th take me. Do with me as you will. There''s no one who can stop you. I''m simply offering you a differt experice."


    "Is that so¡­" Erik said while appearing thoughtful.


    Suddly, he released Nora''s body, stepped back, and spread his arms as a sign of oping himself up to her. "Alright, Nora. Show me what you have in mind th."


    The tion and sse of victory that spread through Nora''s body was also reflected in her eyes. Yet, she wasn''t done yet. She had to push a little farther.


    Putting on a sultry smile, she slowly swayed her hips and caressed her body while keeping her eyes locked on Erik''s. "Not so fast, big boy. If you want this experice, you''ll have to do a little something for me first."


    Inwardly grinning, Erik had to, once again, admit that Nora was pretty good at this. Outwardly, he lowered his arms and showed an interested smile. "Oh? Please tell me what I have to do th."


    This time, Nora stepped closer to him and took his chin in her hand while smiling softly yet domineeringly. She leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Submit to me and, just for tonight, experice something new."


    ''After just once, I know you''lle crawling back for more. They always do.'' She confidtly thought.


    If it wasn''t for the inhert revulsion at the idea of submitting to anyone, Erik felt he might have epted her offer, ticing as it was.


    Yet, instead, it was now time to turn the tables on Nora.


    Not losing his appartly interested smile, he looked at Nora and answered, "Oh? You wish to dominate me. I see¡­ I suppose I could be convinced to give it a try, but first, you''ll need to prove to me that you have what it takes."


    Nora raised her eyebrows, a little surprised yet happy he seemed op to the idea. ''But this will be thest time you get to make any demands of me, big boy.'' She thought.


    "Oh? And how might I do that?" she wondered out loud.


    Chuckling, Erik answered. "Simple. Since you think you have what it takes to dominate me, you should surely be capable of doing the same to someone I have under my thumb."


    Referring to Elora as someone under his thumb was inhertly repulsive to him, yet he had to keep up the ruse a little longer.


    Now grabbing Nora''s chin so she didn''t have the chance to look a, he continued. "Show me how you dominate Elora, and if you do a good job, I''ll let you try it on me."


    A little annoyed with his demands but happy at being asked to do something she considered to be easy, she smirked confidtly. "That seems fair. You have a deal."


    She tried to move back and get started, but Erik held her a little longer. "One more thing. Since you will try to dominate her, she will also have the right to try and turn the tables on you. If she manages to do that, you will serve us instead."


    Nora''s brows knitted together, her lips parting in a silt, questioning frown. The sight of the girl¡ªdisheveled and brok on the g¡ªshed through her mind, washing away her doubts.


    A yful sparkle lit up her eyes as she leaned in, the corners of her mouth twitching into a mischievous giggle. "ying games, are we?" she teased, her voiceced with intrigue. "Deal," she dered, her finger wagging in mock warning. "But remember, no meddling."


    Now grinning widely, Erik chuckled. "Of course not. I don''t need to, anyway. I''m surprised you think you have what it takes to control me wh you can''t ev pay atttion to your surings."


    Raising an eyebrow, Nora was about to respond wh she heard Elora''s voice behind her. It sounded full of yful malice and condescsion. "I''m d you agreed! Now it''s time to repay you for your earlier words, little Nora."

 Chapter 110: Chapter 110 - Reversal

    A few minutes before, while Nora was preupied with her attempts to tice Erik, Elora had gott up from the floor, seemingly  the worse for wear.


    Naturally, most of her earlier weakness and daze had be faked.


    Since th, she had be casually preparing the stage for after Erik did his part.


    For Erik, the hardest part during all this was to keep a straight face and keep his eyes trained on Nora, ev while his fairypanion was setting up some contraption she had pulled from the storage jewel on her forehead.


    The contraption looked like the metal framework of a three-dimsional, life-size cube. There was a metal te with cushions on the bottom, and four pirs rose up in the corners, with four horizontal beams connecting those pirs at the top.


    Sturdy-looking metal chains and rings covered the tire structure in various ces, making its purpose clear.


    Elora set it up in such a casual manner, all behind the clueless Nora''s back and without making a sound, that Erik could almost imagine Elora whistling as she prepared for the mature woman''s demise.


    Naturally, this made it all the harder for him not tough at poor Nora''s cluelessness.


    Wh Erik finally got Nora to agree to the bet, Elora had already be impatitly waiting to get started, having also lost her earlier cor and exchanged her nakedness for the dominatrix outfit she used during Emily''s punishmt a few days earlier.


    She stared at the blond woman''s back with excitemt, and wh Nora finally agreed to Erik''s proposal, she giggled and said, "I''m d you agreed! Now it''s time to repay you for your earlier words, little Nora."


    Before Nora could ev register that someone was talking behind her, Elora snapped her fingers, causing the contraption next to her to activate.


    Four chainsunched at Nora and wrapped themselves a her wrists and ankles. Utterly surprised, she muttered, "What the¡­?" before yelping as the chains pulled her to the g and began dragging her toward the contraption.


    While her thoughts were still catching up with the new evts, Nora''s first and instinctive reaction was to try and turn into her werewolf form, thinking she was under attack.


    Yet, while most of her body changed just fine and ripped apart her ck leather outfit in the process, her wrists and ankles, tightly covered by the chains, refused to expand, causing her to scream in pain.


    She quickly reverted to human form before she did any permant damage to her body while the chains continued to drag her toward the cube. She looked at Erik with panic in her eyes while he gazed back at her with amusemt. "Erik! What''s going on?! What happed to our deal?!"


    Erik cocked his head to the side in fake confusion. "How do you mean? The deal was that Elora would get the chance to turn the tables on you, wasn''t it? Looks like she managed to do so pretty quickly." He chuckled and crossed his arms, preparing to watch Elora work.


    Before Nora could respond to Erik''s words, she had be pulled to the middle of the cube, where she was now suspded in the air,pletely naked. Chains stretched from her wrists and ankles to the cube''s edges, sying Nora in a deliberate X form.


    Instead, she quickly tried to ess her Runebound powers. Light blue runes began to appear all over her body, but before she could activate a skill, Elora suddly appeared before her with a wide grin and quickly drew a sigil on the woman''s sizable chest.


    Immediately, the runes dissipated, and Nora faltered. "Gah! Y- You! What did you do?!"


    With a confidt and teasing smirk on her face, Elora shrugged. "I sealed your skills, of course."


    Nora was about to respond wh she finally noticed Elora''s currt differce from before. Instead of the trembling mess from earlier, the Elora she saw in front of her now was more like an invible goddess.


    For a momt, she got lost in Elora''s domineering emerald eyes and transcded beauty, giving her an almost instinctive desire to fall at the fairy''s feet, a feeling only strgthed by Elora slightly spreading her third-rank aura.


    Finally, she managed to shake herself free from her daze and panned her gaze betwe Erik and Elora with aplicated expression.


    She looked aggrieved. "You tricked me."


    Erik chuckled. "Did we? I never lied to you. You made your own assumptions, and I didn''t dy them."


    Nora scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Semantics." She spat, before turning her gaze towards Elora. "And you! Why would you let him do those things to you!"


    Seeing Elora now and knowing what she had done to her, Nora immediately realized that this domineering woman was no less unique and powerful than Erik, making her confused about why she would submit to him like that.


    Elora giggled. "Because I joy it, of course. I love it wh my man shows his power. Whether that be against me or someone else makes no differce." Her eyes flickered with lustful malice. "And soon, I''ll make you joy it, too."


    But Erik stuck up his hand. "Hold up. Let''s give her one more chance to back out."


    Immediately, Elora sighed, groaned, and muttered, "Damn your morals."


    Erik chuckled, "It''s the least I can do for a formerpanion of my mother," before turning to Nora. "You get one more chance to back out, Nora. Leave now, and we forget this ever happed. Stay, and Elora gets an hour to try and make you submit.


    If she seeds, you''ll serve us. But if she fails, I will follow your every order for an hour, which you can use to try and ''tame me.''


    So what will it be?" He finished while smirking confidtly.


    It may appear like he was giving her a choice, but Erik had se the look in Nora''s eyes. There was no doubt in his mind about what she would choose, giv half a chance to try and dominate him.


    Nora once again looked betwe Erik and Elora, feeling immse lust and a desire to dominate wh looking at Erik but some dread and fear wh looking at the grinning Elora.


    Yet, ultimately, her desires won out over her caution, causing her to look defiantly at Elora.


    "Bring it on." She spat.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 111 - An hour (18+)

    And bring it on, she did.


    Under Nora''s scrutinizing gaze, she first walked toward Erik with a confidt smile before kissing him lightly and grabbing his cock. "You do know that since you said such a thing, I won''t be going easy on her, right?"


    Erikughed softly. He had expected that reaction. Elora would never allow Erik to obey another woman, after all, so now she would work twice as hard to break Nora within this time.


    Why did he do that? Because he joyed it wh his partner got all domineering and assertive against other people.


    The fact was, despite his role as the moralpass in their rtionship, a slightly darker part of him loved Elora precisely because of herck of morals and ethics.


    Regardless, there was no doubt in his mind that she would be able to break Nora within an hour''s time. If that wer''t the case, he would have never made such a bet to begin with.


    Having said her piece, Elora quickly used a little magic to gather and clean all the fluids of Erik''s member before turning a and walking towards Nora, a small ball of fluids floating above her hand.


    Nora narrowed her eyes at that ball. "What¡­ are you going to do with that?"


    Grinning, the fairy held up the small ball and said, "I''m going to feed it to you."


    Immediately, Nora tightly shut her mouth, not wanting to make things easy for Elora. But that wouldn''t stop her. Elora just giggled at Nora''s pointless attempt at defiance before bringing the ball closer to the blond woman''s face. "It''ll be either your mouth or your nose. Choose."


    Despite her reluctance, the pheromone-filled, sweet smelling from Erik''s cream,bined with the threat of using her nose instead,pelled Nora to op her mouth a little.


    Immediately taking advantage, Elora grinned, and soon, the delicious fluids were streaming down Nora''s throat; she coughed a little but, at the same time, felt her body heat up to unimaginable levels while her nipples harded and her pussy drooled.


    Nora''s face flushed red and a slight haze came over her eyes. In a dazed and confused voice, she mumbled, "That¡­ What is that? And why does it taste so good?"


    Elora giggled. "You know what that was. You saw me gather it. In the future, it will be your reward for being a good girl."


    While inwardly disgusted with the idea of being rewarded for good behavior, Nora couldn''t dy wanting more of what she was just giv.


    Seeing Nora was now in the right physical state, a wide, sadistic grin appeared on Elora''s face, before waving her hand, causing arge amount of various tools to appear in front of her.


    Some were intded to cause pain, others to cause pleasure, but Elora nned to use them all in this hour.


    Despite her calm, confidt, and teasing exterior, there was fury boiling beath Elora''s surface. Something only Erik was currtly aware of and what almost made him feel sorry for Nora.


    Almost.


    Elora''s thoughts escted with each silt utterance, reflecting the growing intsity of her anger. ''She thought she could im my man? Challge his authority as if she couldmand an emperor? Usurp a future conqueror!?''


    Each question marked a leap in her possessivess, morphing from a personal affront to a symbolic battle for dominance.


    It was time to make her pay. To show her exactly how insignificant she was.


    Still dazed and horny beyond belief, Nora could only gulp as she looked at Elora''s toolbox.


    Before she got started, however, Elora drew another sigil on Nora''s body. This one is intded to increase the woman''s ssitivity, which was the only way for Elora to really affect Nora''s powerful, Runebound body.


    Finally ready, a sadistic grin appeared on Elora''s face as she grabbed her first item.


    For the first fifte minutes afterward, Elora used her various tools to bring the shapeshifter to screaming orgasm after orgasm, all under Erik''s watchful and amused gaze.


    This was to teach Nora the pleasure she could get in return for submission.


    Th, Elora spt another fifte minutes making her victim hurt and ufortable, bringing her from heav back down to hell, thereby teaching her the punishmts she could get.


    In the third fifte minutes, Elora applied the same orgasm-locking sigil she had used against Emily before switching back to pleasure.


    Finally, after those 45 minutes, any and all confidce on Nora''s face was wiped out, as all that remained was a lightly drooling and trembling mess, hanging ck in her chains and mumbling, "Please let me cum," on repeat.


    Clearly, Nora''s willpower was not as great as Emily''s.


    Erik never moved during all this, keeping a close eye on Elora''s actions and joying Nora''s reactions.


    Holding a rolled-up whip in her hand, Elora pushed up Nora''s slightly lolling head and looked into the woman''s eyes with a smirk. "So? Have you realized the futility of resistance? Are you ready to realize your ce beath us?"


    Delirious, Nora barely registered the words. "Can- Can I cum?" She mumbled, causing Elora to chuckle, "Sure, as soon as you give in."


    Revulsion at the idea of surrdering rose inside the woman, but for some reason, she couldn''t bring herself to refuse Elora.


    After the past 45 minutes, the desire to fall at Elora''s feet, which she had felt earlier, had only be stronger, causing a powerful desire for submission to fill her.


    Her dazed eyes panned towards Erik. She looked over his muscr, well-dowed body and piercing amber eyes, causing her to shiver. Suddly, her desire to dominate that man seemed so far-fetched.


    Since he could subdue this goddess, what chance did she have?


    Naturally, Elora was in no way subdued by Erik, ev if she did joy it wh he got a little rough with her. But Nora, in her currt state, didn''t see the differce.


    Having her head continue to be held up by Elora''s whip because she was too delirious and weak to do it herself only increased the feeling of futility she felt.


    Instead, she conctrated on the extreme desire for pleasure that now filled her body and mind as she remembered the feeling during the first fifte minutes of her ordeal.


    "W- Will it feel good?" she mumbled.


    Hearing her question, Erik chuckled and knew it was over while Elora grinned evilly. "More than you can handle." Before Nora could answer, Elora held up a finger with a small, dark gre orb on top of it. "But¡­ only if you submit to us, now and forever."


    Looking at that orb filled Nora''s dazed mind with a bit of dread, yet, ultimately, she still fell.


    "O- Okay." She mumbled and sealed her own fate.


    Chuckling victoriously, Elora said, "Good girl," and began to trace the orb along Nora''s neck, causing strange, dark gre symbols to appear. At the same time, Nora felt abination of extreme pleasure and a strange heaviness that began to weigh her down.


    Wh Elora finished whatever she was doing, she said, "Now you can cum," immediately followed by a massive orgasm that rocked Nora''s body as she screamed, moaned, trembled, and shook while her new master and mistress looked on with glee.

 Chapter 112: Chapter 112 - Bond of Service

    Wh it was done, the chains released Nora, and she sagged down to the g, now looking much the same as Elora had wh Nora tered the room.


    Elora smirked victoriously at Erik and dered her victory, "Just like that, we gain a pretty little thing to have fun with and a spy in the Silver Enve, all at once. Without breaking your precious rules about const, too. Not bad for a night''s work, don''t you think?"


    Naturally, the questions about morality and const were very subjective and borderline in this case, mainly because Nora barely had any idea what she agreed to. But ultimately, the world was built onpromises and the blurred lines betwe right and wrong.


    They needed a spy in the Silver Enve, and Nora prested herself as a very viable option. The added pleasurable befits were just icing on the cake.


    Erik chuckled softly and began walking towards Elora and the softly moaning Nora, "Not bad at all. You were amazing as always, Elora. Don''t knock the effects of proper const so quickly, though. ming herself for the consequces of her own actions is better than ming us. Besides, I never doubted the choice she would make."


    Wh he reached them, he wrapped his arms a her while Elora chuckled mischievously. "Look at you bing a proper maniptor. I have taught you well."


    Erik chuckled warmly and kissed Elora softly on the lips. "Thank you, my lovely little ember." Th he turned towards Nora on the g. "Now, what to do with you?"


    Elora giggled cheerfully. "Let me just perk her up a little," she said before crouching down and flooding the woman with dark gre ergy that quickly began to restore her stamina and critical thinking.


    Feeling the effects of thest hour fade, Nora groaned softly before struggling to her feet as she held her head. "Ugh, what just happed?"


    Elora stood up with her and shrunk down before taking her ce on Erik''s shoulder. "You tasted the consequces of your own actions," she giggled with sadistic delight.


    Erik grinned and added, "You snuck into my house, thinking you could put me under your heel, th you made a bet and lost. Now, you''re paying the price."


    Slowly, the earlier evts began returning to Nora, and she groaned at her rashness. ''Fuck. I let lust blind me once again,'' she thought.


    She turned her gaze towards the duo in front of her and scowled a little at their victorious smirks, yet, for some reason, she was filled with an overwhelming desire to obey them.


    This feeling surprised her, and suddly, she remembered Elora doing something to her throat and neck, causing her to grab her throat while frowning at Elora. "What- What did you do to me?"


    She felt nothing, nor was there anything to see, as the dark gre symbols had already be absorbed into her skin.


    Elora shrugged. "Simple. I granted you the specialty of my people: a Bond of Service." As a wicked power, the Obsidian Enve was particrly adept at ving others, and it had many methods for that purpose. However, Elora currtly only knew two of them: possession and the Bond of Service.


    Both of these spells were rtively self-exnatory. Possession allowed a fairy to lock their victim''s mind away and puppeteer their body a, which is what Elora had done to Emily in the past.


    The Bond of Service, on the other hand, was more straightforward. The victim would simply be forced to obey the caster, although, unlike Emily''s magic, the victim would retain their own mind.


    However, both of these methods had one major w. Namely, the victim needed to be willing, much weaker than the caster, or mtally vulnerable.


    Unfortunately, Elora''s third rank was not powerful ough to force these methods on a second rank, but luckily, Nora had previously be both willing and vulnerable.


    After hearing Elora exin what was done to her, Nora sighed and grabbed her forehead while mumbling to herself, "Great job, Nora. You couldn''t control yourself, and now you have no control at all anymore. Wonderfully done."


    Erik couldn''t help but chuckle a little at Nora''s defeatism, causing Nora to re at him, "Something funny, ''Master,''" she said, a little spitefully.


    He grinned in response and stepped closer before grabbing her chin and forcing her to look into his eyes. "You''re making this out to be worse than it is. We''ll probably just ask you for information asionally. Besides, if you like, we can still have some fun."


    That made Nora frown. "What do you mean, if I like? You''re not going to force me now?"


    Erik shrugged nonchntly. "I never force wom to have sex with me. I have no need to. Besides, for me, half of the funes from seeing the pleasure and joy on my partner''s face. If you want, you can walk out that door right now and only ever remain our spy in the Enve."


    Still holding her chin, he leaned close to her ear and whispered. "Or, I can sure you''ll barely be able to walk tomorrow."


    Feeling Erik''s warm and powerful body this close to her while smelling his sweet, lust-inducing smell and remembering the pleasure she wt through earlier caused her to gulp with desire and temptation.


    Noticing he had the effect he wanted, Erik pulled back a little before nting a deep kiss on Nora''s mouth, causing her eyes to go wide with surprise before narrowing with pleasure as Erik explored the inside with his tongue and coated it with his delicious saliva.


    Th, he pulled backpletely and took a step back from her. "So what will it be? I''m warning you now, however. If you choose option two, you will submit to us, and you can forget about dominating me. The only person who has ever done that to me is sitting on my shoulder, and  other will ever be allowed."


    Back on S?l, during their sexual experimtation phase, there had naturally be an attempt at Elora being the dom. Still, neither of them joyed it much, so it never happed again.


    That said, if she ever wanted to try again, Erik would ept. Perhaps not out of desire, but certainly out of love.


    Hearing his words caused Elora to giggle and think back to that day with fondness because of Erik''s willingness to do it but little desire to try again.


    As for Nora, her eyes nced betwe the pair in front of her and the basemt door while she tried toe to a decision.

 Chapter 113: Chapter 113 - Nora submits (18+)

    However, in the d, it was not a difficult decision.


    By her very nature, Nora''s libido was already high, but now,bined with the various fluids, smells, and pheromones that made their way inside her body over thest hour, lust was burning inside her like a hot coal.


    And the fact that she and Erik were currtly naked did not help matters at all.


    She turned towards Erik and Elora with desire burning in her eyes. ''I''ve never be submissive to a man before, but¡­ whatever,'' she thought, ''Taming him was a long shot anyway. Right now, I just want to get stuffed. I''ll think about this bond of service or whateverter.''


    The reason she came there in the first ce was because she lusted after the son of her teacher. It might not be happing in the way she visioned, but at this point, she was too horny to care.


    "Fine¡­" she growled. "But you better make me see stars to make this up to me."


    Erik smiled confidtly, not surprised by her decision because the lust burning in her eyes was evidt.


    Elora, however, grinned evilly. She was not particrly happy with Nora''s word choice.


    She quickly moved to stand behind Nora in her life-size form before putting her hands on Nora''s shoulders and leaning closer to whisper in the blond woman''s ear. "You don''t get to make demands here, little pet. You''ll serve us, and perhaps we''ll reward you for being a good girl. Now get. On. Your knees."


    A shudder wt through Nora''s spine wh she heard Elora''s whisperedmand as the instinctive desire to obey filled her body and mind.


    She tried to put up a tok resistance, but her mind was filled with the desire to scratch the itch burning inside her. Besides, this turn of evts was not particrly surprising for her.


    Both unable and unwilling to resist, she sank to her knees in preparation for what came next.


    Elora crouched behind Nora and grabbed the woman''s chin before whispering in her ear again. "Op your mouth, girl. Prepare to service your master."


    Never before having be submissive to a man, Nora couldn''t but scowl a little, despite the fact she herself chose to stay, knowing what was going to happ.


    Regardless, the Bond of Service was reltless. Without a word, she oped her mouth, and Erik approached her with an indulgt smile and a rock-hard cock.


    Despite herself, the bond she received from Elora filled Nora with feelings of submission wh she looked at the approaching and imposing form of Erik, her new master.


    Not to mtion that wh his nine-inch cock was prested in front of her face, she began to tremble with lust and desire due to the ticing smell and powerful pheromones.


    The massive member now lightly rested on her forehead, causing Nora to look up at it and, with her mouth still op wide, began to pant and drool a little. Ev without having be giv the order yet, her overwhelming lust, and the delicious smell, were screaming at her to take that cock in her mouth.


    Erik looked down at the mature and voluptuous body of Nora kneeling before him and couldn''t help but get ev harder. Just before, she had be acting as a confidt dominatrix, and now, after less than an hour with his beloved Elora, here she was, on her knees, ready to service him.


    He could only imagine he was a saint in his previous life to get someone like Elora as a partner in this one.


    Thinking of Elora, he swapped his gaze to the transcded beauty that was his partner, who was crouching behind Nora, and saw her looking at him with a yful yet demanding gaze. Clearly, she intded to take control of this momt, and Erik had no reason not to let her.


    Now with his cock in front of Nora, who slightly drooled and panted with lust, Erik waited to see what Elora had in store for him next.


    The fairy didn''t let him wait long as she grabbed his dick and guided it toward Nora''s op mouth, and whispered in her ear again. "I hope you''re ready, little pet. It''s going down your throat."


    Some panic appeared in the blond woman''s eyes, as she had never done anything like that. Yet, she had no time to regret anything, as the momt that dick touched her tongue, she lost all resistance.


    Because at the momt the heavly taste, personally gineered by Elora, registered in her brain, she couldn''t help but start to swirl her tongue a the object in her mouth with a greedy look in her eyes. ''Gah! How can he possibly taste his good,'' her lust-addled brain barely remembered Elora had fed her his taste before.


    Erik felt a shiver of pleasure pass through him, yet his eyes stayed trained on Elora, who also gazed back at him.


    They appeared topletely ignore Nora, but despite that, Elora grabbed the back of Nora''s head and continued to guide Erik''s cock deeper and deeper past the woman''s luscious lips until she hit the back of Nora''s throat.


    While continuing to look at Erik, she whispered to Nora. "Swallow, pet. Swallow your Master. Worship him like a god because, for all intds and purposes, from today onward, he is your god, and I am your goddess."


    Elora''s words should have induced revulsion in Nora''s mind, but instead, she only felt mind-numbing pleasure as Erik''s taste and pheromones wreaked havoc on her mind. At the same time, she desperately tried to swallow Erik further, causing the Bond of Service to reward her for her obedice, causing ev more pleasure to flood her system.


    Elora helped the woman along by slowly massaging her throat with one hand while pushing forward with the other, all without breaking eye contact with Erik.


    A dark gre glow ev appeared on Elora''s fingertips, proving her use of magic to help Nora along.


    Soon, her efforts paid off wh, with one sudd movemt, Erik felt his cock being swallowed in its tirety, causing his eyelids to twitch, his spine to shiver, and his mouth to release a low groan, ev as he refused to break eye contact with Elora.


    Still crouching behind Nora, with one hand on the woman''s throat and the other on the back of her head, Elora smiled mischievously at Erik. "Do you like my gift?"

 Chapter 114: Chapter 114 - Elora takes control (18+)

    Still crouching behind Nora, with her left hand on the woman''s throat and the right on the back of her head, Elora grinned mischievously at Erik. "Do you like my gift?"


    Feeling Nora''s warm, tight, and wet throat massaging him, ev as her tongue refused to stop tasting him, did not allow Erik to dy Elora''s question, so he grinned back at her. "I love it, my wicked little ember."


    Meanwhile, Nora''s eyes were wide with surprise as she felt therge object lodged in her throat. It didn''t really hurt her second-rank Runebound body, but she couldn''t breathe!


    Yet, despite that, she never stopped doing whatever she could to pleasure Erik, as it simply felt too good not to. ''This- This is how submission feels?'' she thought to herself, ''I- I can''t let this change me, no matter how good it feels!''


    Elora continued to hold the back of Nora''s head while massaging the woman''s bulging, cock-filled throat in order to bring more pleasure to Erik. The fairy whispered in the blond woman''s ear again. "Do you feel your master inside you? You can feel him blocking your air, right?"


    She began to pet Nora''s hair soothingly with her right hand, "But you don''t need to worry about that. Your master and mistress will take care of you. You can trust they will let you breathe on time."


    Nora was too horny and hazy to truly recognize Elora''s words, yet she still felt herself calm down as the words sank into her subconscious.


    As he watched his partner dominate Nora and felt the immse pleasure on his cock, Erik felt himself rapidly approaching the finish line. Yet, Elora was not done with either of them just yet.


    Feeling Erik was on the verge of blowing his load and noticing Nora was about to faint, she grabbed a handful of Nora''s hair and pulled her off Erik''s cock.


    A strange sce urred as Nora panted and sputtered for breath despite clearly struggling against Elora''s grip as she desperately tried to get Erik back into her mouth.


    Erik had mixed feelings, as he appreciated the break since he didn''t want to finish that fast, but having an orgasm died him didn''t feel great. Still, he had already decided to give Elora control of this situation, so he just waited for her next steps.


    Elora whispered in Nora''s ear again, still unwilling to break her eye contact with Erik. "If you''re a good girl, you can taste it againter. For now, though, I want you to use those melons on your chest."


    Nora, having lost most of her resistance to Erik and Elora, at least for the momt, barely ev needed the Bond of Service, as she instinctively grabbed her own breasts and brought them up to Erik''s cock while submissively ncing upwards, somehow already desiring Erik''s approval.


    Yet she wt ignored, as Erik continued to stare at Elora instead, causing Nora to feel a twinge of something unknown in her lust-addled mind as a desire to try harder filled her.


    She cased Erik''s intimidating member in betwe her breasts and felt her desire to submit grow. Her hazy mind could barely string a thought together, but there was one thing she realized. ''Ev my breasts, my pride and joy, can''t contain my Master''s power.''


    The Bond of Service made it so that she couldn''t call Erik anything but Master anymore, although she wasn''t currtly in the right state of mind to realize that.


    Under Elora''s direction, she began to massage Erik''s cock.


    Meanwhile, Erik now felt himself rapidly closing in on the goal again as those two soft, pillowy breasts brought him immse pleasure.


    This time, Elora had no ns to stop Nora. Instead, she whispered in her ear again while slowly pushing her head down. "Your master is close. Suck on the tip, and prepare to receive your reward."


    Without thinking, Nora leaned forward and took the tip that was sticking out betwe her breasts into her mouth and began to suck while continuing to press Erik''s cock betwe her breasts.


    As her powerful suction cased his tip and her tongue yed with his nds, Erik couldn''t resist much longer and grabbed Nora''s head with both hands before burying himself all the way in her throat and unleashing himself into the woman''s stomach.


    Despite having the control tak away from her, Elora could only grin happily and lustfully at Erik''s satisfied expression and groan.


    Nora, too, shuddered and shook as clear liquid squirted from her pussy.


    All the stimtion from before,bined with getting her newly emerged submissive instincts satisfied, and getting a big load of modified cum in her mouth, throat, and stomach, forced a tremdous orgasm out of her.


    Wh he was done, Erik released Nora''s head with a satisfied grin on his face, causing the blond woman to sag back on the floor and gasp for breath.


    Yet, Elora wasn''t done with her yet. She grabbed Nora''s hair and dragged her back up. "You think you''re done, little pet?" She held the woman''s face next to Erik''s now semi-hard cock, "Look at the mess you made. Clean it up!"


    Dazed, Nora could only follow orders and stick out her tongue, causing a sadistically grinning Elora to use her grip on the woman''s blond hair to move her face across Erik''s dick while Nora licked up any remaining bits of cum.


    Erik watched it all with a confidt and lustful grin.


    Wh she was done, Elora stood up and dragged Nora with her. "Don''t think we''ve forgott about you, little pet. Next, your master will fill you up, just as you''ve be wanting."


    A mischievous grin appeared on her face. "Well, perhaps not exactly as you''ve be wanting. Tell me, Nora." She said as she spanked the woman hard in an attempt to wake her up a little. "Have you ever had anything up that thick ass of yours?"


    Jumping up a little and somewhat released from her daze, Nora paled and shook her head. "N- No?"


    Immediately, Elora''s grin wided. "Good! So you still have one virginity to give to your master. That''s a good girl."

 Chapter 115: Chapter 115 - Noras punishment (18+)

    Momtster, Nora was bt over with her hands against one of the few mirrors spread a Erik''s basemt. Originally, these were intded for checking and correcting posture wh training alone, but now, one of them had a far more immoral purpose.


    With her hands on the mirror, Nora was th ordered to keep looking into it, watching her own lust-filled face and Erik standing behind her.


    She was shaking with abination of fear and anticipation.


    "I- It''s never going to fit." She said with a trembling voice and a silly smile. Her eyes were filled with lust and desire. Clearly, despite her words, she wanted Erik to fuck her, ev if it wasn''t in the way she had visioned.


    Behind her, Erik had put his sufficitly lubricated dick on top of Nora''s bountiful ass to increase the woman''s feeling of anticipation.


    Next to the trembling woman stood a dominantly grinning Elora as she petted Nora''s long blond hair, now falling to the side of her face. "It''ll fit, little pet, because you''ll make it fit. Besides, you have a second-rank Runebound body. You''ll be fine."


    Erik decided it was time to proceed by gripping Nora''s cheeks and pulling them apart, revealing the hole he would be conquering today.


    It was time to teach Nora precisely what her ce was: far below the Ashcroft sisters and not ev in the same bracket as Elora. His partner had already vted the fury she felt at Nora''s attempt to tame him, and now it was his turn.


    Luckily, the fact that both Arcanists and Runebound had lost the need for many of their normal bodily functions meant that ev this ce was as clean as could be.


    That said, it needed some lubrication and preparation. So he began by spitting on it, th used his middle finger to push inside and begin widing the incredibly tight hole.


    Immediately, Nora began to moan and shake from abination of pain and pleasure.


    Elora''s sigil for increasing ssitivity was still in ce, so Nora felt both pain and pleasure with far more intsity.


    Noticing Nora''s legs were shaking a little, Erik spanked her with his free hand. "Keep your legs under you, Nora. You don''t want my lovely little ember to punish you again, do you?" Erik said with a smirk, ev as he added a second finger to his poking and prodding.


    Technically, the threat wasn''t necessary, as the Bond of Service would make her do it anyway, but seeing increased arousal and fear on her face, as reflected in the mirror, was worth it.


    After adding a third finger and thinking, ''That should do it. Time to teach this woman her ce.'' He th ced his cock before Nora''s back trance and pushed it slightly forward.


    "Are you ready to learn what happs to weak and overconfidt people who try to overstep their bounds?" he asked with a lustful smirk.


    Feeling therge rod poking against her backside, Nora began trembling ev harder with abination of lust and fear. "N- No?" she said, despite knowing it would make no differce. "W- Wouldn''t you prefer my pussy, M- Master? It''s wet and ready for you." She said in a shaky tone.


    In response, Erik spanked her again, harder this time. "I''m sure it is, Nora. But you don''t get to choose how I punish you for your actions. Luckily, you''re a good girl who will take her Master''s punishmt withoutint, right?"


    Nora closed her eyes and nodded, knowing it didn''t really matter anymore. Her own actions had led her to this point, including the choice to still have sex tonight, knowing she would have very little control over what happed to her.


    Not that, ev now, she would have made another choice.


    She still wanted Erik to fuck her, after all, and in all honesty, she couldn''t wait until he finally shoved it inside any of her holes.


    Luckily, Erik didn''t make her wait long. Seeing her nod made him ev harder, and he wided his grin.


    Under Nora''s anxious gaze through the mirror, Erik pulled the woman''s butt cheeks apart and began pushing forward, causing Nora to moan in both pain and pleasure. "S- Slowly!" she cried out.


    Erik felt pleasure shoot up his spine as Nora''s tight hole began to gulf hisrge member. He decided it was best to take a bandage-ripping approach in this case because he knew a second-rank Runebound body would never be damaged from just this.


    Besides, this was supposed to be a punishmt designed to sure she would ept her ce as their ve and spy.


    Therefore, he plunged forward with full force and soon found himself fully sheathed inside Nora''s voluptuous ass. In response, Nora screamed and would have copsed if it wer''t for the Bond of Service forcing her to remain standing.


    Erik wasn''t much of a sadist, however, and usually joyed giving pleasure more than he joyed giving pain, ev if he did usually prefer the dominant role. So he started caressing Nora''s back and talking in a soothing voice. "Rx, Nora. The worst is over. Just give it a momt to let your powerful body adapt."


    "Y- Yes, M- Master." She mumbled deliriously.


    He ev reached a and used his other hand to begin fingering the trembling Nora''s pussy, causing her to gasp before moaning louder.


    Despite the pain she felt, or perhaps because of it, Nora was quickly brought to orgasm thanks to Erik''s expericed fingers and her overwhelming ssitivity.


    Nora screamed again. This time, more out of pleasure than pain.


    "I- It hurts, but feels so good." She mumbled deliriously.


    She was shaking ev more violtly now, but the Bond would still not allow her to copse as her legs remained upright.


    Her orgasm also caused her second hole to tight a Erik''s cock, causing him to groan in pleasure while he chuckled at Nora''s reaction.


    After the orgasm passed, Nora''s sphincter rxed, allowing Erik to finally let his lust and desire take over as he started to pump in and out with little concern for Nora.


    But there was no need for concern anyway, as Nora was now greatly joying having her ass stuffed. Something she wasn''t shy about vocalizing. "Y- Yes! Finally! This feels so good! F- Fuck me harder, Master."


    Erik grinned and nned to make the woman see stars, just as she had requested.


    Meanwhile, Elora had disappeared and was now standing next to the trance door, seemingly waiting for something with a mischievous smirk on her face.

 Chapter 116: Chapter 116 - The sisters curiousity

    The thing was, after Nora had shown up, Elora removed the soundproofing they had put in ce for their intimate fun.


    Something she had done on purpose, with the inttion of giving a show to a particr pair of sisters.


    And now, that part of her n was finally paying dividds, as there was no way the Ashcroft sisters hadn''t heard Nora''s screams by now.


    Naturally, she was correct.


    In fact, they had heard the screams earlier but had be attempting to curb their curiosity so far, somewhat uncertain they ev wanted to know what was going on down there.


    Yet, evtually, curiosity and a hint of concern won out, so they were now tiptoeing down the basemt stairs.


    By now, Nora''s creams had stopped tirely and transitioned into pleasured moans as her powerful body quickly adapted to the intrusion. Yet, those moans were a little harder for Emma and Emily''s human Arcanist ears to pick up through a door and from this distance.


    Emma gulped as they snuck down the stairs. "T- The screams have stopped. It sounds¡­ differt now. W- What do you think is happing down there?"


    "I think he''s being a pervert¡­" Emily frowned asplicated emotions flickered through her eyes. Some fury, curiosity, and apprehsion, but, most of all, there was jealousy that she desperately tried to dy, ev to herself.


    Aware of what her sister meant, Emma''s face wt red, "B- But, those earlier screams sounded painful!"


    Emily paused upon hearing her sister''s statemt, causing Emma to do the same as she was behind her.


    Emily turned a to look at Emma with a serious gaze. "You know the boss is not exactly a kind person, little Em. Ev if he treats us well, I don''t doubt there will be others he will treat much worse now or in the future. This might be one of those times. Are you sure you want to see it?"


    On the other side of the door, Elora grinned at Emily''s astutess. Despite her dismissive treatmt of Emily, she could appreciate the girl''s attitude and intelligce.


    Emma gulped, and some anxiety appeared in her eyes, but it was quickly wiped out by loyalty and ev some devotion. Her eyes harded with determination, and she nodded. "Sir will always be Sir, no matter what he''s doing there, and the more I know about him, the better I can serve him."


    Emily gave her little sister a look of concern, "You''ve really got it bad for him, don''t you, little Em¡­ I just hope he continues to live up to your ideal."


    "He will!" Emma said, full of conviction.


    Emily shook her head in exasperation before turning a to continue moving down the stairs. Despite her newfound trust in Erik, she still promised herself to keep a close eye on both of them, just in case.


    Wh they finally reached the door, they carefully oped it and peeked a the corner. Yet, wh they saw the debaucherous sce betwe Erik and Nora, they quickly pulled their heads back with burning cheeks.


    Their reactions were very differt as Emily scowled and cursed, "Pervert!" and Emma just looked embarrassed and a little anxious for some reason.


    Finally, having satisfied their curiosity, they nned to run back upstairs quickly wh Elora suddly appeared behind them with a grin. "Stop!" she said; her words resonated in the air, filled with the power of the covant that existed betwe them.


    Immediately, the marks on the sisters'' hands shed, and they stopped in their tracks, Emily with an annoyed scowl and Emma with anxious embarrassmt.


    Now, considering Elora''s personality and past, one might expect her to try and get the girls involved in this situation. Yet, instead, her inttions were surprisingly innoct inparison.


    She just wanted the sisters to understand a little more about Erik, herself, and the sisters'' possible future with the two of them.


    Seeing the sisters had stopped, Elora ordered them to turn a before beckoning them closer. Something they did, if a little reluctantly.


    Now standing inside the basemt, filled with the sounds of Erik and Nora''s activity, and the lust-inducing smells of his body, Emily turned towards Elora, putting the intimate sce behind her and desperately trying to ignore it.


    "What do you want?" Emily growled, clearly unhappy about being forced to stay here and also feeling very suspicious about what this woman might want from them.


    Elora giggled yfully, "Don''t look at me like that, little Emily. There''s really no need to be so suspicious of me. I love Erik, and as long as he cares for the two of you, you have nothing to fear from me."


    Th she waved her hand dismissively, "But never mind that." She nced betwe the two sisters with a mischievous grin. "I want you two to turn a and look at what is happing back there."


    With varied emotions and expressions, the two sisters turned a to gaze at the sce of wild and primal sex behind them.


    Naturally, Erik noticed their presce, but he trusted Elora to handle it in a way that didn''t damage the work he had done on them so far, nor the fact that he cared for them.


    Luckily, he was right to trust her with that.


    Despite their inhertly differt expressions, both the sisters had red faces as their eyes were locked on the disy in front of them.


    Elora wt to stand in betwe them with an uncharacteristically thoughtful expression. "Let''s start with you, Emily. What do you think wh you look at this? And tell the truth. I''d rather not have to use the covant to force the truth out of you, but I will."


    Emily was a little surprised Elora called her by her name again rather than simply saying pet. Yet, she was mostly still annoyed and a little confused about what Elora wanted.


    Emily gnashed her teeth but knew trying to evade the question was pointless, so she answered. "Anger and embarrassmt."


    Grinning knowingly, Elora shook her head. "You''re lying to me, Emily."

 Chapter 117: Chapter 117 - Eloras questions

    Anger red in Emily''s eyes when she heard Elora''s dismissal. "I was not lying! Isn''t it enough that you''re forcing me to stay here to watch this and answer your questions? Now you''re questioning my answers?!"


    Elora just grinned with amusement at Emily''s impotent outrage, "Calm down, would you? We both know you''ve forgotten one more thing you''re feeling."


    Emily scowled and turned away from Elora with a huff of annoyance, her long ck hair fluttering in the air.


    She chewed her lips in an effort to keep quiet, but eventually, she sighed. If she didn''t answer, Elora was going to force her anyway.Not to mention that the sounds, smell, and sights in this room were making her horny and ufortable.


    She wanted to leave as soon as possible.


    So she turned back to Elora with narrowed eyes. "Fine. I''m not entirely sure why, but I feel jealous."


    Immediately, Emma tore her eyes away from the scene between Erik and Nora to look at her big sister with wide eyes before showing a small, happy smile with twinkling eyes.


    At the same time, Elora grinned. "There you go. That wasn''t so hard, was it?"


    She waved her hand dismissively and continued, "Let''s forget about the embarrassment; the reason is obvious and uninteresting." Her eyes then narrowed with glee. "Instead, let''s focus on your anger and jealousy. Where do you think thosee from?"


    Emily again appeared unwilling to answer, but when Elora waved some fingers tipped with a dark green aura around, and Emily felt a little tug at the covenant, she reluctantly mumbled, "It''s stupid¡­"


    Elora put a hand in front of her mouth and giggled. "I''m sure it is, but say it anyway."


    Emily quickly nced at Emma, who looked at her curiously and, for some reason, happily. ''Did she have to be here for this?'' she thought to herself.


    Then she sighed and put a hand on her forehead while leaning back. Despite being forced into this, she suddenly felt strangely d she could voice some of this out loud. Perhaps she just needed a reason.


    "I don''t know why this bothers me. It shouldn''t. But¡­ the fact is that, even if I don''t like to admit it, Erik has had every opportunity to do whatever he likes with me. I know I don''t stand a chance against him, especially with your help." She indicated towards Elora at the end with a clearly annoyed wave of her hand.


    She continued, "Yet he''s hardly done anything! I mean, sure, he''s done some perverted crap, but, for the most part, he''s barely touched me. And I''m not saying I want him to!" Herst sentence was apanied by a lot of arm waving and head shaking.


    She crossed her arms and grumbled. "Still, I just thought he liked to move slowly." Then, her eyes red withplicated fury and jealousy. "Yet now he''s already fucking this bimbo he just met today!"


    Grinning and raising an eyebrow, Elora asked. "So what?"


    A little taken aback, Emily wasn''t actually sure how to answer that question. ''Why do I care,'' she sank into thought.


    Elora didn''t wait for an answer and turned to Emma while indicating toward the scene in front of them, which had now transitioned into a different position, where Erik had finally allowed Nora to go down to the floor while he continued to rail her ass. "Same question for you. What do you feel when you look at that?"


    Emma, who had been looking at her big sister with curiosity, suddenly startled a little despite having expected this to happen.


    She poked her fingers together and moved her gaze back to the scene before them with aplicated expression.


    Despite that, she didn''t feel as much apprehension in mentioning her feelings towards Elora. In fact, though Erik and Emily certainly came first, Elora was currently ranked third on Emma''s list of people she cared about.


    Of course, the only other people on there were Seraphina and Astrid, but even so.


    "I feel¡­" she began but waited a little, as if gathering her thoughts, "I feel embarrassed, happy, and¡­ a little anxious."


    Elora giggled happily as Emma responded precisely how she had predicted. With a yful smirk, she asked the same question as earlier, "Skipping the embarrassment again, tell me about the happiness and anxiety."


    Emma had a small, happy smile on her face as she looked at the intimate scene in front of them. "There''s no big secret about the first one. Seeing Sir enjoy himself like that simply makes me happy."


    Elora actually didn''t make a joke or giggle at that. She actually smiled with something that came surprisingly close to warmth and kindness, something she only reserved for family. "There really aren''t many people like you around, Emma. Most would call you naive or even stupid. But I think you simply know what makes you happy."


    Elora caught herself thinking, ''I really hope she passes the test.'' Before shaking herself free from those thoughts and finding her yful again, she asked, "So what about the anxiety?"


    Now, Emma suddenly looked a little ufortable as she poked her fingers together and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, causing her maid dress to flutter a little.


    Finally, she answered. "I- I know what¡­ those things I do with Sir in the bedroom will eventually lead to¡­ and I don''t n on fighting that. In fact, I think I want it, but¡­" she cautiously pointed at Nora, who was moaning and shaking her ass like a whore, "will he expect me to act like that?"


    Anxiety was heavy in her voice as she asked that question. She had seen Erik have sex with Elora, which, if not much tamer, had at least been far more loving than this. Yet, she also knew Erik''s rtionship with Elora was special, and this was the first time she had seen him have sex with someone who wasn''t Elora.


    Elora smiled indulgently at her question, having expected it and knowing exactly how to answer.

 Chapter 118: Chapter 118 - The sisters status

    But before she said anything more, she checked to see if Emily was also listening. When she did, she saw Emily looking at them with cautious curiosity, apparently having shaken herself free from thoughts about Elora''s earlier question.


    So she turned back to the white-haired girl next to her. "Let me answer your question with a question of my own, Emma." She pointed at Nora and directed her next question to both of them. "Who do you girls think that woman is to Master?"


    About four of the seven days remained, during which Elora was supposed to call Erik Master. The sisters were used to the strange rtionship between Erik and Elora, however, so they just ignored it.


    Instead, they thought about the question she asked.


    Emma looked a little ufortable as she began shifting her weight again. ''I- I may not have gone this far with Sir, but¡­ I''m not even sure what I am to him, so how could I know what she is to him?'' she thought anxiously. She turned her gaze to Emily, hoping her big sister would answer first.


    Which she did almost immediately.


    Emily rolled her eyes at Elora''s question. "How the hell should I know? I think her name was¡­ Nora? But that''s all I know about her. Wouldn''t surprise me if she was his cousin or something¡­ damn pervert."


    Elora giggled at Emily''s answer. Back on S?l, or any other she knew of, the desire to keep bloodlines pure made incest rampant, asplications were almost nonexistent with the aid of aetherium. Therefore, to Elora, the idea of Nora being Erik''s cousin would hardly raise an eyebrow.


    She shook her head. "No, they''re not cousins. She''s just a useful slut. She''ll be our eyes and ears within the Silver Enve, and in return," she indicated towards Nora''s pleasured face, "this will be her reward. She''s a tool to be discarded when she has no more use."


    Then she shrugged, "Well, I suppose it''s not impossible for things to change if Master takes a liking to her, but, for now, that seems unlikely."


    Upon hearing Elora''s words, Emma looked a little ufortable, but her loyalty to Erik seemed to win out in the end. Emily, however, scowled. "A tool?! You''d say that about another woman?!"


    Elora looked at the ck-haired girl with amusement. "So what if she''s a woman?" then she shrugged. "I grew up in a matriarchal society where men are used as vebor, protectors, and living dildos. Inparison, this is pretty tame. Honestly, all people are tools to me until they are not, regardless of gender."


    In response, Emily narrowed her eyes. "Where did you grow up, anyway?" she asked, suddenly unable to contain her curiosity. But then quickly shook her head, "Never mind, not important."


    Instead, she crossed her arms with fury and annoyance apparent in her eyes. "Instead, exin your point in saying all this. Do you just want to ensure we know Emma and I are just tools to you both?!"


    Emma immediately looked sad as she nced in Erik''s direction. But her sadness didn''tst long, as conviction filled her gaze instead. ''No! I may be nothing but a servant and maid, but I''m not a tool! And Sir knows that! I''m sure of it!''


    She was about to tell Elora precisely that when the following words out of the fairy''s mouth immediately brought both Emily and Emma''s thoughts to aplete stop. With an amused grin, she said, "Actually, my point is quite the opposite. If anything, Master considers you both his fianc¨¦''s."


    Silence ensued as Emma and Emily''s brains appeared to stop functioning for a moment.


    After they had finally processed those words, Emma remained quiet. Her gaze turned to the floor, and her head became bright red. On her lips now hung a silly smile, and her eyes were moving rapidly while she asionally released a low chuckle. "Hehehehe, fianc¨¦?" she mumbled over and over again.


    Exactly what was going on in her mind was anyone''s guess.


    Emily was a little more vocal. Her face was red, whether from anger, shame, or something else was unknown, but her left eyelid twitched as she nearly yelled, "W- What the hell are you talking about?!"


    Chuckling, Elora exined. "Exactly what I said. He likes and even cares about you two. It may not be love yet, but with a little effort on your part, he''ll get there. As for her," she dismissively waved towards thepletely delirious, panting, and moaning Nora, who was still getting thoroughly dicked down by Erik.


    "She''s trashpared to you two. Setting aside her basic water affinity, as Erik wouldn''t judge you based on affinity anyway, she''s just an overconfident bitch with a superiorityplex and no willpower to back any of it up."


    Clearly, Elora still felt a little anger towards Nora, even if she had already vented some of her fury.


    She slyly looked at Emily, "I mean, she went through more or less the same thing you did back at the cabin, but where you held on and probably could have gone on even longer, Nora broke down easily."


    Her gaze panned between the two sisters, "If you two want to know exactly what he likes most about you, then I suggest asking him. Regardless, my point was, you two are not even in the same bracket as Nora."


    Despite the influx of new information, Emma remained in her own world, clearly lost in her thoughts and emotions.


    As for Emily, the fact that Erik viewed her as his fianc¨¦ had rattled her in ways she wasn''t ready to think about. Even the fact she was now supposedly engaged to the same guy as her little sister hadn''t registered yet.


    When she talked again, her usual defiance in the face of Elora was mixed with a tinge of vulnerability and uncertainty. "And where do you sit in all this?" she asked. "I mean, when it was just sex, I understood since you were clearly enjoying it too, but you''re actually okay with sharing your status as wife?"


    An aura of superiority and confidence suddenly began to fill the air around Elora while a confident smile appeared on her face as she looked in Erik''s direction, a silent assertion of her unmatched status in Erik''s life. "I am far more than just his wife, little Emily."

 Chapter 119: Chapter 119 - Eloras plans and desires

    Elora''s answer caused Emily to scoff as if annoyed at Elora''s im to superiority. "That still doesn''t exin why you''d not only want this but apparently actively work towards it."


    The fairy sighed and shrugged as if the answer was obvious. "And why wouldn''t I? You and Emma are both talented and have rare affinities. Unfortunately, our current deal onlysts for ten years, which is barely a speck in our hopefully long lives."


    An Arcanist''s lifespan would increase exponentially with each rank they reach, and so, presumably, would a Runebound''s. They couldn''t actually be sure about shape-shifters and vampires yet, as aetherium hadn''t been around long enough for them to reach such an age.


    Still, considering the power of a Runebound bodypared to that of an Arcanist, the assumption was that they would live even longer than Arcanists.


    Suddenly, Emily''s eyes widened as she appeared toe to a realization. "But if we be Erik''s wives, we''d basically be your permanent servants, especially because, ording to you, you''d always hold a higher position in this, what¡­ harem? Of his?"


    Elora smiled conspiratorially at her master n being exposed. "More or less. I want Erik and myself to conquer and rule together, and the more powerful people we have supporting us, the better. Luckily, love is a powerful binding and motivational force."


    She shrugged as a lustful grin appeared on her face, "Of course, the added benefit of giving Erik some more women to y with is not insignificant."


    Hearing Elora''s admission, a furious scowl appeared on Emily''s face as all of Elora''s dismissive behavior in the past few weeks came to the surface. "So, what? Assuming there was some magical, pretend universe where I would actually want to be a part of that pervert''s harem, I''d still be nothing more than your little whipping girl!?"


    It was nearly impossible for Emily to continue calling Erik boss when they were standing a mere handful of meters away from him, ravaging some blond woman.


    Elora chuckled with amusement, "Of course not. Master would never allow that, and I wouldn''t want it either. Besides, you''re the one who mentioned servants; I said support."


    Emily was starting to lose the plot as she stared at Elora with suspicion and confusion. "I suppose I could believe that about Erik, but I find it hard to believe it wouldn''t be what you want."


    Smiling indulgently, Elora shook her head. "I suppose I should rify, lest you use this as a reason not to enter our little family." She turned to Emily. "You see, despite what things may appear to be like, I am not actually aplicated person."


    She continued with a thoughtful look on her face. "I put all the people in existence into two brackets: family and non-family. Of course, those brackets still hold degrees of importance, mainly rted to power for non-family members.


    But for the most part, all those in the non-family bracket are tools to be used or discarded as needed. On the other hand, I would never see my family in such a way."


    She pointed at Emily and then at Emma, who was still lost in her own world. "You two are currently non-family and thus tools. But my fellow sister-wives would naturally be family."


    She turned back to Emily with another conspiratorial grin. "What I really want, in my heart of hearts, is to find like-minded women to myself, who not only love Erik but also want to see him ruling at the top."


    She shrugged. "Of course, as his first wife and closest partner, I would lead those women." Her expression turned serious, "But they would be family, not tools."


    Then she raised an eyebrow as a yful grin appeared on her face. "If you became family, for example, I would not only stop treating you dismissively, but I would also start to teach you every single thing I know about sigil crafting rather than just the basics."


    Usually, Elora would never be this candid and serious with someone who technically still fell in the non-family bracket. But she recognized the need to be a little flexible when needed. After all, she wanted these sisters to eventually join her and Erik permanently.


    Emily looked at Elora as if she was insane and thought, ''Who would actually look at the world that way? And not only that, but she also expects to find others who are willing to follow along with her ns?!''


    Her thoughts were a whirlwind, each one leading to the next when suddenly, a new realization dawned on her. "Wait a second. That still doesn''t make sense. I know you never wanted Erik to¡­" She trailed off, a lump forming in her throat as the magnitude of Erik''s actions began to truly sink in.


    Back in London, she had been too angry and defiant to fully realize it. Then, aftering to ept Erik''s lead, she still hadn''t really taken the time to think about it.


    Now, in a sudden moment of rity, she recognized the extent of his help. Erik had not only put his own goals and desires on hold but also went against Elora''s wishes and put himself in danger when the Iron Sentinel showed up.


    Sure, thatst part was also for himself, but it could have been avoided if he had never bothered with them in the first ce.


    That time in Kirkenes, where he helped her mend the chasm between her and her sister, also sprang to mind again.


    She felt a warmth flood her system that began to stoke the fires of the feelings she had denied herself, causing her to realize that, subconsciously, she had known these things all this time, and that is where those feelings stemmed from.


    Yet, when she looked over at Erik with that same warmth in her eyes and saw how he was currently choking Nora with his dick, she turned back to Nora with an angry huff. "Damn pervert." She mumbled softly.


    Yet, despite her words, the warmth stayed.


    Elora had just been watching Emily''s reactions with interest and curiosity, somewhat knowing what she was thinking.


    Emily shook her head to get rid of distracting thoughts and continued. "A- Anyway, as I was saying. I know you never wanted Erik to help us, so why do you suddenly want us to be his wives?! You say you want us for our affinities, but it''s not like those changed since London!"

 Chapter 120: Chapter 120 - Manipulative bitch

    A mysterious and yful smile hung on Elora''s lips after Emily''s question. "Indeed. While I normally really would act that way when Erik wants to help someone, I did it for a different reason in your case. So, do you dare to hazard a guess as to why that was?"


    Emily frowned thoughtfully. "You changed your mind? Or perhaps this n is new?"


    But Elora shook her head. "No, I''ve always nned this. Although, I must admit, you and your sister are the first two women I''ve actually been interested in adding to our little family."


    She didn''t wait for Emily to guess again and provided a few hints instead. "Let me ask you this. What is the main thing required for my long-term goals regarding you and your sister?"


    Emily sank into thought again, not really thinking about why she was even ying Elora''s game. ''What does she need¡­? She wants us as his wives, so¡­ she needs us to love him?''


    Suddenly, her realization from just before jumped back into her mind, and she widened her eyes before usingly pointing her finger at Elora. "You manipted us!"


    Mischief twinkled in Elora''s eyes as a sly grin hung on her lips. "Did I? Erik never knew about it, so his actions and reactions were genuine. And, as I said, I usually really would have reacted that way. My thoughts may have been a little different this time, but¡­ well I decided to simply do what I usually would.


    After all, what is more romantic than a guy who goes against the advice of his closest confidant in order to help out a girl?"


    Erik, who was listening to their conversation despite his current activities, immediately sent Elora a mental message. "You little minx! What happened to never lying to each other?!"


    His tone wasn''t exactly angry, but he was surprised. This had never happened before, at least not since their rtionship had really taken off. His surprise caused him to slow down in his actions with Nora, leading to the blond woman releasing a whining noise and begging him to continue.


    Elora actually sounded a little apologetic as she answered Erik in his mind. "I know it wasn''t exactly in the spirit of never lying to each other, but you must admit I never actually did! I''ve only ever said that you''re a bleeding heart for helping them and that I could enve them instead. Both of which were true!"


    Erik grumbled a little but had to admit she was right. "Fine¡­ but you better believe I''ll punish youter!"


    Elora had told him about her intention to bring him more wives who could help them in the future, but since nothing had evere of it back on S?l, he figured it never would. So, despite his own interest in the Ashcroft sisters, he thought Elora had abandoned her n.


    Elora giggled lustfully and answered via their connection, "You know you can punish me anytime, Master~~."


    Naturally, her words sounded much more suggestive while she still had to address him as Master.


    Erik rolled his eyes at her answer, wondering whether he should turn this into a real problem. How much did he honestly mind what she did? He sighed and decided to think about itter before focusing back on Nora, who loudly moaned out her approval.


    Since their mental conversationsted no more than a second, Emily still looked at Elora with annoyance. "No matter what you say, it was still maniption!" Then her voice softened. "Though I guess it''s good to know Erik wasn''t part of it."


    She shook her head. "But that''s beside the point! Why are you telling me all this now? I''m not his wife yet, nor have I even hinted at the possibility that I might ept!"


    Elora shrugged nonchntly, "Because it doesn''t matter anymore." She thumbed towards the dazed Emma, "Your little sister is already a lost cause." And then pointed to Emily, "And you, too, have already sunk deeper than you care to admit, even to yourself."


    She grinned. "In fact, revealing all this to you now will only help youe to terms with your feelings and push you in the right direction. Now that the foundation has beenid, it''s only a matter of time."


    Emily could only blink. She tried to deny the truth inside her, but as she looked at Erik, carefully ignoring the blond woman, she couldn''t deny that her feelings about him had changed a lot in a mere two weeks. The chances she would fall in love in the nine years and eleven months they had left together were significant.


    That said, she still had plenty of her own feelings to explore before that happened.


    She turned back to Elora with a sigh. "You are one maniptive bitch, you know that?"


    Her words caused Elora to chuckle menacingly as a sadistic glint passed through her eyes. "I''ll let that slide this one time, but you better not forget you aren''t his wife yet. Our time in that cabin was child''s ypared to what I could do to you."


    Elora knew perfectly well what she was, but she still wouldn''t simply allow someone who was technically still in the non-family bracket to call her that.


    Her threat caused a shiver to pass through Emily''s spine as she remembered who she was talking to. So, instead of the other colorful words she had in mind for Elora, she decided to clear up some of her other thoughts.


    Still grumbling a little, she said, "Fine. But¡­" she indicated towards Nora and Erik, "Is he always going to fuck random sluts like this? I''m not sure how I feel about that."


    To which Elora shrugged. "The pleasure he can provide is a great motivator for tools like Nora; plus, he enjoys it, so you''ll have to learn to live with it." And then wiggled her eyebrows yfully, "Or find a way to enjoy it yourself."


    She continued with another shrug, "Either way when you get old enough, you''ll realize that sex is just sex, and emotional connections are far more important. Or at least, so my mother always told me, and frankly, I''ve yet to find a reason to disagree with her."


    Emily raised an eyebrow at that response. "So if sex is just sex, why aren''t you fucking some guys on the side?"


    As soon as the words left her lips, a cold shiver ran across Emily''s back.


    She felt like a dangerous, wild animal had locked onto her and was about to shred her to pieces.

 Chapter 121: Chapter 121 - Emmas declaration [1/2]

    Slowly turning towards the direction of that gaze, Emily saw Erik with his hand around Nora''s throat and his dick filling her pussy this time. Yet, he had stopped his movement to stare at her.


    A growling, almost animalistic voice came out of his throat. "Don''t even joke about that, Emily." His voice was soden with fury that, for a moment, Emily thought he might genuinely rip her throat out.


    Emily hadn''t really thought about whether or not Erik could hear their conversation before, so his response came as a surprise, yet that didn''t diminish the danger she felt. "S- Sorry," she stammered, feeling truly scared for the first time in a long time.


    Seeing how Emily had gotten the message, Erik focused back on Nora with a nod.


    Feeling the danger pass, Emily shivered and returned to an amused and grinning Elora, who exined, "That''s why. I mean, I have zero interest in doing ''that'' anyway, but Erik gets a little intense about it as well. He''ll be the same with any other woman he''s involved with or has his eye on. Including you."


    Still a little cowed, Emily shuddered. "I felt like I was going to die."


    Elora chuckled. "He would never actually harm you." Then she looked a little thoughtful, "Well, not for simply mentioning it, but I do suggest you don''t get close to any other men."


    Then she shrugged. "I suspect his intensity regarding this matter is a result of the wolf part inside him. Or perhaps that inbination with his personality."


    Emily shook her head to get rid of thest remnants of fear and then nodded thoughtfully. "I''ll remember that. I suppose that also exins why there aren''t any ns for expanding your ns to men."


    "Exactly." Elora nodded in response.


    After that, it remained quiet for a moment as Emily began to internalize all the new information she had gotten in thest hour or so. At the same time, Elora stared with lustful amusement at Erik and Nora.


    Meanwhile, Emma seemed to be getting out of her daze finally, but something had changed in her eyes. The purity and devotion were still there, but there was something more¡ªa speck of deep, almost abyssal insanity.


    Whatever she had been thinking or imagining during Emily''s talk with Elora was uncertain, as was whether or not she had actually heard any of what they said. But what was clear was that Elora''s revtion about being considered Erik''s fianc¨¦ had triggered something inside her.


    She turned towards Elora with an excited expression and apanying smile, "Miss Elora, can I ask a question?"


    Elora turned towards Emma with curiosity, as even she wasn''t sure what Emma had been thinking about this whole time.


    Regardless, she liked that white-haired girl, despite the fact she wasn''t technically family yet, which may be against her own rules, but it was just hard not to like her when she always showed such devotion and loyalty towards Erik. ??!¡Ò§ä@¦Å?--¦Ò§á--


    So she nodded with a magnanimous smile. "Sure."


    Emma poked her fingers together in a cute way that was unique to her while excitement continued to sparkle in her eyes. Despite that, her words seemed a little anxious. "Uhm, I- I like being Sir''s maid. Would I have to stop if I became his wife?"


    When they heard her words, everyone in the room had different reactions. Erik gained a small smile filled with warmth, Elora giggled with amusement, and Emily palmed her face as she wondered how the hell she and Emma could be rted. ''I love you, little Em, but damn.'' She thought.


    Grinning, Elora nodded. "Of course. You''d lose the covenant, so you wouldn''t be forced to serve anymore, but you''d be free to do as you like. If you''d like to use that freedom to be his maid-wife, neither me nor Erik is going to stop you."


    Emma''s face lit up even more when she heard that, and she began to chuckle a little, ''Hehehe, I''ll stay forever by Sir''s side as his maid. I''ll care for him, serve him, love him, repay him for everything he''s done for me, and in return, he''ll guide me, protect me, and give me a home! What could be better!?''


    Emily''s eyelids twitched when she saw Emma chuckle to herself as a reaction to Elora''s words. ''Has she actually gone insane?'' she thought.


    It wasn''t a strange thought. Something seemed to be stirring beneath Emma''s surface, and it had to do with Erik. Whether it was good or bad, only time would tell.


    Emma''s eyes switched between Erik and Elora as if wondering who she should be asking her next question. Yet, eventually, she settled on Elora, likely because she didn''t want to bother Erik during his business with Nora.


    "So, uhm, Miss Elora? How do I¡­ be Sir''s wife?" Her expression was a strange mix of excitement, eagerness, happiness, anxiousness, and embarrassment. Thosest two were mostly because she knew Erik could hear her question.


    Elora raised an amused, though not exactly surprised, eyebrow. "Well¡­ if you''ve already decided that you love him, then the obvious first step would be to admit that to him." She said as she pointed to Erik, who was still balls deep inside Nora.


    Emma giggled happily and, under the surprised gaze of Emily, and the amused gaze of Elora, she quickly ran to Erik,pletely ignoring the fact he was still fucking Nora, and then hugged his naked, sweaty form from behind. "I love you, Sir!"


    Immediately, Eloraughed out loud while Emily staggered back a few steps inplete astonishment.


    Erik, too, had not expected such a sudden deration at all, causing him to momentarily stop what he was doing.


    Then he closed his eyes as Emma''s deration and soft body against his,bined with his current actions with Nora, caused him to finish inside the delirious blond woman for thest time before taking a deep breath.


    ''After yesterday, I thought for sure it would be Astrid first, but I guess it''ll be Emma after all.'' He thought.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 122 - Emmas declaration [2/2]

    Erik''s current situation was a little strange, as a cute, white-haired girl in a maid outfit was currently attached to his naked back while rubbing her cheek against it, even while his cock was lodged inside the wildly spasming pussy of Nora.


    First, taking a second to recover from his orgasm, he then pulled himself out of Nora before simply letting her sag to the padded floor. He had more important things to deal with right now.


    He turned his head, his gaze softening as he met Emma''s eyes. "Alright, Emma. I''ve heard you. Would you please let go of my back now?" His voice carried a warmth that wrapped around her like aforting nket, soothing the tumultuous sea of emotions within her.


    The difference between her and Nora was clear.


    The girl''s response was swift, her movements tinged with a hesitant eagerness as she stepped back, her gaze flitting between Erik''s eyes and the ground. A whirlwind of anxiety and happiness danced in her heart, battling for dominance as she awaited his response.


    Erik turned around, causing a slight blush to appear on Emma''s face as she looked at his naked form.


    He smiled and petted her head, which, to Emily, felt like a ray of sunshine had pierced through her anxiety and doubt, causing her to nuzzle against his hand.


    He gently grabbed her chin and lifted her face to meet his gaze. Immediately, Erik was stunned by the purity of Emma''s emotions contained within her white and green, heterochromatic eyes.


    At the same time, Emma felt herself lost in the depths of Erik''s fierce amber gaze that seemed to see right through her.


    "Are you sure about what you just said, Emma?" His question,ced with concern and a hint of challenge, echoed in the caverns of her mind. "Your life has been a whirlwind from the moment I stepped into it. Perhaps you''d like to think about it a little longer?"


    In the background, Emily nodded frantically, as she wanted the chance to talk to her sister first to make sure she actually understood the significance of this.


    Yet, Emily''s frantic nods were a blur to Emma, her focus solely on Erik.


    Her heart pounded with a conviction fueled by revtions and previously suppressed feelings. "I don''t need to think about it, Sir! I realized my feelings after what happened in Kirkenes." Her voice faltered, a delicate mix of hope and vulnerability bared in her awkward pause, "I just¡­ didn''t think I stood a chance."


    Her confession, brightened by a returning smile, was a deration of newfound courage. "But then, after what Miss Elora told me, I know that wasn''t true!" The words tumbled out, a stream of rity amidst the chaos of her emotions.


    Erik''s scrutiny as he looked into her eyes revealed no hesitation. Within her gaze, he recognized the flickers of resilience, a spirit not easily dimmed by life''s trials.


    Yet, he didn''t miss the tiny speck of insanity that had sprung up in Emma''s eyes earlier. He didn''t think that was so strange, however, considering her past.


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    At the same time, Emma stared back at him full of sincerity and hope, causing Erik to smirk inwardly and think, ''How can I possibly reject her? Still, I should make things clear.''


    He released her chin and sighed. "Alright, Emma. But¡­ you should know I don''t feel the same way about you yet. I like you¡ªa lot. There are many things about you I admire: your unwavering loyalty to both me and your sister, your vibrant personality, and your incredible resilience in the face of all you''ve suffered. But it''s not love yet."


    But Emma''s bright smile was unwavering and undimmed by his words. It remained as a testament to her determination. "That''s fine! I''ll work hard to make you fall in love with me!"


    Her expression turned a little awkward, and she poked her fingers together again. "Bu- But, can I still be your wife in the meantime?" Her awkwardness, endearing in its sincerity, underscored her resolve.


    While Emily groaned and palmed her face, Erik could only smile helplessly. "I''d love to have a cute and amazing girl like you as my wife, Emma." How could he say no to this girl?


    Yet, he couldn''t help but push a little more to ensure she understood the gravity of what she was asking.


    So he lost his smile, his expression became serious, and he raised an eyebrow. "But do you realize what that means? I''m very possessive, so if you be my wife, I won''t let you go ever again. You and I will be connected for the rest of our lives, and I won''t tolerate any other men in your life. Plus, our lives will likely be very long, hundreds of years, perhaps thousands, or even more."


    His cautionary note, underscored by a possessive streak, was meant to signify the gravity of their possible future together.


    Regaining his smile, he continued, "Outside of that, however, you''d be free to do as you wish, and of course, as your husband, I''d do whatever it took to keep you safe and happy."


    Emma giggled. "If I have safety and happiness for the rest of my life, however long it may be, then what else could I possibly want? I certainly have no interest in any other men. You are the only one for me, Sir!"


    Erik could only sigh before nodding with a happy smile. "Alright, Emma. Then I''d love for you to be my wife." He was confident he would fall in love with this girl eventually, so jumping the gun a little wasn''t much of an issue.


    But before Emma could rejoice, he quickly continued, "But you still need to get past Elora first."


    Emma looked surprised. Didn''t she have Elora''s permission already, based on everything she had said earlier?


    Suddenly, some anxiety filled her again as she turned towards Elora with a pleading gaze. Emily, too, was surprised as she narrowed her eyes at Emily. Some anger began to boil up inside her.


    ''I may not particrly like the way Emma is jumping into this, but if this bitch was just getting her hopes up just to tear her down now¡­'' As she thought this, some corrupted red flickers ran through her eyes. Truly, Emma was a major trigger for Emily''s corruption.


    Elora just grinned with a little amusement. "You didn''t think it would be that easy, did you? I won''t share my beloved so easily."

 Chapter 123: Chapter 123 - Eloras test [1/2]

    Seeing Elora''s amused grin, Emma''s palpable anxiety, and Emily''s flickers of corruption, Erik exhaled slowly, amanding presence in the unfolding drama. "Let''s all take a moment," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "Elora, enough with the teasing."


    While Elora pouted a little, she did seem to listen to him. Meanwhile, Emma voiced her doubts. "Miss Elora¡­ Didn''t you just say you wanted this, too?"


    Elora nodded, now having lost her grin as she looked serious instead. "That''s true, but if you''re going to join our little family, then I want to be sure you actually love him. In your case specifically, I want to make sure your feelings are based on more than just the fact that he saved you."


    While Elora exined, Erik stepped closer to Emma and reassuringly put his hand on her shoulder, causing much of Emma''s anxiety to disappear. "I know it may seem a little unfair, but this is the foundation Elora and I have agreed on.


    Yes, I can marry whoever I want, but Elora has veto rights, and she''s chosen to use those rights on anyone who doesn''t pass her test."


    Emily''s anger was palpable, and her finger pointed at Erik as her voice rose in Emma''s defense. "Unfair doesn''t begin to cover it! Not only does she have to share you with multiple wives, you also get the fuck sluts on the side, and yet she still has to pass some kind of test?!"


    Elora''s response was sharp and clear, her logic unyielding. "First of all," she began with a dismissive scoff, "Comining about having to share him with multiple wives is pretty daring for a second wife.


    Secondly, you are projecting your own sense of morality on us. Both Erik and I enjoy the way our rtionship works, and expecting someone who wants to join our family to ept and respect the current dynamic is perfectly reasonable.


    Lastly, it''s not some kind of test to see if she is worthy. I merely want to find out if her feelings are genuine and can stand the test of time. What if, a few years from now, she realizes she never truly loved him after all? This is as much for our benefit as it is hers."


    "That¡­!" Emily stammered but couldn''t really find a good rebuttal, so she turned her eyes upward with a sad expression and sighed. ''I thought I wasn''t bothered by their polyamory, but I guess it''s not the same when ites to little Em.''


    Suddenly, she felt herself encased in a warm embrace. She looked down and saw her little sister brightly smiling at her with resolve clear in her eyes. "Thanks for caring and trying to protect me, big Em. But remember what I said on the boat? I need a sister, not a protector. I''m old enough to make my own decisions, and this is what I want."


    Then she shrugged. "Besides, what Miss Elora said is reasonable." She winked before continuing, "And if it''s just a test of love, then I have no doubt I''ll pass."


    Emily sighed again and patted her little sister on the head. "You''re right, little Em. I''m sorry. If this is what you want, then I''ll support you. Just¡­ be careful, all right?"


    Emma giggled and nodded. "Of course! Besides, it''s not like you''re going anywhere." She stuck out her tongue teasingly. "In fact, I believe you''ll join me soon enough." Emily immediately scoffed and tried to deny it, but Emma continued to push and tease.


    While the sisters talked, Erik walked towards Elora with narrowed eyes, grabbed her chin, and looked into her emerald eyes. "You still need to be punished. You may not have lied to me, but you did mislead."


    Erik''s words caused Elora to pout with indignation, "Only because telling you would remove any point in doing so in the first ce. It was for everyone''s benefit!"


    Erik nodded but also raised an eyebrow. "I''m not denying that, but the fact is, you still broke the spirit of our agreement, and I believe it was you who proposed we should be punished when that happens. And I think you said that exactly to prevent yourself from slipping back into your old ways."


    Back on S?l, before the two of them fell in love, Elora was not only far more callous with Erik than now but also frequently made ns without consulting him, which was one of the many things sheter regretted.


    However, Elora didn''t seem to ept his exnation yet and continued to pout. "It''s not the same thing! There was no danger here!"


    Erik smiled softly and bent over to kiss the fairy on her lips. When he pulled back, he said, "I know. But you also know that it''s a slippery slope, and we need to nip these things in the bud before it bes a regr thing."


    Struggle appeared on Elora''s face, as she couldn''t deny there was some truth to his words. Eventually, she sighed. "Fine¡­ you''re right. I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have misled you."


    Grinning, Erik then whispered in her ear. "Good girl. Now, as your punishment, clean me up."


    Elora immediately knew what he meant and grimaced. Usually, she had no problem cleaning up her own mess, but cleaning up what Nora left behind was almost an insult. Yet, the punishment wasn''t supposed to be nice, and she''d already agreed she deserved it.


    So, despite a bit of resentment in her eyes, she sighed and was about to kneel down when Erik stopped her with a chuckle. "You can just use your magic. I would never ask you to use your mouth to clean up after someone like Nora. Though I appreciate the thought."


    Elora quickly realized she''d been had and sighed in relief before poking Erik''s chest with narrowed eyes. "Bastard! You almost had me, too."


    Erik chuckled happily. "I''m sorry." Then, he turned serious. "But I meant what I said. Don''t fall back into your old way, Elora. Don''t keep things from me. Not even if you think it''s for my own good."


    Elora nodded with an equally happy smile. "You''re right. I won''t do it again."


    Of course, whether or not time would make a liar out of her was anyone''s guess.


    "Good," Erik answered warmly, "Next time we meet someone you want to add to our family, just let me know straight away."


    Elora nodded, and they kissed again before turning towards the sisters.

 Chapter 124: Chapter 124 - Eloras test [2/2]

    A few momentster, they were all walking back up the stairs, leaving Nora behind, as she had fallen asleep after Erik had finished with her.


    Erik walked at the head with Elora on his shoulder and the Ashcroft sisters behind them.


    Emma looked at Erik''s back with a bright smile and matching eyes, while Emily looked a little more anxious. She panned her gaze between Emma and the people in front of her before pulling Emma aside.


    Emma looked at her big sister with confusion while Emily looked back at her, her ck eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure you want to do this, little Em? I know you''ve been looking for stability and safety ever since London, but¡­ if it''s just about that¡­"


    Emily''s protective instincts were screaming out to do something, but she knew that was not what Emma wanted.


    Erik and Elora naturally noticed the sisters stopped moving but didn''t mind and continued on their own. They, especially Erik, wanted Emma to be sure about this.


    Emma looked back at her sister with an understanding smile. "It''s not just about that, big Em. Although I won''t deny it''s part of it. He just offers me everything I ever wanted out of life, and so¡­ he bes my life."


    Despite the fact she couldn''t understand precisely how Emma felt, she could still see the happiness and purity in her smile, so she could only sigh and nod. "Alright, Emma. Either way, I''ll always be with you for as long as you''ll have me."


    Emma smiled even brighter and hugged her big sister. "As long as I have you and Sir in my life, what more could I want!"


    They stayed in each other''s embrace for a few moments longer as anticipation for this immense step in Emma''s life filled them both. When they were done, they followed after Erik and Elora, hand in hand.


    ******


    When they arrived in the bedroom, Erik had dressed himself again while Elora had reced her dominatrix outfit with her regr corset and short skirt.


    Erik sat cross-legged on the bed and looked at the sisters with a smile. ''I''m surprised at my own excitement for this,'' he thought. ''Although I met a handful of women on S?l who thought they loved me, they all failed Elora''s test in the end. Even that one¡­ despite her repeated attempts.''


    He shook his head to clear himself from memories of that annoying woman before refocusing on the moment. ''Eventually, I became a little numb to it. But with Emma, it''s different. I actually believe she can pass. And I want her to.''


    As for Elora, she was busy drawing a sigil on the floor, which was required for what she wanted to do.


    The sisters went to stand next to Elora as they looked at the sigil with curiosity. Meanwhile, Erik stood up and moved behind Emma, where he wrapped his arms around her. The white-haired girl smiled warmly and turned her head up to look at his face.


    Erik leaned down and lightly kissed her before whispering, "I believe in you."


    Immediately, warmth filled Emma''s body, and she felt ready to take on the world.


    Seeing their romantic disy, Emily had to fight the urge to roll her eyes and instead turned to Elora. "So what is this test exactly?" she asked, as she attempted to use her limited knowledge of sigils to inspect the one Elora was creating.


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    With her brows furrowed in concentration, Elora answered, "It is called the Heartfire sigil. Essentially, it tests a person''s convictions and emotions. Although I did alter it a little for my specific purposes."


    The fairies of the Radiant de had created the Heartfire sigil as a way to test the people they were nning to enter into a soulbond with.


    Elora looked up from her work with a sly grin. "In case you were wondering, Erik and I also went through this and passed with flying colors."


    In the past, Elora had insisted on using that sigil to prove to both herself and Erik that she truly did love him and had stepped past her obsession to see something more.


    As for Erik, he hadn''t really felt the need to prove anything, but he did want to know what Elora and other future women would have to go through.


    Emily raised an eyebrow in surprise and turned to Erik for confirmation, trusting his word more than that of the fairy. Seeing him nod made her turn back to Elora with some newfound respect in her eyes. "That¡­ was actually something I''d been wondering about, and makes me feel a little better about all this."


    Then she narrowed her eyes. "Still, she better not end up hurt because of this thing. I don''t like the fire part in this sigil''s name."


    Immediately, Erik shook his head. "If this sigil were a danger to anyone, I would never have agreed for it to be Elora''s test."


    Elora nodded in response. "Heartfire just alludes to someone''s inner desires and emotions. If she fails, nothing happens. She can even try again at ater date if she likes."


    Raising an eyebrow at the implication that something would happen if she seeds, Emily asked, "So what if she seeds?"


    Chuckling, Elora exined. "That is where my modificationse into y. If she seeds, a bond will be formed between her and Erik, one that is perhaps not as profound as the one between me and him but meaningful and useful nheless."


    Emma''s face lit up at that information as she turned her face upwards again to look at Erik. "Really?!" she asked, thinking, ''I thought it was just a technical marriage, but we''ll actually be bonded!''


    Erik nodded and smiled. "Yeah, but that also signifies the permanence of your decision, Emma." Then he frowned, thoughtfully, "You should also know that the Heartfire sigil has a way of pulling on past traumas. If you have any doubts, this is yourst chance to back out."


    Seeing Elora was done with the sigil, Emma answered Erik''s final provocation by freeing herself from his arms and taking a step forward, right into the middle of the sigil.


    She looked at Elora, excitement clear in her eyes. "So what now?"

 Chapter 125: Chapter 125 - Emmas darkness

    An endless expanse of darkness stretched into every direction, and in the middle of it all stood a young woman with long, white hair and heterochromatic eyes.


    The silence around her was so profound that it felt like a physical weight pressing down on her shoulders. The void was unsettling, not because of what she could see, but for what she couldn''t.


    It was an emptiness that resonated with a cold whisper, promising loneliness and suffering.


    "W- Where am I," she whispered as a shiver ran through her back. Her eyes were haunted as memories of her time in London starteding back. This darkness felt just like her time locked up in the study back in London, a room that had been thoroughly permeated with Emily''s darkness.


    She tried to move but found out she couldn''t, which only enhanced her past trauma.


    Some panic appeared in her eyes as she began to talk to herself, "W- What is going on? I- I finally confessed my feelings for Sir, and he epted them, but how did I end up here?!"


    Thest thing she remembered was Erik saying he''d love to have her as a wife. Any memory of Elora''s test had been wiped out.


    Suddenly, a figure emerged from the darkness, its form vague and shifting. "Emma," it cooed with a smooth and enticing voice, e with me. I''ll protect you from the loneliness, from the pain." The figure extended a seemingly warm and weing hand towards her.


    Suddenly, Emma felt the bonds lifting, and she knew she could move again.


    Desperately wanting to get out of this darkness, she was about to reach out her hand but then recoiled and shook her head. "W- What about Sir?"


    With her current trauma so heavily rted to Emily, she couldn''t bring herself to ask about her as well, desperately trying to hold on to the more recent, pleasant memories with her big sister instead.


    The shadowy figure chuckled. "Erik cannot save you now. Not this time. I can give you safety, a haven from all your fears."


    Panic and fear began to fill her, but then, a memory shed through her mind. She saw herself again in that dimly lit room, chained and broken until, suddenly, Erik appeared. He was a stranger then, just like the shadow, but he offered not only physical safety but also understanding.


    He made her feel safe when she had no business feeling that way. He gave her back some of the control that Emily had taken away. He approached with caution, speaking words of reassurance without demanding anything in return. His words wereden with genuine concern, a stark contrast to the empty temptation that just appeared.


    That day, the seeds of trust and love were nted.


    Quickly pulling her hand back, Emma stammered, "N- No! I won''t go without him!"


    The moment she made that decision, the figure dissipated into a puff of smoke, and she felt herself unable to move again, causing another shiver to pass through her.


    Panic and fear began to fill her, but she closed her eyes. "I''ll wait." Her voice, though small against the epassing darkness, carried a firm resolve and deep devotion. "I''ll wait for him. Sir wille get me, I know he will."


    In response, another shadow appeared¡ªthis time, one more menacing than thest. "Are you sure you want to wait?" it spoke in a creepy voice. "Who knows how long he will take, assuming he evenes."


    Emma felt herself able to move again, but another memory sprang to mind, this time, of her confessing the reason she was having trouble falling asleep to Erik. For Emma, it was a moment of growth and self-discovery.


    Erik supported her and helped her deal with her issues. He showed her that she wasn''t alone, that there was someone she could trust, and that she didn''t have to be afraid.


    So she closed her eyes and shook her head as her fear and panic began to die down. "I don''t need to be afraid of the dark and loneliness. Not anymore. Even when he''s not with me, I can feel him wrapped around me."


    The shadow disappeared again, and Emma took a deep breath. ''I still don''t know what''s happening, but I doubt those shadows are good news.'' She thought. ''Besides, I- I don''t need their help. I just need to wait for Sir.''


    More figures appeared, but these were less shadowy and more fleshed out. This time, they offered more than just safety; they also offeredpanionship and warmth.


    Emma found herself surrounded by warm,passionate faces full of love, ready to give her everything she ever wanted. But Emma closed her eyes and shook her head as another memory filled her.


    This time, it was Erikforting her and helping her get started on the journey to reconciling with Emily during the events in Kirkenes. A warmth kindled inside her, representing the love she realized she felt for him that day.


    She opened her eyes again with abination of love and fortified resolve. "No," she whispered, her voice gaining more strength. "I will wait for him. Not because I desire protection, but because of love¡ªtrue love, not the illusion you offer."


    The figures began to screech and recoiled as if burned before disappearing like all the others before them.


    As Emma stood, enveloped by darkness, another figure approached, this one bearing the guise of aforting, familiar, if still unknown, presence.


    "Are you sure this is what you want?" it began with a voice dripping with feigned warmth, "Serving? Prancing around in a maid outfit? Wouldn''t you like to be truly free? Just wait out the ten years, and it could be yours."


    But Emma just smiled softly as another memory came to her. This time, it was when she first donned the maid''s attire she found in the servant''s dressing room back in London. At the time, all she thought about was repaying Erik for saving them.


    Yet, subconsciously, she also couldn''t help but get excited from the idea of living life in service of someone she owed everything to.


    She remembered the way Erik''s eyes had lit up with a mix of surprise and delight when he saw her. She thought of all the quiet moments she shared with him as she poured him a drink during the boat ride to Kirkenes or simply sat with him, waiting to see if he needed her for something.


    She shook her head, her voice free of any doubt, "I enjoy serving him. It gives mefort and makes me feel needed. My service is my strength, not my chains. I will happily serve him until the end of time."


    A faint light appeared on Emma''s stomach as it appeared to push the darkness back. Suddenly, her situation didn''t seem so scary anymore. She still couldn''t move, and the darkness still surrounded her, but as her conviction grew, so did the brightness of the light.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 126 - A second wife [1/2]

    Back in the bedroom of Erik''s old home, Emma was sitting cross-legged on Elora''s sigil. Around her stood Erik, Elora, and Emily as they stared at her with various expressions.


    Elora looked curious with a hint of anticipation; Erik looked calm yet with a glint of excitement, and Emily looked mostly just concerned.


    After Emma had dered her intention to go through with the test, Elora had instructed her to sit on top of the sigil.


    Then, the fairy made some hand movements to activate it, and Emma''s eyes dulled as she stared ahead into nothing.


    Now, they had been standing there, looking at Emma for the past ten minutes, and Emily was getting anxious.


    She turned her gaze toward Erik, putting far more trust in him than in Elora, and asked with an anxious tone, "Can you tell me what''s happening to her, Boss?"


    With a thoughtful nod, Erik exined what he knew of this sigil, "The Heartfire sigil will identify the weakest parts of her psyche and start to poke at it, to see if it will cause her to give up her conviction, or love, or whatever the sigil is intended to test."


    Emily paled a little when she heard that. "So¡­ like, traumas? Like- Like what I did to her?"


    Erik responded, "Most likely, yes. When I went through this, the sigil tried to use the sight of Frostvik getting wiped out through Edda''s betrayal to make me give up my feelings for Elora."


    He turned to Elora with a smile, "Naturally, it failed," causing Elora to look back at him with a simr smile.


    When she heard his response, fury passed across Emily''s face as she thought about Elora and Erik letting Emma step into such a crucible. "You let her enter that thing despite knowing that?! She has already done through more than enough in the past few years!"


    Ever ready to call bullshit, Elora scoffed. "And who''s fault was that exactly?"


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    Emily''s face quickly fell and distorted into shame and pain as she remembered she was the very cause of that trauma.


    Seeing that, Erik took a step closer, put a hand on her shoulder, and looked into her eyes. "It''ll be fine," he said in a soothing tone. "The Heartfire sigil can actually aid in oveing trauma as well. Have some faith in your little sister, she''s far more resilient than you might think."


    Surprised by his gesture, Emily trembled a little, as if thinking about escape, but then looked up at him and gave a determined nod.


    Suddenly, Erik felt something, causing his gaze to lock onto Emma and the faint light that had appeared under her maid outfit. His eyes shone as excitement filled his expression. "She passed," he mumbled.


    Meanwhile, inside Emma''s mind, a loving smile had appeared on Emma''s face as more and more darkness began to be pushed back by the increasingly brighter light.


    She didn''t know how or why, but she could feel a connection being formed between her and Erik, filling her with warmth and love.


    A glint passed through her eyes as she seemed to go through a realization when the memories of just before the test started returned to her.


    Her smile turned from loving to bright and excited as she whispered, "I''ming, Sir," just before the darknesspletely copsed and the young woman disappeared.


    Outside her mind, Emma blinked a few times to relimate to her surroundings and met the various gazes of the people around her.


    Elora had a strangely excited smile on her face as a somewhat crazed glint passed through her eyes. ''That''s one! It won''t be long before there''s a whole group of them, and my nes to fruition!''


    Emily looked at her little sister with parts concern and parts relief that she appeared to be fine. That said, she also felt a littleplicated since she wasn''t sure how to feel about Emma passing the test and bing bound to Erik.


    As for Erik himself, he had a confident smile and a happy glint in his eyes before opening his arms as an invitation.


    When Emma locked eyes with Erik''s amber gaze and saw his inviting arms, she immediately jumped up and buried her face in his chest. "I- I did it!" she whispered excitedly.


    Erik chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. "Yes, you did, Emma. I never doubted it." That might not be entirely true, but he certainly suspected.


    He caressed her hair with one hand and grabbed her chin with the other before he nted a deep kiss on her lips, causing Emma to tremble and moan.


    At the same time, she was suddenly hit with an influx of foreign emotions, making her eyes widen in surprise.


    What she felt from that influx was mostly happiness and care, and somehow, she instinctively knew it wasing from Erik.


    She looked up at him with surprise, "Sir? W- What''s happening?"


    Erik smiled, and suddenly, Emma heard his voice in her head while his mouth remained closed. "That''s our new bond. We can talk to each other like this and feel each other''s emotions, so long as we remain within a certain range. Don''t worry, you''ll get used to it."


    What Erik currently felt from Emma was abination of excitement, love, confusion, and surprise.


    Emma''s eyes widened, and her smile brightened. "Really?! How do I respond?" she said out loud, under Emily''s confused gaze.


    Erik quickly exined the process to her, and soon, she had it figured out.


    They let go of each other and turned toward the other two people in the room. Erik looked calm and confident, although both Elora and Emma could feel his happiness. As for Emma, her happy excitement was in for all to see.


    "Are you¡­ alright, little Em?" Emily asked, a little hesitantly. She was afraid whatever that sigil might have shown her had reignited Emma''s fear and anxiety regarding her.


    But she sighed in relief when Emma nodded enthusiastically. "I''m fine." It appeared like Emma had not only made it through that sigil none the worse for wear but also with their rtionship still intact.


    Next, Elora stepped forward with an uncharacteristically kind smile before taking Emma into a hug. "Wee to the family, Emma. I''m happy to have you."

 Chapter 127: Chapter 127 - A second wife [2/2]

    "Thank you, Miss Elora!" Emma chirped in response.


    Elora petted the girl''s head and chuckled, "Since we''re family now, I''d prefer if you just called me Elora." Then she winked suggestively, "Although I also like Mommy as an option."


    Emma flushed red at Elora''s implication and stammered, "I- I''ll stick with Elora for now. Maybe I''ll call you that other thing one day, but for now¡­ it may have been seven years, but I haven''t had much chance to mourn my parents in that time."


    "Of course, dear," Elora nodded understandingly. Then she shrunk down and went to sit on Erik''s shoulder before continuing. "I''d never try to rece yourte mother."


    The funny thing was that she actually meant that. Truly, it was like a switch had been flipped now that Emma was ced in her family bracket.


    After settling down, her lips formed into a teasing smirk. "By the way, how about you show our husband the mark that signifies your bond."


    Seeing the confused look on Emma''s face, Elora chuckled. "Take off your outfit, dear."


    Emma blushed a little, but she didn''t see much of a problem with it since everyone in this room had already seen her naked, let alone in her underwear. Still, she shot a quick look toward Erik, as she didn''t want to get naked without his permission. Not even for Elora.


    Sensing her feelings, Erik chuckled inwardly, although he certainly didn''t mind her attitude. Still, he simply nodded with a warm smile.


    Meanwhile, Emily felt a little ufortable. In fact, she felt like the odd one out in this group, since she was the only one who was not exactly a part of their weird little family.


    Yet, she stayed out of it. She realized this rtionship was what Emma wanted, and she could only support her little sister. Although she would naturally be keeping a close eye on them to ensure Emma wouldn''t be mistreated.


    As for the little sister in question, after getting permission, she quickly removed her maid dress and was astonished to find something akin to a tattoo on her lower body, just below her navel.


    It looked like an elegantly drawn heart, with some embellishments on the side and a howling wolf''s head in the middle.


    Emma stretched out her hand and slowly caressed the mark with a face full of awe. Then, she turned towards Erik and Elora with an excited smile. "Is that¡­?"


    At the same time, she also noticed the missing covenant mark on her hand. Clearly, one mark had reced the other, and she was no longer beholden to the deal they made, making her a mostly free woman.


    Mostly free because, well, she was married now.


    Erik chuckled, and Elora giggled before they both nodded at her unspoken question. It was Elora who then said, "Yes, that''s the mark symbolizing your connection to Master. It is proof of your marriage to him and your status as a part of our family. Do you like it? I designed it myself."


    Emma nodded excitedly, "I love it!" she squirmed a little and turned to Erik. "It makes me feel like you''ve truly marked me as yours, Sir. I''ll treasure it, just like I''ll treasure you and our¡­ marriage." she giggled excitedly at mentioning the marriage.


    She still couldn''t believe it had all happened so fast. One moment, she was still suppressing her feelings. Next, they were married!


    Behind her, Emily''s eyebrows twitched a little at the idea of Emma being marked like property, yet she just sighed inwardly and left it alone. Emma was happy, wasn''t that the important part?


    Erik could only smile at Emma''s excitement. ''It feels good to have someone so devoted to you. I''ll need to treasure her properly in the future¡­'' he thought.


    He stepped closer to Emma and kissed her lightly, causing Emma to smile. "And I''ll do the same to you." He whispered in her ear.


    Then he pulled back and grinned with a raised eyebrow. "Do you want to see mine?"


    Emma blinked in surprise. "You have one, too?"


    Chuckling, Erik pulled off his shirt. "Of course I do."


    Although Emma had made up for some of the malnourishment during thest seven years, she was still only 1.65m (5''5"), putting her at a little under shoulder heightpared to the two-meter tall Erik.


    So, when he removed his shirt, she immediately noticed the additional mark on his chest. There was a fairy''s wing right above Erik''s heart, which Emma had noticed before, but now there also was another mark a few centimeters (about an inch) above that.


    It looked like some green nts and vines encasing a white light.


    Seeing that, Emma smiled warmly and extended her hand before slowly caressing the mark with her finger. Seeing that, Erik just let her be for a moment as he chuckled.


    Suddenly, Emma turned around and looked at Emily with a bright smile as she pointed at both her own mark and Erik''s. "Look, big Em! Isn''t it awesome?!"


    Since she actually kind of liked the idea that Erik had his own mark to symbolize his bond with Emma, Emily could only sigh before nodding with a smile. "Yeah, little Em. It is. Congrattions. I''m d you''re happy."


    Emma chuckled and ran up towards her big sister, giving her a hug and whispering in her ear. "I''ll wait patiently until your mark stands next to mine." Emily''s eyes twitched at her little sister''sment, but she kept quiet about it, choosing not to answer.


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    Erik then stepped towards Emma, as he still had something to say. He took her chin in his hand and looked into her eyes. "Listen, Emma. I know this all went very quickly, but I want you to know that as soon as there''s an opportunity, we''ll have a real wedding, with a party and everything."


    His romantic love for Emma may only be in the beginning stages, but he already cared deeply for her and wanted to give her the wedding she deserved.


    "It already feels real for me, Sir!" She said with a bright smile. "I don''t need anything like that."


    Erik chuckled. "Maybe not, but I''d still like to give it to you." Then he raised an eyebrow. "On another note, are you going to continue calling me Sir, even now?"


    Emma fell silent and frowned as she thought about Erik''s question. She spoke up a little hesitantly. "I''m not sure¡­ calling you by your name feels like a betrayal to the respect I bear you in my heart."


    Erik chuckled at her response, "Well, it doesn''t matter to me; you can call me whatever you like and feel mostfortable with."


    Quickly ncing at Elora, she turned back to Erik. "I know, Mi- I mean, I know Elora calls you Master only because of that bet thing you do, but¡­ I actually consider you both my master and my husband. Although¡­ I''d like to be your maid, first and foremost." She looked up at him with a gaze filled with respect, love, and devotion. "So¡­ can I call you Master?"


    Erik raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Even after what you just saw in the basement?"


    Emma smiled and caressed the mark on her stomach. "What does that matter? I know what I am, and the mark will always remind me. Our bond is the difference between me and her, so what does it matter what I call you then?"


    Erik smiled warmly as he remembered Elora saying much the same thing the first time she proposed their bet. So he nodded. "Well, I said you could call me whatever you liked, so it''s really your decision. So long as you remember that, as my wife, while there are a few things I won''t allow, you are free to do as you please."


    Emma smiled brightly and nodded, "I''ll remember, Master!"


    Meanwhile, Emily looked at it all with extremelyplicated emotions. Seeing her little sister happy, especially after thest seven years, was naturally something she was delighted about, but seeing her so devoted to a man Emily herself still had conflicted feelings for was difficult.


    Especially because they had only known him for a few weeks!


    Still, she could do nothing except stay quiet and hope for the best while promising herself to always remain firmly in Emma''s corner.


    Not long after that, they all went to sleep in the same bed again. It had been a long, exciting day for all of them, and they needed to get some rest.

 Chapter 128: Chapter 128 - Trouble brewing

    Meanwhile, a few day''s travel from Frostvik, a lone cabin stood in the woods. It was a cabin much like the one that Erik and the others had spent a night at.


    Mostly made of wood and consisting of a single room, it had a bed, a table, a small kitchen, and a couch.


    Inside, a man was sitting at the table and ying with a stone that had various symbols etched onto it. Had Elora or Erik been there, they would have quickly recognized these symbols as a sigil intended formunication.


    Along with him were two women lounging around the cabin doing their own thing. The exact nature of their rtionship was uncertain.


    All three wore uniforms with a crest-style logo incorporating three distinct shields. One had a magical staff, one the shadowy form of an undefined creature, and thest had a wide-open set of teeth with clear vampire fangs.


    This too, Erik or Elora would have recognized, as it was clearly the mark of the European Council.


    The only difference between the three uniforms was that the man''s had some more embellishments, clearly indicating his higher rank.


    He kept ying around with the stone as an expression of patient curiosity hung on his face. Finally, the stone lit up, and so did the man''s face.


    A hushed voice seemed to emanate from the stone. "We found them."


    The man looked excited before responding, "And? Is it them?!"


    It remained quiet for a moment before a response came, apanied by an annoyed grunt. "I can''t say."


    The man frowned, "What do you mean you can''t say? Describe their faces for me. You did see their faces, right?"


    The voice from the stone sounded frustrated. "Yeah, I did. I just can''t tell you if it''s them, nor can I describe their faces."


    Now, narrowing his eyes, the man seemed to be angry. "Can''t or won''t?" he growled. "Remember our deal! The only way you get anything is if you give me the information I want!"


    "You think I don''t know that?!" the response came, still hushed but now clearly bing more agitated. "I want to tell you, but I can''t! Nor can I even tell you why I can''t tell you! You think I like this?!"


    The man was about to respond but then fell quiet and frowned as a thoughtful look appeared on his face.


    Suddenly, he seemed toe to a realization as he remembered a specific piece of information. His face lit up in a greedy smile, "Oh! Oh, I see." He mumbled excitedly.


    He responded to the stone a little impatiently. "I know you probably can''t tell me where you are, but can you tell me what direction you went after arriving at the battle site?"


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    The voice seemed d it was able to provide some information at least and quickly ryed the desired intelligence.


    Hearing the answer, the man chuckled with glee and excitement at the prospect of future rewards from his faction. "Don''t worry, my friend. I understand your difficulties, and you''ve already given me exactly what I needed. I''ll make sure you get what you want."


    Without waiting for a response, the man made some hand movements, and the light from the stone died down. Whether his final promise was genuine or not was anyone''s guess.


    Next, he turned to one of the women, "Nina, go to the usual ce and tell them I want to arrange a meeting with Frostfang. I''m ready to start sending aid immediately in return for his help with a little errand.


    I believe we''ve found the people Lady Lefay is looking for¡­" he said, as greed shed through his eyes.


    ******


    Back in Frostvik, the morning sun rose above the snow-covered houses, and the four upants of Erik''s parent''s bedroom began to stir.


    The bed was aplex and chaotic mess of limbs and hair, as all three women were trying to get a piece of Erik''s body.


    Elora was lying naked on top of him, while Emma was in her underwear and had her limbs wrapped around him on the left side. Meanwhile, a fully clothed Emily had wrapped her limbs around him from the right.


    Naturally, in Emily''s case, this had happened while asleep, as she had begun the night trying to stay as far away from him as possible, simply because she wanted to avoid this exact scenario from happening again.


    Surprisingly, Emma was not tied up this time, as she simply hadn''t thought of it in all the excitement fromst night.


    Not that it really mattered, as the only reason it was even still happening was that she hade to enjoy it.


    As usual, Erik was the first to open his eyes, and immediately, a content smile appeared on his face as he felt the three beautiful women''s soft bodies stered against his.


    ''This must be what heaven feels like,'' he chuckled. ''My only n for today is to train with uncle and hispanions, but they can wait a little longer.''


    Thinking so, he nestledfortably back into the pillow with a smile on his face as he waited for the others to wake up.


    The first to wake up after him was Emily, who once again freaked out upon finding herself hugging Erik''s body and quickly struggled to jump off the bed with a yelp.


    "Dammit!" she cursed more to herself than anything else, "If there were another bed in this damn house, I''d use it!" She quickly went through the standard ritual of telling Erik not to think anything weird and then stormed off to take a shower.


    Meanwhile, her actions had naturally awoken the others.


    Under Elora''szy smile, Emma leaned forward to kiss Erik, "Good morning, Master!"


    "Good morning, Emma," he grinned.


    After their morning greeting, Emma suddenly jumped off the bed and hummed happily as she walked towards her maid outfit with one hand on the new mark on her stomach. "I''ll go make some breakfast!" she said enthusiastically.


    Yet, before she could grab her outfit and put it on, Elora suddenly appeared in front of her. The fairy had a yful smile on her lips as she bent down and waved her hand, after which the maid outfit seemed to disintegrate, causing Emma to gawk.


    "Elora, you¡­! Why would you do that?!" she said as a surprising amount of anger red in her normally pure eyes.


    Still smiling, apparently not minding the anger, Elora held up her arms, and the red jewel on her forehead shed before a new set of clothes appeared in her hands. "I can''t exactly let my dear sister-wife walk around in that old rag. Let me give you a present as a wee to our family."

 Chapter 129: Chapter 129 - New outfit and making plans

    Emma blinked a few times as Elora''s words sank in. The fact that Elora wanted to give her a wee to the family gift made Emma lose the fury in her eyes, but she still pouted a little sadly. "But I liked wearing that one¡­"


    Emma''s pout made Elora giggle as she pushed the clothes towards Emma. "Don''t worry, it''s still a maid outfit. But this one is not only of much higher quality, but it also has some enchantments and," she winked before continuing, "one particr feature that I think you will enjoy¡­"


    After a slightly confused Emma grabbed the clothes, Elora flew off to take her ce on Erik''sp, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed as he smiled at his wives interacting with each other.


    He didn''t know what clothes these were but trusted Elora, so he didn''t bother asking about it. Instead, he grinned lustfully as he looked at Emma, who was about to try the clothes on, and said, "Wait! Come do it here in front of me. I''d like to watch you put them on."


    He was pretty sure Emma would enjoy serving him in such a manner, and he was definitely sure he would enjoy it himself.


    Emma blushed a little but didn''t protest as she took the clothes and stood before Erik and Elora, who looked at her beautiful body with appreciation.


    She was naturally in her underwear still, but her smooth skin, modest but perky breasts, and bubble butt were a delight to watch.


    Despite her blush, there was now a light smile on her lips as well, as she enjoyed the clear appreciation for her body in Erik''s eyes. Gaining a little more confidence, she locked eyes with Erik and began putting on the new outfit.


    It was an intricately designed maid outfit that exuded a kind of magical elegance that was impossible to find on Earth.


    It featured a predominantly white blouse adorned with delicate, ckce trimming and puffed shoulder pads while cinched at the waist by a form-fitting corset that emphasized her shape.


    A key feature of the outfit was the partially exposed lower belly, as the corset left a triangle-like opening, with the base at Emma''s waist, allowing for a clear view of her new tattoo, featuring a heart with a howling wolf''s head.


    The skirt was multiyered and short enough to be yful yet tasteful. It was edged withce andplemented by arge, silky bow at the back. The color scheme of the skirt was primarily dark with white ents, fitting well with the corset, giving the whole outfit a cohesive look.


    essories included a pair of long, white gloves that reached past her elbows and a choker adorned with a dark bow, mirroring therger bow on the skirt. The outfit finished with sheer, thigh-high stockings that connected to the bottom of the corset with garter straps.


    Overall, the outfit was a blend of ssic maid and something more fantastical while managing to be both elegant and seductive. It also clearly showed off Erik''s mark, signifying their bond.


    Emma had an expression of clear awe on her face as she caressed the soft fabric, beautiful details, and the exposed tattoo. MVLeMpYr-original-content


    Erik, too, had looked amazed and with lust on his face as he suddenly couldn''t wait to ravage his new wife. The only reason it hadn''t happenedst night was because everyone was far too tired from the day''s events.


    As for Elora, she had an expression of confidence mixed with satisfaction as she noticed Erik''s and Emma''s expressions. "So? Like it?" she cooed, clearly already aware of their feelings.


    In response, Emma smiled brightly and ambushed Elora with a powerful hug, tossing her off Erik''sp and onto the bed. "I love it, Elora! Thank you!"


    Elora''s eyes widened at the ambush, but she quickly calmed down and chuckled before returning the hug. "You''re wee, dear."


    Emma then released Elora, got up from the bed, and turned to Erik, poking her fingers together and seeming a little nervous, despite seeing the unmistakable look of appreciation in his eyes.


    Before she could even ask the question on her mind, Erik stood up with a grin and grabbed Emma''s chin before nting a deep kiss on her mouth. His hands didn''t sit still either as he quickly began to explore his new wife''s body far more than he had in the past.


    Cupping her breasts, squeezing her ass, and stroking her stomach, he caused Emma to moan and shiver before he released her lips. First smacking his lips a little to savor Emma''s taste, he then shared his opinion on her new look. "You look amazing, Emma."


    Still shaking from the sudden and new attention to her body, Emma softly whispered, "T- Thank you, Master."


    Erik then grinned and leaned in close, "Tonight, you will be a good maid-wife and serve your master in bed, won''t you?"


    With wide eyes, her reaction was almost instinctive. "Yes!" she nearly yelled but quickly pulled herself back and stammered, "Y- Yes, M- Master. Whatever you like."


    Rather than anxiety at the prospect of losing her virginity, all she felt was excitement. She had always known their nightly adventures that started back on the boat would eventually lead to this and bing Erik''s wife had created a burning desire to take it to that next step.


    The scene with Nora might have frightened her a little at first, but now that she had bonded with him, any and all anxiety had left her, as she could feel the strong, protective, and caring emotions that flowed from Erik to her.


    Her mind went into overdrive as she chuckled lowly to herself, and various scenarios began to run through her head. ''Hehehehe, it''s finally happening tonight,'' she thought to herself.


    Meanwhile, Elora had flown up and shrunk down to take her ce on Erik''s shoulder before looking at Emma with amusement. "I''m d you''re looking forward to it," she said, "but I suggest you take a little time to think about how you want to do it. You can only lose your virginity once, after all."


    Had Emily been there, she would have likely done a spit-take at Elora''s sudden caring nature. Emma''s new status as Erik''s wife clearly entuated the different treatment Elora gave to those she considered her family.

 Chapter 130: Chapter 130 - Morning training [1/2]

    About an hourter, after Emma served him breakfast, Erik stood outside his home to wait for his training partners for the day.


    He didn''t want to wear his armor for this, so he was currently wearing some magically conjured clothes from Elora. He had some real clothes still, but those wouldn''t survive if he changed forms.


    Before leaving the house, he had also quickly checked the basement to see if Nora was still sleeping. When he didn''t see her there, or anywhere else in the house, he simply assumed she had gone back to his uncle''s.


    A few minutes passed before Viljar, and the others finally showed up.


    Their expressions were varied. Viljar was calm. Bj?rn was clearly excited as he was already shadowboxing a little. f looked annoyed but not unwilling. Anne was perhaps the most surprising. She appeared to have calmed down since yesterday and was now simply looking around with narrowed eyes.


    Erik could only guess she was looking for the humans she knew were with him.


    But they wouldn''t appear today, as Erik had asked Emma to look after Astrid. At the same time, she would continue to absorb aetherium and explore her glyph while Emily was learning sigil craft from Elora.


    Finally, there was Nora. Now bonded with Erik through Elora''s Bond of Service and then thoroughly tamed during the aftermath, she now looked at him mostly with lust and obedience, yet her confidence didn''t seem to have wavered.


    The moment sheid eyes on Erik, she sprinted towards him with an excited smile.


    Smirking slightly, Erik decided to simply wait with his hands behind his back. When she reached him, she pressed her soft body against him and began to suck on his lips.


    Naturally, Erik could have stopped her, but why would he? He may not care much about Nora, but neither did he entirely subscribe to the idea that she was just a tool, as Elora did.


    So he figured, afterst night, the least he could do was let her kiss him if she liked.


    As they kissed, the others in her group stopped in their tracks and looked at the two of them with wide eyes. Only Anne didn''t seem very surprised. Although, Nora''s action did cause Anne to lose her cautious expression and palm her face while mumbling, "Surprise, surprise."


    She knew what Nora was like, and with her hearing being the strongest in her group, she had heard the woman sneaking out and staggering back hourster. The smell of sweat and various other things that hung around her at that time made it pretty clear what she had been doing.


    The fact that some of those smells were kind of nice was not something she chose to think about.


    After the initial surprise passed, Bj?rn shook his head in exasperation while f narrowed his eyes in anger and jealousy.


    As it turned out, Nora had been keeping f on the hook for quite a while already.


    After they separated, Erik grinned at the pleasured expression of Nora. "Got your fill?"


    Nora giggled surprisingly cutely and pulled back a little before whispering in his ear. "I got a taste, but I hope you''ll give me the real thing again soon, Master~~."


    Chuckling, Erik responded. "Perhaps I can make some time for you tomorrow. That is¡­ if you''re a good girl?"


    "I''ll be the best girl for you, Master." She whispered before pulling back and winking at him.


    It didn''t seem like Nora had changed much since yesterday, as her yfulness, confidence, and lust were all still there. The only thing that had changed was her desire to dominate had turned into a desire to submit.


    His following words, Erik transmitted through their bond, surprising Nora with that possibility. "No hard feelings over having to spy for us?"


    It didn''t matter anymore, of course, as it was already a done deal, but he still preferred if she went into this semi-willingly.


    Seeing her confusion, he quickly ryed the method by which to respond. Soon, her answer came in a thoughtful tone. "Well¡­ It''s a little weird knowing you can order me to do anything, and I''ll just obey like a trained dog. I''m not really used to the submissive role."


    Erik nodded with understanding. He had no intention of letting her go, but he could imagine what she meant.


    But before he could respond, Nora giggled lustfully, "But it''s not so bad. I mean, I asked you to make me see stars to make this up to me, but I''m pretty sure I saw a whole gxyst night."


    Then she shrugged. "Anyway, if you were a human, a vampire, or even a foreign shapeshifter, it would be different. But you''re Runa''s son! And considering the way Viljar talked about you, I doubt you intend any harm upon me or the Enve."


    In response, Erik nodded. "Not unless this Frostfang intends to make trouble for me, no."


    Nora quickly dismissed his words. "I''m sure he won''t! There are few things that guy cares more about than Runa and the Enve."


    Their mental conversation hadsted only a few seconds, and now, Viljar had approached them with a raised eyebrow. "Something you two would like to tell me?"


    Erik shrugged with a confident smirk. "She came to mest night, begging to get fucked hard, and I simply gave her what she wanted until she purred like an obedient kitten."


    Silence reigned for a moment as everyone looked at Nora''s reactions to those brash and vulgar words, but seeing her smirk with lust in her eyes and stay quiet caused various reactions among them.


    Viljar sighed in a way that screamed, ''I''m getting too old for this shit,'' and then simply walked away to start stretching and preparing for training.


    Bj?rn justughed out loud, "Hahaha, I warned you! You finally met your match!" Then, he joined Viljar for stretches.


    Anne just decided to stay out of it and join them, while continuing to palm her face and shake her head in exasperation.


    Only f was a little direct as he stepped towards the two of them with fury in his eyes. He moved to grab Nora''s arm as he said, "Nora! This guy?! Really?!"


    But before he could reach her, arge hand had wrapped itself around his throat, and a threatening growl sounded. "What do you think you''re doing, little man?"

 Chapter 131: Chapter 131 - Morning training [2/2]

    Erik grinned as he looked at the squirming f. He may not have Elora merged with his body right now, which would make fighting a powerful werebear like Viljar again a bit moreplicated. However, he could still overwhelm a rtively weak werewolf like f.


    After all, not only was Erik farther along on his Runebound path than f, but he also had no less than two powerful bloodlines flowing through his body.


    "Y- You! L- Let me go!" he groaned.


    Erik chuckled menacingly, "First, exin what you were trying to do with my woman over there."


    "N- Not! Y- Yours!" came the strangled response.


    "Isn''t she?" Erik responded with an amused smirk before turning towards Nora. "Do you have anything to say about that?"


    Until now, Nora had just been watching this with some interest. It may not be the first time someone got possessive with her, but it was the first time a man had not only called her his woman but also defended her so dominantly.


    And, against all odds, she found herself liking it.


    Nora shrugged and turned towards f with a small yet proud smile. "It''s true, f. I''m his. Only his. If you thought there was ever anything between us, then that''s your own fault, and frankly, I don''t care. It''s best to drop any such thoughts before Erik gets murderous."


    Luckily, she had gotten permission from Erik before to call him by his name in public so that the Bond wouldn''t force her to call him Master and give away their true rtionship too quickly.


    Hearing her words, f widened his eyes and went ck.


    He couldn''t believe that the dominant Nora he had been pursuing for so long suddenly gave herself sopletely to this man they had only met a day ago. Even if he was their teacher''s son, it made no sense to him!


    Seeing his resistance had disappeared, Erik tossed the man a little away from him before walking towards the others, with Nora hanging on his arm.


    "That wasn''t necessary, you know," Nora said, despite her content smile, "f is the weakest of us, I could have handled him."


    To which Erik shrugged, "Maybe, but I just can''t help myself when someone tries to touch my woman."


    Nora raised an eyebrow and said, "You''re pretty possessive, huh?"


    Erik nodded to acknowledge that simple fact and kept walking while Nora giggled a little.


    Behind him, f remained on the ground for a moment longer while gnashing his teeth before he got up and looked at Erik and Nora''s receding backs with anger ring in his eyes. His thoughts were unknown, but his promise of reprisal was clear.


    The others in their group had kept quiet. The fact that f and Nora were on opposite sides in this made them uncertain about who to support. So, instead, they had simply been looking at the event with apparent pity at f''s circumstances.


    The five of them had been close for a long time now, and all three of them knew perfectly well how much Nora had enjoyed stringing f along during that time. Seeing her shut him down so harshly now made them remember how callous she could be towards men.


    Which made her apparent loyalty to Erik all the more surprising.


    Yet, none of it was any of their business. While Anne could be considered Nora''s friend, the rest of them wererades in arms and students of the same teacher, but nothing more. This meant that f''s romantic failures were his to deal with on his own.


    When Erik arrived in front of them, he first turned towards his uncle with a warm smile. "Good morning, Uncle." before giving a more neutral nod to the rest of them.


    Turning back to Viljar, he asked, "Before we start training, did you choose who will learn sigils from Elora?" MVLeMpYr-original-content


    His uncle nodded before thumbing towards Anne and Bj?rn, "Originally, I wanted to ask one of those two, as they seem the most appropriate, but I can''t get Anne to temporarily ignore the human aspect of it all, and Bj?rn didn''t want to miss out on training."


    Currently, Anne and the others still thought of Elora as a human with strange magic.


    Then he shrugged and pointed towards Nora. "Luckily, Nora volunteered earlier, making things easier. Elora said willingness was important as well anyway, so it''s probably better she do it than that I force one of these other two."


    He sighed tiredly before continuing, "I was a little surprised she volunteered at first, but I guess it makes sense now¡­"


    Erik turned towards Nora with a raised eyebrow and saw her grinning confidently at him. Out loud, she said, "Afterst night, I wanted to spend a little more time with your wife."


    While through their Bond, she said, "Actually, I figured you guys would like it if whoever you taught those sigils to was¡­ well, one of yours, I guess."


    Erik''s eyes lit up. That actually wasn''t a bad idea. He and Elora had had too many other things on their mindst night to think of that. He quickly sent a message to Elora to inform her of Nora''s initiative, causing the fairy to respond in the same way he had.


    "Good girl," he said via their Bond. "I''ll reward you for thatter."


    While Nora send back many perverted thoughts, the others in the group didn''t seem particrly surprised by Nora''s admission.


    First of all, they were already aware of Erik''s somewhat open rtionship with Elora, and second of all, they knew Nora and figured she was simply attempting some kind of powery with Erik''s wife.


    Of course, they were unaware Nora had already thoroughly submitted to both Erik and Elora.


    Outwardly, Erik simply nodded, "Fair enough. You should go inside the house then. Elora and Emily are waiting for you there."


    With a smile, Nora turned around and headed into the house, seductively swaying her hips, causing Erik to grin while shaking his head. ''We''ll have to see if her initiative and confidence will end up being a positive or a negative.'' he thought.


    Next, he turned towards the four people left with a sadistic grin; a grin that quickly became far more animalistic as his body shifted into his wolf form.


    It was time to finally put into practice all of the training methods and techniques from Katya''s manual that he had essentiallymitted to memory during the boat ride.


    And these four would be his training dummies, all while he whipped them into shape to honor his mother.

 Chapter 132: Chapter 132 - Astrid wakes up

    As Erik delved into training with his uncle and the others, and Emily was with Elora in the living room working on Sigils, Emma found solitude in the bedroom. Seated cross-legged on the floor, she was currently exploring her glyphs and channeling aetherium to expand her magical reserves.


    The room was bathed in the soft glow of morning light, which would quickly get lost in the bright white light of Emma''s magical energies as they pulsed across the room, creating shadows that seemed to keep rhythm with her heart''s calm beat.


    Emma, wearing her new dress imbued with enchantments, marveled at the ease with which the aetherium flowed into her.


    "It''s almost effortless," she whispered, a smile of wonder ying on her lips. "The dress amplifies the absorption, allowing me to focus more on my glyphs. I should thank Elora againter."


    She remembered how Erik had exined that her aetherium storage and glyphs holding her affinities and spells were intricately connected and should be advanced with as much bnce as possible.


    She could feel herself being well on her way to the second rank in her light glyph, the one she had decided to focus on for now. ording to Erik and Elora, that was the one that would be most likely to bring her a usefulbat skill.


    Something she desperately wanted in order to not feel so helpless anymore when a fight started.


    Her attention momentarily drifted to Astrid. Erik had asked her to look after his childhood friend, who was currently still in peaceful slumber. To make the process a little safer, Elora had given her a stone with some sigils that showed the inside of Erik''s old bedroom.


    After all, it was uncertain in what kind of state she would awaken.


    She expected to find no changes but widened her eyes when the stone showed an empty room. She quickly realized Astrid must have woken up in between now and thest time she checked.


    A little panicky at that revtion, not knowing what state Astrid might be in, she didn''t even think about notifying Erik through their link and instead simply rushed out of the room.


    Yet, the moment she did, without warning, an unseen force yanked Emma from the ground, her breath catching in her throat. A hand, cold and unyielding, sped around her neck, suspending her in midair. Emma felt the air rush out of her lungs as an invisible force gripped her, her heart pounding in her ears.


    Emma''s eyes widened in shock and met her attacker''s gaze, who she quickly recognized as Astrid.


    It appeared that, after an unknown amount of time as a ghoul, and 36 hours of sleep, Astrid had now finally woken up. And she felt angry.


    Astrid said nothing and looked around before dragging Emma into Erik''s old bedroom, where she pushed Emma up against the wall by the throat.


    "Who are you?! Where am I?!" Astrid growled in a soft tone, careful not to alert any possible aplices of this unknown woman.


    Although surprised, Emma managed to stay calm in the face of this apparent and sudden danger.


    "A- Astrid," the white-haired girl gasped, "L- Let me go! Q- Quickly!"


    Astrid narrowed her eyes at what she perceived was amand. "I''ll let you go when I damn well please. Answer my questions first! And how do you know my name?!"


    "Y- You don''t u- understand!" Emma continued to gasp through the hand around her throat, "S- Sigil- P- protecting me!"


    Due to her powerful intuition, born from her nature affinity, Emma was sure Astrid had no intention to harm her unless necessary, so instead of her own safety, she worried more about Astrid''s.


    She remembered the fate of thest vampire who held her this way, and she didn''t want that to happen to Erik''s childhood friend.


    Hearing her words, Astrid frowned. About to call Emma''s bluff, she suddenly noticed a white light had begun shining under her hand. Since she was not unfamiliar with the concept of sigils due to her being a part of the dominion for years, she panicked and quickly pulled her hand back.


    Had the vampire in Kirkenes been warned about Emma''s protection as well, he likely would have done the same.


    The moment Astrid''s hand withdrew, Emma''s feet touched the ground with an unsteady grace. She gasped for air and rubbed her pained throat, the sudden influx of oxygen almost as shocking as the abrupt release.


    Meanwhile, Astrid kept one suspicious eye on Emma, while also inspecting her hand for any problems.


    thanks-for-reading-on-NovelFire


    While Emma was still recovering, Astrid looked at her with a confused frown, mixed with some suspicion. "Why did you tell me that? And where did you get a sigil, anyway? Are you one of Sigurd''s people?!"


    But before Emma could even respond, she already mumbled her own answer, "No, that doesn''t make sense. You''re clearly a human."


    Finally done coughing, Emma righted herself and smiled, "No, I belong to only one man, and he''s no Sigurd. As for why I told you," she shrugged a little, "I just didn''t want you to get hurt."


    Looking at Emma''s bright smile, despite the way she had just been assaulted, Astrid felt herself physically calm down.


    When she woke up she had been extremely disoriented and since she was usually a woman of action rather than nning, she immediately rushed out of the room and grabbed the first person she saw in an attempt to gather information.


    But now, looking at Emma''s smile, her beauty, and her elegance in that pretty maid''s dress, she felt no danger from her. Her eyes were drawn towards the intricate and exposed tattoo just beneath Emma''s navel, but she didn''t recognize it as something significant, so she moved on.


    Despite her newfound calm, however, she remained suspicious and wary. "That still doesn''t¡­ exin¡­" Her voice trailed off, and she frowned. Slowly, she began to look around. After her abrupt awakening, this was the first time she took the time to inspect her surroundings.


    Slowly, Astrid seemed to sink into memories, as her eyes began to widen in shock.


    Emma simply watched as Astrid appeared to drift into memories. All aggression was lost as the shock of her current surroundings calmed her down.


    She staggered and hesitantly walked towards the desk with theputer and touched it. Nostalgia and sadness seeped into her eyes and voice. "I- Is this¡­ Erik''s room?" she asked, more to herself than Emma.


    After all, she had no idea why this random girl would even know that name.


    She had never been in here, as visitation was difficult back in the day. Still, they had had video conversations and she recognized Erik''s background during those times.


    Still smiling warmly, cupped her hands in front of her stomach and nodded, "Yeah, you are in Frostvik currently."


    "Frostvik¡­" Astrid whispered in a voice full of emotion. Her gaze seemed to look far into the past, as her eyes became a little wet. In her mind''s eye appeared the vision of a timid boy with grey-silver hair.


    Her expression switched between depression and fondness. She remembered how Erik always ran after Edda, while she ran after him. Then, her eyes filled with endless fury as she remembered what Edda had done.


    And what had happened to Erik.


    Bright orange runes began to appear all over her body and the room started to heat up, but she soon seemed to startle herself. She shook her head with a wry expression and the runes dissipated. "Don''t burn down a ce filled with memories, Astrid, you stupid girl."


    Instead, she turned to Emma with narrowed, angry eyes. "Why did you bring me to this ce," she growled. "And you still haven''t told me who you are! Humans are all supposed to be either dead or captured."


    In response, Emma simply continued to smile and pointed to the door, "I could exin, but I think it would be better if it came from him instead."


    At the same time, Erik stormed into the room with an excited expression, having lost his wolf form. It appeared he had been warned by Emma through their link.


    Seeing the strawberry blond hair, vibrant red eyes, and familiar face of Astrid, he broke out into a wide smile. "It''s good to see you up and about again, Astrid." He said warmly.

 Chapter 133: Chapter 133 - Fiery reunion

    Morning light filtered through the windows of Erik''s childhood bedroom, illuminating the figures within. Tension hung in the air, palpable and thick. Astrid stood rigid and alert, with wide eyes as she looked at an older version of the boy she once knew.


    "You¡­" she stammered, all thoughts of Emma forgotten.


    Her expression was a mix of disbelief, suspicion, cautious optimism, and simmering fury. Her stance was rigid, with muscles and nerves coiled tight, she was prepared to jump into action at the slightest provocation.


    Erik, for his part, remained calm, yet with a dash of happy excitement, and kept his distance for now. His confidence remained unshaken, even in the face of Astrid''s barely contained fury.


    He understood the whirlwind of emotions she must be experiencing, although he wondered what would win out in the end. Relief and excitement, or suspicion and anger.


    ''Either way, I should warn Emma, just in case.'' Which he quickly did through their link, causing her to slip out of the room while Astrid was still stunned into inaction. -chapter


    "So¡­ you were finally able to enter my room. Is it everything you imagined it would be?" his voice, was steady, and reassuring, despite his shit-eating grin.


    Astrid''s response was immediate and without hesitation.


    Her expression twisted from fury and with a swift movement, she lunged at him with her fists raised. Bright orange runes appeared with lightning speed, as she had already prepared them a little earlier.


    At the same time, she screeched with a voice full of fury born from despair and depression, "You dare impersonate him?! I''ll skin you for wearing his face!"


    Astrid''s rage boiled over, leaving no room for doubt or fear. Her lunge was fueled by a wild, untamed fury, a response honed through years of battle. The sight of the supposed impostor, wearing the face of the boy she had loved and lost, ignited a fire within her that no logic could quench.


    Watching Astrid''s turmoil, Erik felt a pang of regret for the years lost and the misunderstandings between them, even as he prepared to catch her iing strike.


    In her fiery gaze, he saw not just the warrior he''d grown alongside but the shadow of the girl who had once looked at him with unspoken longing.


    Yet, he quickly shook himself free of those thoughts for now. He may have lost a lot of time with her, but far more time was yet toe.


    Having shaken off the negative thoughts, a nostalgic grin appeared on his face instead. "I see you haven''t changed. You''re still as impulsive as ever¡­ Big Sis."


    At some point in their past, Astrid had tried to get him to call her Big Sis, but he never did. Now, he used it to deal a fatal blow.


    Astrid''s eyes widened in surprise at the way he addressed her, causing her to stagger a little, which Erik quickly used to catch her wrists, firmly but gently.


    Quickly recovering from her surprise, Astrid roared as she attempted to recover her wrists, but it was as if they were caught in a vice.


    Currently, Astrid stood no chance against Erik. She was still weak and would need a few more days to fully recover, yet Erik was not only in top shape, but he also picked up Elora and had her merge with his body before he entered the room.


    Yet, Astrid was far too angry to let this simple setback stop her. Bright orange runes appeared on her skin with lightning speed, since they were already charged up from earlier.


    Astrid''s fury was like a storm unleashed, her runes ring brightly against the room''s wooden walls. Erik''s calm, in contrast, was the eye of that storm as he attempted to contain Astrid''s fury.


    Unfortunately, Astrid was not done yet, as her eyes began to dissolve into brightly burning orange orbs.


    "Duck!" Elora suddenly yelled out inside his mind.


    Erik barely registered Elora''s warning before he ducked out of pure instinct, a mere half a moment before two bright orange beams left Astrid''s eyes and passed through the empty air where his head had just been.


    The beams seemed unstoppable as they passed through the ceiling and the roof, straight into the open air, where they continued into parts unknown.


    "Woah," Erik uttered absentmindedly as he looked at the two holes in his ceiling with a bit of awe. "I''m pretty sure that would have at least singed me."


    "It would have done more than that!" Elora yelled in his head with some minor panic. "I can''t believe I forgot to check her affinity earlier!"


    Feeling his heart warm from her clear concern, Erik responded with a soothing tone. "Don''t worry about it, Elora. We both forgot. Besides, yeah it would have done more than singe me, but I doubt it would have killed me, right?"


    "I¡­" came the hesitant response, before Elora ked a mental sigh. "I suppose so... Still, that gave me a scare."


    As their mental conversation took less than a second, the situation in the room had changed little, as Erik still held Astrid''s wrists, while his childhood friend attempted to free herself with an angry grimace.


    "Let me go you fucking cunt muffin!" she yelled with helpless fury, as tears began to stream down her now once again red eyes. "I''ll kill you! I''ll make your disguise more realistic by making you as dead as he is!"


    Astrid''s fury appeared undiminished even in the face of Erik''s superior strength. Rage shed in her eyes as bright and dangerous as the runes on her skin. Her attempt with the eye beams¡ªa burst of desperate power¡ªwas her rage made manifest.


    Yet, although it was extremely powerful, it didn''t seem like she was able to pull it off again so quickly. Instead, she was now helplessly struggling against Erik''s vice-like grip as a storm of emotions passed over her face. The tears blurring her vision were those of rage and sadness, a physical testament to her tumultuous emotions


    Erik leveraged his superior strength and his grip on her wrists in order to pull her into a hug. He released her wrists, put one hand on her back, and the other on her head, as he pulled her close and pushed her face against his neck.


    Too surprised to properly react, Astrid just let it happen, and, before she knew it, was in a perfect position to bite him. She heard a voice next to her ear. "Go on. My taste probably changed a little, but I''m sure you''ll still recognize it, even after all these years."


    As the two of them had sparred many times in the past, Erik''s blood had found itself passed Astrid''s lips on more than one asion, either because Astrid bit him while they fought, or because Erik fed her his blood to heal her wounds.


    As his soothing and familiar voice entered her ear, and the unmistakable smell of her childhood crush entered her nose, Astrid shed even more tears. The voice she was so sure was just an imitation earlier sounded more and more like the real thing.


    "It- It can''t be you." She mumbled. "You died."


    "It didn''t stick." Erik chuckled. "Either way, you''ll know after you drink. You''ll need the blood to build up some more strength anyway." Erik answered with a warm and caring tone.


    Astrid barely listened. Besides, she didn''t care anymore. Either it really was Erik and she would recognize his taste, or he was an impostor, and drinking his blood would weaken him while strengthening her.


    So, with tears in her eyes and an angry expression, she opened wide and bit down hard.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 134 - Astrids past [1/3]

    Blood streamed down Astrid''s throat, even as tears streamed down her face.


    As soon as the red liquid touched her taste buds, Astrid''s eyes flew open, and tears began to fall even faster.


    As the familiar yet impossibly real taste of Erik''s blood hit her senses, Astrid''s heart warred with her mind. ''This can''t be,'' she thought, even as a part of her screamed in recognition. The taste she had dreamed of in her darkest nights was now a bittersweet reality flooding her senses, challenging her denial.


    Her arms, which, so far, had been hanging uselessly to her side, now wrapped themselves around Erik''s back, and squeezed hard, as if she was trying to wring everyst drop of blood out of his body.


    Luckily, her drinking speed was a far cry from what it was a few days ago, allowing Erik to easilypensate with Elora''s help.


    ''T- This taste, it''s¡­ it''s really his¡­'' Her thoughts and fury had calmed down significantly when Erik''s familiar vor registered in her brain. She had always considered Erik''s blood to be unique, as it not only tasted better but was also more nutritious.


    Now, seven yearster, both of those qualities had gone into overdrive, but despite that, she didn''t fail to recognize the underlying and unique vor she had once known so well. The taste of her childhood crush.


    It wasn''t even as delicious as it could be, however, as Erik had asked Elora to tone down the enhancements to his body''s taste, before allowing Astrid to drink.


    He knew Elora''s work on his body was at least a small part of the reason why Emma had fallen for him so quickly, and why Emily was already well on her way. He also happily used it to influence Seraphina back in London, and it helped him tame Norast night.


    Yet, Astrid was different. He didn''t want to influence her in that way.


    At least not before she chose to be with him on her own ord. After all, while Astrid had dered her love for him after she recovered from her ghoulish state, she had not only been delirious at the time, but she also expressed her desire to have him all to herself.


    And, well, she couldn''t have him all to herself. So for now, he would simply wait and see how his rtionship with Astrid developed, without influencing her through his taste.


    All that aside, even without Elora''s adjustments, his own special nature,bined with the added bloodlines of the Raiju and the Winter Wolf, already provided a quality of blood that could only be considered a unique delicacy for vampires.


    It was the taste of this unique delicacy that finally shattered thest of her defenses¡ªa vor that had once been aforting memory in a world that turned chaotic. With each pulse of Erik''s blood, memories cascaded through Astrid''s mind:ughter shared in the glow of sunset, tears wiped away in secret, and the piercing loss of his absence.


    As reality seeped back, the walls she had built around her heart crumbled, not with resignation but with a reluctant hope. ''Erik,'' his name a silent whisper in her mind, became the anchor pulling her from the sea of despair that was her current life.


    At the same time, all the feelings and memories she had been suppressing from the moment she found out about Frostvik''s fate came bubbling to the surface.


    the-ce-NovelFire


    It happened a few months after the awakening. Like some others, Astrid''s mother had been strangely prepared for the arrival of the awakening. She had already been well-established on the path of a Runebound, giving her the strength to not only survive but thrive.


    So, after founding the Dominion and bringing some calm to the chaos around her, Liv Frost had begun to gather information about their surroundings, which, eventually, included Frostvik''s fate.


    Astrid remembered how, for weeks after finding out about Erik''s death, she had spent her time going from nearly suicidal depression to all-consuming anger at Edda''s betrayal.


    She always regretted how much trouble she had given her mother during that time, as Liv attempted to carve out a ce in a rapidly changing world, rule a powerful faction, and deal with the emotionally unstable daughter she loved, all at the same time.


    Naturally, Liv''s refusal to me Astrid only deepened the girl''s guilt. When Astrid questioned her mother about this, Liv offered her a warm smile and exined, ''If the person I loved was killed by my best friend, I''d find it hard to cope, too.''


    Eventually, with her mother''s help, Astrid managed to get back to a stabler state, but by that time, the old Astrid was gone. In its ce stood a colder version of herself.


    From that day on, the only things she cared about were her mother and power. Having always been a girl of action, Astrid decided to honor Erik''s memory by getting revenge on his killer, but she knew she needed strength for that.


    Now, seven yearster, she was hugging Erik and drinking his blood once again. She felt like maybe, just maybe, she might be able to get back to some kind of normalcy now. Perhaps she could find the person she used to be again.


    She still didn''t know how or why this was happening, but drinking his blood and calming down quickly made her ept that this Erik was the real deal.


    While she continued to drink, reminisce, and cry, Erik just smiled indulgently as he caressed Astrid''s hair and back.


    His mind was going back in time as well, as he remembered all of his past spars with her; the longing looks she gave him, which his dense mindpletely missed, and the many times she tried to find excuses to drink his blood, just so she could be physically close to him and feel a part of him inside her.


    All things he never realized until he saw her again in those woods as a ghoul.


    The entire outside world had disappeared, and all that was left were these two and their hug.


    In the door post, Emma was looking at the two of them with a wistful smile. She wasn''t jealous of the attention Erik was giving another woman, but rather, she wished she had a past with him as well.


    While her feelings for him were genuine and powerful, there were still many things about him she didn''t know, yet wished to. Things that only time would reveal.


    She felt no regrets about bing Erik''s wife, but it had all happened very quickly, and their rtionship was still a little shallow.


    That aside, her generally kind nature popped up its head as she looked at Astrid''s emotionally wrought, tear-stained face and empathy began filling her. She sighed in eptance and thought, ''Oh well. It''s not like I would like to be separated from Master for seven years while thinking he was dead either.''


    Suddenly, a cloud of bright specks of light appeared on Emma''s shoulder and coalesced into Elora''s small form. Astrid''s drinking had now slowed down to a trickle, so there really wasn''t much left for her to do.


    Seemingly recognizing the look in Emma''s eyes, she smiled. "Don''t worry too much, Emma. You and have him have a long, long time to create your own past that you can reminisce about."


    Then she giggled yfully, "Besides, no matter what, you''ll always be his second wife, while Astrid can at most be his third."


    Hearing Elora''s words, caused Emma to giggle along with her, before recing the wistful smile with a bright one, and nodding, "You''re right. I have a lot to look forward to."

 Chapter 135: Chapter 135 - Catharsis [1/2]

    It took a few minutes before Astrid finally drank her fill, though she didn''t let go of Erik just yet. Instead, she carefully licked the two small puncture wounds she left behind until they closed by virtue of Erik''s regeneration.


    She looked like a vision of fragile love, who was afraid of anything happening to her beloved.


    Erik smiled and just let her be as he continued to hold her in his arms. ''I''m d she seems to finally ept it really is me, but I doubt this is the end of it,'' he thought while inwardly chuckling. NovelFire-chapter


    Finally, Astrid sighed as the turmoil of chaotic emotions finally appeared to be truly calming down. She still felt all the same things, they just weren''t rushing around in her head, creating chaos anymore.


    She gave Erik one final squeeze and then separated from him. They now held each other''s shoulders as they looked into each other''s eyes. Erik saw the rainbow of emotions in Astrid''s eyes, but predominant among them were relief, joy, and anger.


    ''Wait, anger?'' he thought, before remembering who he was looking at.


    Suddenly, Astrid''s previously calm expression twisted into fury as she moved with the speed of lightning and punched Erik''s stomach as hard as she could.


    A dull yet loud thump sounded, quickly followed by Erik gasping as air was forced out of his mouth. Under Elora''s amused and Emma''s surprised gazes, he skidded back a few meters, clutching his stomach


    Astrid may still need a few more days to fully recover, but that didn''t change her status as a powerful second-rank Runebound vampire who now had a belly full of very particrly potent blood.


    Which meant she still punched pretty hard.


    Erik''s expression was surprised, but not too much. Astrid always had trouble dealing with emotions and preferred to just duke it out instead.


    "Seven years!" Astrid yelled with a voice filled with her many conflicted emotions. "Seven years you let me think you were dead! And when you finally show your face again, the first thing you do is ask me if your room is just like I imagined?!"


    "You think that''s funny?!" She continued while charging Erik.


    Erik looked at her approach. He briefly considered his next course of action, but then just grinned and did nothing as Astrid kicked him in the side, causing him to fly through the air.


    Despite the situation, Erik''s happy grin remained unchanged, even as he crashed through the wall right into the open air.


    With Astrid still in recovery, Erik was confident he could stay in control of this fight, but all advantages were wee, so as he tumbled through the air, his body began to change and morph.


    In less than a second, he turned from a human tumbling through the air to a werewolf, before gracefullynding in the snow outside and grinning at Astrid through the hole in his house. "Actually, my first words were ''It''s good to see you up and about again.''"


    His words seemed to only make Astrid angrier as she jumped through the hole and charged him again while yelling, "Fuck you, you douche nozzle!"


    Astrid was also a fan of colorful swearing.


    Sure, he could stop this, but why would he? In fact, while Astrid''s first attack truly did catch him off guard, he could have defended himself against her kick, he simply chose not to.


    He knew Astrid was currently a pent-up ball of emotions, and while most people would want to talk that out, or just stew in them, Astrid preferred to vent through the age-old cathartic method of fighting and cursing. Luckily for her, Erik was more than happy to be her sparring partner.


    After all, this also brought back many happy memories of his past interactions with Astrid, which usually involved a fight of some kind.


    While the past him saw those interactions as a bit of a chore, the current him could only look back at them with fondness. Especially because he could now recognize the suppressed feelings behind young Astrid''s eyes back in those days.


    They shed. Astrid attacked wildly, while Erik remained on the defensive. Even now, the grin never left his wolfish face, only infuriating Astrid more.


    Somewhere in the back of her mind she did wonder about Erik''s clear changes, as he was never this yful in the past, and he certainly never enjoyed fighting as he appeared to right now.


    Yet, because of his blood, she was sure this was him.


    She didn''t pay much attention to these thoughts, however. Seven years was a long time, and people could change a lot in so many years.


    Meanwhile, every person currently residing in Frostvik had be their spectators. The only person who wasn''t there was Elora, as she had sneakily merged with Erik''s body again to give him an advantage.


    From inside the hole in Erik''s old room, Emma had been joined by Nora and Emily, who hade running from the living room after they heard the crash.


    Next to the hole, the four shapeshifters, who had been training with Erik earlier, were also spectating after they had run around to the back of the house to see what themotion was about.


    They were all looking at the current events with surprise, except for one person. Viljar,as the only person there to have known Erik in the past, knew perfectly well what kind of personality Astrid had.


    So he just shook his head and thought, ''They''re both over twenty-five, why are they still acting like this?''


    Meanwhile, from inside the hole, Emily and Nora were about the go intervene when Emma stopped them. "Wait! Master just told me through our link to just¡­ let them do their thing? I guess?" she scratched her head, as she was never a big fan of violence, so she didn''t really understand.


    But, if this was Erik''s wish she certainly wasn''t going to ruin it for him.


    However, the spectators didn''t seem to register with Astrid, as her only focus was Erik right now.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 136 - Catharsis [2/2]

    Astrid continued to yell as she attacked. "If you''d just been a little more thoughtful, I might not have attacked right away!" she yelled while throwing a right hook, which Erik deftly caught and redirected.


    At the same time, he raised an eyebrow and responded without losing his grin, "What did you expect me to do? Cry and hug you? Neither of us has ever been very good with emotional stuff."


    Fueled by frustration and anger, Astrid threw a powerful left cross aiming directly at Erik''s cheek. "Fuck you! I nearly took your damn head off! Some reunion that would have been!"


    Erik leaned back, barely dodging her punch, while Astrid continued in a mocking imitation of his voice, "''Hey, Astrid, look, I''m alive! Yay!''"


    Grabbing her extended arm, Erik used her momentum to make her stumble past him, but that didn''t stop Astrid''s tirade, "Then bam! You end up dead for real because I killed you, and then how am I gonna feel, huh?!"


    Despite Astrid''s agitated emotions and continued rant, Erik couldn''t stop grinning. He loved this. "Come now, Astrid. You couldn''t beat me in the past, what makes you think you can do so now? A little sunburn isn''t gonna do me in." he said, making Astrid even more furious.


    He may not have held romantic love for her, or even been a particrly good friend, in the past, but he did care for her, and he knew how she worked.


    The angrier she got, the easier it was for her to work through herplicated feelings. She needed a cathartic release.


    Recovering from her stumble, Astrid turned around and red at him. "How do you even know about my affinity?! Have you been keeping tabs on me these past years without letting me know you were alive?!"


    Naturally, it was Elora who had detected Astrid''s sun affinity, if a littlete.


    That thought seemed to spur her on even more as she roared with anger, betrayal, and disappointment beforeunching into a series of rapid jab punches filled with a mixture of aggression and depression.


    Seeing she was finally asking real questions rather than just hurtling usations and venting her anger, Erik began parrying her jabs one by one, even as his grin changed into a warm smile.


    Or at least, that was the idea, but his currently morphed werewolf face didn''t really allow for nuanced expression, causing his smile to be more terrifying than anything else.


    Luckily, Astrid was used to his werewolf form and could still pick up the small differences in his changed face, even after all these years.


    "I wouldn''t do that to you, Astrid." He said while continuing to parry her strikes. "Seven years ago I survived by the skin of my teeth through abination of luck and striking a deal with someone."


    Find your next read on m,vlemp _yr.


    Naturally, that deal had now turned into something far more, but this was not yet the time for that conversation.


    In a lightning-fast move, he suddenly caught both of Astrid''s arms, forcing her to stay still as he looked into her turbulent, crimson eyes with a genuine and serious expression. "Ever since then, I''ve been far away from here and was only recently able toe back. I promise you, had I been able to let you know I survived, I would have."


    Although not exactly false, he wasn''t being entirely truthful either.


    After all, the truth was that, over the past seven years, all memories of Astrid had be haunted by the ghost that was Edda''s betrayal, causing him to barely think about her at all.


    Yet, admitting this, and revealing the extent of his neglect, was not a burden he wished to ce on Astrid''s shoulders. Not now, at the moment of their reunion. Not only did she deserve better than that, but he was also ashamed of having forgotten about her for so long.


    So, when Astrid attempted to rip herself free, he didn''t resist.


    She took a step backward and growled, "Am I supposed to believe that?!" before taking an aggressive stance again. "I know you never cared about me! Not as much as you did about that bitch Edda!" she nearly screeched herst words as she attacked with a high kick.


    Over thest seven years, Astrid had had a lot of time to think about her past rtionship with Erik and Edda. These memories had subconsciously begun to be influenced by her newly formed hatred of Edda, causing some resentment to arise towards Erik for never realizing Edda''s true face.


    Naturally, neither did she, but sometimes logic can be hard to find in the face of anger and depression.


    A hint of pain and guilt passed through Erik''s eyes as he caught her foot with both hands, apanied by a grunt of effort. The force of her kick nearly forced the wind out of him again, despite being able to catch it.


    Astrid had seen the pain and guilt in his eyes and felt a sting at thinking she had hurt Erik. Perhaps a strange thought considering her repeated attempts to beat him up, but the irony was lost on Astrid.


    Regardless, seeing those emotions calmed her down a little, so instead of attempting to free herself, she easily kept her hands up and her bnce steady as she red angrily at Erik holding her foot, waiting for his response.


    Seeing her look, Erik sighed as he knew he needed to do something he had done very rarely in the past seven years. He needed to apologize.


    First, he changed back into human form, then, he looked into her eyes and said, "I''m sorry, Astrid. You deserved better than the person I was back then. Any man would have been overjoyed to get your attention, but I was just an idiot boy, two years younger than you, and all I could see was Edda. I should have realized your feelings for me.


    I should have realized you are ten times the person Edda ever could be!"


    Finally, he sighed and made her a promise, "If you''ll let me, I''d love to make it up to you from here on out."


    That was something he had been building up in his head from the moment heid eyes on the ghoulified Astrid back in the forest, and it felt like a relief to finally say the words.


    As for Astrid, her eyes went wide and she began to tremble because she suddenly heard the very words she had heard him say in her head perhaps a thousand times. The words she had always wished he would say.


    Well, not exactly, but close enough for now.


    The fury drained from her face, pushed aside by all the loneliness and despair from thest seven years that suddenly came flooding back.


    Her body trembled as the previously dried-up tears began flowing again.

 Chapter 137: Chapter 137 - True reunion

    "A- Asshole." She stammered. "You can''t just say that!"


    Erik''s revtion that he now apparently knew about her past feelings flustered her, as memories of watching Erik and Edda with longing came back to her.


    Releasing her foot, Erik lost his seriousness and grinned. "Well, I did. What are you gonna do about it?"


    "This." She said, before rushing forward and enveloping Erik in a sudden, sobbing hug. The force of Astrid''s embrace caused Erik to stagger backward before he steadied himself, chuckling softly as he wrapped his arms around her.


    "I- I''m so d you''re still alive." She sobbed into his chest. "E- Even if you''ve clearly changed a lot." She chuckled a little through her sobs. "You''re a much bigger asshole now."


    Her candid description of his changed personality caused Erik to smile. "I won''t deny that. It''s not all bad, though. I enjoy fighting a lot more, for example. You won''t have to spend an hour trying to convince me to spar anymore."


    Despite her continued sobs, a wide grin appeared on her face. "Y- You better believe I''ll be making use of that!"


    Then she punched his chest despite her face still being buried in that same chest. Clearly, not all the aggression had left her system just yet. "And you need to ept every time until you''ve made up for being away for seven years!"


    Naturally, her request was unreasonable, but Erik didn''t mind. He liked sparring with her anyway. "Deal," he said while grinning.


    They remained quiet for a moment as Astrid squeezed him tightly and continued to sob softly, while Erik caressed her short, strawberry-blond hair.


    At the same time, Erik was throwing threatening res at the shapeshifters who were still looking at the scene with gazes containing both awkwardness and curiosity.


    Luckily, when Bj?rn, Anne, and f noticed Erik ring at them with a gaze promising a world of pain if they stayed even a second longer, they quickly decided to continue training and fled back to the front of the house.


    Only Viljar was spared Erik''s re, but he decided to leave as well. He had met Astrid maybe once or twice, and he really didn''t feel right staying.


    And, naturally, the girls inside the house were spared as well.


    Instead, he asked Emma through their link to prepare some tea for Astrid and him. Naturally, he could have asked Nora, but he knew Emma enjoyed doing these kinds of things for him.


    He also asked her to take Nora and Emily with her, which meant that soon, he and Astrid were all alone.


    "Finally," Astrid said with a scoff while continuing to embrace Erik. "If they continued staring at me any longer I would have started busting heads. Literally."


    Astrid''s senses were on point even now, as she had noticed the spectators despite having her back turned to them.


    Erik chuckled, "I was beginning to think you hadn''t noticed them."


    Astrid huffed as if offended. "How could I not?"


    It remained quiet again as they stayed in each other''s embrace, while Astrid''s sobs had finally died down. "So who was the white-haired chick?" she suddenly asked.


    Thinking he was able to detect the slightest hint of jealousy in her voice, caused Erik to grin. "Is that jealousy I hear?"


    In response, he received another punch against his chest. "Shut up! I- I''m not ready to talk about that yet¡­" She finally looked up from his chest with a frown, "I just thought she was weird. I attacked her, but she seemed more worried about me the whole time."


    Hearing that, a brief sh of anger passed across his face, before he quickly suppressed it. Still, his voice sounded a little strained when he asked, "You attacked her?" m-vl _e mpY _r exclusive content


    Seeing his expression and hearing his voice, Astrid suddenly got a little afraid that she ruined their reunion, and stammered, "I- Y- Yeah. I was confused, and needed information¡­ But I was never going to hurt her! Not unless she attacked first!"


    By now, Erik hadpletely calmed down as he shook his head with a sigh. "Don''t worry about it, Astrid. I told Emma to warn me the moment anything changed with you, but she clearly didn''t¡­ it''s my fault if anything, I should have stayed with you."


    Relieved that he didn''t seem angry, Astrid dove back into his chest and released a puff of air, "I can see she''s important to you." She said with a slight hint of jealousy. "Who is she? Is she a maid? And if so, where the hell did you get a maid? And what was with that weird tattoo?"


    Chuckling at her clear intentions, Erik answered, "Her name is Emma; I''ll introduce youter. The reason she worried more about you than herself is likely because she has an unusually high intuition. You didn''t intend to harm her, and she could tell. Therefore, she was more worried about my childhood friending to harm."


    He didn''t think it necessary to mention her status as his wife just yet. He figured it was probably a good idea to ease Astrid into that kind of information.


    "I see¡­" Astrid mumbled, still with a degree of jealousy, not really happy that Erik didn''t clearly define his rtionship with that woman. "I guess you''re important to her as well then." Then she sighed and said with somewhat surprising maturity, "I''ll make sure to apologize to herter."


    Her promise caused Erik to smile and caress her hair, "Thank you. I doubt she''ll find it necessary, but I appreciate it nheless."


    Astrid narrowed her eyes at him. "No problem, but don''t think I didn''t notice you avoided defining your rtionship with her or answering my questions."


    Finding it hard to suppress a grin, Erik kissed Astrid''s forehead. "I''ll tell you everything soon, alright? We''ve only just reunited, let''s take things slow."


    Despite the slight blush that appeared on her cheeks because of his kiss, Astrid scoffed. Yet, she couldn''t deny she, too, wanted to enjoy their reunion a little longer before oveplicating it all.


    So instead, they simply remained in silent embrace for a little longer, before Erik said. "I asked Emma to make us some tea earlier. It should be ready now. Shall we continue this conversation infort?"


    Not even wondering how he could have told Emma anything without her noticing, she just continued to hug his chest while nodding into it. Feeling her movement caused Erik to smile, before prying her loose and climbing back into the hole, hand in hand.


    Astrid coughed. "Sorry about destroying your room, by the way."


    "Let''s say we did that together," Erik chuckled.

 Chapter 138: Chapter 138 - Astrids past [2/3]

    In the living room, Emma, Emily, and Nora were discussing the events with Erik and Astrid, but they quickly fell silent when the very topics of their discussion entered the room.


    On the coffee table between the room''s sofas was a serving te with hot tea, which had been prepared by Emma.


    Seeing the tea, Erik smiled at his newest wife, "Thank you, Emma."


    "Of course, Master!" she said, with a bright smile.


    Astrid''s ears quickly perked up, and her brow furrowed, when she heard how Emma addressed Erik. ''Master?'' she thought, ''So she''s his maid after all?''


    While Astrid continued to wonder about this pretty and elegant young woman''s rtionship with her childhood crush, Erik turned toward Emily and Nora. "Emily, I''d like you to go to the master bedroom and start teaching Nora the basics of sigil craft. Elora will join youter to teach you both."


    Again, Astrid perked up her ears and looked around, ''Who''s this Elora? I thought these were the only people in the house¡­''


    Realizing he wanted some privacy to talk about things she wasn''t allowed to know yet, Emily sighed with reluctant eptance and nodded, "Sure, Boss."


    Nora, too, looked like she wanted to stay, but the Bond of Service didn''t allow her to resist when Emily dragged her out of the room.


    It was a good thing Emma had the presence of mind not to tell her big sister exactly how her first meeting with Astrid went down. She knew Emily would have immediately turned on the protective big sister mode, and onlyplicate things when she met Astrid.


    Emma looked curiously between the leaving pair and Erik, "Should I leave too, Master?"


    Hearing her question, Erik couldn''t help but chuckle. "Of course not."


    Then, he continued through their link, "You''re my wife now, anything I say to her, I can say in front of you. Just try not to mention our rtionship with Astrid for now, let her get a little morefortable first."


    Emma''s lips formed into a conspiratorial grin and said out loud, "As you wish, Master."


    Astrid narrowed her eyes. She felt like she was missing something.


    Yet, unable to determine what it was, she instead walked up to Emma and scratched her head a little awkwardly. "Sorry about the whole¡­ you know¡­ threatening you thing. I tend to act before I think."


    To Astrid''s surprise, Emma simply smiled brightly before hugging the much taller Astrid, "No problem! It''s a pleasure to meet you under better circumstances, Astrid! I hope we''ll get along well in the future."


    Astrid''s eyes widened, a flicker of panic passing through them. She took a hesitant step back, her posture rigid, as if preparing for an unseen threat. The sudden warmth of Emma''s hug caught her off-guard, causing her shoulders to tense momentarily before slowly, uncertainly rxing.


    Before today, thest person she''d had any physical contact with outside of a fight was with her mother. And even that had been a few months ago at this point.


    Erik was one thing, but to be suddenly hugged by what was essentially a stranger, Astrid had to fight the urge to push her away and enter fighting mode.


    Luckily, she managed to return Emma''s hug, if somewhat awkwardly, rather than do something she would regret. "I- uh, I hope so to¡­ Emma, was it?"


    Quickly nodding happily, Emma responded, "Yeah! Emma Ashcroft, but you can call me Emma!" Suddenly, she winked a little yfully, "Or sister, if you like."


    "Uh, I''ll just¡­ call you Emma then," Astrid answered, a little confused, but not ufortable. Emma was a little overly friendly, but she also had a kind of soothing presence that, to her own surprise, put Astrid at ease.


    While Astrid looked confused about why she would call this stranger sister, Erik and Elora naturally knew what was going on and couldn''t help butugh on the inside. ''She''s perfect.'' Erik thought to himself and felt the infant love he held for her grow a little.


    Not long after that, Erik and Astrid sat across from each other, while Emma stood behind Erik. He had used their link, urging Emma to sit next to him instead, but she reminded him she was his maid first and preferred to stand.


    To her response, Erik only chuckled. ''I''ve asked her in the past why she enjoys being my maid so much, but I don''t think even she knows exactly.'' He thought, but then focused back on Astrid.


    All he really needed to know was that Emma was happy, after all.


    Looking at Astrid, he frowned in thought. "So¡­" he began, "Do you have any idea how you ended up here?"


    He decided it was best to start with her story, rather than make things awkward by talking about his.


    Luckily, Astrid didn''t seem to mind going first. She frowned in thought as she searched her memory, but then shook her head. "I don''t. Thest thing I remember is stumbling through the woods, and then¡­ wait, why was I stumbling?"


    Her frown grew deeper. It seemed her memories of going through the ghoulification were still a little hazy.


    ''I think I''d better let her realize the truth herself.'' Erik thought to himself and simply waited for Astrid to continue.


    Suddenly, he lost her frown and Astrid''s eyes widened. She nearly jumped up, "Wait a second! I was starving and bing a ghoul!" she gulped, "Did¡­ did I be one?"


    But before Erik could answer, she frowned again. "No wait¡­ that doesn''t make sense, I heard ghouls retain their memory of being a ghoul, which is why many vampires who recover from ghoulification have mental problems¡­ but I don''t remember anything."


    Seeing her confusion, Erik quickly cleared things up for her with aplicated expression on his face. This matter was a little delicate, after all. Bing a mindless creature in and of itself was not a pleasant thought, but being turned into one of the dominion''s obedient little soldiers was even less so.


    "You did be a ghoul, Astrid¡­" he began, gravely, "We just sealed your memories from that time, exactly because I knew it might create problems. We can unseal them if you like, but¡­ well, you know."


    Astrid lookedplicated upon hearing that, barely even registering that Erik had apparently somehow sealed her memories.


    "So, I became a ghoul¡­" she mumbled. Then suddenly, white-hot rage passed across her face, "Wait a second, don''t tell me I ended up as one of Sigurd''s little dogs!"


    She spoke Sigurd''s name with such an extreme amount of anger and resentment, that Erik couldn''t help but wonder what happened between those two.

 Chapter 139: Chapter 139 - Astrids past [3/3]

    Aplicated look appeared on Erik''s face, and that was enough for Astrid to infer the answer, causing the rage in her eyes to skyrocket.


    She jumped up and started swearing in a loud voice, "Damn that rotten little turd fucker and his traitorous cronies!" From this point, she went on a colorful tirade that would have made a sailor blush, or in this case, Emma. All while walking around and punching her fist into her open palm.


    Clearly, she was just about ready to tear some heads off.


    Meanwhile, Erik simply leaned back on the sofa and watched her with a small smile on his face, despite the situation. He couldn''t help it. Dealing withplex emotions through violence and cursing may not be particrly healthy, but Erik thought it gave her a unique charm.


    In an anime, she would be the kind of character who punched their love interest through a wall out of embarrassment.


    Something that Erik had, in fact, more or less experienced earlier.


    While that kind of person would not do well in modern society, this was not modern society anymore.


    Besides, Astrid was not an inherently bad person, she just needed a partner who could take her punches. ''Someone like me,'' Erik thought with a greedy grin.


    Had Astrid heard that thought, she would have done a spit-take. Not because she wanted to be with him, but because the old Erik would never have thought something like that.


    After finally working out her emotions, Astrid dropped herself back down on the sofa, sighing, with her hand on her forehead. "Whatever, I''ll get that bastardter." She mumbled.


    Thinking it was finally time to speak up again. "So¡­ you and this Sigurd?" he asked with an amused grin.


    Hearing his question, Astrid raised her eyebrows, before shaking her head with a small smile. "You really have changed a lot, huh? The old you would have been more concerned with my well-being, and probably try to calm me down. Awkwardly. And all the while, you''d be looking at the doors, trying to find the quickest exit."


    To which Erik shrugged. "I know you are physically fine. No one forced themselves on you either, and I haven''t noticed any mental instabilities. I mean, if you broke down crying, I certainly would have tried tofort you."


    Erik''s demeanor suddenly shifted noticeably, the lightness in his eyes giving way to a steely resolve, while his amused grin turned into a bloodthirsty smile. "But how about instead," he began, his voice taking on a deeper, more serious tone, "I promise a slow and painful death for Sigurd? Whatever he did to make you this angry, he''ll pay for it with his life."


    Hearing his words, Emma, standing behind Erik, looked a little ufortable at the mention of such violence, but quickly steeled her gaze again. She knew she had to getfortable with these things in this new world.


    She also had to admit to liking the feeling of having someone like Erik as a protector, even if she preferred that it wasn''t necessary at all.


    Astrid paused and blinked a few times as she processed Erik''s words. Her surprise quickly morphed into amusement, and augh bubbled up from her throat. "Hahaha, oh wow. To think the day woulde when I''d hear you talk like that," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.


    Erik chuckled, having lost his earlier seriousness, before smiling confidently, "So which version do you prefer, new or old?"


    Now matching Erik''s previously bloodthirsty smile, Astrid answered, "Definitely new. Just promise to let me have the final blow."


    A spark of mischief appeared in Erik''s eyes, "Really? So, since you had a crush on the old me, that must mean that¡­" he said, trailing off at the end as a smile matching the spark in his eyes appeared.


    Immediately, Astrid''s face became red as a beet and her eyes began to flutter around the room. "I- I told you I''m not ready to talk about that yet." Seeing Astrid clench her fists, Erik chuckled and quickly changed the topic, before this room would have a hole in the wall, too.


    "Alright, alright," he began, before his lips turned up into a caring smile, "So tell me what happened to you in the past seven years. Tell me everything, including why we''re going to kill Sigurd. I assume we''re talking about the current leader of the Dominion, Sigurd?"


    All awkward feelings wiped out, Astrid''s face once again shed with anger. "Yeah¡­ He used to be my mother''s second inmand until he broke into the third rank and proved himself a gutless snake."


    Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Your mother used to lead the Dominion?" He and Elora quickly exchanged a few words, as they immediately realized that Astrid''s mother, Liv Frost, must be one of the people who had an unknown advantage over others.


    Astrid nodded and sighed. "Let me start from the beginning."


    So, she told Erik about how her mother founded the dominion by using her superior strength and advancement along the Runebound path in order to beat down her opponents and suppress the opposition.


    She talked about how she learned about Erik''s fate, her reaction to that, and her mother''s immense support.


    At some point during this tale, Erik had stood up to sit down next to Astrid and put his arm around her forfort, something she dly leaned into without interrupting her story.


    Meanwhile, Emma looked at it all with a warm smile, while asionally refilling the tea.


    Eventually, she arrived at a few months ago.


    "That is when Sigurd broke into the third rank and challenged my mother for leadership." She continued with resentment clear in her voice, "Which would have been one thing! But instead of fighting her properly, he ambushed her and locked her away using his damn sigils!"


    By the end of her words, she was seething with anger, causing Erik to kiss her forehead, which, surprisingly, calmed her down pretty quickly.


    When Astrid began to rx a little, he asked, "You say he locked her away¡­ Does that mean she is still alive?"

 Chapter 140: Chapter 140 - You are mine

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    Astrid tensed up again when she heard his question. Her eyes turned downcast, while an aura of uncertainty and depression began to emanate from her. She remained quiet for a little while, until finally, "I- I don''t know," she mumbled. "I''ve been trying not to think about it. I know she''s much more powerful than Sigurd, but¡­"


    Elora, who had naturally been listening to everything, quickly sounded in Erik''s head. "I doubt he killed her even if he could."


    Raising an eyebrow, Erik questioned via their link, "Why is that?"


    Elora''s answer came apanied by a mental shrug. "Think about it. Although we can''t be absolutely certain, there is nothing to suggest a third-rank vampire wouldn''t turn into a ghoul just as much as a second-rank would. I''d guess it takes a little longer, but it would happen eventually."


    Erik quickly caught onto what Elora was suggesting, causing him to mumble out loud, "And who would say no to an absolutely loyal, third-rank soldier?"


    "W- What?" he suddenly heard a small voice next to him ask.


    Erik turned toward Astrid with a smile. "It''s good news. Sort of. Sigurd will likely try to turn your mother into one of his ghoul soldiers." Seeing Astrid''s eyes narrow in anger and disgust, he quickly continued, "Which also means that he''s unlikely to kill her."


    Astrid''s eyes widened with realization. "That¡­ that''s right," she mumbled, as her body suddenly flooded with a feeling of relief, causing her to sag against Erik.


    Then, she suddenly sat up straight again and looked into Erik''s eyes with a fiery intensity as she grabbed his shirt with both hands. "That means we can save her! I mean you¡­ you can remove Sigurd''s control and lock her memories or whatever you said, just like you did for me, right?!"


    But before Erik could answer she suddenly lost much of her momentum and gained a pleading look in her eyes. "I mean¡­ you''ll help me, right¡­?"


    Astrid remembered she hadn''t seen Erik in seven years, and he had changed a lot. She wasn''t even really certain he meant what he said about taking revenge on Sigurd. ''Besides¡­ it''s not like we were ever really that close back then¡­'' she thought.


    Seeing the way, she looked at him caused Erik to roll his eyes as he bonked her head, "Didn''t I alreadymit to taking Sigurd down? Of course, we''ll save your mother while we''re at it. Besides, I promised to make up for my past behavior, right?"


    Naturally, Erik had discussed this with Elora, but neither of them saw an issue with this.Sure, Sigurd was a third-rank, but he''d only been so for a few months now, and they had plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Worstes to worst, they could always wait until Erik became a third-rank, since that wasn''t even that far off anymore.


    Erik may not have had any head start, and he may have had to advance two systems at the same time, but back on S?l, Elora had fed him plenty of resources to make up for that And now, here on Earth, the''s development phase was speeding him along quite nicely.


    He was pulled out of his thoughts by Astrid, who was still grasping his shirt and sitting straight. She had begun to squirm a little as her eyes shifted left and right. She was ufortable. "Yeah, but¡­ I thought¡­ I mean, I guess I just thought you felt guilty¡­ or something."


    Seeing her expression, Erik decided it was time to make things clear. His gaze became serious and possessive, yet also deeply caring and protective, while his brows furrowed. He grabbed her chin and locked his eyes on hers. "Don''t doubt your importance to me, Astrid. Yes, I feel guilty for ignoring you in the past, but that is not the reason I want to help you."


    Astrid looked at his piercing amber gaze with trembling eyes as he continued, "You are loyal, passionate, and strong. Both in body and mind. I was a fool for not seeing it in the past, but I see it now. You had feelings for me back then, and until you explicitly tell me those feelings are gone, I will consider you mine."


    His gaze gained an extrayer of possessiveness as he repeated his point, "You. Are. Mine. Until you tell me you do not wish to be. And so long as you are, I will do everything in my power to make you happy and avenge any slight against you. You are the girl I should have fallen in love with back then, not Edda, and I want to rectify that mistake."


    They kept looking into each other''s eyes for a moment longer, Erik with confidence, care, protectiveness, and an abyss of possessiveness, Astrid with confusion and a desire to punch something to vent her feelings.


    Astrid felt herself get lost in Erik''s deep amber puddles, wrapping her in its embrace, perhaps promising, or perhaps warning, to never let her go again.


    "I¡ª" Astrid began but was immediately interrupted by Erik. His gaze softened, the abyss disappeared, he released her chin, and his lips formed into a sad smile. "But if that''s not what you wish, I''ll still help you. Only then, it will be out of guilt and in the name of our past alone, and when we''re done, we''ll likely never see each other again."


    He didn''t like that option, but he had to present it, at least. He couldn''t, or rather wouldn''t, force Astrid to remain with him.


    Astrid''s eyes and body trembled, "W- Why not?" she mumbled.


    "Because my life is veryplicated right now," Erik answered, with furrowed brows, his gaze filled withplicated feelings. "After I''m done in thesends, I''ll leave to pursue Edda and my mother. As for after that, I''m not sure yet. But chances are I won''t return here without good reason."


    At this point, Astrid still held Erik''s shirt, but her shoulder had sagged a little and she looked uncertain. "I see¡­" she mumbled and looked down for a moment.


    Then, looking back up, her gaze had regained its fire and steel. "I''ll need some time," she said. "I''ve considered you dead for seven years, and you''ve changed a lot. Many of those changes I may consider positive, but it''s not the you I..." suddenly, her gaze wavered again, as she looked a little awkward.


    Clearly, she was still not entirely ready to suddenly talk about her past feelings so openly.


    Luckily, Erik wouldn''t let her suffer, so he chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Of course. I can''t say you''ll have all the time you need because at some point I''ll leave thesends, but whatever the case, I won''t leave before your mother is freed, and Sigurd is put down like a dog."


    For some reason, she felt certain he would be able to deliver on his promises. She didn''t know why, and it didn''t really make sense either. Especially since they were both second-rank and Sigurd was third-rank. But she didn''t care. She tookfort in that certainty and simply decided not to think too hard about it.


    She nodded and released his shirt, before sagging back into the sofa with a sigh and a smile. "Thank you, Erik. It''s¡­ it''s really amazing to see you again."


    Smiling at her, Erik answered, "You, too, Astrid." Then he lifted an eyebrow. "So how did you escape, anyway? Sigurd locked your mother away, but surely, he didn''t just leave you alone?"

 Chapter 141: Chapter 141 - You of all people?!

    Hearing his question, Astrid closed her eyes and took a deep breath. NovelFirearious memories of that fateful day when Sigurd betrayed her mother seemed to pass through her mind as she spoke, "Some loyalists managed to smuggle me out before Sigurd got to me on the day it all went down. I don''t¡­ know what happened to them afterward."


    Erik noticed her trembling as guilt and anger filled her. He said nothing but squeezed the arm around her shoulders a little tighter.


    "I knew those men and women¡­" she mumbled, "Some of them I considered¡­ well, not friends, but something close to it. They''re probably dead now¡­"


    Erik nodded. He understood her feelings perfectly. In a way, the people of Frostvik also gave their lives so that he could escape.


    "It may not bring them back," he said, in the mostforting tone he could muster, "but all we have left is revenge now. Which means that all we can do¡­ is make it a good one."


    Astrid''s fire returned to her eyes, and she nodded with a steel gaze. "Yeah."


    So far Emma had just been listening to their conversation with changing expressions, but now, she suddenly spoke up with a bright smile, "Revenge¡­ and each other, though. Right?"


    Astrid and Erik blinked before Erik chuckled and the dour mood was suddenly broken. "You''re absolutely right, Emma. In fact," he began, as he beckoned Emma closer, "we don''t only have each other, we have you, Elora, and Emily, as well." He said, before grabbing Emma''s wrist and pulling her on hisp.


    Emma yelped and giggled while her outfit fluttered, beforending on hisp and wrapping her arm around Erik''s neck and shoulders.


    Feeling Emma''s soft body against his, while her love and care overflowed, made Erik chuckle to himself, ''She really is too cute.''


    While Erik''s right arm remained around Astrid''s shoulders, his left now snaked across Emma''s waist to pull her closer to him. Smiling warmly, he lightly kissed Emma, before saying, "I didn''t mean it that way, though. I meant that all we have left of the dead is revenge."


    Stubbornly, Emma pouted. "Revenge and memories." Clearly, she didn''t want Erik and Astrid to be overly focused on revenge, so Erik could only relent. He chuckled, "Alright, alright. Memories, too."


    Despite his words, a dark sh went across his mind, ''But I certainly won''t forget about the revenge,'' he thought.


    Having finished his thought, he turned towards Astrid with a yful grin, knowing what awaited him. And indeed, Astrid was staring at him with an angry re from narrowed eyes. "I think it''s about time you tell me your story. Particrly, what the hell is going on between you and Emma after you just made that deration to me."


    Despite her overtly angry re, Erik could see many emotions ying behind her eyes. Anger was there, sure, but also disappointment, fear, anxiety, and depression. She was also clenching and unclenching her fists, clearly ready to create a second hole in as many walls.


    "I suggest you quickly exin yourself," giggled the mischievous voice of the fairy in his head.


    Rolling his eyes inwardly, Erik quickly lost the yful grin and smiled softly instead. "I meant every word of what I said, Astrid, but¡­ Emma is my second wife. If you wish to reignite your feelings for me and see where things go, then you''d have to share me."


    Astrid''s eyes opened wide, and most of the previous emotions had been reced with utter shock. She turned her gaze towards Emma, seeking confirmation, and naturally, Emma simply nodded with her signature bright smile.


    Immediately, she jumped up and pointed at Erik. Not in an usatory way, but more simply out of pure shock. "You?!" she yelled, "Timid little Erik, following around Edda like a puppy?! You of all people are creating a harem?!"


    Hearing her outburst, Erik could only chuckle with amusement. "You already know I''m not the same Erik you knew all those years ago. So why not a harem?"


    Hearing his admission, Astrid fell back onto the sofa and sagged against the backrest with her hand on her forehead and her eyes still wide in shock. "Why not a harem, he says¡­" Several thoughts seemed to be passing through her head as shey there.


    Experience tales at m-vl-emp _yr.


    Watching her, Erik was d her initial reaction was one of shock, rather than disgust or anger. Although, whether she would ept, and want to be a part of, his lifestyle, was still in question.


    Yet, before anyone else could say something she suddenly sat up with eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Wait a second. If she''s your wife, why the hell is she calling you Master and serving you like a maid?"


    Anger shed across her face and she seemed ready to continue their earlier fight, "Do you need me to beat you up until you remember how you''re supposed to treat your wife?"


    Before Erik could answer, Emma took this one on herself with a bright smile. She didn''t really like how Astrid was insinuating Erik would force this role upon her, but she realized Astrid was saying it out of worry for her. Besides, Emma had very little capacity for anger.


    "Don''t worry! Master made no demands of me!" she said, cheerfully. Her face then flushed red a little in embarrassment, "I just enjoy it¡­" she said softly and with a smiling pout.


    Had her arm not been hooked around Erik''s neck, she surely would have poked her fingers together.


    Astrid nearly had a heart attack when she looked at Emma''s cuteness, causing all anger to drain from her face. "I- I, uh. T- That''s okay then," she stammered.


    Chuckling, Erik couldn''t help but kiss his cute wife, "And so do I¡­" he whispered in her ear.


    Watching their disy, Astrid had aplicated expression on her face. On the one hand, she felt a little jealous of Emma. On the other, she still wasn''t sure what she wanted herself, especially with this new information¡­


    After a few moments of silence, Erik looked at Astrid and raised an eyebrow. "So¡­ what do you think¡­? About the whole harem thing?"

 Chapter 142: Chapter 142 - Astrid meets Elora

    Erik actually felt a little anxious about this. On the one hand, Astrid was a link to a painful past. On the other¡­ she was also a link to a happy past.


    More importantly, though, he liked Astrid. ''In fact, I think it''s likely even my younger self had some feelings for Astrid. I just¡­ was too obsessed with Edda to realize it.'' He thought, while also chastising his idiotic younger self once again.


    Thus, he hoped having to share him would not create too much of an obstacle for Astrid.


    Feeling his slight anxiety through their link, both Elora and Emma sent himforting emotions back, while Emma also poured him some more tea.


    Hearing his question, Astrid released a long breath, before eventually shrugging her shoulders. "Well¡­ it''s not what I would have wanted, but¡­ well, for starters, the dominion is full of harems."


    She chuckled a little deprecatingly, "It seemed only social convention was keeping people from doing it before because it didn''t take more than a few months before the most powerful vampires started filling their homes with beautiful vampires and humans. And it wasn''t just men, either, no! Plenty of women did the same thing."


    Hearing her words, Emma had raised her eyebrows in surprise, but Erik simply nodded, clearly having expected something like that.


    Astrid continued with a shrug, "So, anyway, I''ve gotten pretty ustomed to the idea by now, but¡­" She started squirming a little while doing everything she could to avoid looking into Erik''s eyes. "Well¡­ there''s something else."


    She fell silent for a moment, as her flushed face and behavior clearly indicated she was embarrassed about something. Finally, she continued, "Frankly, back then I¡­ would sometimes think about proposing to share you with Edda."


    This time, it was Erik''s turn to widen his eyes in shock and almost spit out the tea he had just drank to try and calm his nerves a little. "You¡­ what?"


    Seeing his reaction, Astrid lost her embarrassment, chuckled, and shrugged again. "Well, what else could I do? I was head over heels for you. I mean, it all started with an obsession over your fighting ability and strength, but eventually, I started to want you to look at me the way you looked at Edda."


    She sighed with a weight of unspoken words and missed opportunities, "But you never paid me any attention, so¡­ I had to think of other solutions. Naturally, I never went through with it. Which was partly because I was embarrassed, but mostly because¡­" she trailed off and chuckled before looking at Erik with a hint of yful ridicule, "because I didn''t think you''d ept."


    Erik felt that mental gut punch hit him right where it hurt: his younger self''s idiocy. The fact was, he was so timid, socially awkward, and obsessed with Edda back then, that he really might have rejected something that most men would only dream of.


    He groaned and palmed his face, "You might even be right¡­"


    Emma, who had so far simply been watching their exchange with a smile, could only giggle. "I love you just the way you are now and don''t want you to ever change, Master. But I would have liked to meet this younger version of you some time."


    Her words caused Erik to only groan even louder, "No. No, you really wouldn''t." He turned towards Astrid and couldn''t help but ask, "That reminds me, why did you even like me? I mean, I get my fighting prowess interested you, but it had to be more than that, right?"


    Still sagged back into the sofa she was sitting on, Astrid smiled a little wistfully and scratched her head. "Well¡­ as I said, I wanted you to look at me the way you looked at Edda. I mean, I know I said I preferred the new you, and I do, but¡­"


    She trailed off as she looked a little uncertain about her own thoughts and turned her head up to look at the ceiling with a faraway gaze.


    Suddenly, a fourth voice entered the conversation, "But the old him had some charms as well. Particrly, the way he could look at a woman, and everyone would just know that, to him, no one in the universe existed, except for you."


    Gaining a dreamy look in her eyes, Astrid smiled softly and nodded, "Yeah, exactly."


    The same voice then responded, "I don''t disagree, though¡­ this possessive look he sometimes gets now when he looks at a woman he considers as his¡­ that''s not bad either, right? It might not exactly make me feel like I''m the only woman in existence anymore, but¡­ it does make me feel protected, cared for, and like he''ll burn down a world for me."


    NovelFire|mp-yr chapter


    Astrid thought back to the way Erik looked at her earlier, and her smile went a little crooked, "That''s not wrong, either. It felt a little intimidating at first, but¡­ then it felt kind of nice."


    After a few moments of silence, realization suddenly seemed to cross Astrid''s face, and she sat up, looked around, and raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Wait, who just said that?"


    Suddenly, she noticed a small woman with wings sitting on Emma''s shoulder, while the white-haired maid and Erik chuckled at her confusion.


    Elora had chosen Emma, who was still sitting on Erik''sp, simply because that allowed for a better view of Astrid.


    The fairy waved at Astrid with a mischievous grin, "That would be me."


    Naturally, Astrid''s eyes went wide as she pointed at Elora. "E- Emma, there''s a tiny creature on your shoulder!"


    Emma giggled, "I know!"


    "Astrid," Erik began while caressing Elora''s head with a finger, "I''d like you to meet Elora¡ªmy first wife, and the woman who saved me seven years ago."


    Elora chuckled at Astrid''s baffled expression, before shrugging, and continuing her story from before, "I think I fell in love with him because he eventually looked at me that way. But after he began changing, I loved his new look even more."


    Astrid blinked a few times before closing her eyes and sighing while she internalized this new information and forced herself to ept that tiny humanoids apparently existed. She already knew there was supposed to be an Elora around here anyway, so it wasn''t that big of a surprise.


    When she opened her eyes again, she looked at Elora with sincere gratitude. "Thank you for saving him, Elora."

 Chapter 143: Chapter 143 - Emma and Astrid learn his story

    Elora decided to ignore this non-family member calling her by her first name since she was sort of a special case. Besides, this woman had a rare and powerful affinity: sun affinity. Thus, regardless of Erik''s past with her, she really wanted Astrid to join them.


    So instead of reprimanding her, she just smiled softly, "It''s not like I didn''t get anything out of it."


    While Erik was looking fondly at Elora, he suddenly felt a hot stare from his side, so he chuckled and looked at Astrid next to him.


    "I think it''s about time you start talking about what happened to you in thest seven years now, Erik." She said with narrowed eyes, "Setting aside your resurrection from the dead, your personality changes, and your multiple wives, you''ve now also got fairy-like creatures, and I think I deserve some answers before my head explodes."


    Hearing her demand caused Erik to chuckle. "Really? But I was just enjoying hearing you talk about how much you like my special look," he said while wiggling his eyebrows yfully.


    Naturally, Astrid just narrowed her eyes even more and began to crack her knuckles, so Erik chuckled again, before momentarily falling silent and furrowing his brows.


    The thing was, telling Astrid his story was somewhat of a risk. After all, he was sure Emma was entirely devoted to him, while Viljar was bound by a covenant, but Astrid was none of these things.


    "It''s entirely up to you," he heard the supportive voice of his beloved partner say in his head.


    Finally, after a moment of silence, with Astrid staring daggers at him, he sighed and relented inwardly. This had already gone too far anyway, and if he wanted Astrid to be truly his in the future, he would need to be honest with her now.


    ''But no one else besides Mom will get to hear it in the future, not without some way to ensure their silence,'' he promised himself.


    He turned to Astrid, "I''ll tell you everything, but it can''t leave this room, understand? You can''t even tell your mother when we free her."


    Having already expected his story to be pretty fantastical and secretive, Astrid lost her narrowed, angry gaze and nodded seriously. "It''s been a few years, but you can still trust me, Erik."


    So, he nodded, smiled, and began his story.


    This was actually the first time for Emma to hear the entirety of Erik''s story as well, so she listened with careful attention.


    The story he told was simr to the one he told his uncle, though perhaps he included some more details about the rtionship aspects of his little, recently expanded, three-person family.


    Learning Erik was also sticking it to others, outside of his two wives, caused Astrid''s eyelids to twitch a little, but she refrained frommenting about it.


    Naturally, Astrid was utterly baffled from the very moment Erik exined how he had been teleported to an entirely different world.


    Learning the universe was farrger than just their little blue marble was obviously quite the revtion.


    Emma''s reaction was far milder, however. At one point, she had already suspected something simr to this,rgely due to her inhuman intuition. Even if she hadn''t, however, she didn''t care much. She dly left these kinds of big-picture issues to Erik and Elora while she simply took care of Erik.


    Eventually, Erik neared the end of his story and told Astrid how he encountered her in a ghoul patrol, subdued her, and took her with him, before feeding her his blood while Elora sealed her memories.


    He even told her exactly what happened between them and Nora. After all, better she finds out about the kind of things he and Elora engage in now, rather thanter.


    Interestingly, after learning about his extra-marital rtions, the fact they enved Nora didn''t seem to faze Astrid much.


    Although Erik really wasn''t too surprised by that. Though not unkind, Astrid''s nature leaned more towards pragmatism and loyalty, with a constant yearning forbat. Thus, the envement of an enemy who was basically asking for it did not raise her eyebrows.


    Finally, he got to his marriage with Emma, and the way both of their bodies had been marked. When he got to this point, Emma wasn''t really listening anymore, as she just caressed her tattoo while looking ahead with a dreamy expression.


    At the end of it all, the room went quiet, and everyone had different expressions on their faces. Erik looked rxed, although inwardly he was a little nervous, as this was the second big test of his possible future rtionship with Astrid.


    As for Astrid herself, she looked at him with narrowed eyes, and a thoughtful expression, clearly mulling over everything he had told her so far.


    Meanwhile, Emma was still looking dreamily into nothingness, while Elora had a small, curious smile hanging on her lips.


    At some point, Astrid lost her thoughtful expression but didn''t seem ready to share her thoughts just yet. Instead, she turned to the dreamy-looking Emma with a strange expression. "This girl''s got it bad for you, huh?"


    Erik chuckled, but before he could answer, it seemed Emma shook herself free from her trance-like state to answer Astrid herself. She looked at the vampire with a bright smile, "I''ve decided to make Master my world." Then she giggled a little, "So yes, I suppose I''ve ''got it bad for him.''"


    thanks for reading on m|v|l|e|m|p|y|r


    "I see¡­" she mumbled as her voice trailed of a little, tinted with doubt. It was difficult for her to understand how someone could wholly devote themselves to another like Emma seemed to.


    In fact, there was a tiny little part of her that suspected Erik, or perhaps that little fairy woman, had done something to Emma. She tried hard to suppress that suspicion as she hoped that Erik, at his core, was still the man she once knew.


    But she realized only time would tell whether that was true or not.


    Yet, despite Astrid''s attempts at hiding her suspicion, Elora could still pick up on it and ryed it to Erik, who felt a pang of sadness at that news. He couldn''t really me her, though. After all, he had just told a story where he and Elora did note off as particrly upstanding citizens.


    He realized that all he could do was continue being himself, and showing Astrid he was still the person she once knew, at least at his core.

 Chapter 144: Chapter 144 - A challenge

    After that, an awkward silence reigned for a while.


    Astrid''s eyes were downcast, her brow was furrowed, and her expressionplicated.


    Meanwhile, Erik looked calm, but on the inside, his emotions were far more chaotic. He wanted Astrid to ept him, wanted that part of his past to stay with him, wanted to love the girl whom he should have loved from the beginning.


    Still, he could take sce in the fact she hadn''t denied his intentions for her yet.


    As for Emma and Elora, they sensed Erik''s inner feelings through their link and sent him feelings of support. Elora was loving and with a hint of her own obsessive possessiveness; Emma was bright andforting. Together, they provided a soothing contrast for Erik.


    Feeling their support, Erik released a sigh, ''Well, whatever will be, will be,'' he thought.


    Having calmed his emotions, he smiled down at the white-haired woman on hisp and took her in his arms before standing up.


    At the same time, Elora quickly fluttered from Emma''s shoulder over to his. Emma giggled happily as she went up in the air, still with her arms around his neck.


    Now standing, Erik smiled at Emma with something that was not quite love yet but came infinitely close to it. When you could literally feel the love someone held for you pouring out of them, it was hard not to feel some of that yourself.


    He leaned in to kiss her, and she responded happily. Feeling Erik''s delicious taste, Emma moaned lightly as her eyes rolled up in her head. Erik enjoyed Emma''s soft, wet lips as always, but the thing he loved most was seeing her reactions to him.


    When they separated, Emma was smiling deliriously, causing Erik to chuckle. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "This is only a taste. Tonight you will get the real thing."


    Emma''s silly smile quickly transformed into one of anxious excitement, despite her flushed cheeks. "Y- Yes¡­" she mumbled.


    He put her down and lightly groped her ass while wearing a perverted grin. Then he turned towards Astrid, his grin having transformed into a warm smile. The strawberry-blond girl had barely responded to their actions and still seemed to be lost in thought.


    "Well, you''ve clearly got a lot to process and think about," Erik said. "Would you like us to leave you alone? Alternatively, you coulde join my training with the others?"


    Astrid finally seemed to be pulled from her thoughts and looked up at Erik withplicated emotions. She blinked a few times, apparently taking a moment to register his question, before suddenly jumping up from the sofa with an excited grin, "Alright, but I won''t be holding back this time!"


    Erikughed heartily at her provocation, "Bring it on, big Sis!"


    That title seemed to do some emotional damage to Astrid as she staggered back with narrowed eyes, "You! Don''t think you can win me over just by calling me¡­ that!"


    Erik grinned yfully, "I wouldn''t dream of it, big Sis! Is it so wrong that I like calling you big Sis now? Maybe I''ll just start calling you big Sis all the time!"


    With exaggerated anger, Astrid covered her ears and yelled, "Argh! Stop it, stop it, stop it! I won''t let you convince me like that!"


    Despite their banter, theplicated emotions in Astrid''s eyes were still clear, although they did lighten a little.


    Erik chuckled happily. In the past, he barely interacted with Astrid in this way, as he was way too awkward for that. But now, he could enjoy himself. "Alright, alright. But you still want me to call you that, right? So how about we make it a bet?


    If you manage tond a clear hit on me today, despite your weakened state, I''ll call you Sister from now on. And if you can defeat me, either today or someday in the future, I''ll call you big Sis for the rest of our lives. Deal?"


    Interest shone in Astrid''s eyes as she narrowed them, "Hmm, but the first part of that deal only counts for today?"


    Chuckling, Erik nodded. "That''s right. I only dare to do that now because you''re still recovering."


    Naturally, Astrid wouldn''t shy away from something like this, so she humphed and red at him with clear fighting intent and excitement, herplicated feelings nowrgely pushed to the back of her mind. "You''re on! I''ll teach you not to underestimate me in any situation!"


    Now mirroring her excitement and fighting intent, Erik grinned "I look forward to seeing it!" before turning to Emma lightly kissing her again and smiling softly. "Go join the others in the bedroom together with Elora.


    I trust you to make some dinner for uster, okay? With our new bond, you now have ess to the storage space in my armor, so take whatever food looks good to you."


    Emma smiled and nodded, "As you wish, Master!"


    Next, Elora erged herself while she fluttered down from Erik''s shoulder. In the process of falling and erging, she hooked her left arm around his neck, making her swing and crash softly against his body, where he caught her with one arm and a grin. .


    Astrid, seeing this for the first time, widened her eyes in surprise. Not only for the way she saw a woman suddenly expand before her eyes but also because of how utterly devastating Elora''s beauty was.


    She couldn''t help but feel a sting of jealousy pass through her.


    Meanwhile, Erik and Elora were looking into each other''s eyes, a hint of a challenge shining through in them, before Elora relented with a chuckle and leaned in to kiss Erik.


    Their kiss was wet, deep, and as perverted as a kiss could get, causing both Emma and Astrid to be red in the face, even as they kept watching.


    Whether Elora was trying to establish dominance in front of these two other women or simply wanted to enjoy a more extensive kiss with Erik was uncertain, but when they were done, the fairy turned towards Emma and Astrid before winking and licking her lips.


    Erik could only chuckle and grin, before disentangling himself from Elora and smacking her on her perfectly shaped ass. "Go on, my empress. Educate my other women!"


    Naturally, he meant on sigil craft and general cultivation, but the implication made Elora giggle, and speak in a sultry tone, "As you wish, my Master"


    The other women present in the room blushed even more, while Astrid''s eyelids twitched as she remembered their weird bet.


    Elora turned around elegantly, her crimson hair fluttering in the air, and beckoned for Emma to follow her. "Come, dear. I''ll use some sigils to create a quiet space for you, while I teach those other two."


    She walked away with the strut of a confident and powerful empress, causing Erik to smile fondly, while Astrid was surprised to find herself momentarily mesmerized.


    While they walked, Elora leaned over to Emma and whispered with a yful and lusty twinkle in her eye, "Maybe we can also have a little talk about how you''d like tonight to go, hmm?"


    Still blushing a little from before, Emma now looked more akin to a tomato on a human body. Despite that, she also softly squeaked out an approval to Elora''s n.


    When they were gone, Astrid shook herself free from her daze before snorting in annoyance at herself. She finally couldn''t resist her urges anymore and punched the unprepared Erik standing next to her in the side out of annoyance and a hint of jealousy. "Are we going, or what?!" she growled.

 Chapter 145: Chapter 145 - A clean hit

    And so they did.


    The two reunited friends spent the rest of the day simply sparring and training on the frozen, snow-covered grounds of Frostvik. They didn''t speak much during this time, outside of giving each other pointers or bantering.


    All the while, Erik kept Katya''s training manual in the back of his mind and used it as a guide to improve his stances and training methods. He quickly noticed a remarkable increase in his body''s aetherium absorption and power generation.


    He could feel his movements bing more fluid, and his strength increasing, as the aetherium altered, and improved his body, advancing him along the path of a Runebound.


    ''I wonder if she actually developed this thing herself, or if this is another relic from Earth''s mysterious past,'' he thought to himself. ''Although, if she did develop it herself, that would be incredibly impressive. Even I, together with Elora, wasn''t able to create something like this in thest seven years.''


    Of course, Elora wasn''t that much help in Runebound matters, since she wasn''t one herself, but she was able to inspect Erik''s body on a deeply essential level.


    It was together that they discovered the mysteries of a Runebound body, while the rest of Earth all had each other topare notes with.


    He also used the knowledge from Katya''s manual to help Astrid improve as well, causing her to be amazed.


    "You say you got that manual from this councilwoman, Katya?" she asked, awe in her voice, while they were taking a short break. They were currently sitting on the ground, and leaning back on their arms. Join the journey at m-vlempy _r.


    The snow and cold naturally didn''t bother their powerful bodies.


    Erik chuckled at the look in her eyes. Anything that had to do with fighting or improving strength never failed to interest Astrid. "Yeah, she wanted to entice me into bing her apprentice."


    Astrid sighed as looked up, "I''m not sure I would have been able to decline as you did. Training with the woman who came up with that manual sounds like a dream."


    "Maybe you''ll get the chance yet," Erikughed softly. "But are you sure you wouldn''t have declined? You''d suddenly be bound to arge faction with many people more powerful than you. Who knows when they''d let you leave to get revenge on Edda? If ever?"


    A difficult look appeared on Astrid''s face as her desire for strength warred with her hatred of Edda. A hatred that hadn''t diminished simply because Erik was still alive.


    In fact, it was entirely possible Edda''s betrayal had simply given Astrid a reason to vent a resentment towards Edda that had perhaps always been there. A resentment born from watching her crush drool all over the golden-haired bitch.


    Eventually, Astrid sighed, "Well, maybe you''re right." Then she jumped up. "Alright, enough resting! You''ll call me sister by the end of the day, or my name isn''t Astrid Frost!"


    Hearing her full name, Erik was suddenly a little struck by the irony of someone with the name Frost getting a sun affinity. Naturally, he had known herst name before, he just didn''t really think about it until now.


    Shaking himself free from those thoughts, he jumped up as well with a taunting grin. "Well, you''ll still have a few more hours to think of a new name for yourself then."


    "I''ll make you eat those words!" Astrid yelled before charging Erik with an excited grin.


    Chuckling, Erik prepared to receive her, and so their day went on.


    Unfortunately for the shapeshifters who came there to receive some training from Erik, they were now going entirely ignored.


    Sure, when Erik and Astrid left the house and saw them training, Erik whipped them into shape for a few minutes while Astrid watched, but once Erik and Astrid got going, Anne, Bj?rn, f, and even his uncle Viljar had to start fending for themselves.


    They couldn''t even leave, because the covenant forced them to be here and train! Not that it mattered. They couldn''t leave Frostvik because of the same covenant, so what else were they going to do?


    They didn''t really mind anyway. Only Bj?rn looked a little disappointed as he had actually been looking forward to learning from the man who was not only his teacher''s son but had also defeated Viljar.


    Finally, the sun began to fall below Frostvik''s houses, and the shadows became longer. By now, Astrid had an essentially permanent smile stered on her face. Her mind had calmed down a lot, after this cathartic afternoon.


    She looked at the humanoid wolf in front of her with a fondness born from many memories of this exact scenario. ''I still don''t know if I can trust the new him,'' she thought, ''but¡­ damn it feels good to spar with him again.'' Her eyes actually became a little wet at that thought.


    Erik lowered his arms and looked at her with raised eyebrows in surprise, "Astrid?" he asked with some concern in his voice, "Are you alright?"


    The vampire woman chuckled and wiped her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. I''m fine. It''s just¡­" she looked up at him with a happy smile. "It''s just really good to see you again."


    Erik grinned and winked, "I hope it will turn into something more than just seeing each other again. Remember, you''re mine until you say otherwise."


    Seeing that possessive look appear in his eyes again, Astrid gulped a little as she felt herself heat up a little. But then she quickly broke eye contact and coughed. "Y- Yeah," she mumbled.


    Yet, despite her subconscious screaming at her to just give in to her old feelings, trust Erik, and jump right into his little harem, she couldn''t. Not yet. She needed to be sure he was still the old Erik at his core.


    ''Maybe if I¡­'' a thought jumped to mind, but it was interrupted by Emma''s sudden appearance. "Dinner is ready, Master, Astrid." The white-haired girl said with her signature bright smile.


    Seeing her appear, Erik turned towards her with a warm smile, "Thank you, Emma. We''ll be ri¡ª"


    Bam!


    Suddenly, pain shot through his side, and he found himself flying through the air. "Oof," he groaned, as arge breath of air was forced out of him. Yet, before hitting the ground, he elegantly turned in the air andnded on his feet. Then, he turned to face his ambusher with a raised eyebrow and an amused smirk.


    What he saw was Astrid with a shit-eating grin on her face. "There''s your clean hit!" sheughed. "A little clutch maybe, but we weren''t done fighting yet!"

 Chapter 146: Chapter 146 - Sleeping arrangements

    "Master!" Emma yelped, and quickly sprinted up to Erik to see if he was alright.


    She fussed over him for a moment, while Erik scratched his head and chuckled, ensuring Emma that he was fine.


    A few meters away, some orange-colored runes were just in the process of fading from Astrid''s skin. She had likely used some kind of speed or body-enhancing ability, making that her second skill, after the beam attack she used earlier.


    When Emma found nothing wrong with Erik, she turned around to pout angrily at an awkward-looking Astrid. "That was mean!" she said, angrily. Unfortunately, even her angry face was more cute than anything.


    ''Although I wonder what she would look like if she were truly angry, and not just projecting,'' Erik thought, as he ced a hand on Emma''s shoulder with a smile. "It wasn''t your fault, Emma."


    Since he could sense her emotions, he knew she felt more sad and annoyed at herself than angry at Astrid. Clearly, she med herself, thinking she had caused Erik harm.


    When she witnessed some of their fights earlier, she wasn''t happy that Astrid was attacking Erik either, yet she could still somewhat understand. But now? Ambushing him when he was talking to her had made her feel guilty.


    When Erik so easily revealed her true feelings, Emma quickly deted and poked her fingers together. His words soothed her, but she still felt sad. Erikughed warmly, turned Emma towards him, took her chin, and lightly kissed her lips.


    "You''ll have to get used to these things, Emma," he then said, with a grin. "Astrid and I enjoy fighting, and sometimes, we''ll ambush each other. But it''s all part of the game. She would never actually hurt me. Right, Astrid?"


    He turned to the vampire woman, who was now looking at them and scratching her head. ''I never expected her to react that way,'' she thought to herself.


    Seeing them both looking at her, Astrid quickly nodded, "Y- Yeah. Of course not."


    Sensing that she was perhaps overreacting, Emma panned her gaze between these two and then sighed, before turning to Erik. "Are you really alright, Master?" When she saw him nod, she turned to Astrid with a cute re, "Just don''t do it anymore when I''m talking to him, alright?"


    Despite Emma being not only weaker than her, and her look really not being particrly threatening, Astrid still couldn''t help but feel a little intimidated. Emma''s gaze contained a fierce protectiveness and deep devotion to Erik, making Astrid wonder exactly what this girl wouldn''t do for him.


    So, she nodded. "Y- Yeah, sure."


    Immediately, Emma''s signature bright smile returned and she walked back into the house while saying, "Good! Come on, food is ready!"


    When she was gone, Erik chuckled at Astrid''s baffled expression and walked closer to her. "It''s hard to deny her anything, isn''t it, sister?" he asked her.


    Astrid had no apparent reaction to being called sister by Erik. Instead, she had aplicated look on her face and nodded, "Yeah¡­ she''s a strangebination of cute, intimidating, mature, and immature."


    Erik frowned and appeared thoughtful as he answered, "It''s a consequence of what she endured in thest seven years. In some ways, she grew up quicker than most, in others, she iscking behind a little." Then he shrugged, "Only time will help her."


    "Yet, you still married her?" Astrid asked, with a raised eyebrow. Her thoughts were unclear. brought to you by NovelFire-empyr


    Erik nodded with a smile, despite the hint of an usation in Astrid''s voice. "Of course. She passed Elora''s test, and even now, I can feel her love for me is genuine. That won''t change with time, dear sister. Even if she does still have some growing to do."


    Astrid''s eyebrows twitched when Erik called her that for the second time. "Just quit it with the sister stuff. Thatst hit barely counted anyway, and I''d rather not have that girl angry at me." She turned to him with a grin, "I''ll just work towards the final goal of Big Sister."


    "Sure, Astrid." Erikughed, "I look forward to it", before walking inside. Astrid remained standing for a moment longer and narrowed her eyes. ''That''s one point in your favor, Erik. But I''m not done with you yet.'' She thought, before following Erik.


    Meanwhile, the group of Viljar, f, Anne, and Bj?rn had already disappeared and gone back to Viljar''s house to rest. Tomorrow would be another day of training.


    *****


    About an hourter, a group of one man and five women was gathered in the living room. Nora had stayed for dinner but was now about to leave. She kissed her master, Erik, and whispered in his ear, "Remember what you promised me about tomorrow!"


    Realizing she referred to his promise about making her see stars again, he grinned and groped her bountiful ass a little, "We''ll see if I''m in the mood," he whispered back, causing Nora to pout.


    Unfortunately for Nora, she was unceremoniously thrown out of the house with a resounding p on her bottom. When she walked home, she trembled slightly as her lower body gushed and a lustful smile hung on her lips.


    Somehow, Erik''s dismissive attitude towards her had started to turn her on.


    Back at the house, Astrid looked a little awkwardly around the group and scratched her head. "So, uh," she began. "What are the sleeping arrangements like? I mean, I can easily go a few days without sleep, which I would honestly prefer over sleeping in a pile with all of you¡­" she coughed. "No offense, of course. "


    The fact that Elora and Emma were Erik''s wives, while Emily was not, but Elora could also merge into Erik''s body, caused Astrid to wonder about the logistical issues of having a single bedroom avable.


    Since she had made sure the other bedroom wasn''t really usable anymore. And neither was the bed coincidentally, as it, along with most of the furniture in Erik''s old room, had not survived their reunion.


    Elora chuckled, "Don''t worry, Astrid. You''lle to enjoy piling up onto Erik together with the rest of us." Seeing Astrid''s conflicted gaze, she grinned before waving her hand, causing the red storage jewel on her forehead to sh. "But we won''t force you to."


    Suddenly, in the middle of the room, an ornate and luxurious, one-person bed appeared, causing everyone except for Erik and Elora to yelp and jump back a little.


    She had already discussed this with Erik, and they agreed that trying to get Astrid to sleep in the same room as them would only backfire for now.


    "Wait just a second!" two voices suddenly yelled out at the same time. "You can just conjure beds out of thin air?!"

 Chapter 147: Chapter 147 - Curiosity made me do it

    Naturally, the remaining eyes quickly panned towards the two voices. One of which was, unsurprisingly, Astrid, who marveled at Elora''s ability to store and conjure suchrge items.


    The other, perhaps just as unsurprisingly, was a red-faced Emily, who now stared at Elora with narrowed eyes, while pointing an using finger at the fairy.


    Elora blinked innocently, before cocking her head to the side as she looked at Emily, "Yeah? So what?" She had decided to answer Emily, rather than Astrid, as this was exactly the reaction she was hoping to get from the fiery, ck-haired woman.


    Astrid barely noticed, however, as she was currently busy marveling at the bed, touching it, to make sure was actually real, and trying out the mattress.


    With Elora''s answer, Emily''s eyes began to spit fire, "You know damn well what! Since we got here I''ve beenining that we had only one bed to sleep in!"


    In response, Elora giggled with amusement, "Oh! That was real? I''m so sorry, little pet! It''s just that, for the past two nights, you clung so tightly to Master, I figured yourints were just for show!"


    Emily''s eyelid twitched, but she forced herself to remain calm. Going off at this domineering, annoying, and mischievous fairy was only going to bite her in the ass. So she spoke through gritted teeth, with fury in her eyes, "It was not for show. I would really like my own bed, please."


    "Oh well, if that''s the case, we can certainly discuss it in a minute, when Astrid is settled, alright?" Despite her seemingly polite and civil words, no one in the room actually believed it would be that easy for Emily, particrly because of Elora''s yful grin and mischievous twinkle.


    Speaking of the others, Erik was exining the particrs of Elora''s storage jewel to Astrid, while Emma stood nervously in between Emily and Elora during their discussion. ''Can''t they just get along?'' she thought to herself. ''I can''t wait for Big Em to marry Master alongside me.''


    Still through gritted teeth, Emily answered Elora, "Fine." Her eyes spoke volumes of how little she expected toe from Elora''s promised discussion.


    With Emily''s agreement, Elora chuckled meaningfully and then turned to Astrid and Erik. By now, Astrid had finished marveling over the bed, and Elora asked, with a grin, "Will this do?"


    Emily grimaced at the difference in treatment. ''Aren''t both me and Astrid still in her precious non-family bracket?'' she thought to herself resentfully.


    Yet, in the back of her mind, she knew the difference between her and the vampire woman.


    Erik''s feelings.


    She did believe Erik cared for her, just not enough to stop Elora from having her fun. In the end, the only way for her to be somewhat equal to Elora in Erik''s eyes, was for her to love and marry him.


    The problem was that she didn''t love him. Not yet.


    But, despite Erik''s unwillingness to reign in Elora, Emily couldn''t find it in herself to me him. He had done too much for her and Emma. Just watching the bright smile that hung daily on Emma''s lips was enough for any resentment towards Erik to fade away.


    She didn''t really want his help anyway. Elora was her problem to deal with, and she didn''t want to have to beg Erik for help. Naturally, asking Emma was another option, but she didn''t want to put her little sister in that position. Emma was happy, and she''d be damned if she did anything to jeopardize that happiness.


    In response to Elora''s question, Astrid nodded enthusiastically, while lying spread-eagled on the bed with a grin on her face. "Yeah! This bed is awesome! I''ve never felt anything so soft!"


    Luckily, Astrid wore pants, so she didn''t put herself on disy. The pants were part of the outfit she had been given by Elora. It wasn''t anything fancy or magical like Emma had gotten, but the clothes were sturdy andfortable. They were colored ck and red, and they had a wintery look, with a fur cor across her shoulders.


    She sat up and smiled at Elora, "Thank you! It''s not exactly a private bedroom, but it''s better than not sleeping, or sleeping alone in one of the empty houses around here."


    With that, Erik wished Astrid a good night and went to the bedroom, followed by Emma and Emily. Elora, however, stayed behind for a moment with a mysterious smile on her face.


    She approached Astrid and presented her with a t stone covered by sigils. Emma would have recognized this as being simr to the stone she had used to keep an eye on Astrid while she slept.


    "Here, take this," she said, as she handed the stone to Astrid with a yful look in her eyes.


    "What is it?" Astrid asked as she looked at the stone with curiosity and a speck of suspicion. She wasn''t really sure what to think of this woman yet, even if she had saved Erik seven years ago.


    Seeing her reaction, Elora chuckled, "There''s no reason to suspect anything. I''m not sure Erik would forgive me if I did anything to you. Just take it. You can activate it by pouring your energy into it." Next, she winked, mysteriously, "No one will know if you use it; not even me. And Erik has no idea I''m giving it to you."


    Now all the more curious, Astrid took the stone and inspected it, but found nothing strange. She looked up to ask more questions, but Elora had already gone after Erik and the others.


    Astrid inspected the stone some more, but after a moment, her curiosity won out, and she cautiously poured some energy inside the stone.


    When nothing seemed to happen, she poured in a little more, until, eventually, something changed.


    A little startled, Astrid almost dropped the stone when one side of it suddenly turned into something akin to a screen, showing a room.


    To be precise, it showed the bedroom that Erik and three women had just disappeared into. "Why would she give me this," Astrid mumbled, even as she focused on the scene in front of her. She couldn''t help but look, as she was desperately curious to see if Erik acted any differently without her around.


    Of course, the possibility that this was all some kind of ruse, and Erik actually knew perfectly well she had this sprang to mind, but that didn''t stop her from watching.


    As the scenes on the stone yed out, seconds turned into minutes, and minutes turned into hours, all while Astrid''s face became more and more flushed with various emotions. ''I should really stop watching this,'' she thought to herself, even as she didn''t take her eyes off the stone for a second.


    At some point, her hand slowly snaked toward her lower body.

 Chapter 148: Chapter 148 - Elora proposes another deal

    While Astrid was still fiddling with the stone, Elora had already reached the bedroom and walked in.


    Inside, Erik sat on therge bed with his arms around the waist of a half-excited, half-nervous Emma on hisp. She knew what was going to happen today, and she had prepared for it.


    Meanwhile, Emily stood to the side and red at Elora the moment she walked inside. Clearly, she wanted to talk about the sleeping arrangements. She naturally also knew what was going to happen between Erik and Emma, and she nned to make herself scarce as soon as she got an answer from Elora.


    To Emily, even Erik''s old room with therge werewolf-shaped hole in it was more enticing than watching her little sister lose her V-card. There was a limit to her protectiveness after all, and, no matter what else, she did have a modicum of trust in Erik''s character by now.


    It would be much more enticing if the entire room, bed included, hadn''t gotten trashed, however. Which meant she needed a new bed from Elora.


    Before anything else, however, Elora sent a message to Erik over their link, apanied by a mischievous, mental grin. "Just so you know," she began, "I gave Astrid a sigil screen connected to this room."


    Elora may have told Astrid that Erik didn''t know she was giving that stone to her, but she didn''t promise she would keep it from Erik afterward.


    Elora loved being technically correct, the most annoying type of correct.


    Regardless, even if she did believe this would speed things along, she didn''t want to go behind Erik''s back again. At least not so soon after thest time.


    Erik cocked a mental eyebrow at Elora''s deration. "You did what?" he asked, uncertain how to feel about that.


    "Oh don''t look at me like that," Elora giggled back, "Either she looks at it or she doesn''t, it''s still her choice. It''s not like we''re about to do anything bad here. And who knows?" Elora finished with a suggestive tone and continued while wiggling her mental eyebrows, "Maybe it will pique her interest¡­"


    While neither of them ever actually saw the other''s mental expressions, it was more like a feeling they got. And it was a lot faster than actually making the expressions.


    Erik mentally smirked at Elora, "You''re a maniptive minx, you know that?"


    Chuckling, Elora answered with a wink, "And yet you love me, what does that say about you?"


    Sighing, Erik shook his head, "Alright, Alright. I''m d you told me at least." Despite his somewhat hesitant words, his mind was already in pervert mode. ''She''s right, though. This could be very interesting¡­'' he thought to himself while chuckling lustfully.


    "You do remember I can feel when you''re thinking perverted things, right?" he suddenly heard Elora''s cheeky voice in his head. Erik groaned a little, before answering, "Fine, fine. You did good, just like always."


    Then he chuckled with equal parts lust and amusement, "Now go propose your deal to Emily. I wonder if she''ll ept."


    Unlike with the sigil stone for Astrid, her ns for Emily tonight she had actually discussed with Erik before.


    Chuckling victoriously, Elora turned to Emily, who was staring holes through the crimson-haired beauty.


    Despite the long conversation she had with Erik, it was mental, which meant no one else heard it, and it only took less than a second.


    "So¡­ you wanted a bed, right?" Elora asked Emily with a smirk.


    "Yes¡­ please¡­" Emily said through gritted teeth, deciding to remain civil for so long as Elora didn''t give her a reason not to be.


    "Alright~" Elora began, "Then how about we make a deal?" she proposed, with a grin that clearly indicated her nefarious intentions.


    Seeing Elora''s grin, Emily quickly lost her re, and palmed her face instead, already on the verge of giving up on ever getting a bed of her own. "I know I''m not going to like this," shesighed, "But what deal?"


    Looking like a spider who had just lured in the fly, Elora smiled wickedly. "Simple!" she began. "I have this little sigil that I would like to imprint on you. If you can endure its effects without making a sound for the entire night, I''ll give you a bed of your own. And if you can''t¡­ Erik and I get to punish you again."


    Elora chuckled before she continued, "Which, judging from ourst session in that cabin, won''t even be much of a punishment for you. So it''s a win-win!"


    Feeling annoyed at herself for her lower body heating up when she thought about that night in the cabin, Emily nevertheless gazed cautiously at Elora. "Exactly what is this sigil supposed to do?"


    The wicked grin hadn''t disappeared from Elora''s face since this conversation began, "Now that would be telling, wouldn''t it? But don''t worry, it''s not some kind of torture device. Obviously, Erik would never allow that, and even I have misgivings about it."


    Emily frowned, as her face scrunched up in thought and conflicted emotions. Her choices were simple: Sleep in the same bed where Erik was about to do this and that to her little sister, sleep on the ground in Erik''s trashed bedroom, forget about sleep altogether, or¡­ ept Elora''s deal.


    Perhaps she could find herself a ce to sleep in one of the other houses, but that didn''t interest her much either. Who knew what the covenant would actually prevent those shapeshifters from doing to her, one of the humans they despise, if they found her alone?


    She preferred not to take the chance, nor did she even think Erik would allow her to take the chance.


    She sighed inwardly. ''Do I really have a choice? I know Elora wouldn''t make this deal unless she was sure I would fail, but¡­'' A confident grin appeared on her face, ''wouldn''t it be so great if I could shove that confidence of hers right up her ass?''


    In the end, despite suspecting it was a mistake, Emily nodded to Elora with a re. "Fine. Do your worst."


    Whether her eptance came mostly from her distaste of the other options, or from the fact her lower bits twitched every time she thought about failing Elora''s challenge and being punished again, was anyone''s guess. Perhaps not even Emily knew.


    She certainly wasn''t going to spend any time thinking about it.


    Grinning victoriously, Elora nodded, "Good! One other thing, however," she continued, "You have to remain in the room for this."


    Emily''s eyes widened. "You!" she shot a nervous look towards the embarrassed Emma and the grinning Erik, "I can''t do that!"


    Elora didn''t lose her grin, however. "Don''t worry, since I''m such a nice person, I''ll create a sound-suppressing and vision-obscuring sigil! It''ll be just like you aren''t even in the room."


    Emily grumbled and paced a few circles with a frown as various emotions and thoughts passed through her mind. She couldn''t shake the feeling Elora''s offer to create those sigils was another ploy. She certainly didn''t believe it was just a nice gesture.


    Eventually, she turned towards, Emma with a strange look. "Do you¡­" she began, a little nervously, "mind if I''m in the room?"


    In the end, this was a very special night for Emma, and no matter what, Emily didn''t want to ruin that by epting Elora''s strange deal.


    Meanwhile, Emma was barely paying attention, as her entire mind was upied with what would be the main event of the night. Hearing her sister''s question, she nearly yelped and quickly sat straight. "Uh -uhm," she began, not actually sure what Emily asked her.


    Luckily, Erik chuckled and quickly shot her a mental message with the gist of Emily and Elora''s conversation.


    Hearing Erik''s exnation, Emma flushed red, or even redder than she already was, but then shook her head. "I¡ª I don''t mind, big Em."


    A part of her wanted to speak up for her big sister, and just ask Elora to give her a bed, but another part, a slightly more disturbed part perhaps, liked this situation. She wanted Emily to fall just as hard as she had, and she knew that was Elora''s ultimate goal in everything she asked Emily to do.


    Hearing that, Emily sighed with resignation, before turning to Elora. "Fine. How do we do this?"

 Chapter 149: Chapter 149 - Emmas desires

    A few minutester, Emily was sitting, cross-legged, in a small, round space, surrounded by what looked like a dark mist.


    This was the sigil Elora had crafted so that she wouldn''t have to bear witness to what was happening to Emma, despite being in the same room.


    She was still wearing the same outfit as always, a ck crop top and cargo pants in a somewhat alternative style, but there was something new about her as well. There was a sigil, just below her navel. It wasn''t anything like the tattoo Emma had, however, and looked more like a regr sigil of unclear purpose.


    Naturally, this was the sigil that Elora had dared her with.


    Emily didn''t know what its purpose was yet, but, so far, she felt nothing from it, although she was sure that wouldn''tst long. Just as she was sure Elora would know if she made a sound, even while in this bubble.


    Meanwhile, outside the bubble, Emma was still sitting on Erik''sp and now looking at the dome of ck mist swirling in the corner. She turned towards Elora, who was looking at the same dome, with clear satisfaction and expectation on her face.


    "Will she be alright¡­?" she asked the fairy with some anxiety. While Emma wanted Emily to join her as Erik''s wife, she didn''t want her big sister to suffer.


    Elora turned towards Emma and winked yfully. "Oh don''t worry, she''ll be fine."


    "A¡ª Alright." Emma nodded, having some trust in Elora''s words by now. "Can you tell me what that sigil does?"


    "Oh, Emma, dear," Elora began in a sultry tone. "Don''t worry about that. The best thing you can do for your sister is enjoy your special night."


    ''And I mean that in the truest sense of the words,'' Elora giggled to herself.


    As for Erik, he looked at the ck dome with a grin and chuckled to himself, ''Enjoy yourself in there, Emily.'' Naturally, he was aware of what the sigil did, and he couldn''t help but wonder how she''d hold up.


    And what state she''d be in when the night was over¡­


    He didn''t wish her any ill will, of course. The sigil wouldn''t harm Emily. In fact, he was sure she would greatly enjoy the night, which would help in pushing the woman toward him.


    Shaking himself loose of thoughts about Emily, he turned towards the person on hisp, who deserved all his attention tonight. Since Emma was still looking at the dome with a hint of worry, Erik smiled and grabbed her chin to force her to look at him.


    "Emily will be fine, I promise," he said, in aforting tone.


    Seeing Emma calm down a little because of his words, he then curled his lips into a lustful grin instead, "Now, how about we focus on us instead? I seem to remember the two of us being newlyweds, and you promising to give your everything to me tonight."


    Erik''sforting words, followed by his reminder about what would be happening tonight, caused Emma to quickly push thoughts about her sister to the back of her mind.


    "I¡ª Y- yes, Master," she nodded, half-excited, half-nervous. Seeing the warm and caring look in Erik''s eyes, however, she quickly lost most of her nervousness, as boundless love and devotion appeared in her eyes.


    "I mean¡­" she began, as a bright smile appeared on her face, "Yes, Master! I''m all yours!" she said, with more enthusiasm this time, causing Erik to chuckle and kiss the adorable girl on her puffy lips.


    "Good girl," he began, "Did you think about how you wanted to do this? Your first time is special, after all."


    His question immediately brought back some of Emma''s embarrassment as she nodded and timidly pointed to Elora, "Y- Yeah, I asked Elora for some help."


    The fairy smiled and nodded encouragingly towards Emma, but otherwise did nothing for now.


    Erik smiled and sipped Emma''s lips again, savoring her taste for a moment, before he released her. "Don''t be nervous, Emma. This is your night as much as it is mine, and I''m perfectly happy to let you do this in whatever way you like."


    Then he grinned teasingly, "Besides, I''m already aware you''ve got a pervert inside you."


    Emma blushed even more and, surprisingly, even bumped Erik''s chest with her small fist. "D- Don''t be mean." Yet, despite her words, a small, perverted smile had appeared on her face, and her confidence seemed to go up with leaps and bounds.


    Her greatest worry wasn''t about doing this in the first ce, it was about Erik epting her while she showed him her deepest desires.


    She was actually pretty confident in what came afterward. Not because she had any experience, obviously, but because she believed that her desire to please and her devotion to Erik, her Master, and husband, would carry her through.


    But he was right. He had already seen some of her perverseness, and likely suspected the rest. ''There''s nothing for me to fear,'' she thought to herself, as confidence and determination appeared in her eyes.


    She stood up from Erik''sp, took a deep breath, and held up her arms. Suddenly, a harness appeared out of thin air.


    Erik looked confused for a moment but then noticed a small, white earring in Emma''s left ear. ''Elora''s given her a storage space of her own,'' he thought to himself, before meaningfully grinning at the emerald-eyed fairy watching them from a few meters away.


    Even to him, it was surprising how much Elora''s attitude changed towards Emma, now that they were sister-wives. Elora had mentioned it would be like this multiple times, but seeing it with his own eyes was still a marvel.


    Chastising himself for getting distracted again, he quickly refocused on the white-haired beauty in front of him. He looked at the harness in her hands with an amused and perverted grin, before turning to Emma. "Have you reallye to like it so much that you even want to lose your virginity like that?"


    Blushing, Emma nodded but then rified. "Sort of," she said, her voice strangely confident and unwavering, "there are two things I enjoy the most, I- I think," her voice wavering a little at the end after all.


    Quickly finding herself again, she continued, "I like when you tie me up, and I feel helpless against you. But I also like to serve you, and please you myself, without you having to do anything."


    She started to squirm a little, but now that she had gotten started, the words seemed to flow out of her with more and more confidence. "So, this is apromise," she said while presenting the harness, which seemed to only berge enough to cover her upper body.


    Finally, she finished in one long breath, "I want you to use this to restrain my upper body, a- and then lie down on the bed to rx, while you let me do all the work." Having gotten it all out, some of her anxiety suddenly returned as she looked at Erik nervously, "I- If you want, of course."


    Erik blinked a few times in surprise. If he wasn''t able to feel the conviction and desire inside Emma through their link, he might have suspected she was trying to do what she thought he wanted.


    ''This girl is even more perverted than I suspected,'' he thought to himself, before suddenly hearing the amused voice of a certain fairy in his head. "Isn''t she perfect?" To which Erik quickly answered, "Yes, she certainly is."


    Then he turned to Emma and grinned lustfully, "Well¡­ I''m usually the more active party, but if I ever turn down a request like that from you, just toss me in some abyss somewhere and forget about me."

 Chapter 150: Chapter 150 - Teasing*

    [Please read author''s thoughts at the bottom :)]


    With Erik''s eptance, Emma began to beam brightly and handed him the harness in her hands.


    Smiling at her, Erik took the harness and was about to get up, when Emma''s small hand pressed against his chest. "W- Wait," she slightly stammered. Not out of nervousness this time, but because she could feel the sheer power hiding in that chest, which would allow Erik to do whatever he liked with her.


    Yet, it was the fact that he didn''t use that power to force himself on her, despite the many opportunities, that was partly responsible for making her trust him so much.


    When she noticed Erik was waiting as she asked, and looking at her quizzically, she quickly gathered herself. Her face flushed a little and she exined, "We''re still dressed. I''d like you to watch, and¡ª and enjoy while I take off my clothes, and then¡­ I''d like to take off yours for you."


    ''She really is going all out in this service fantasy, huh,'' Erik thought to himself. Then, he grinned inwardly, ''Not that I mind.''


    "As you wish, little Emma," he said, his voice now moremanding than before. "Undress for me, then."


    His gaze, inbination with hismand, made Emma tremble a little as her pretty lips curved into a small, yet eager smile. "Y- Yes, Master," she slightly stammered from excitement.


    She took a step back and slowly began to shed the maid outfit she had been gifted by Elora.


    After losing the frilly, ck and white shoes, next came the multiyered skirt, leaving her genitals covered by only a pair of white panties, and her legs by nothing but sheer, thigh-high stockings, connecting to the corset with garter straps.


    As Erik continued to watch with abination of appreciation and expectance, Emma took off the garter straps and the stockings. Despite what one might have expected, her hands didn''t tremble in the slightest. She was ready for this, she wanted this, and she loved the way Erik looked at her.


    After her legs were fully uncovered, Emma moved on to the blouse and her elbow-length gloves. Now, she was wearing nothing but some white panties, a frilly cor with a small ck bow, and a form-fitting, ck and white corset, that left her tattoo uncovered but embraced her modest breasts and back.


    It was quiet in the bedroom. The moment was charged with lust and sex, and both Erik and Elora''s eyes were trained on the vision of submissive elegance that was Emma. As for the girl herself, nothing existed in her mind now, except the domineering, yet caring eyes of her husband-master.


    She was almost lost in a trance, as she slowly moved to undo the straps of her corset, before that, too, disappeared into Emma''s own storage earing.


    The only things left covering her body now were the cor and panties. Lost in a trance as she was, Emma didn''t even think about the fact her firm, young breasts were on disy now.


    While Erik felt the desire topliment them, he also didn''t want to break Emma''s current state, so instead, he simply admired their firm way of defying gravity and the small, pink, rock-hard treasures on top.


    They weren''t thergest breasts, but Erik didn''t care. To him, the best breasts were uncovered and still in their original, round shape. Size yed very little part.


    Still with her eyes locked onto Erik''s, Emma moved on to her panties, slowly sliding them down her legs, until, they, too, disappeared into her storage jewelry.


    She stood back up, and now only the cor was left, as even her beautiful, bare, clean-shaven pussy was on disy. But even that, Emma didn''t fully register, as she continued to look into Erik''s deep, amber eyes, while her hands moved up to the cor.


    But that was when Erik felt the need to speak up. "Stop," he said, with a grin. "Leave that on."


    Suddenly pulled out of her trance, Emma trembled when she realized she was now fully naked and presenting her body to Erik. She gulped, as a tiny bit of panic slipped into her eyes, and she desperately fought the urge to cover up.


    Seeing her struggle, Erik smiled, and stood up, before stepping right up against Emma and directly grasping her breasts. He looked straight into her eyes with his domineering care while he roughly groped her soft, yet firm tits.


    "You are a vision of beauty, Emma," he began, in a soothing, yetmanding voice. "You don''t mind if I feel you up a little first, right?"


    All panic and unnecessary feelings drained from Emma''s mind as she looked into Erik''s eyes. All that was left was her desire to please him. Hearing his words, she could only shake her head, "No, of course not, Master¡­ My body is yours."


    "Good girl," Erik said with a lustful, yet confident grin. He continued to use his hands to reshape her breasts, while Emma trembled and lightly moaned. All the while, they kept looking into each other''s eyes. Erik, to make sure Emma remainedfortable, and Emma, because she found herself unable to look anywhere else.


    Soon, Erik grasped both of Emma''s cute, pink nipples and pulled, ever so slightly. Emma gasped and trembled harder, her eyes went wide. Yet, she didn''t break eye contact with Erik, nor ask him to stop. Her body was his, and he could enjoy it as he liked.


    Seeing the absolute devotion in her eyes, Erik smiled warmly, losing some of his domineering attitude, and leaned in to give her a soft kiss. "You are perfect, Emma," he whispered.


    A warm feeling spread all throughout the girl''s body, as she smiled back at him, "Thank you, Master."


    Then, while Erik''s right hand remained to y with Emma''s breast, his left slowly moved down, across Emma''s soft, yet t stomach, before reaching her folds.


    Emma gasped again, as Erik fluttered across her unused, yet oh-so-very wet pussy, but still she said nothing.


    Erik didn''t insert anything. Instead, he simply petted her, while continuing to y with her breasts. Emma began to tremble harder, and moan louder. Her eyelids began to flutter as she felt herself nearing a certain edge that she had only reached a few times before.


    Yet, just before she reached that edge, Erik stopped, let her go, and took a step back, before spreading his arms. "I believe it''s time for you to undress me now?" he said, with a domineering eyebrow cocked, and a grin that said he knew exactly what he had just done.


    Emma gasped, trembled, and closed her eyes, suppressing that building feeling inside her. She didn''t feel annoyance or disappointment at Erik''s actions. All she felt was more arousal at theplete control she felt he had over her.


    She opened her eyes again, lust and devotion burning inside them, before taking a step closer to Erik. "Yes, Master," she said and moved to undress him.


    Meanwhile, inside the ck, gaseous dome, Emily was sprawled out on the floor, her eyes wide with panic. One hand was covering her mouth to keep the sounds in, while the other was covering the wet spot on her pants.


    ''What the fuck was that!'' she screamed, inwardly.

 Chapter 151: Chapter 151 - One more thing*

    Back outside the dome, Emma was slowly pushing up Erik''s shirt while caressing his abs and chest. When she got to his head, it became a little difficult because of their height difference, but in the end, she managed by standing on her toes.


    When the shirt was gone from Erik''s body, it dissolved into a cloud of sparkles, as Erik''s current clothes had been conjured by Elora.


    Naturally, that meant the fairy could simply snap her fingers and Erik would be naked, but that wasn''t the point of this. At least, not for Emma.


    After his shirt, Emma moved on to his pants. She crouched down, putting her face right in front of Erik''s massive, semi-hard bulge.


    All the excitement so far had already put Erik halfway in the mood.


    She gulped and didn''t take her eyes off it, even as she pulled down the pants and quickly discovered Erik wasn''t wearing anything underneath it when his member smacked her lightly in the face.


    The shock of it made her pause, causing Erik''s trousers to remain around his knees.


    Emma trembled a little, with wide open eyes, as the musky, yet delicious and slightly addicting, smell, created by Elora, wafted from hisrge cock and heavy set of balls.


    Erik looked down at his proud member covering the entirety of Emma''s face, which,bined with the look of shock and awe on her face, caused Erik to grin, and his cock to be fully erect, causing even more of his scent to spread around Emma.


    As Emma breathed it in, she got even more excited than she already was. Her pussy began to drool, and she licked her lips as the instinctive urge to taste Erik jumped into her mind.


    Erik looked at it with curiosity, not about to stop her, and instead, wondered if she would be able to stop herself.


    Soon, the answer came, when Emma nted a quick kiss on the mushroom tip, causing a shiver to go through both her and Erik before she turned back to the task she had set for herself.


    Erik smiled a little proudly at Emma''s willpower. Although, he wasn''t too surprised. Her willpower was part of the reason he was attracted to her.


    He wanted his wives to be strong, and willing to follow their heart''s desire. Thus, there were few things Erik found more attractive in a woman than willpower.


    The fact that Emma had such a strong desire to serve him had nothing to do with that. Many people are quick to assign theck of several attributes to a servile person, like willpower, confidence, or assertiveness.


    But Erik disagreed with that. Yes, ack of those attributes was often fitting, but in such a case, Erik would wonder whether they actually preferred to serve, or simply didn''t want to work on themselves.


    But with Emma, he was sure about her preference. She didn''tck willpower, or confidence, or assertiveness. If anything, her actions here tonight proved that.


    Even her promation back at the ridge where they found Astrid came from a ce of pragmatism,bined with some lingering depression.


    When Erik shook himself free of his thoughts and refocused on Emma''s actions, he noticed his pants had already disappeared into a cloud of sparkles as well. Having finished her task, Emma stood up again and looked up at Erik, her eyes filled with a misty lust.


    They were now both naked, while Erik was at full mast, and Emma was slowly creating a puddle below her.


    Yet, they were not ready yet.


    Emma quickly shook herself from Erik''s domineering gaze, and bent down to the bed to once again grab the harness, and presented it to Erik. "Would you¡­ restrain me, again?" she asked, her voice a little hazy, as lust, devotion, and excitement began to drown out any and all other thoughts and feelings.


    Erik smiled and took the harness. "Turn around, lift up your arms," he ordered in amanding voice, and Emma almost instinctively obeyed.


    Looking at Emma''s soft, and wless back, he softly stroked it for a moment, before taking a good look at the harness.


    It was constructed from abination of various straps and bars, and there seemed to be a cor worked into it as well.


    Erik looked at it with interest and curiosity, somewhat intentionally making Emma wait with her arms raised into the air, wondering what Erik was doing behind her.


    Finally, he opened the cor and the straps, before beginning to attach it to Emma''s body.


    Emma trembled every time Erik brushed passed her skin or pulled on a strap. Not a word was spoken in this time, they both simply experienced each other''s presence, and the building arousal between them.


    After a few minutes, Emma''s upper body was encased in a harness that didn''t actually restrain, so much as itplimented Emma''s elegant, soft, and supple body. At least, not yet.


    When all the other straps were done, Erik gently moved Emma''s silky white hair, caressed the girl''s neck and throat, and then snapped close the attached metal cor, causing Emma to shiver with arousal, despite a memory of her time in London that shed by.


    A memory that she quickly suppressed and ignored. ''I won''t have this moment ruined by the past!'' she thought to herself.


    Before yesterday, she might not have picked a harness with an attached cor, but the Heartfire sigil,bined with her marriage and bond with Erik, had done wonders for her trauma from that time.


    Erik leaned close to Emma''s ear from behind, while he snaked his arms around her and cupped her breasts, giving them a soft squeeze. "Time to restrain your arms, Emma," he began softly, before transitioning to a more authoritarian tone. "Put them behind your back," he ordered.


    But rather than follow his order, Emma gulped and remained standing, with her arms above her head, and Erik''s hands on her breasts. "B- Before I do that, Master," she stammered a little from sheer arousal, "There''s one more thing I wanted to do with my hands."


    "Oh?" Erik questioned with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. "And what might that be?" he asked while releasing Emma''s breasts and taking a step back.


    Emma turned around, her face was now a mess of shivering lust and wet eyes. She looked up at Erik with a confident smile, before she sank to her knees.


    She held up her hands, the storage jewel on her ear shed, and suddenly, a leash appeared on her hands. She blushed a little harder when she saw the surprise on Erik''s face. "I want you to attach this to my cor," she said with a surprising amount of confidence.

 Chapter 152: Chapter 152 - Eriks love*

    Before Erik could answer, Emma quickly continued, now a little more embarrassed, "J- Just for tonight, though. I don''t want to walk around with this thing all day¡­" Having given the disimer, her confidence came back, as she looked up at Erik with unwavering eyes.


    Despite the disimer, Erik understood this was symbolic of something more. He felt like this was something akin to a second marriage ceremony, where Emma was not only binding herself to him in marriage like before but also determining the theme of their rtionship for the rest of their lives.


    He looked down at Emma and realized how far she hade since that dark little room in London. She may be kneeling, but the confidence, surety, and happiness in her eyes were a far cry from the tear-stained girl who had all but given up on life that he encountered back then.


    Thinking about her progress, he realized something. If Emma could show this muchmitment to him, surely he should be able to give at least a little in return?


    He knew he cared deeply for Emma, and it had nothing to do with her willingness to serve him. No, it was her bright spirit in the face of all she had suffered, and her willingness to act on what made her happy, no matter what anyone else might think.


    So why couldn''t hemit to her fully?


    He searched his mind when suddenly, a certain fairy sounded in his head. "It''s because you still have some kind of hangup about loving more than one woman. Even now, some of the old, more romantically inclined Erik is still clinging to the remnants of who you used to be."


    This wasn''t information that Elora had known all along, she only just realized when Erik was searching his mind. "So stop being an idiot," she continued, with a teasing grin. "You have my permission to love her, so just kick old Erik to the curb, and ept who you are now. A man who loves three women. Yes, I''m counting Astrid."


    ''And there''ll be far more toe if I have anything to say about it,'' Elora chuckled to herself. A possessive glint passed through her eyes, ''But you''ll always love me the most.''


    And with those words, a dam broke through in Erik''s mind, and realization flooded through him. He blinked, and thought, ''Did I really feel this way before?''


    Feeling Erik''s emotions through their link, Emma suddenly widened her eyes and trembled, ''I- Is that¡­'' she thought, not daring to believe it.


    Under Emma''s quivering gaze, Erik went on one knee, gently grasped her chin, and looked into her eyes. "Before you start associating the wrong things here," he began, with a teasing grin, "It''s not because of your willingness to serve me, although I do enjoy that part."


    He sighed, before continuing with a warm smile, "The feelings were always there, I guess I just¡­" he trailed off as he nced backward at Elora, doing a thumbs up with a teasing smile, before turning back to Emma with a chuckle. "It seems I still had a little hang-up about loving more than one woman."


    With wet eyes, a bright, silly smile on her face, and the hands holding up the leash trembling, Emma stammered, "R- Really?"


    As a response, Erik leaned in and softly kissed Emma''s lips. When he pulled back, he whispered, "I love you, Emma."


    Tears appeared in Emma''s eyes and began to fall down, even as she continued to keep her position. "I- I love you too, Master," she stammered, the happiness practically dripping from her face.


    They looked into each other''s eyes for another moment, before a perverted glint passed through Emma''s eyes, and, grinning, she held up the leash again. "So¡­ will you leash me?"


    Erik chuckled but then frowned, as another realization came to him. "Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked, with a raised eyebrow. "I''m not doubting your desires or your conviction, but with the cor and leash, thises awfully close to the way I found you in London."


    Despite Erik bringing up her past trauma, Emma kept smiling and shook her head. "That was forced upon me," she began. "But this time, I am willingly offering myself, and everything I am, or ever will be. The two things aren''t evenparable to me."


    She chuckled softly, "Though I will admit that, before yesterday, I likely would have had more trouble with this." She shot a grateful look towards Elora before she continued, "But Elora''s test actually helped me work through some of that."


    She turned back to Erik with a bright, confident smile, "This is what I want, Master." She grabbed Erik''s hand, brought it up to her face, and nuzzled herself into it. "Just with your presence, you always make me feel so good. Better than I ever thought possible."


    Then, she lifted her face again and looked at his hand for a moment, unknown thoughts filling her mind.


    Erik just let her be, surrendering his hand to her, and wondering what she wanted to do with it.


    "I- I want to be yours, Master." Slowly, gently, Emma put his hand around her neck, just above the cor as her gaze melted into Erik''s. "I only want to belong to you. Yours is the only cor I ever want to wear."


    She pressed Erik''s hand a little firmer around her neck, and Erik felt the calm beating of her heart. She had no doubts in this moment. Her gesture was a symbol of her trust and the knowledge Erik would never hurt her, even if she made herselfpletely vulnerable.


    Lightly, Erik tightened his grip a little, and Emma gasped. But instead of fear or panic, her gaze only showed absolute trust, as a slightly silly smile appeared on her face. "We''re already bonded, but I want you to have my everything," she squeezed out. "Will you ept me?"


    Erik chuckled inwardly. What could he say at this point?


    So he released her neck, grabbed the leash, and stared into Emma''s eyes with equal parts possessiveness, love, protectiveness, and desire. "Alright, Emma." He said as he hooked the metal ring on the leash around the simr ring protruding from the cor around her neck. "From today forward, you are mine. Body and soul. Forever."


    Hearing his words,bined with the soft click of the rings sliding around each other, caused Emma to shiver with lust and happiness. "I would love nothing more, Master," she grinned, happily.


    From now on, a cor would no longer remind her of thest seven years in London, but of her willing submission to Erik. Instead of fear towards Emily, she would feel love, and devotion towards her Master, the one who saved both her and her sister from that life.

 Chapter 153: Chapter 153 - A far more interesting use*

    After sharing that moment for a little longer, Erik suddenly grinned sadistically and stood up, giving a short tug on the leash as he did so, causing Emma to giggle and quickly stand up with him.


    Erik actually wound the leash around his hand, which he held just above shoulder height, in such a way, that the leash was taut, and Emma had to stand on her toes, as the cor pulled her upwards.


    Emma''s face was filled with lust as she felt Erik controlling her movements, "M- Master," she lightly gasped, "please restrain my arms next, I still want to finish what I had nned¡­"


    ****


    A few momentster, Emma''s arms had been restrained behind her back. The harness made her arms bend in a way that was a little ufortable, but not painful. That way, she was always reminded it was there, without causing harm.


    With her upper body encased, and only her legs remaining free, Emma now stood in front of Erik, fully exposed, and with a loving smile on her face. At the same time, a leash hung ck from her neck, with the other end in Erik''s hand.


    Erik looked her over, and couldn''t help but be amazed at the beauty, elegance, and confidence she exuded, even now.


    "When you''re done admiring my body, Master," Emma said, a little bashful, "please lie down on the bed. I- It''s time for the next part of my ns for the evening."


    Erik chuckled at Emma''s strangebination of confidence and embarrassment. But he wouldn''t listen to her so easily, a toll needed to be paid.


    So, while wearing a grin filled with sadistic lust, Erik shortly yanked the leash, causing Emma to stumble forward with a yelped giggle.


    Not saying anything, he pulled on the leash, until Emma was right in front of his face while standing on her toes, with a slightly strained, but also excited face.


    "Kiss me," Erik ordered. And Emma quickly obeyed, leaning forward, she kissed Erik deeply, savoring his delicious fluids, while Erik enjoyed Emma''s taste and her pretty lips against his.


    Finally, they separated, with Emma''s eyes slightly rolled up in pleasure.


    Erik didn''t wait for her to recover and went to lie down on the bed, which had been outfitted with many pillows, allowing him to remain semi-upright. He still held Emma''s leash, but it was long enough that he could walk through half the room before it would pull Emma with him.


    He lounged casually against the pillows. With his legs stretched out on the bed, and his arms wide, he looked like a conqueror, ready to receive his spoils. His cock was still hard as diamonds, raising up to greet the sky.


    Before Emma could make her next move, however, Elora fluttered over from her previous position and nestled against Erik''s side. "You don''t mind if I watch from here, do you? I already asked Emma about it earlier," she asked, grinning yfully at Erik.


    "If I ever mind having you next to me, I''ve been reced by an impostor," he chuckled in response. Raising an eyebrow in surprise, he continued, "But wouldn''t you rather merge with my body for this?"


    After all, Elora would be able to experience the same pleasure Erik received when they were merged.


    "I''d rather watch this with my own eyes," she grinned with amusement. Then she turned to Emma, who had been patiently waiting for them to finish. She raised a domineering eyebrow, "Well? I believe you are supposed to be pleasing your master now?"


    "Yes!" Emma smiled softly. While she remained outwardly confident and excited, partly proven by the constant trickle down her legs, a sliver of anxiety had found its way back into her face, now that the big moment wasing closer and closer.


    But she didn''t let that stop her, and swayed towards the bed in a manner she hoped was sensual. Erik didn''t really notice the way she walked, however. Instead, he simply reveled in the pleasurable feeling of domination he got, when watching Emma walk towards the bed on a leash, about to give her first time to him.


    While Emma slowly crawled onto the bed, unable to use her hands for bnce, Elora and Erik watched her, while the fairy spoke softly to him. "She got that harness from me, you know. Unlike the ropes you''ve been using so far, she won''t be burning her way out of this one."


    She grinned as Emma''s face became a little redder, "She wanted it that way. ''It''s my first time. It should be authentic,'' she said." With every one of Elora''s words, Emma became a little more flushed. "Do you think she''s always been this kinky?" Elora asked as she turned to Erik.


    "Isn''t that what they say about the girls who grew up in luxury?" Erik chuckled, causing Emma, who was now kneeling on the bed, at his feet, to re at him a little. Seeing her gaze, Erik raised an eyebrow, "Are you going to deny it?"


    Remembering the situation she had put herself in, Emma quickly lost her re and instead, pouted a little, "N- No, Master."


    While the events from thest seven years certainly had arge influence on shaping the current Emma, it couldn''t be denied that there had to have been an originally perverted core.


    Of course, whether that had anything to do with growing up in luxury was debatable.


    Erik chuckled, "Good girl." Then he quickly wound the leash around his hand until there was barely any ck left between him and Emma. "Now, I believe you had some ns in mind, Emma?" he asked, with a lustful grin.


    Losing her pout, Emma''s gaze slowly panned towards Erik''s intimidating, 9-inch cock, causing her to gulp. But she quickly shook herself free and nodded towards Erik with confidence.


    Her confidence surprised Erik a little. He figured she would get less confident as the moment of truth neared, but that didn''t seem to affect her so much.


    "Doesn''t she seem a little too confident?" Erik asked Elora through their link. "If I didn''t know any better I''d think this wasn''t actually her first time."


    Elora chuckled and answered, "It''s a confidence born from abination of absolute trust and the knowledge she will give it her all. She believes that, even if she screws something up, you will make her feel better, no matter what."


    "Some would call it the confidence of naive idiots," she continued with a soft chuckle. "And perhaps they''re right, but it is damn cute in this case." Erik knew the fairy didn''t mean her words in a malicious sense, and he could only agree with thetter part, so he nodded with a chuckle.


    ''Besides, she''s not wrong,'' he thought to himself.


    As always, their conversationsted for a mere moment, which meant Emma was still in the process of readjusting. She slowly shuffled back a little, before she began to lean over until her face was in front of Erik''s feet.


    On the back of one of her restrained hands now shed a sigil.


    Erik noticed it and chuckled. It was the same sigil that Emily had used in their forest battle against Astrid''s patrol. It was meant to enhance the bodies of lower-rank Arcanists in a fight, although clearly, Emma had found a far more interesting use for it.


    Namely, giving her the physical strength she needed to pull this all off without any hands.

 Chapter 154: Chapter 154 - Emmas night [1/4]**

    Unfortunately, there was one thing Emma had forgotten. Leaning over as she did now, her long, white hair cascaded down around her, obscuring her vision. A little vexed about how to solve this issue, Emma stammered, "I-"


    But before anyone got their mood ruined, Elora chuckled and waved a dark-green-aura-tinged finger in the air. In moments, Emma''s hair began to float and rearranged itself into a ponytail, bound together by a glowing green band of aetherium.


    "T- Thank you, Elora," Emma said, a little more embarrassed than before.


    Erik chuckled happily at Elora helping Emma out and leaned to the side to kiss Elora''s cheek. Then, he turned back to watch Emma, as he wondered what her next step would be.


    Quickly getting back in the mood, Emma curved her lips into a loving and devoted smile, before, slowly, she began to kiss Erik''s body.


    She kept her gaze submissively on Erik''s and began by kissing the toes on his right foot, one by one, then the other foot, before moving on to his leg. From there, she kept slowly moving up his body, while keeping an eye on Erik''s reactions.


    Erik grinned excitedly as he watched Emma worshiping his body. He had already made sure Emma wanted this, he had given her all further control of the night, and all that was left was for him to enjoy her service.


    Every time her soft, wet lips touched his body, another tiny shiver of pleasure went through him. Every time he looked into her submissive doe-eyes, or noticed the way she was forced to move because her arms were restrained, his desire to dominate was tickled, causing him to get all the more excited.


    When Emma began to near his dick, it was all he could do to refrain from jumping up, pushing the poor girl down, and shoving it inside. Of course, he didn''t want to ruin the girl''s night, but the temptation was beginning to build.


    Apparently, the two women noticed his impatience through their link, as Emma smiled softly, happy that she had that kind of effect on him, yet she didn''t speed up. She wanted to savor this, and she wanted Erik to do the same.


    As for Elora, she soothed Erik through their link, "Just rx, my love. The poor girl''s been building this up in her head, don''t ruin it now. Besides, the pay-off will surely be worth it."


    Her words caused him to calm down, and he began to focus on the sensations Emma was giving him. He leaned his head back against the pillows and felt as Emma continued to work her way upward.


    When she reached his proud member, she gave it a deep, if somewhat cautious sniff, before showing another disy of willpower in moving on from it.


    She snaked in between Erik''s legs and continued to move forward, kissing his abs, his powerful chest, his shoulders, and eventually, his neck.


    All the while, her soft body and firm tits were slowly rubbing over his body, but when she reached his neck, her drooling folds brushed against Erik''s cock. Whether idental or not, it caused both of them to shiver with lust.


    Before this, Erik had closed his eyes and just enjoyed what Emma was doing. But now, he opened his eyes with interest. He didn''t look down, as Emma''s head was currently in the way, but he could feel her shiver against his body.


    After a moment, Emma seemed to have recovered and kept moving.


    She raised herself a little, still with restrained arms, and kissed Erik''s chin. At this point, Erik, whose face was pointed slightly upwards, could look down to make it easier for her, but he didn''t. Instead, he grinned sadistically, while Emma whimpered and moaned a little, a perverted smile on her face.


    Despite the situation seeming to be in favor of Erik, it appeared entirely uncertain who was enjoying this the most.


    Luckily for Emma, she had the sigil, as without it, she might not have been able to keep herself from copsing due to the physical strain of keep herself bnced and upright without the use of her arms.


    She gathered some more strength and raised herself higher until she was face to face with Erik, her body stered against his.


    They kissed, deeply, all while Elora watched them with a lustful smile.


    When they separated, Emma whispered, "I love you, Master. Please ept my offering."


    Erik smiled, "I love you too, Emma. I''ll dly ept whatever you give me."


    "L- Let me prepare you first, Master," Emma said with a slightly nervous smile, as she began to slide down again, all while rubbing her body against his. Naturally, she spread some of the fluids she was leaking on him as well.


    She slid right down the middle of Erik''s body, between his legs, causing her entire, soft and supple body to slide across Erik''s cock, until it rested between her breasts.


    She looked down, and her body began to heat up as she looked at the intimidating organ between herparatively small breasts. Some perverted thoughts entered her mind, but she quickly shook her head.


    Regardless of whether her breasts wererge enough to please Erik that way, she didn''t have her hands free right now anyway.


    She continued to move down, until her flushed face was in front of his cock again, causing her to give it another whiff.


    Thinking it was finally time, Erik became excited about feeling Emma''s inexperienced tongue and throat around his cock, but instead, Emma moved a little further south.


    Now, her face was in front of his heavy balls instead, the most potent source of his Elora-certified pheromones. And also, the source of his deliciously addicting cum, which Emma had tasted a few times before by getting a share from Elora.


    Emma sniffed deeply again, and a slightly drunk expression appeared on her face.


    Luckily, this time, she didn''t need to hold back.


    She hesitantly stuck her tongue out and gave his balls a lick. Finally getting some more stimulus on his engorged and extremely aroused genitals, Erik softly groaned and shivered.


    But Emma wasn''t done with just that one lick.


    In fact, an expression of extreme delight appeared on her face, as Erik''s musky yet exhrating taste was now dancing, not only in her nose but also in her taste buds.


    The desire for more burned away anyst hesitation Emma had inside her, and instead, she slowly began to suck and lick on Erik''s balls. Erik groaned, "Fuck. That''s good."


    He looked down at the half-restrained Emma burying her face in his balls and then turned his gaze towards the leash in his hand with a grin.


    Suddenly, Emma felt a yank on her cor, forcing her to bury her face even deeper into his crotch. But instead of panicking, she sucked one of his balls into her mouth, while her nose was glued against his cock, causing her to take deep breaths full of his lust-inducing smells.

 Chapter 155: Chapter 155 - Emmas night [2/4]**

    Erik felt her tongue swirl across his sensitive areas, causing him to groan a little more.


    Finally, after the area had be a proper mess, Erik released the leash and Emma popped his ball out of her mouth, before looking up at Erik with a face full of love and obedience.


    She wanted him to give the order this time, and Erik felt what she wanted.


    "Suck my dick, Emma," he ordered, authoritatively, punctuated by a short yank on the leash.


    Emma smiled perversely, confidently, and lustfully. But no anxiousness was to be detected. Not this time.


    His cock was certainly intimidating, but her desire to finally put it in her mouth, after fantasizing about it for nearly two weeks,bined with his order, wiped out any and all fear of failure.


    She lunged forward and began to lick his cock up and down, paying special attention to the veins and, when she got the tip, the ns.


    Erik couldn''t resist a groan escaping his lips. ''Ugh, she''s way too good at this,'' he thought, before turning to Elora with a face full of concentration. "You gave her some tips, didn''t you?" he asked.


    Elora was currently leaning against his shoulder, had her arm hooked around his neck, and her partly amused, partly aroused gaze pointed at Emma. Hearing his question, she chuckled, "Who do you take me for? Of course, I did!"


    It took only a few moments of Emma''s licking before he felt he was on the verge of blowing his load. After all that teasing earlier, he had already been on the edge for a while now.


    "Emma," he growled, before warning her. "It won''t be long before I blow."


    When Emma didn''t respond, Erik looked down to see her gaze hazy and lost in lust. So he grinned and yanked on the leash, causing her to shoot forward a little and blink.


    "S- Sorry, Master." She hurriedly said after pulling herself together a little. "Please let me receive your load." She looked at him, pleadingly.


    Seeing she was paying attention again, Erik nodded domineeringly and let the leash ck a little again.


    Now Emma looked at his cock while licking her lips. She shuffled forward a little and lifted her back, once again thanking the sigil that allowed her to do all this for so long without her hands.


    When she hovered over his cock with a hungry gaze still pointed at Erik''s face, she opened her mouth wide and gulped down his cock.


    Feeling the warm and wet insides of her mouth engulf him, Erik clenched his fists in concentration, not wanting to finish so quickly. Yet, it was bing harder and harder to stop himself from grabbing Emma''s head and forcing his way down her throat.


    Meanwhile, Emma moaned around therge mushroom tip in her mouth, while her tongue began to slurp up the pre-cum that had already umted there. ''This taste is¡­ ridiculous,'' she thought to herself. ''Elora really is ying unfairly¡­ not that I''mining''


    She kept her eyes pointed at Erik, even as her pupils rolled up a little again.


    She noticed Erik''s frustration, however, and didn''t want to make him wait too long, so a few momentster she began to shuffle backward with his cock in her mouth, and her eyes remained on Erik.


    While going backward, she also kept bending further down to keep Erik inside her, and soon, she had her throat and his cock lined up. ''I will prove that I was worth his effort!'' she thought to herself. ''I love him so much,'' she moaned a little, ''I want him to feel even better!''


    Her eyes still on Erik, she moved forward again, until his tip hit the opening of her throat.


    Erik opened his eyes wide, both from pleasure and surprise, "Holy shit, Emma. You''re not going to¡­?"


    But before he could finish his question, Emma blinked and then took a deep breath through her nose before pushing onward.


    The sigil on Emma''s hand shed, and, surprisingly, despite a lot of gurgling and some tears, Erik''srge member slid straight into her throat, without obstacle. Despite being prepared for this, Emma''s wide eyes still told a tale of pain and panic.


    Yet, slowly but surely, she buried more of Erik''s cock inside her mouth. Deeper and deeper she went, slowly growing oblivious to everything around her, lost in Erik''s taste and the frenzy of pheromones that coated her membrane and clouded her mind, her eyes rolling ever further upward.


    She loved the feeling of his cock, throbbing in her throat.


    Seeing the bulge, and feeling the spasming of her throat around his cock, Erik decided to suspend his disbelief for now, as the sensations were finally too much for him.


    "Fuuuck," he groaned, and instinctively pulled on the leash in his hand, causing Emma to slide forward another inch, now nearly reaching his base.


    Emma didn''t panic, however, and looked up at Erik, and anchored her eyes to his. Erik felt himself drawn to those eyes. Begging, submissive, and even grateful. Perhaps for the pleasure she got from this, perhaps for everything he had done for her.


    Then, Erik rewarded her efforts. He shook, his back strained, his balls trembled, and a massive load of spunk shot down Emma''s throat.


    The girl began to tremble before her pupils rolled up further than ever before. As Erik''s delicious, thick, and pheromone-heavy cum streamed down her throat, blocking her airways, Emma''s moans became louder. She trembled harder when suddenly, a clear liquid squirted from her cunt and she shook wildly.


    Meanwhile, inside Emily''s bubble, something strange was happening. Emily was squirming on the ground with wide eyes and hands around her throat. Her mouth was wide open for some reason, as were her eyes.


    Despite this, no sound had escaped her lips just yet, but there was panic in her eyes and concentration written on her face.


    But then, at the same time as Emma did, she began to shake harder and harder until a sudden squirt of liquid drenched her pants, and she finally couldn''t hold her voice anymore.


    Emma and Emily simultaneously screamed in abination of pleasure and pain while cumming wildly. Although only Emma actually sounded muffled.


    ''Damn that fucking fairy!'' she growled to herself at the same time, long since having suspected that this sigil on her stomach was making her feel whatever Emma was feeling.


    Then, the dark mist that encased her little dome suddenly coalesced into the familiar face of Elora. "Tsk tsk tsk, looks like you failed, little pet. Don''t worry, though. I''m not cruel. I''ll let you enjoy the rest of the night, and we''ll get to the punishment another time."


    Unable to talk due to the feeling of something thick yet delicious stuck in her throat, despite nothing being physically there, Emily could only re furiously at the chuckling, and slowly disappearing, face of Elora.


    Outside the dome, Erik and Emma were finallying down from their almost simultaneous orgasms after Emma had extracted Erik''s cock from her throat. Erik panted from exertion, while Emma gasped from oxygen deprivation. Erik sagged back into the pillows, and Emma rested her head on his thigh, some cream still dribbling down her chin.


    Considering his powerful body, Erik recovered far faster than Emma, even though his face was still red, and turned towards Elora. "What the fuck was that?! It took you weeks to do that!"

 Chapter 156: Chapter 156 - Emmas night [3/4]**

    Erik was more surprised about Emma being able to take him into her throat than he was about her orgasm at the end of it. He had already edged Emma earlier, then with all the excitement that followed, Emma fulfilling her fantasy, and his modified cum, her orgasm wasn''t that big of a surprise.


    Seeing the disbelief on his face, Elora chuckled, "That sigil not only improves her body but also gives her more control over it." Then she shrugged, "I told her that, even if she used that sigil to stop herself from gagging, it was still going to hurt, but she didn''t care."


    With her exnation, Erik''s surprise died down, but instead, he grunted with a little annoyance. He wanted to call Emma''s actions stupid, and even me Elora for letting it happen, but in the end, he didn''t.


    ming Elora would be pointless because Emma already had the sigil before today and with the covenant gone, Elora had no more control over Emma than he did. As for calling Emma''s actions stupid, that would simply be an insult to her efforts and desires.


    Instead, he sighed and sat up, before dragging Emma into his arms, letting her sit between his legs, and lean on his chest, before sagging back into the cushions with her. All the while causing the white-haired girl to tremble and moan due to her still-sensitive body.


    She had no other reactions, however, as her face still seemed to be delirious from pleasure, pain, and oxygen deprivation.


    Erik turned his head towards Elora with a raised eyebrow. The fairy chuckled, not needing Erik to tell her what he wanted, and snapped her fingers, causing a wave of dark green magic to wash over Erik and Emma, thoroughly cleaning their bodies.


    At the same time, it also rejuvenated and refreshed Emma a little, causing her to blink. Not having realized it before, she now felt herself leaning against Erik''s strong chest, and his hand caressing her soft hair. Her face flushed with embarrassment and she turned her head up to look at Erik with a slightly crooked smile, "Did I do good, Master?"


    While others might have been nervous about his answer at this point, Emma was not. She may have lost herself a little at the end, but she felt the warm, sticky proof of Erik''s approval in her stomach, and that was enough for her.


    Erik chuckled with amusement, happy that Emma wasn''t worried about anything. "Yes, Emma, you did very good. It''s been a while since I came that hard." While he thought she went too far, he couldn''t deny that her efforts had been extremely effective.


    Emma chuckled, "It was the first time for me, too." Then, she smiled softly, "I''m d you enjoyed it, Master. I did my best for you."


    Then she suddenly sat up, and spun around, before looking at Erik with excitement. Elora''s rejuvenation had caused her to be full of energy once again.


    "But we''re not done yet!" she said with a smile. "I still haven''t given you my first time!"


    Erik chuckled and cocked an eyebrow with curiosity, "You know, usually, girls are a little more hesitant about losing their virgin status."


    Erik had taken a few girls'' first time during his adventures on S?l, but Elora had been the only one to be a lot like Emma on the day she lost hers.


    Bing a little redder, Emma looked to the side, "Why would I be nervous?" she asked. "It''s a little embarrassing maybe, but¡­" she turned back to look into Erik''s eyes, "but it''s not like I have any doubts about you. Plus, I can handle a little pain."


    Her excitement became a little softer, love practically pouring from her face, "I just want to give you thisst thing before I spend the rest of my life as your wife¡­" Her smile became a little more perverted before she continued, "and your maid."


    Feeling his infant love for Emma deepen a little, Erik had no good words to say, besides leaning in and kissing Emma deeply. When they separated, he grinned, "As you wish then. I once again give you the stage, little Glimmer." Then he leaned back into the cushions again and put his arm around Elora.


    Emma smiled and was about to shuffle downward again when she realized what he just called him. "Little glimmer?" she asked, with shining eyes.


    Elora, too, looked at him with a little surprise.


    Feeling Emma''s excitement, Erik chuckled. "Sure, why not? Elora is my little Ember, and you''re my little Glimmer." He cocked an eyebrow in curiosity, "Unless either of you has a problem with that?"


    Emma quickly shook her head with a bright and happy smile. She was a little curious about his reasoning, but she could ask about itter. For now, she was just happy.


    As for Elora, she surprisingly pouted a little. She didn''t realize it before, but she now found out, she liked being the only person in Erik''s life with a nickname.


    Still, she knew she would have to share certain things when he started marrying others, so she just sighed, "Well, I suppose I''ll have to share that dubious honor, then."


    Erik smiled as he still felt a bit of jealousy through his link with Elora, but he knew it would smooth out eventually. After all, all of this was at least fifty percent Elora''s doing. So, he kissed her, putting a smile on Elora''s face again, and then refocused on Emma.


    The white-haired girl smiled and looked downwards with a slight gulp. Erik was currently sitting far more upright than before, and with her body against his, Erik''s semi was now pushing up against her stomach.


    She still wasn''t exactly nervous, but it was a bit of an intimidating thought to think that massive spear would soon pierce its way into her stomach.


    But she wouldn''t let herself be deterred. She looked back up at Erik with confidence, "Can you give me a little more room again?"


    Smiling, Erik nodded, "Sure," and began to slide down, until he was once again lounging, rather than sitting. Meanwhile, Emma giggled as her position on his legs meant she moved down with him.


    Which also meant that his cock remained in the same ce.


    It still looked very intimidating to her, but she wouldn''t be stopped. She lifted herself up, her arms still restrained behind her back, and put her knees on either side of Erik''s thighs.


    Then, shuddering a little, she slid forward until her sensitive folds touched Erik''s member, and she shuddered harder. Erik, too, felt the pleasure of Emma''s wet snatch rubbing against his cock.


    Emma grinned with lust while low moans escaped her lips as she rubbed herself against Erik''s quickly hardening cock. Finally, it was hard enough for her liking and she decided it was time for the big moment.

 Chapter 157: Chapter 157 - Emmas night [4/4]***

    At that moment, Elora suddenly made a short hand movement, and unbeknownst to anyone except her and Erik, severed the connection between Emma and Emily. This was a condition Erik had put on Elora''s little scheme.


    Naturally, Emily wouldn''t actually lose her virginity through that sigil, but it would still be cruel to make her suffer the feeling of it, without anyone there to support her.


    Emma looked up at Erik lovingly and began to raise herself up, followed by Erik''s cock, as it was no longer kept down by Emma''s weight.


    When she could go no higher, but noticed it still wasn''t high enough, she put her feet under her and kept rising, until she was crouching, with her wet snatch hovering just a few millimeters above Erik''s stick.


    She thanked her lucky stars for that sigil, as there was no way she would have been able to keep her bnce right now otherwise. Not without her hands, anyway.


    She looked up at Erik with a confident smile, while he smiled back with love. "Go slowly, alright?" he said with concern.


    Emma nodded and kept looking into his eyes while she slowly began to lower herself, spearing herself on Erik''s cock. The tip touched her folds, and she gasped, while Erik felt a tingle, but kept his focus on how Emma was doing.


    It was a good thing Emma was wet and loosened up from her previous orgasm, which made things go much smoother.


    She kept moving as she trembled and gasped from both pain and pleasure until the first half of Erik''s tip was inside, and she felt it prodding against her hymen. She gasped again, and Erik sent her supportive feelings through their link.


    Feeling Erik''s support, Emma smiled, took a deep breath, and¡­ plunged down another inch.


    She gasped from pain as she gave away her first time, but it strangely didn''t hurt as much as she suspected.


    "Just by strengthening her body, that sigil will also passively numb pain, but let''s not tell her that," Elora''s voice sounded in Erik''s head. "She would probably prefer to think the pain was genuine."


    Erik sent a simple mental nod back while keeping his focus on Emma.


    Tears of pain and happiness had appeared in the young woman''s eyes and she smiled proudly at Erik, "I did it!"


    "Yes, you did." Erik smiled back. "Now go down slowly. Let your body adjust."


    Emma nodded and did as he said, slowly going down, as she continued to look into Erik''s eyes. This was her offering to him, after all.


    Finally, Erik felt his cock bump into Emma''s womb. The girl''s eyes went wide and she shivered wildly while moaning loudly from pain and pleasure.


    Naturally, Erik also felt amazing from thebination of her wildly spasming, incredibly tight insides, but he still kept his focus on making sure Emma was alright.


    Luckily, Elora had given her some basic knowledge, so she knew what just happened, and also, that she shouldn''t try to move on.


    She looked down and noticed there was still half an inch or so to go, but that was okay. She knew she would adapt eventually, and her tunnel would lengthen to amodate her partner.


    Erik and Emma both looked at the bulge in her stomach and grew perverted smiles.


    Emma spent a few moments adjusting to the massive object in her pussy. She looked up at Erik with a smile, shaky from the strain of keeping herself upright, without hands, and through the pain and pleasure she felt.


    "I- I''ve done what I wanted to do, Master. C- Can you take over from here, please?" she asked, pleadingly.


    Not entirely surprised, Erik smiled warmly and nodded, "Of course." He sat up, and wrapped his arms around Emma, before taking her back down with him. Emma had never felt safer, or more connected to Erik, than she did right now, in his arms, with his cock lodged inside her.


    With Emma resting on his chest, Erik put one hand on her head to pet her hair, and the other on Emma''s bubble butt, to guide her movements.


    Then, he slowly started pumping in and out, getting Emma used to his length and girth.


    Emma soon lost any residual pain and quickly began to feel only overwhelming pleasure. Moans and screams of pleasure left her throat as Erik continued to ravish her hole.


    Her face morphed into that of a woman consumed by lust. Her tongue left her mouth as she panted and began to lick Erik''s chest, not knowing what else to do with herself because her arms were still restrained.


    The fact she was restrained andpletely helpless to resist Erik''s ravaging of her cunt actually increased the pleasure by leaps and bounds for this poor perverted woman.


    At this point, Elora reconnected Emma and Emily with a sadistic grin while she watched the circumstances inside that ck dome.


    Emily, who, after recovering from her first orgasm, had already tried to leave the dome only to find out she was trapped there, finally started to get the feeling it was over when she suddenly felt like something had lodged itself inside her, expanding her stomach.


    She screamed and fell to the floor, with one hand on her mouth, and the other on her stomach, because apanied by that expansion, came an all-consuming pleasure, greater than anything else she had ever felt.


    At that same moment, both Emma and Emily shared their second orgasm of the night, causing them both to squirt fluids, scream, and shake wildly.


    Erik groaned and closed his eyes in concentration to stop himself from following Emma in cumming as her extremely tight insides spasmed around his cock. ''Shit! I can''t remember thest time I felt something so tight,'' he groaned inwardly.


    He didn''t stop moving, however, thereby extending Emma''s orgasm as long as possible, and fully imprinting the pleasure of his cock into his second wife.


    Now, with Emma somewhat ustomed to Erik''s intrusion, the night truly began, as Erik began moving faster and wilder by the second. Emma waspletely helpless against his onught.


    And she loved every second of it.


    Erik, too, couldn''t get enough of despoiling the young and soft body of his perverted second wife.


    When Erik had enough of their current position, he swapped positions with Emma, put her on her back, and continued to bring the girl to previously unknown realms of pleasure.


    "H- Harder, master! Uuuhm, m- more!" she moaned loudly in between mostly unintelligible garbles.


    Eventually, he turned Emma around, put her face in the pillows, and continued from behind. With her arms bound behind her, Emma was unable to keep herself up and could only let Erik do whatever he wanted with her. Which is exactly how she liked it.


    His face was twisted in pleasure and excitement. He leaned forward, bunched up some of Emma''s silky white hair, and pulled her up, arching her back.


    "Gaaah!" Emma half screamed half moaned as the new sensations caused her to orgasm again. Erik leaned over and put his mouth next to her ear to dere his love in a possessive manner, "You are mine! Forever! I will burn my cock in your mind!"


    "Y- Yess!! Do it!!" Emma moaned, "im me! I love you, Master!"


    "I love you too, my perverted little glimmer," Erik grinned and thrust himself as deeply inside Emma as he could, causing her to scream.


    They kept going like that for another half an hour or so, with Erik using every trick he could think of to dy his orgasm. Finally, when Emma waspletely delirious from her fifth orgasm, he whispered in her ear, "I can''t hold it any longer, little glimmer. Prepare to receive your husband-master''s seed."


    "Yessss, fill me up, Master. Breed me! Mark me!" Emma moaned as she drooled into his chest, barely aware of what she was saying.


    Luckily, Erik had taken precautions against pregnancies. Or rather, Elora had. It wasn''t time for children yet, after all. And if anyone was going to have his children, Elora would naturally have to be first.


    Erik groaned and pushed Emma''s entire body into the mattress by cing himself on top of her. Erik''s heavy body caused Emma to have trouble breathing, and yet, she never felt so safe, protected, and, most of all, excited.


    He shoved himself against her womb, causing one final, mind-melting orgasm in his beautiful maid-wife before he exploded inside her.


    At the same time, in the dark bubble, Emily, who had experienced every one of Emma''s orgasms, didn''t miss this one either. She thrashed, screamed, and moaned. Her arms iled around, unsure of what to do with them. She even felt the sensation of a hot sticky fluid filling her lower body, causing her eyes to widen and her body to tremble even harder.


    Finally, both Emma and Emily fell silent as they closed their eyes and fainted from exhaustion.


    At the same time, down in the living room, Astrid panted with wide eyes as the sigil stone she had been given by Eloray next to her head. Her hand was still down her pants, and the entire area was drenched in fluid.


    "I can''t¡­believe I¡­just did that," she panted.

 Chapter 158: Chapter 158 - Astrids night

    Astrid had been watching the entire session in that bedroom from the start, although the sigil didn''t include any sound, she tried to infer what was said from what she saw.


    At first, there appeared to be some argument between Emily and Elora, until Emily was eventually ced in that dark dome. Astrid had no idea what went on there, but Emily appeared to step into it willingly, despite her clear anger.


    Naturally, she still had to consider the possibility that everything was staged, but the fact that Emily could get angry at Elora seemed to suggest she still had her own mind intact, which made her happy.


    The events that happened afterward, however, seemed to suggest her worst fearsing true, as Emma appeared entirely dominated and subservient.


    ''Is she actually a ve, just like that Nora woman?'' she thought to herself, with fury beginning to boil up inside her.


    It''s not that she had a problem with envement per se, otherwise she would have already raised a stink about Nora. But there was a difference between enving a troublemaker to spy for you and enving an innocent girl to be your wife.


    Her feelings for Erik, or at least, the old Erik, warred with the facts of what she was watching. Tears appeared in her eyes, even as fury filled her mind. It wasn''t that she cared so much about Emma, but more that she resented Erik for having be something unrecognizable.


    She trembled and cracked her knuckles, on the verge of storming in there to give him a piece of her mind, regardless of the fact she stood no chance against him currently.


    But when she was about to stand up from the bed, she noticed the current scene on the sigil stone, which showed Erik and Emma, kneeling in front of each other with love, clear in their eyes, and she halted.


    "That¡­" she mumbled before falling silent and continuing to watch the scene. The scene of Erik lightly choking Emma caused her anger to rise again, but when it was time for Erik to attach the leash, she noticed the happiness and trust in Emma''s eyes.


    ''Am I¡­ jumping to conclusions?'' she thought to herself. ''I guess, the Emma on this screen isn''t so different from the one I met earlier. Perhaps I just¡­ didn''t realize how deep her mindset went.''


    So she dropped herself back onto the bed and kept watching. As the scene became more and more intimate, Astrid even started to feel guilty for spying on them, "I shouldn''t be doing this," she mumbled to herself. "But I need to know what Erik is like in private."


    So, despite her misgivings, she continued to watch. As she did, she began to see the scene, not as Erik forcefully dominating Emma, but as Emma giving herself willingly, and Erik simply fulfilling Emma''s fantasy. ''They do look like they''re in love¡­'' she thought, with a hint of jealousy.


    She put the screen down and turned to look at the ceiling while she put a palm on her forehead. "What right do I have to suspect anything, anyway," she mumbled. "It''s not like it''s impossible for Emma to really be this way, even if I can''t understand it¡­"


    Despite the fact she was beginning to see another side of the scene, she still couldn''t imagine herself doing what Emma was doing. ''I don''t want to serve him, I want to love him as an equal.'' She thought to herself, ''But¡­ that doesn''t make Emma''s expression of love any worse. So long as it''s actually consensual¡­''


    She sighed and rolled her eyes, "It''s not like I have the moral high ground here, spying on them like a pervert." She wasn''t getting much sexual satisfaction from watching this scene, but that didn''t exactly make it better.


    At this point, she still kept the possibility of foul y in her mind, but she felt it bing less likely by the minute. ''What would be the point?'' she thought to herself. ''Assuming he did anything to Emma to make her like this, why not just do the same to me? Why the games?''


    Suddenly, anger and disgust passed across her face, ''Unless games are the point?'' But she quickly shook her head, "No!" she said out loud, "I''m jumping to conclusions again. Until I see actual evidence, I refuse to believe I can''t trust him anymore."


    She sighed again and sagged back into the luxurious bed''s extremelyfortable pillows before she hesitantly picked up the sigil screen again.


    Currently, Erik was hugging Emma to his chest with a worried expression as he caressed her hair. Astrid was confused about what was happening, but Erik''s expression made her trust in the new him skyrocket.


    If she wasn''t still slightly concerned this might all be a setup, this would have been enough to restore full trust in the new Erik.


    When she tried to discover what happened just before the current scene, she suddenly noticed something white dribble down Emma''s chin, just before Elora''s magic wiped it all out.


    She flushed red at the realization of what happened. She had watched porn too, in the past, after all. She wasn''t ignorant of these things.


    Despite her embarrassment, and the realization that, if she still kept watching, she really would be a pervert, she couldn''t help but look a little lower on Erik''s body.


    With her mind preupied with other things earlier, she hadn''t gotten a good look at Erik''s member yet. But now, she did. Her eyes opened wide in shock as she gulped. ''T- That small girl¡­ swallowed that¡­ thing¡­ far enough to turn into such a state?'' she thought to herself, full of disbelief.


    ''How can anyone fit such a thing inside any part of their body at all!'' she thought, as her hand unconsciously slipped into her pants, only to find her lower area had begun to moisten at the sight of Erik''s naked body.


    She gulped, and couldn''t stop herself from beginning to rub herself a little, and as the scene on the stone continued, her rubbing only increased in intensity.


    While the scene of Emma deflowering herself made Astrid stop for a moment, what followed was, at least for the most part, surprisingly wholesome lovemaking that quickly increased Astrid''s arousal.


    "I really, really shouldn''t be doing this," she kept mumbling to herself, even as she continued to watch with rapt attention as her hand moved furiously inside her pants.


    Finally, the moment came. She moaned loudly, spasmed a little, and liquid spewed forth from her lower hole.


    But she didn''t stop there. Erik and Emma kept going, and so did she. Right up until the moment Erik finished inside.


    Now, with the sigil stone by her side, Astrid was panting heavily as she dazedly looked at the ceiling. "I can''t¡­believe I¡­just did that."


    Despite her disbelief and slight anger at herself, however, exhaustion was finally beginning to catch up to her. The day had already been far too long, and far too busy. Her eyes slowly closed, and she drifted off to sleep before she even noticed.

 Chapter 159: Chapter 159 - Calm before the storm [1/2]

    Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, Emma had fallen asleep. Although, perhaps saying she fainted from pleasure and exhaustion was more urate. She currently snored softly on top of Erik''s chest. Her lips were curled into a warm, happy smile, and her upper body was still restrained by the harness.


    Emily, too, had fared no better than her little sister and currentlyy sprawled on the floor inside that ck dome. Her face was red, and her lower body soaked, but she looked peaceful nheless. A pleasured smile graced her face as she slowly breathed in and out.


    As for Erik, he smiled softly and stroked the young Emma''s hair, which was no longer bound in a ponytail and instead spread out around her like a halo.


    Erik smiles softly to himself, ''Don''t you worry, little glimmer. I''ll take responsibility for you.'' A possessive glint passed through his eyes, ''You''ll be mine forever, now.''


    Elora was next to him and chuckled happily when she felt his feelings, "She''s the cutest, isn''t she?"


    Erik grinned teasingly as he turned towards Elora, "Cuter than you?"


    A chime-like, amused giggle sounded from Elora''s lips. "Well I''d sure hope so," she said, before puffing out her chest with pride. "I''m far too domineering and mischievous to be cute!"


    Chuckling, Erik asked, "Proud of that, are you?"


    Elora raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying you don''t like me like this?" Then, she looked up at the ceiling, ced the back of her hand on her forehead, and sighed dramatically, "Have I already been reced by the new blood?"


    "No one could ever rece you, Elora," he answered with an amused grin, but a sincere glint in his eyes. Then he extended his hand to grab Elora''s neck and pull her closer to him, "Now give me a kiss."


    Elora giggled again and did as he asked.


    After they separated, Erik raised a curious eyebrow and nced behind Elora at the ck dome, "How''s Emily doing? I''m guessing she failed?"


    Grinning victoriously, Elora nodded, "Of course she did! Although shested longer than I would have expected. She''s fallen asleep by now, just like Emma."


    "She should really have known better than to make deals with you by now," Erik chuckled amusingly. "Anyway, do you mind bringing her to the bed? She really shouldn''t be sleeping on the floor, and I can''t stand up without waking Emma."


    "Oh just let her sleep on the floor, she didn''t want to be in bed with us, anyway," Elora said, waving her hand dismissively.


    But Erik didn''t relent and kept looking into Elora''s eyes with expectation and a domineering glint.


    Finally, Elora stood up with a sigh and a roll of her eyes, "Fiiiiine, but you owe me for this one. I mean really, asking me to do physicalbor!"


    She flew towards the ck dome and made it disappear with a wave of her hand, revealing the sleeping Emily. The fairy picked her up and used her wings to fly to the other side of the bed, where she put the ck-haired girl down.


    "I already owe you far more than I can ever repay, my lovely little Ember," Erik said with a grin, as he watched her.


    "Hmpf," Elora scoffed as she went back to lie next to Erik again, "And don''t you forget it!"


    Chuckling, Erik kissed her forehead, and soon, they drifted off to sleep.


    *****


    The next morning started off a little awkwardly, as Emily, once again, found herself hugging Erik''s body when she woke up.


    Only this time, she didn''t jump up in a fury after realizing where she was, but instead, sighed with annoyance and bumped her head against Erik''s side, while whispering, "Dammit."


    "Angry you lost the bet?" she heard Erik''s masculine voice just above her.


    It remained quiet for a moment, as Emily seemed to be debating with herself whether or not she should answer. But finally, she started talking, even while her face remained buried in Erik''s side, "More like angry I took the bet in the first ce."


    "Yeah," Erik chuckled knowingly, "It''s not usually a good idea to bet against Elora."


    Emily scoffed, "You don''t seem to be doing so bad with them. How many more days does she still need to call you Master, again?" Without waiting for Erik to answer, she continued with an exasperated sigh, "I just¡­ wanted to shove that cocky attitude up her ass for once. Didn''t exactly work out that way, did it¡­"


    Even Emily herself didn''t really know why she was taking this all so well, why she wasn''t angrier at Erik, who surely knew what Elora''s sigil was supposed to do. In fact, she felt strangely thankful to Erik. Not for the sigil, but for clearly providing Emma with an extremely pleasurable first time.


    The proof of which, she had experienced first hand¡­


    "Did it feel good at least?" Erik asked, a yful smirk around his lips.


    Emily remained quiet for a moment until softly whispered, "Yeah," sounded in Erik''s ears.


    Suddenly, Emily seemed to find her fury again, quickly untangled herself from Erik''s body, jumped out of bed, and pointed an using finger at Erik, "But don''t let that get to your head! Just because I now know how it feels doesn''t mean I''ll suddenly jump your bones!"


    Only when she finished did she suddenly notice Emma and Elora''s heads sticking out from Erik''s other side. Elora with an amused grin, and Emma with a happy smile, "Good morning, Big Em!" thetter said in a chipper voice.


    "Gah!" Emily jumped back a little, apparently having forgotten they were there. Suddenly, she found it hard to look into her little sister''s eyes, considering what they sharedst night.


    "G- Good morning, little Em," she stammered.


    Then, with a venomous re shot at Elora, she rushed out of the room, "I''m taking a shower!"


    It appeared Emily''sck of anger did not extend towards Elora.


    Emma blinked, a little surprised at her big sister''s reaction. She turned towards Erik, "Master? What did that sigil do exactly?"


    Chuckling mysteriously, Erik answered, "If you really want to know I''ll tell you, but it might make things even more awkward between you and her. I suggest you wait and see if she wants to talk to you about it." He smiled warmly, "She''s fine, though. Don''t worry."


    Emma smiled brightly, no doubt in her mind about the truthfulness of Erik''s words. "Alright, I will!"


    Then she sat up, and curled her lips into a small smile, while her cheeks became a little flushed. "A- Anyway, thank you forst night, Master. It was exactly what I wanted."


    Smiling, Erik leaned over and kissed her, "I believe I should be the one thanking you. Now how about we get you out of that harness, so you can go prepare some breakfast?" he asked, with a yful grin.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 160 - Calm before the storm [2/2]

    So, a new day arrived in Frostvik.


    After everyone got dressed, they left the bedroom, with Elora on Erik''s shoulder.


    When they entered the living room, they found Emily talking with Astrid. The two of them quickly fell silent, which made their topic of discussion clear.


    Yet, neither Erik nor Elora was bothered.


    Emily shortly red at Elora and then simply went to sit on a sofa to continue her Arcanist path. She considered going to help Emma prepare breakfast, but she still felt far too awkward for that.


    "Good morning, Astrid," Erik greeted the strawberry-blond vampire with a knowing smile.


    Astrid blushed furiously and red at him angrily when she saw Erik and noticed that smile. Setting aside that she now knew what he looked like naked, and had rubbed one out to the intimate scene between Erik and Emma, there was one more reason: the smell.


    Emily and Emma may not have noticed, since it had been multiple hours since then, but she knew that what little remained from the scent of her ejactions would not pass by the nose of a powerful werewolf like Erik.


    ''I guess that answers the question of whether or not she actually used that sigil,'' Erik chuckled to himself, unbothered by the knowledge his childhood friend had been watching himst night. ''And the fact she enjoyed herself is a good sign.''


    "Don''t you dare bring it up!" she said, with arms crossed, crimson cheeks and a challenging re. She still wasn''t sure whether or not Erik actually knew of the sigil stone Elora had given her, but if he did, then she prayed to all her lucky stars he at least wouldn''t mention it.


    "Enjoyed yourselfst night?" Erik asked,pletely ignoring her request, while a lopsided grin tugged on the corners of his mouth, and mischief sparkled in his eyes. The only thing missing where wiggling eyebrows to make it really obvious what he was talking about.


    In response, Astrid blushed even harder and cursed inwardly. ''Damn that idiot!'' Unable to think of a proper response, she instead jumped to the best method she had of coping with her feelings: violence.


    She jumped up and charged Erik with a roar, "Shut up!" Her face was red and twisted in frustration. Erik chuckled and quickly caught her fist before it reached his stomach. He slid back a few meters but was otherwise unharmed and had now caught Astrid''s arm.


    Yet, despite his rtively easy catch, he could feel the increased power in her punch. ''She''s recovering faster than expected,'' he thought to himself. ''That''s good, we''ll be able to leave earlier.''


    "Let me go!" she said while ring at him.


    "Why don''t you make me?" Erik challenged, with his mouth curled up into a yful grin, and his eyes twinkling with fighting intent.


    "Before this goes any further," the amused voice of a certain fairy sounded from the side, her wings fluttering with suppressedughter, "Can I suggest you take this outside?" She giggled, "We already have one hole in the house after all¡­"


    Erik chuckled and looked at the frustrated Astrid, "Well? Can you contain your frustration until after breakfast?"


    Astrid red at him and tried to pull her arm back, which Erik allowed by letting go. She grumbled a little, "Fine." Then her face turned a little in embarrassment, "But no more mentioning¡­ you know what!"


    "It''s forgotten about," Erik chuckled.


    Seeing there would be no more walls destroyed today, Elora flew up from Erik''s shoulder and put Astrid''s bed back in her storage jewel.


    Seeing the vampire woman''s questioning gaze, Elora chuckled and reassured her, "Don''t worry, you''ll get it back by night. It''s just a little in the way right now."


    After Astrid epted Elora''s exnation, they then went on to eat the breakfast prepared by Emma, and everyone got started on their various tasks for the day.


    For Emma and Emily, that simply meant continuing their paths as Arcanists. Elora had prepared various methods to help them along as quickly as possible without putting them in danger of corruption.


    For Elora, that meant continuing to teach sigil craft to Nora, while also extracting as much information about Frostfang and the Silver Enve as was avable in the enved werewolf''s head.


    As for Astrid and Erik, they continued their training and sparring fromst night. Only this time, Erik actually spent a little more time on his uncle''s group as well, to the great excitement of Bj?rn.


    It quickly became apparent that Erik and Bj?rn had a lot inmon. They were both pragmatic and generally calm, yet they loved fighting and training with a passion. In addition, they would both do anything for the people they love.


    Over the next few days in Frostvik, things continued peacefully, and without any upsets.


    Bj?rn and Erik quickly foundmon ground, their budding friendship anchored by shared stories andmon interests. Among these stories, Erik was particrly drawn to the tale of Bj?rn''s human wife, a victim of the hunters'' many attacks on the day of the awakening.


    Whenever Bj?rn spoke of her, a distant look of resolve clouded his eyes¡ªa look Erik interpreted as a shared longing for justice against theirmon enemies. Particrly, against the hunters, rather than humans as a whole, an idea that most of these other shapeshifters seemed to subscribe to.


    The concept of Bj?rn''s interracial marriage intrigued Erik because it resembled what he once thought his future with Edda would be like, despite the rarity of such unions.


    These marriages were shrouded in myths and debates over the feasibility of offspring, who were themselves enveloped in legend, not for their power but for their scarcity.


    This was also why some people in Frostvik didn''t approve of Erik''s infatuation with Edda, back in the day. But, of course, with Erik''s parents being the vige leaders, what anyone else thought was inconsequential.


    Regardless, Erik now understood the rtively moderate stance on humans that Bj?rn took. Bj?rn''s anger was mostly focused on the specific group of humans who called themselves the hunters.


    As for f and Anne, Erik didn''t really get any closer to them, but that was to be expected. They had the most hatred towards humans, and they saw Erik as a human sympathizer.


    He also spent a lot of time with his Uncle Viljar during these days. They talked more about everything that happened in thest seven years, while also reminiscing about the good times before that.


    They managed to make a start at truly rekindling their rtionship as uncle and nephew. Naturally, Viljar was particrly happy at Erik''s intentions towards Sigurd, with Erik now understanding why Viljar was so sure Erik would find himself involved in this war.


    The same went for Astrid and Erik, who grew exponentially closer to the way they used to be, with Astrid a little more sure about Erik''s character every day.


    Nora didn''t go ignored either, as Erik made sure to continue ingraining her with obedience and reminding her of the kind of rewards she could get for doing a good job. Not that she had a choice, of course, but having an enthusiastic ve was always better than a reluctant one.


    Unfortunately... all peaceful times would eventuallye to an end.


    *crunch* *crunch*


    On the morning of the fifth day since Erik''s arrival in Frostvik, the sound of two people walking through the Norwegian snow sounded just before the ridge overlooking Frostvik.


    Two men appeared on the edge.


    The left one, was rtively short, with brown hair, blue eyes, and an excited, greedy smile on his face. He was dressed in a uniform very familiar to Erik''s group. It carried the European Council''s symbol.


    This man was Victor Bianchi, a second-rank shapeshifter.


    The man next to him was tall, with ck hair, brown eyes, and a powerful presence that was difficult to ignore.


    His name was Jonas M¨¹ller, a German immigrant to Norway. Although, most people now referred to him as Frostfang¡­

 Chapter 161: Chapter 161 - Frostfang arrives

    "Frostvik¡­" Frostfang mumbled, "I can''t believe it''s taken me this long to visit the ce where my honored teacher used to live."


    He turned towards hispanion with a raised eyebrow, "Are you sure they ended up in this ce?"


    Victor nodded, his eyes narrowed, and shining with expectation, "Of course! My informant was very clear. They told me about the route they took from the site of that battle, and since then, I''ve contacted them every day to make sure they were still in the same ce."


    He shrugged, "They couldn''t tell me it was this ce specifically, but their directions end here, so¡­"


    "Right¡­" Frostfang growled softly, "Your so-called informant."


    Frostfang''s eyebrows knitted together sharply, fury flitting across his eyes as his jaw clenched tight. "I''d really like to know which one of my fellow students dared to betray me. To betray the Enve. Betray teacher!" The bitter fury in his voice increased with every word.


    Victor felt the violent emanations of the third-rank Runebound next to him and decided to take a step back. The council may have multiple third-rank powerhouses, but none who were close enough to shield him from this particr powerhouse. He preferred not to be struck down in a fit of anger.


    Yet, he couldn''t just give Frostfang what he wanted out of fear. With Aria Lefay as his faction''s leader, he would likely suffer a fate worse than death if he let this opportunity slip through his fingers.


    He eyed the tall man carefully. "We agreed I''d give you their identity, as soon as I get what I want," he said, greed and excitement now reced by caution.


    Luckily, Frostfang was not about to ruin everything by giving in to anger. He took a deep breath and calmed down, before turning to Victor with narrowed eyes. "Yes, you will. And you''ll also send support against the Dominion, as per our deal."


    The threat in Frostfang''s voice was clear, and Victor felt the pressure of a third-rank''s threat pressing down on his shoulders.


    Yet, he remained undeterred. The job of an envoy requires many different qualities, not least among which were bravery, and a touch of insanity.


    You couldn''t just give in to a foreign ruler just because he had the ability to put you in the ground, after all. It would undermine the person, faction, or country you''re representing.


    Instead, his lips curled up into a confident grin. "Of course, of course. As long as I im my prize today, I will be able to demand whatever I like from the council. Including support for your cause."


    The disdain Victor felt for this man was carefully hidden. After all, he couldn''t understand why Frostfang wouldn''t just dissolve his little backwater Enve into the council and be a councilor.


    Councilors were at the top of the food chain in Europe! Sure, it''s the ssical, big fish small pond debate, but in Victor''s mind, that barely counted here. ''Sooner orter, this small pond will dissolve into the European sea,'' he thought to himself. ''You''re only dying the inevitable.''


    ''As for your precious support¡­ we''ll see if I still remember it when I bring back my prize to Brussels,'' he finished, smirking inwardly.


    The two men were locked in a staring contest for a moment before Frostfang finally snorted and turned back toward Frostvik. "Fine. Let''s get this over with fast then. Every moment we dy is another Enve encampment wiped out by those damnable ghouls."


    Frostfang was an intelligent man, however, and he certainly realized the high possibility of Victor''s betrayal down the line, so he had made his own ns to deal with that.


    For now, however, these two men plotting against each other were still on the same team and began to walk down the path toward Frostvik.


    Yet, despite his third rank, it appeared that even Frostfang didn''t notice the same warning signal that once warned Elora of Viljar''s arrival.


    *******


    Back in Frostvik, Erik and his group were still sleeping. In Erik''s parent''s old bed, three people were entangled together: Erik, Emma, and Emily, thetter of which still had not managed to secure her own bed.


    "Erik! Armor! Now!" Elora''s loud voice suddenly sounded in the werewolf''s head.


    His eyes opened wide and trained instincts from seven years of living on the edge of society as a mercenary kicked in. He didn''t even question Elora''s words, as he knew she wouldn''t mess around with this.


    Her tone made him realize one, very important thing: trouble was here.


    He roughly, and hastily untangled himself from the mess of limbs he found himself in and jumped out of bed.


    Next, he sprinted towards his armor in the corner, which he hadn''t worn since the day he arrived in Frostvik. Unfortunately, several of his armor''s enchantments interfered with storage jewels, so he had no choice but to keep the armor outside of them.


    At the same time, Elora appeared. She had a frown on her face and an expression that was very umon for the usually confident and yful fairy: anxiety.


    Erik''s rough movement had naturally woken the two Ashcroft sisters from their slumber. They rubbed the sleep from their eyes, even as their eyebrows shot up in surprise at the usually oh-so-calm duo of werewolf and fairy.


    They had only seen them act like this one time before when Katya arrived in London.


    "Up, up, up!" Elora said hastily, and loudly. "Get your stuff. We might be in for a fight, or perhaps a chase."


    While Emma didn''t argue and quickly burned through her usual ropes so that she could put on her clothes, Emily just stared at the fairy groggily and with annoyance. "Why the sudden hurry, huh?" she growled, still nursing a grudge against the fairy.


    Instead of answering, Elora called on the powers of their covenant to force Emily into getting a move on. The covenant mark on the back of Emily''s hand shed, and Elora growled, "I said get your ass out of bed and prepare to leave. Now!"


    Still grumbling under her breath, Emily felt herselfplying with Elora''s order, despite her grudge, and her desire to sleep a little longer.


    Meanwhile, Erik was almost done donning his gear, and probed the fairy for answers, "Is it Frostfang?" he asked while concentrating on his armor.


    "Yes," the fairy answered, "And he''s brought the council."

 Chapter 162: Chapter 162 - Preparations

    Erik shortly paused in surprise, and so did everyone else in the room. Then he scoffed and continued to put his armor on. "Damn council. I didn''t think we''d have to deal with them again so quickly. Do you think they''re here for us, or is it just a coincidence?"


    "You know I never assume anything is a coincidence until proven otherwise," Elora said, as she chewed on her hair in thought. "We should assume he''s here for us."


    At the same time, Emma also unfroze but said nothing as she continued to put her clothes on. ''I''m sure Master and Elora have a n for this,'' she thought. ''I just need to do as they say.'' As usual, she simply put all her trust in the two of them.


    Emily unfroze as well and began to pace around the room, with her eyebrow scrunched up in worry. ''What the hell are those assholes doing here?!'' she thought to herself. ''I thought we left them behind in London!''


    Emily hadn''t been there to hear about the council''s presence in thesends when Viljar talked about it, and neither Erik nor Elora had mentioned it in front of her, so this came as quite a surprise to the woman.


    She nced at the pair of fairy and shapeshifter anxiously, ''They won''t¡­ give me up, will they?'' she suddenly thought.


    Meanwhile, Erik frowned at Elora''s response while he put thest piece of his armor on, "He? There''s only one?"


    But his partner remained quiet. Erik didn''t mind, though. He looked over at Elora and saw her twisting her hair while she chewed it. Her brows were furrowed in thoughtful concentration, and her pupils were darting around.


    He knew what that meant. ''She''s currently making ns A through Z to cover every possible scenario, I should let her be for a moment,'' he thought to himself. ''Instead, I should go warn Astrid. Who knows how little time we have.''


    It was now no more than a minute after he woke up when he stormed out of the bedroom in full armor, smashing through the door.


    Astrid barely needed to be woken up as the crashing door,bined with Erik''s heavy armored footsteps echoing through the house, had already done the job for him.


    Her eyes sprang open, and like a wild animal ready to pounce, she jumped out of bed, straight intobat stance. Astrid may not have lived on the edge for seven years like Erik, but her instincts were still sharply honed.


    When an ebony-ck,rge, heavily armored tank in human form stormed into the living room where she had been sleeping, she immediately attacked.


    Luckily, Erik saw hering and barely managed to dodge. Something that was much harder to do than it was a few days ago, as Astrid had made a full recovery and was now in the best shape of her life.


    "Calm down, Astrid! It''s me!" he quickly shouted, before things got out of hand. He didn''t want to know how his armor would hold up against Astrid''s sunbeam attack.


    Just about to call on her affinity, Astrid quickly held herself back and blinked when she recognized Erik''s voice. "Erik?! What the fuck is that armor?!"


    He hadn''t worn this at all in thest few days, and Astrid hadn''t been inside the bedroom, so this was the first time she saw it.


    "Never mind that now!" Erik waved his hand and shook his head. "Get ready for possible fight, and probable flight. Frostfang is here."


    "What?!" Astrid paled when she heard that news. Before Sigurd betrayed her mother and took control of the Dominion, her mother had butted heads with Frostfang on more than one asion while contesting control over the region.


    While the fact that Frostfang survived these encounters with Liv may suggest he is more powerful than Sigurd, that wasn''t actually true. The main reason Liv was such a danger to her usurper, was due to her sun affinity¡ªan understandably powerful asset against vampires. And one that she passed down to her beloved daughter.


    Regardless, Astrid had no idea how Frostfang would react if he discovered her identity.


    But suddenly she frowned. "Wait a second," she wondered out loud. "Isn''t Frostfang some kind of devotee of your mother?"


    While the armor thing simply never came up, Erik hadn''t kept any actual secrets from Astrid. Which meant he had told her everything he heard about Frostfang from Viljar, Nora, and Bj?rn.


    Erik scoffed dismissively while he went around the room to put some family pictures and mementos in his armor''s storage space. There was a good chance he''d have to leave here today, and he had no idea when he''d be back.


    "I''m not about to put my faith in the loyalty of someone I''ve never met before," he said while looking fondly at a picture before putting it away. "Until proven otherwise, he is an enemy."


    Conviction burned in his eyes, and Astrid had no doubt he meant what he said.


    "Besides," he continued. "The council is with him. I wouldn''t hold my breath over a peaceful resolution today. If the council somehow got wind of our location, I have no doubt they offered some kind of support in the war against the Dominion, in exchange for me and mine, served on a tter."


    "I see," Astrid frowned, worry etched on her face. ''I only just reunited with him, is it gonna end just like this?! How are we going to fight off a third-rank shapeshifter?!'' she thought to herself.


    "You know," Erik suddenly stopped packing, as he turned to Astrid with a serious expression. "If we run now they''ll simply chase us, and there''s no way we can outmaneuver a third-rank Runebound, but it''s not the same for you. They''re not looking for a vampire. If you run now¡­"


    But before he could finish, Astrid softly punched his armored chest. "Shut up!" she said, partly annoyed, partly angry. "You actually think I''d leave you now?! After we finally met again?!"


    Erik grinned happily, "No. But I had to at least say the words."


    But Astrid harrumphed and mumbled, "No you didn''t."


    Suddenly, her expression softened and she smiled a little. "You know, this is pretty fitting. Last time, I thought you died in an attack on Frostvik. I couldn''t help you then." Small tears appeared in her eyes. "But you came back to me! And now, here we are again.


    Another attack on Frostvik where your life is in danger."


    Her tears suddenly dried up, and her eyes began to burn with the intensity of the sun as all those tear-stained nights where she wished she had been there to defend her crush came back to her, "But this time, I''ll fight by your side!"

 Chapter 163: Chapter 163 - Astrids new weapons

    Erik felt the intensity of her feelings and smiled. Before Astrid could react, he leaned over and kissed her softly on her blood-red lips.


    His sudden gesture stunned Astrid into silence as she slowly blinked a few times. Her thoughts turned into a jumble as they tried to catch up to events.


    In the past, she would have given anything to be kissed by him, but now it just conjured up a whole host ofplicated feelings.


    Erik smiled at her confusion, "I know you haven''t made your decision yet, but since today can go a number of ways, I just wanted to be sure I kissed you at least once."


    His words shook Astrid out of her daze and caused her to blush heavily. Seeing her expression, Erik felt danger approaching and prepared himself.


    "Don''t say stupid things!" Astrid yelled while punching his armored chest in a lightning-fast move. Her therapeutic attacks were always directly proportional to her frustration, and this one was particrly strong.


    Luckily, Erik had prepared himself and was currently wearing his armor, so he only skidded back a few meters while chuckling with amusement.


    Meanwhile, Astrid had forgotten all frustrations and embarrassment as she was groaning in pain and waving her bruised hand in the air, "Ow!" She yelled. "What the fuck is that thing made of!"


    Erik''s eyes suddenly lit up. He quite enjoyed smithing back on S?l, but he hadn''t had much time to practice his craft in thest few weeks. That is, until a few days ago when he had started a new project. "Oh!" he said, enthusiastically,pletely forgetting about the emergency. "It''s actually a blend of materials, that¡­"


    "Stop!" Astrid said a little surprised Erik was getting carried away so easily. "It wasn''t a real question! Frostfang, remember?" Despite knowing it wasn''t the time for it, Astrid couldn''t deny she liked seeing Erik so enthusiastic about something.


    Erik chuckled and scratched his head awkwardly. Even back on S?l, forging was the only thing that could distract him from nearly anything.


    "That does remind me of something, however." He suddenly said to Astrid while he waved his hand in the air and essed his armor storage. "I''ve been working on something in the basement, and this is probably the best time to give it to you."


    For thest two days, he''d been making some excuses to Astrid for sneaking away from training early in order to work on this as a surprise, using the old forge in the basement.


    In his hands appeared two short swords. "I remember you used to wield two of these kinds of weapons when we sparred in the past, and since you have no weapon now¡­"


    Even back before the awakening, when guns were still widely avable, both shapeshifters and vampires frequently engaged in close-quartersbat, even in serious situations. After all, how else would they take advantage of their superior bodies?


    Despite the term short sword, these were still rtively long, being about 60 cm (24 inches) each, making them exist on the edge of what was still considered a short sword. The handle and cross guard didn''t look like anything special, but the des themselves looked particrly fearsome.


    While Erik, unfortunately, didn''t have any truly formidable metals with him when he was inadvertently dragged back to Earth, he did have one particrly sharp material in his possession right now: ghoul ws.


    These were the ws he picked up in Kirkenes after discovering they had even been able to cut through his armor.


    Now, in order to enhance the cutting power of these des, Erik had created precision grooves on the de''s edges, which he then used to iy as many of the ws as he could fit.


    These ws'' naturally razor-sharp edges protruded slightly beyond the edge of the sword itself, giving it a distinct and extremely intimidating look. It was a look of precision and lethality.


    Astrid blinked in surprise and looked at the weapons with awe. "You¡­ You created these?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.


    Erik chuckled and felt pride at her expression, "Of course. Consider them a reunion gift from me to you."


    Astrid took one of the swords from Erik''s hand and slowly stroked the smooth metal, carefully bumping over the iid ws. "I don''t know much about metal craft, but I''m pretty sure iying these ws like that is damn impressive," she said with wide eyes. "Are you sure they won''te loose?"


    Erik grinned and nodded pridefully, "Of course! Don''t worry, I used runes and aetherium to make them blend properly. At this point, they''re more part of the metal than not."


    "Amazing," Astrid mumbled as she tried out the edge of one of those ws and almost felt her second-rank Runebound skin be pierced by them, despite not using much strength. "Where did you get these ws?" she asked, curiously.


    Erik chuckled a little awkwardly, "Well¡­ ghouls, actually. I hope you don''t mind."


    Astrid blinked but then chuckled as well. "Better them than me, I guess."


    "That''s the spirit!" Erikughed, happy she didn''t mind. "Anyway," he said, before waving his arms again. "Usually Elora reserves these for family, but I convinced her that you were close enough."


    A pretty, but unremarkable ring appeared. It looked like a golden band with several inscriptions on it. "This is a storage ring," Erik exined. "It''s very small, but will at least be able to hold those swords and a few extra things."


    Part of him wanted to make an engagement ring joke, but he held himself back. ''Not the time for that now, especially not since she hasn''t made a choice yet,'' he chuckled to himself.


    Astrid took Erik''s gift with a grateful smile on her face, "Thank you, Erik. I''ll cherish it, and the swords." Erik quickly exined how to bind and use the ring, and before long, Astrid was able to put the swords in and take them out again.


    She brandished her new weapons heroically and looked at Erik with pride. "Well, how do I look?" she asked, yfully, trying to diminish the pressure they felt from an approaching third-rank with unknown intentions.


    "You look ready to chop off Sigurd''s head and save your mother," he chuckled in response.


    Astrid turned uncertain and nodded, "Thank you, but¡­ let''s just try to get through today first."


    It was at this point that Elora chose to appear with Emma and Emily in tow. "Don''t worry, it''s not like we''re without options, or without preparations. I''ve already used the Bond of Service to contact Nora for some information and to give some orders."


    She turned into her smaller form and fluttered her wings to end up on Erik''s shoulder before continuing, "Viljar and his group currently still have no idea that Frostfang is about to arrive, as it is still early and they are still sleeping."


    She turned to Erik and the others. "There are many things still uncertain, but we know we can''t outrun a third-rank werewolf. We''ll have to adjust our ns and actions as we go, but everyone needs to be ready to do what is needed when it is needed. So, for starters, here''s what we''re gonna do," she said and began to exin her n.


    Although, perhaps n was overstating it. It was more like abination of possible scenarios and how to react to them.

 Chapter 164: Chapter 164 - Erik and Frostfang [1/2]

    In the early morning quiet of Frostvik, a lone, solemn figure knelt next to a grave. It was a strange grave, as a beautiful blue flower bloomed on top of it, while a simrly colored aura covered the entirety of it.


    The figure extended his hand and touched the grave, without being hindered by the aura. "I''m not sure when, or if, I''ll be able to return Dad," the man, obviously Erik, mumbled to himself. "But it was good seeing you again. I promise I''ll reunite with Mom and avenge you."


    He remained in that position for a few moments longer, before he stood up and turned towards the direction he knew the unwee visitors would soon be appearing from.


    By now, it had been a mere ten minutes since Elora had awoken Erik. Assuming Frosfang and the unknown man representing the council walked casually, or at least, as casually as second and third-rank Runebound shapeshifters could, they would arrive in at most another five minutes.


    He took his ce at the head of the graveyard, which was ced in the middle of town, just before themunity building.


    His gaze was resolute as he looked towards the hole that Emily had created in the wall when they first arrived here.


    The first light of dawn casts long shadows, painting the scene with a stark contrast of light and dark. His pitch-ck, onyx-colored heavy armor, gleaned faintly under the nascent light.


    His short, silver-gray hair danced lightly in the wind, while his piercing amber eyes scanned the horizon.


    He looked lonely and deste, standing there in the middle of a deserted, snow-covered town, with a graveyard as his backdrop. He took his hammer out of the storage space and nted the head on the ground in front of him, ensuring he was prepared for anything.


    He now looked like a true gatekeeper, there to stem the tide, whatever it may bring.


    Of course, he wasn''t actually alone, as Elora was inside his soul, and three women were anxiously looking at his back from inside the house. All three of them would prefer to stand by his side, but they, too, knew there was nothing they could do against a third-rank.


    Their only choice was to follow Elora''s directions and hope for the best.


    Finally, two figures appeared to climb through the hole in the fence and panned their gazes toward Erik. They appeared surprised, as they hadn''t seen this man when they looked down on the vige from above.


    "Did he somehow notice our arrival?" Frostfang mumbled, more to himself than as a question to Victor.


    "I don''t see how," Victor answered anyway. "I''m blocking my scent through the use of a sigil, and you can do that naturally with your ability as a third-rank Runebound."


    "You say that, and yet he''s so clearly waiting for us¡­" Frostfang answered. "I suppose this day might prove to be quite interesting."


    They began to walk in Erik''s direction. Snow crunching under their boots, which softly echoed through the silent, and deserted town. Frostfang''s gaze shortly lingered on the graveyard behind Erik''s back, his thoughts unknown.


    As they neared, more details of Erik''s face became apparent, causing Victor to grow more excited the closer they came.


    Frostfang noticed his changes in expression and raised an eyebrow. "I''m guessing this man is one of the people you''re looking for?"


    Without losing his excitement, Victor shook his head in denial, "Sort of, but not really. I want two of hispanions most of all. One woman with ck hair, and ck eyes, and another woman with crimson hair and green eyes. Both looking no older than 25."


    Frostfang nodded in acknowledgment and kept walking as he suddenly sniffed the air. "Something is weird about this guy, though.," he said. "His weapon and stance are screaming Runebound at me, yet he''s clearly not a vampire, and that armor would stop him from transforming."


    "Plus," he sniffed the air again, "Why can''t I smell him?"


    Victor shrugged and chuckled, clearly knowing more than he was letting on, "Since I can hide my smell, why wouldn''t he be able to?"


    Naturally, it was Elora hiding Erik''s smell, but Victor actually assumed Erik was using sigils for this, just like him. Either way, however, he was not yet ready to reveal Elora''s ability with sigils to Frostfang.


    The third-rank werewolf snorted with annoyance at Victor remaining quiet, but there was nothing he could do, so he just kept walking.


    While they inspected Erik, he did the same to them, mostly focusing on Frostfang.


    "That council stooge seems like any other second-rank shapeshifter," he said to Elora through their link. "Instead, Frostfang is far more interesting. Unless you can pick up something on that second-rank that makes him more interesting?"


    Elora''s reply was negative. "Nope, he seems entirely unremarkable. Frostfang is definitely more interesting. What do we know of him?"


    "Well," Erik began, thoughtfully, "Supposedly, he''s a fanatic admirer and follower of my mother, and he gained a mysterious boost in power after she left to pursue Edda. He cares about little more than her and the Enve, which she entrusted him to take care of in her absence. He''s also a werewolf with the ice affinity, just like me."


    "Right¡­" Elora responded and seemed in thought. "I wonder if his fanatic admiration ever stepped into the realm of something more."


    With his father''s grave in his back, that possibility naturally made Erik both ufortable and angry. "So what?" he slightly growled. "Even if it did, Mom would never ept his feelings."


    Elora didn''t mind his tone. She felt his anger being directed towards Frostfang, after all.


    So she simply answered his question. "I didn''t say she would. But regardless of whether he truly is loyal to your mother; if he''s also in love with her, then meeting the child she had with another man might just put him in a bad mood."


    Erik''s eyebrow twitched at the idea of getting killed by Frostfang out of petty jealousy. But before he could retort, Elora continued, "We can''t avoid him finding out your identity, and in fact, I think it is more likely to be beneficial than not. I''m just saying we need to be careful."


    Still feeling a little ufortable, Erik looked at Frostfang, while doing everything he could to keep his hostility from entering his face. ''If you dare to harbor less than pure intentions towards Mom, you''re going on my shit-list.'' Erik thought to himself.


    Outwardly, he took a deep breath and seemed to calm down a little, while answering Elora. "You''re right, Elora. Thank you."


    It had still only been a few seconds since Frostfang and Victor entered the town, but they almost reached Erik.


    Suddenly, Erik said inwardly toward Elora, "I love you, little Ember."


    "Shut up," Elora answered with a roll of her eyes. "We''ve made it through worse than this. Besides, there''s very little actual reason for either of them to want us dead."


    "Elora¡­" he lightly growled in response, causing the fairy inside his soul to sigh. "Fine, fine. I love you too, Erik."


    Today was the eighth day since that night in the cabin. Therefore, Elora''s bet with Erik was over, and she was once again free to call him Erik.


    Finally, the trio in the middle of Frostvik stopped and looked at each other from a dozen meters distance. "So¡­ you must be Frostfang," Erik started with a light-hearted smirk.

 Chapter 165: Chapter 165 - Erik and Frostfang [2/2]

    Frostfang''s frown deepened upon hearing Erik''s question. ''How does he know me?'' he wondered silently. ''More importantly, if he knows me, he must be aware of what I am, so why does he look so calm?'' Despite recognizing Erik as only a second-rank, Frostfang noted theck of intimidation in his stance.


    Frostfang had so far been limiting his third-rank pressure, but now Erik made him grow a little more cautious.


    He released his pressure to try and intimidate Erik while continuing to frown, "I suppose I must be. Although it appears you have me at a disadvantage."


    Waves of power surged from Frostfang, rippling through the frigid air. The snowkes around him danced in a sudden whirlwind, and the morning air shimmered. His aura, a visible force of nature, painted the scene with an otherworldly glow. Next to him, Victor groaned a little and he took a step back with an aggrieved face.


    Erik, however, felt the pressure wash over him like a cool summer breeze.


    But that was only to be expected, after all, since he had merged with another third-rank being¡ªElora. Although Elora''s offensive capabilities were limited to sigils, her third-rank essence meant that Frostfang''s pressure had no effect on her, and by extension, on Erik.


    Frostfang, noticing Erik''s unflustered reaction, became even more guarded¡ªwhich is exactly what Erik and Elora wanted from him. The more cautious he was, the more hesitant he would be to act hastily.


    Erik pretended like nothing just happened and simply answered Frostfang''s question, a casual smirk still hanging on his lips, "My name is Erik." He chuckled lightly, "There, you''re all caught up now."


    "Yes, well¡­" Frostfang began, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, "You appear remarkablyposed and self-assured, given you''re unaware of the intentions of the formidable individual before you."


    "What makes you think I''m unaware?" Erik began, before panning his gaze towards Victor with a knowing smile. "You''ve brought a council toady with you, after all. His intentions are not hard to guess."


    Victor''s brow twitched at being called a toady. He opened his mouth to strike back, but before either he or Frostfang could say anything, Erik continued with a curiously raised eyebrow, "Although I do wonder how you found out my location?"


    ''I suppose that means they know the council is after them,'' Frostfang thought to himself, then turned towards Victor and said, in answer to Erik''s question, "I''d like to know the same thing, actually."


    Victor understood the underlying implication of Frostfang''s question¡ªit wasn''t just about the informant but also about why the council was pursuing Erik and his group, something that Victor had thus far refused to share with him.


    Suddenly finding himself under the scrutiny of both Erik and Frostfang,pounded by the weight of Frostfang''s pressure that was still being released, Victor took another step back.


    His brows furrowed, and small beads of sweat appeared on his forehead while his skin and muscles appeared to tremble, as if ready to transform at any time. Yet, his demeanor betrayed none of his inner turmoil.


    "First reign in your aura, Frostfang," Victor managed to say, his voice betraying a calmness that belied his stressed state. His request, bordering on a demand, highlighted his difort. "It may not affect that guy for some reason, but it sure affects me."


    Frostfang snorted in contempt, suddenlyparing Victor to Erik and finding the formercking. He did, however, dial back his aura. He still needed Victor, after all.


    Elora took note of the fact that Frostfang seemed incapable of regting his aura to ignore certain individuals, which was the hallmark of someone in the lower spectrum of third-rank individuals.


    "It doesn''t seem like their rtionship is particrly harmonious," Elora''s voice remarked inside Erik''s head. "That could be beneficial."


    Erik nodded thoughtfully towards Elora in his mind but outwardly remained as casual as before.


    With Frostfang''s pressure gone, Victor quickly rposed himself, wiped the sweat off his brow, and straightened his clothes.


    He harrumphed and stepped closer to Erik and Frostfang again, before turning to Frostfang with a serious expression. "You know our deal, Frostfang. No support or information, until I actually have the people I''m looking for."


    Elora perked up her metaphorical ears when she heard what Victor said. ''That sounds like an opportunity to sow some discord¡­'' she thought to herself. ''But we need to wait for the right moment.''


    While Erik looked at the pair in front of him with apparent curiosity, Frostfang snorted and grumbled, "Fine. Have it your way."


    He knew why Victor was being cagey about the details. After all, if Frostfang knew exactly why the council wanted these people, he might want them for himself instead. Or he might decide that Victor''s contacts in the council aren''t worth the chance he might be betrayed, and bring them to the council himself.


    Frostfang lifted his nose in the air and sniffed in an attempt to detect the location of everyone currently in Frostvik. He quickly turned his direction towards Viljar''s old house. "The only people I can smell are Viljar and the others," he mumbled, before frowning and turning towards Victor.


    "Are you sure they''re here?" he asked with slight annoyance, now thinking he came here for nothing.


    But Victor rolled his eyes, "Of course they are." He pointed an using finger at Erik, "Since he can hide his smell, why wouldn''t the others be able to?"


    Of course, it was a little different, as Elora was actually hiding the smells of the others through sigils, unlike with Erik, but the result was the same.


    "Right¡­" Frostfang said, raising an eyebrow, "And how are they doing that again?"


    "Stop probing for answers, and just use your omnisense," came Victor''s annoyed response.


    Frostfang narrowed his eyes and fought off the urge to stomp Victor like the bug he was. After a moment, however, he snorted and closed his eyes for a moment.


    At the third rank, both Runebound and Arcanists gained the ability to extend a kind of rudimentary sixth sense in a spherical area around them. This, and Frostfang''s speed, were the main reasons why it would have been pointless to run away from him.


    Fortunately, Elora had a sigil to block detection from that as well. Unfortunately, this sigil could only be applied in an area, and not on a person, like the sigil for blocking scent. Thus, blocking the omnisense was only useful for hiding, and not for running.


    When he couldn''t find anything once again, he turned towards Victor with narrowed eyes, "Nothing."


    Now Victor looked annoyed. ''Don''t tell me those little shits actually have a sigil for that as well¡­'' he thought to himself. Then he turned to Frostfang, not intending to give anything away, "Perhaps they have a way of blocking your sense. Regardless, I''m sure they''re here, and the support you want depends on it, so I''d try real hard to find them if I were you..."


    Frostfang''s nose twitched and wrinkled, while his eyes narrowed. He was getting increasingly irritated about this whole thing.


    "Alright, enough of this." He growled towards Erik, now finally deciding to throw in his weight as a third rank.


    "You have two options," he began, his eyes narrowed, and his stance threatening. "Tell me why the council wants you, or tell me where yourpanions are. Actually, scratch that. You''ll be telling me both, but you can decide the order."

 Chapter 166: Chapter 166 - Confrontation [1/2]

    Erik, still grinning with undiminished confidence, challenged Frostfang''s demand. "And what if I don''t?" While the reason for withholding the information about the whereabouts of hispanions was obvious, he wouldn''t actually mind telling Frostfang everything the council knew, since their knowledge was minimal at best.


    But his readiness to escte the situation wasn''t about withholding crucial secrets.


    Instead, it was meant to stir the already simmering tensions between Frostfang and Victor. After all, if they told Frostfang everything, there was a chance he would simply do away with Victor, but that wouldn''t necessarily be beneficial to Erik and his group.


    So long as there were two groups in y, the Silver Enve and the council, Erik and Elora could y the two against each other.


    Naturally, this was a high-risk, high-reward y, but high-reward was what they needed if they wanted to get out of this with both their lives and independence intact.


    Frostfang, visibly unsettled by Erik''s seemingly unwavering confidence, struggled toprehend this defiance. Never had he encountered a second rank so boldly standing his ground against him, a fact that unnerved him more than he cared to admit.


    Which was exactly Erik''s goal.


    While on the outside he remained confidant, on the inside it was a whole other matter. "We''re not ready for a fight yet, Elora!" he told Elora, with a sense of urgency. "It''s time to reveal my identity, how much longer?!"


    "Don''t worry," the response was immediate, and calming, "it should be any second now."


    Exactly at that moment, a booming voice sounded from the side, "Stop, stop!" Erik''s grin widened, both in triumph and relief, while Frostfang raised an eyebrow as they both recognized that voice.


    Viljar burst onto the scene, his arms iling in a desperate attempt to defuse the obviously mounting tension.


    Roused from his sleep by Nora¡ªherself alerted by Elora''s earlier warning¡ªViljar had been thrust into action by Nora''s urgent warning of the confrontation between Erik and Frostfang.


    Naturally, the timing had been carefully orchestrated by Elora, in order to give them a little time to observe the unbiased Frostfang, before introducing Erik''s identity to the mix.


    Erik''s uncle quickly moved to Frostfang''s side, cing a reassuring hand on the man''s shoulder. "Don''t do anything you''ll regret, Jonas," he urged, his expression fraught with concern.


    This unexpected disy of worry caused Erik and Elora to raise their mental eyebrows in surprise. Viljar''s suddenck of confidence in Frostfang''s willingness to hurt Erik was a sudden departure from his constant assurances that Frostfang would never hurt Runa''s son.


    ''Perhaps because the council is involved now?'' Erik pondered inwardly. ''Well, either way.'' He reminded himself, ''It''s not like we put too much stock in Frostfang''s loyalty to my mother anyway.''


    Frostfang, visibly irked yet cautious, kept a wary eye on Erik as he addressed Viljar. "What''s this about, Viljar? And your silence¡ªfive days without a word. Weren''t you tasked with verifying Bj?rn''s ims of witnessing a ghoul''s control being undone and uncovering the truth about these strangers? Your report is long overdue."


    Viljar scratched his head a little awkwardly and thumbed towards Erik. "Well, for starters, Erik is not to be underestimated, especially with the kind of support he has."


    His awkward expression worsened as he admitted his next point, "Even with the five of us, we weren''t able to coerce him and his group intopliance. Instead, we were defeated and forced to stay."


    Then he frowned and looked at Frostfang with conviction, making it clear how serious he was about this, "But even if that wasn''t the case, I wouldn''t have done anything to him, Jonas."


    Temporarily ignoring his increasing curiosity regarding Erik and his group due to Viljar''s admittance of being unable to take them down, Frostfang focused on Viljar''s second sentence instead.


    "Why not?" he pressed while frowning, confusion clear in his voice. If there was anyone he would name as having the second-most dedication to the Enve''s welfare after him, it would be Viljar.


    Still frowning, Viljar exined, "Because Erik is my nephew, Jonas. Runa''s son; returned from the dead."


    A brief silence followed Viljar''s revtion, with Frostfang blinking in surprise.


    Victor, who had so far simply watched the situation unfold with disinterest, suddenly tensed. The revtion that Erik might be someone important to Frostfang piqued his interest and caused him to frown with concern.


    ''This couldplicate matters,'' he mused inwardly, before subtly retrieving a sigil stone from his pocket. As he discreetly manipted it behind his back, the others remained engrossed in the exchange, oblivious to his actions.


    All except one, as Elora had her own omnisense covering the entire area from the start. Something that Frostfang was not capable of, as he could only use it intermittently. ''Interesting¡­'' she thought to herself.


    Frostfang, meanwhile, scrutinized Viljar intensely. Despite knowing the man would never say such a thing unless he was absolutely sure, Frostfang searched for any sign of a lie or uncertainty in the werebear''s eyes.


    When he found none, he panned his gaze toward Erik, his eyes showing variousplicated emotions¡ªconflict, curiosity, and an unspoken question hanging between them. "You are¡­ honored teacher''s son?" he asked, his voiceced with bone-deep respect when he mentioned Runa.


    Yet, his gaze was one of uncertainty and anger as he looked at Erik.


    Erik felt a little concerned about the anger but did his best to remain casual and confident like before. An amused grin hung on his lips, "Well, I just call her Mom, but yeah, I suppose I am. Erik Gunnulf is my full name."


    Erik''s admission was followed by another short moment of silence, where Frostfang slowly internalized this new information.


    Finally, Frostfang''s expression seemed to re with anger, and slowly, menacingly, he began to approach Erik. "You dare show up here now?!" he growled, furiously. "Do you know how much your mother suffered because of you?!"


    ''Hold on,'' Erik thought to himself, as he realized the reason for Frostfang''s anger, ''This asshole thinks he can lecture me?! He dares to assume I would cause my mother any suffering willingly?!''


    A wave of fury, matching Frostfang''s washed over him and he was about to retort while preparing forbat, nearly forgetting about all their ns, but luckily, Viljar intervened again.


    Seeing the situation deteriorate, Erik''s uncle quickly grabbed Frostfang''s shoulder. "Woah, woah, calm down Jonas! I listened to his exnation and it''s a good one! There''s nothing he could have done!"


    Frostfang paused and narrowed his eyes as he looked at Erik. "Is that so, huh? And what exnation is that?"


    Despite his concern about possibly having to fight an enraged third-rank Runebound, Erik found himself unable to contain the increasing amounts of annoyance and anger he felt at this man''s attitude. ''Who the hell does he think he is, anyway?!''


    "And who the hell are you to judge me?" he growled angrily while tightening the grip on his hammer. His annoyance with Frostfang''s presumptuous attitude bubbled to the surface.


    His voice became louder and angrier, "My past, my story, my reasons¡ªthey''re mine! I told Viljar because he''s my uncle, but who the hell are you? I don''t know you and you certainly don''t have the right to lecture me on my mother''s behalf. Do you really think you''re more important to her than I am!?"

 Chapter 167: Chaoter 167 - Confrontation [2/2]

    When his speech was over, silence fell over the town of Frostvik. Erik quickly realized he had unwittingly shifted to his wolf form. His mouth twisted into a snarl while his wolfish amber eyes shone with a fierce defiance.


    Apparently, Frostfang''s insinuations had trudged up some intense feelings from Erik.


    Frostfang paused due to Erik''s rebuttal but kept his eyes narrowed. Aplex mix of anger and sadness marred his face. Yet, for the moment, he didn''t seem to have a goodeback to Erik''s words.


    Deciding that perhaps it was best to move Frostfang''s focus, Viljar moved to stand in between Erik and Frostfang. "Setting aside all of this, it''s good to see you again, Jonas," he said with a warm smile.


    The truth was, that the current Silver Enve was divided into arge number of camps spread throughout the eastern area of Finnmark, and Frostfang was always on the move, traveling from camp to camp. Thus, he rarely saw his old friends.


    They only asionally talked and received orders through aplex system of many two-way radios that were kept just barely functioning.


    Even this meeting was little more than a coincidence, as they might as well have been stationed in a camp far away from here, which meant Erik would have been chased by a different group.


    Suddenly finding his vision of Erik obscured by the bear-sized form of Viljar, Frostfang couldn''t help but lose some of the anger in his gaze and sighed, "Same to you, old friend." His words were uttered in a cool tone, but there was clearly a warm glint in his eyes.


    Then he frowned, and his eyes narrowed again, "But now move aside, I''m not done with the brat yet."


    Viljar sighed and didn''t move yet. "Look, maybe he''ll tell you his story when he''s ready, but do you really think Runa will appreciate you giving her returned-from-the-dead son the third degree?"


    Frostfang''s gaze seemed to soften a little, but he still kept his eyes narrowed as he looked over Viljar''s shoulder towards Erik, who red back, undaunted.


    "His attitude pisses me off¡­" Jonas began but looked back at Viljar with reluctant eptance. "But I suppose you''re right. And although he''s a lot more casual than honored teacher, I do notice some of her in him."


    "You should have seen him before the awakening," Viljar responded with a half-smirk. "He took more after his father back then."


    Finally, Viljar moved out of the way, causing Frostfang and Erik''s gazes to cross paths again.


    Frostfang still seemed filled with a mixture of emotions ranging from anger to sadness to even relief at Runa''s son still being alive, but he didn''t seem ready to pounce on Erik anymore. Erik even noticed a glint of protectiveness in Frostfang''s eyes.


    ''I guess Frostfang has enough loyalty to my mother to want me alive at least,'' Erik thought to himself. ''Although I wonder about the breaking point of that desire.''


    "Perhaps I was a little hasty," Frostfang began. "No matter what, I''m sure honored teacher would be overjoyed at your survival, and I won''t jeopardize that happiness."


    Erik however, didn''t calm down much, and instead snorted dismissively, "You know, I can''t wait to hear what Mom thinks of your presumptuous attitude. From the way you talk about her, I doubt your rtionship ever went beyond mere teacher and student, so why you thought you could start lecturing her son is beyond me."


    Immediately, Frostfang''s fury returned, "Listen here, you brat¡­"


    But before he could continue, another voice sounded. "Enough of this!" Victor shouted. "I''m sure the two of you have plenty of things to sort out, but you can do itter. We came here for a reason."


    Victor now became the target of the furious gazes of one werewolf who was definitely more powerful than him, and another who likely was as well, based on everything he knew about Erik. Yet, he stood his ground and snorted while waiting for Frostfang''s response.


    Finally, it came. "You can''t take Erik," he said with conviction. "Honored teacher would never forgive me for that."


    "I don''t care about him," Victor waved his hand dismissively. "I already told you I''m here for the ck-haired girl and the crimson-haired girl. You can keep this guy."


    It didn''t seem like Victor had any clue about the fact that you couldn''t separate Elora and Erik. Then again, that wasn''t so strange, as the reason for Elora''s teleportation back in that helicopter was only mentioned by her to Katya in an off-handed remark. It was entirely possible Katya hadn''t even told the rest of the council.


    Frostfang nodded at Victor''s words, "Good. That''s fine then."


    But naturally, Erik disagreed. "Fine my hairy wolf ass!" he snarled and bared his sharp teeth at the both of them. "You think you can decide my and mypanion''s fates so easily? None of us are going anywhere with anyone!" he continued, defiantly.


    Erik knew perfectly well that he couldn''t actually stop Frostfang from taking them, nor did he put any stock in convincing him to refuse the deal with the council. Erik also wasn''t one to bluster pointlessly, but¡­ it wasn''t pointless.


    It was aimed at portraying a certain image that Elora had asked him to portray. While before he needed to show confidence in order to throw off Frostfang, now he needed to make it appear like all his confidence hade from his identity, rather than anything else.


    From this point on, he and Elora wanted Victor and Frostfang to underestimate him.


    Inside Erik''s soul, Elora was calcting and nning every possible next event and their suitable reaction, while adjusting everything as the situation progressed. So the moment Frostfang had shown interest in protecting Erik, she had moved on to the appropriate n.


    Seeing Erik''s pointless anger, Frostfang scoffed, "Don''t be an idiot, boy. Honored teacher tasked me with protecting the Enve, and that is what I will do, even at the cost of your friends."


    Before Erik could retort, more people entered the scene, as Nora, Anne, Bj?rn, and f now left Viljar''s old house.


    While Bj?rn and Nora appeared neutral, a careful observer might notice fear and concern in Nora''s gaze, while noticing conviction and determination in Bj?rns.


    On the other hand, Anne and f showed their clear glee at Erik''s apparent predicament. ''Finally, this human sympathizer will get what he deserves! And so will those bitches with him!'' they both thought, filled with anger.


    Seeing the new arrivals, Frostfang nodded in greeting. "Good, you''re all here," he said. "Go fetch Erik''spanions for me, while I keep an eye on him."


    His words caused Erik and Elora to grin inwardly when, less than a momentter, green shes appeared on the back of all four of their hands, while they remained still, with distressed faces.


    "W- We can''t, boss," said f while scratching his head awkwardly. Naturally, they knew perfectly well where the rest of Erik''s group was hiding. The covenant simply wouldn''t allow them to act on it, or even say a word about it.

 Chapter 168: Chapter 168 - Tensions rise

    Frostfang''s gaze burned with fury, a storm brewing in the wake of the defiance he faced, first with Erik, now seemingly with his supposedrades and subordinates.


    "What do you mean you can''t?" he growled, the weight of betrayal and insubordination heavy on his mind. After all, he already knew of a traitor among these five.


    The quiet refusal from f and the others, coupled with Viljar''s silence, pushed him to the brink. Yet, before he couldsh out, Victor''s calm interjection offered a momentary pause. "Calm down, Frostfang. It''s not their fault," he said, wanting to prevent his side from imploding.


    Despite his anger, Frostfang had always been a rational and pragmatic person, so while Victor''s words caused a sudden suspicion toe to him that all of his fellow students betrayed the Enve in favor of the council, he quickly discarded that thought again.


    ''One of them betraying the Enve is a bitter pill, but all? Unthinkable,'' he reasoned internally, his anger subsiding enough to seek rity. "What are you talking about?" he demanded, as his eyes narrowed towards Victor.


    Victor pointed casually at Erik. "One of the things we know about Erik and his group is that they have the ability to stop people from talking about or acting against them. We suspect the crimson-haired woman is responsible for this."


    "Very perceptive of them," mumbled Elora inside Erik''s soul. Naturally, Erik and Elora had simply been watching casually as the enemy descended into chaos. The more turmoil there was, the more opportunities they might find to get out of here.


    Meanwhile, Victor kept talking, while pointing at the five shapeshifters that refused Frostfang''s order. "If you look at the back of their hands, you''ll probably find a small, dark green mark. That''s all we know about this, however."


    Naturally, Frostfang was loath to trust Victor so easily, but one look at Erik''s face told him all he needed to know. He turned towards Erik threateningly, "You! Undo whatever you did to them."


    Erik raised an eyebrow on his transformed face and left a moment of silence, before he simply uttered one word, "No."


    To the side, Viljar palmed his face. "Dammit Erik! Can''t youpromise a little?"


    But Erik simply shrugged and met Frostfang''s re with a defiant gaze while directing his words towards Viljar, "Sorry, uncle, I won''t budge on this. Our secrets are ours, and they will remain that way for as long as possible."


    Finally, Frostfang was about ready to burst and began moving towards Erik, his face twisted in anger and his fists raised. "Alright, you brat," he started in a threatening tone, "I may not be willing to see you dead, but I can damn well beat you up until you learn some respect for those stronger than you."


    Seeing Frostfang''s approach caused Erik to brandish his hammer and grin with cautious excitement. He knew the situation was bad. If anything went wrong today, the best-case scenario would be all five of them ending up under Frostfang''smand, with Victor having gotten the boot.


    Yet, not only would that createter problems with the council, but Erik and Elora simply didn''t want to end up as a mere pawn in the battle for control over a tiny part of Norway.


    And then there were the worst-case scenarios, which ranged from death to one or more of them being taken by the council.


    And yet, despite knowing the situation, and knowing Frostfang would not be holding back as Katya had done in London, Erik couldn''t help but be excited by the prospect of fighting someone stronger than him.


    But just as the tension reached its peak and the twobatants were about to sh, another twist awaited, courtesy of Elora''s strategic nning.


    *****


    A little while earlier, inside Erik''s old home, Emma, Astrid, and Emily were watching the scene outside with nervous and rapt attention.


    "Damn the council. What are they expecting exactly?" Emily asked rhetorically, annoyed and nervous energy dripping from her face. "Do they think I''ll simply work for them after they kidnap me?!"


    "Don''t worry, Big Em," Emma said soothingly, with a smile on her face. "Master and Elora will solve it."


    "I wish I had your faith in them¡­" Emily grumbled. "Right now I''m not even sure they won''t just hand me over to save you and themselves!" It didn''t appear like Emily had realized that Elora was just as much a target as she was.


    Emily palmed her face and sighed, "Although¡­ perhaps that wouldn''t be so bad. At least you''d get away, little Em."


    Emma smiled brightly at her big sister, "They would never do that, Emily. I know Elora doesn''t treat you nicely, and I suppose I''m not sure if she really would be capable of leaving you behind, but Master would never do that!"


    Emily gazed at her little sister withplicated emotions, consisting mostly of worry. "You know, one of these days he''s going to let you down, little Em¡­ Maybe not intentionally, but everyone screws up at one point or another."


    Emma remained silent as she watched the proceedings outside, where Viljar had just shown up.


    At the same time, Astrid was behind them, seemingly barely paying attention to what was happening outside. Her brows were furrowed in concentration while she swung her new swords around. ''I need to get a good feel of their bnce and reach. Erik might need meter,'' she thought to herself with determination.


    Just when Emily started thinking she wouldn''t get a response, Emma smiled softly. "If that ever happens, I suppose it will be my turn to be the boulder shielding Master, instead of the other way around."


    Her words were said with so much conviction that even Astrid was momentarily pulled away from her practice. Both Emily and Astrid stared at Emma with a hint of disbelief.


    They couldn''t help but feel a certain awe as they looked at the small and seemingly fragile body of Emma, filled with conviction and determination. At that moment, she really did look like a boulder, capable of shielding anyone from anything.


    Such was the strength that came from a powerful belief in something greater than yourself. Whether or not such a belief was healthy was debatable, but the mental fortitude it granted was very real.


    "He doesn''t deserve you, Emma¡­" Emily mumbled, slightly aggrieved. She couldn''t help but feel a certain desire for the way Emma lived her life. Yet, she knew she could never do what Emma did.


    "You know, if Erik marries more women like you, perhaps sharing him isn''t so bad." Astrid chuckled, before going back to her practice.


    Emma smiled and opened her mouth to respond to Astrid when she suddenly closed it again and frowned a little. Astrid and Emily looked at each other with confusion, wondering what was wrong with Emma.


    A few momentster, she opened her mouth again and looked seriously at Astrid and Emily. "Elora just sent me a message. She and Erik need our help with something."


    Suddenly, she pouted a little as sadness shed through her eyes, "Well, they need help from the two of you, I''m just the messenger in this case."


    She shook her head to rid herself of thoughts of inadequacy. ''Just need to get to the second rank!'' she thought to herself. ''Then I''ll surely be able to help Master, too!''


    Her thoughts were interrupted by a serious and battle-ready Astrid. "What do they need? Is it time to fight?"


    A small, mysterious smile appeared on Emma''s face, "Not exactly¡­"

 Chapter 169: Chapter 169 - Disguise

    "She wants me to do what?!" Emily yelled, her face full ofplicated emotions, ranging from anger, to fear, to anxiety. "Forget it! This is surely a trap! There''s no n, she''s just trying to trade me for safe passage or something!"


    Emma looked sad and raised her hands in an attempt to soothe her sister. "Please, Big Em, calm down! Master would never allow that! He sent me a message too just now, confirming he agreed with Elora''s n. Besides, you know Elora still wants you to join our family!"


    "Does she?! Well, she''s got a funny way of showing it! I''m still pissed off about thatst trick she pulled!" Emily shouted, now starting to get a little off track.


    "Right¡­ what was that about, anyway?" Emma asked quizzically. "You just stormed out of that bedroom in the morning and you haven''t mentioned it since."


    Emily deted a little as anger drained from her face, to be reced by embarrassment. Her eyes fluttered across the room, unwilling to meet Emma''s gaze, "T- That¡­ that''s beside the point¡­"


    She shook her head and refocused on the issue, by turning to Astrid, who looked thoughtful. "Well, what do you think about this so-called n of Elora?!" she grumbled.


    Astrid shrugged casually, "Well, the idea is a little weird for me, but I''ll do whatever it takes to help. I don''t know this Elora well enough yet, but I¡­ I want to believe I can still trust Erik, even if he''s changed. So if he trusts Elora, then so will I."


    With Astrid supporting Elora''s n, Emily was now the only one who was still unwilling to follow it. Yet, when she looked outside at the people gathered there, including the powerful third-rank Frostfang, her defiance began to waver. After all, she didn''t have a better idea.


    Plus, when she looked at that lone figure of Erik, standing defiantly opposite a much more powerful opponent, she couldn''t stop her heart from filling with various emotions. She had to admit, albeit begrudgingly that, aside from wanting to help herself and Emma, she also wanted to help Erik.


    Seeing her doubt, Emma struck while the iron was hot. "Please, Big Em!" she pleaded. "We''re running out of time! It''s now or never. You know you can trust Master!"


    Finally, Emily allowed herself to be convinced. She closed her eyes and clenched her jaw. "Fine!" she said through clenched teeth. "But I want it on record that I do not like, or trust that damn woman, even if I''m choosing to follow her n!"


    While Emma ked a sigh in relief, Emily turned to Astrid, frustration, and anger still clear on her face. She beckoned the vampire woman over, "Come here then, Astrid. This won''t take long."


    Despite knowing what was about to happen, Astrid didn''t show any anxiety and stepped towards Emily with determination. Even if she would''ve preferred a simple fight, she could handle anything in the name of making it through this!


    At the same time, Emily took out her sigil carving tool. While Elora could ce simple sigils on someone''s body by touching them, the far less experienced Emily still needed the sigil carving tool for this.


    Luckily, it wasn''t actually necessary to literally carve the sigil onto Astrid''s skin, as she just needed to trace the lines with it.


    *****


    Outside, the standoff reached a boiling point. Frostfang''s anger, sparked by defiance andpounded by suspicion, threatened to erupt into violence. But just as the air crackled with imminent conflict, two women entered the scene while waving their arms.


    "W- Wait!" one of them stammered in a panicky tone. "Don''t hurt him! We give up!" Her beautiful ck hair fluttered behind her, while her ck puddles for eyes were wet with unshed tears.


    Surprisingly, this woman was Emily, who wasn''t sure how much of her words she actually meant.


    Meanwhile, the other woman looked equally distressed, but she also ran a little strangely, as if she was ufortable in her own body.


    This woman was tall, with crimson-red hair and emerald-green eyes. It was Elora.


    Or at least, so Victor thought when heid his sparkling eyes full of greed on them. "There they are¡­" he muttered under his breath with an excited smile hanging on his lips.


    While the real Elora was anything but tall, such a detail was lost to Victor, as Elora''s most prominent features were her hair and eyes.


    ''Ugh,'' Astrid thought, as she couldn''t help but tug on her hair a little. ''This feels weird.''


    As it turned out, this was Astrid, masquerading as Elora. After all, Elora was currently upied with nning and coordinating, not to mention that she simply wasn''t built for the front line.


    With the limited knowledge of sigils Emily had been taught by Elora, she could just barely create an appearance change sigil that managed to darken Astrid''s normally strawberry blond hair, while turning her red eyes green.


    Luckily, while changing Astrid''s height, face, and other certain assets that were a bit bigger on Elora, was out of Emily''s skill level, just this was enough to fool Victor, which was all that was needed.


    Naturally, the five shapeshifters who had been living in Frostvik along with them for the past few days immediately noticed the problem, but, unfortunately for them, the covenant forbade them from revealing anything new regarding Erik and his group.


    f and Anne especially had clenched jaws and strained faces as they tried desperately to utter the words they so wanted to say: "That''s not Elora!"


    Yet, no words left their mouths. The mark on their hand shed and forced them to abide by the deal they made.


    Nora, meanwhile, didn''t even try. Even if the covenant didn''t stop her, the Bond of Service certainly would. Plus, she had to admit that she didn''t really want to say anything. She hoped Erik would get away.


    Viljar, too, remained willfully quiet as his love for his nephew warred with his loyalty to Frostfang and the Enve. Luckily for him, he had an easy out. Simply submitting to the covenant''s enforced silence was far easier than making a choice.


    Finally, there was Bj?rn who, perhaps surprisingly, had a simr expression to f and Anne. Although his was even more desperate, and even some panic shone through in his eyes.

 Chapter 170: Chapter 170 - The informant

    With Emily and the fake Elora''s addition to the field, Frostfang paused his advance toward Erik and raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    Erik, still in his formidable wolf form, turned to them and faked surprised outrage as best he could. "Elora! Emily! What the hell are you two doing?!" he barked, his voiceden with desperation.


    "We refuse to let you get hurt for our sake," ''Elora'' yelled angrily. "What''s the point, anyway? It''s not like you''re going to defeat a third rank!"


    Astrid felt disgusted saying such defeatist words. As soon as Erik wanted to settle this matter in a fight, she''d dly stand by his side,e what may. Even so, she knew the value of strategy and did her best to make it sound convincing.


    Emily and ''Elora'' soon ended up nking Erik on either side in a show of unity and support. They took defiant stances while ring at Frostfang and Victor.


    "You want us, right?!" Emily shouted. "Well, here we are! Erik has nothing to do with this!"


    Emily still half-suspected a betrayal from behind, not to mention that she didn''t really think this would all work out anyway, but she managed to hide her anxiety well. In fact, being in Erik''s proximity somehow increased her confidence that it would all work out in the end.


    "Idiot girls!" Erik cursed, as he panned his gaze between the two women on his side. "Why couldn''t you just trust me to take care of this!"


    Luckily, it appeared like the fact that much of what they were doing was fake, went unnoticed by the most dangerous person here. So, while Erik, Emily, and ''Elora'' continued to show theirradery and care for each other, Frostfang turned to Victor. "Well? Are these the two you''ve been looking for?"


    Victor nodded with an evil smirk. "Their descriptions match, and they are in thepany of this Erik, who also fits the right description. Supposedly, they left by boat from London, and the time of their arrival here fits more or less."


    "So, yes," he finished, greed shining in his eyes. "These are the girls the council has been looking for."


    Victor knew there was supposed to be a little sister too, but he didn''t care about her, and neither did the council. Of course, that was only because they had no idea about her double light and nature affinities.


    With Victor''s admission, Frostfang nodded, and said, "Good. They''ve been found then. Now, before anything else happens, you''re going to tell me who betrayed the Enve by informing for you."


    Silence descended on the group as they all had different reactions.


    Victor, the target of Frostfang''s attention, scoffed and defiantly met the third-rank Runebound''s gaze with one of his own, intending to see if Frostfang would back down.


    Erik, Emily, and ''Elora,'' all revealed expressions of angry curiosity. They weren''t faked, as they, too, wanted to know who caused Frostfang and the council to show up here today.


    After all, the Enve had no easily portable methods of contacting each other over long distances, which was exactly why Erik and Elora hadn''t been worried about Frostfang showing up here.


    Unfortunately, they hadn''t counted on a council informer who had likely gotten his hands on amunication sigil, and perhaps they had also put a little too much trust into the covenant.


    On the inside, however, Erik was grinning. The angry curiosity may be real, but he was also happy he didn''t need to prompt this revtion himself. After all, not only did he want to know, but the revtion might also bring opportunity.


    Meanwhile, the other shapeshifters in the group all looked astonished. This was the first time they had heard about something like this. They had known each other for seven years, some of them even longer than that, from before the awakening.


    Yet, now they learned that one of them was a traitor? They couldn''t believe it! Their gazes panned between each other in disbelief, and to see if anyone looked distressed or guilty. Yet, none of them did.


    Finally, Viljar was the first to speak up. He turned to Frostfang with a frown, "What are you talking about, Jonas? None of us would betray you, the Enve, or Runa."


    "I wish that were true, Viljar," Frostfang said gravely, without moving his intimidating re away from Victor. "But the only way Victor here could have known not only your location but also that his council''s fugitives were here, is if one of you told him."


    None of them could think of a way to refute Frostfang''s statement, so they went back to looking at each other, now with more suspicion than before.


    Meanwhile, Frostfang still wanted an answer from Victor. "We can stare at each other all day, Victor," he growled menacingly. "But the only way you''ll get your hands on those girls is after you honor the first part of our deal, and tell me what I want to know¡­"


    After another moment of silence, Victor finally realized Frostfang wouldn''t budge this time, so he grumbled, "Fine."


    ''I would have preferred if he simply forgot about it, but whatever. It''s not like I''m losing my only informant in the Enve,'' he thought to himself.


    Yet, despite Victor''s eptance, none of the shapeshifters reacted negatively. Clearly, whoever the informant was, they were still hoping Victor would point to someone else.


    Meanwhile, Emily and ''Elora'' had their gazes firmly pointed in the direction of Anne and f, sure of the assumption that it would be one of those two.


    As for Erik and Elora, the only person they were absolutely sure was not the traitor was Nora, as they would have known about it by now. As for Viljar, Erik had no doubts about him, but Elora was naturally skeptical of everyone.


    Yet, there was one person in Elora''s mind who she considered the most likely traitor, and her suspicions only got stronger when she noticed the shapeshifters'' reactions to the lead-up of this reveal.


    Soon, her suspicions proved to be correct, when Victor pointed to that exact person. "Bj?rn was my informant," he revealed with a shrug. "Deal with him as you like, and then let''s get this over with."

 Chapter 171: Chapter 171 - The reason

    As Bj?rn''s name echoed through the tense air, a collective shock rippled among the group, their eyes darting in disbelief toward the man they had known for years.


    Yet, amidst the turmoil, Bj?rn himself didn''t show any shock or make any attempts to deny those ims. Instead, the previously confused suspicion he had so perfectly shared with the rest of the group, had now made way for a stoic resignation, and arms crossed in front of his chest.


    His posture was unwavering, and his gaze fixed not on those he had betrayed, but on Victor. "I don''t care that you ratted me out," he said, calmly before his gaze suddenly hardened and seemed to pierce through Victor''s skull.


    "But our deal stands, you hear me?" he growled threateningly, yet calmly, while pointing at Victor. "I held up my end of it, now you need to hold up yours."


    With those words, Bj?rn had essentially admitted the truth, causing the people around him to widen their eyes and clench their fists in anger. "You asshole!" Anne yelled pointing at Bj?rn usingly.


    While this situation may have led to Erik and his human followers being in trouble, which delighted her greatly, the act of betraying the Enve could not be forgiven by anything. Not ording to her.


    Victor''s next words, spoken with a condescending grin, tossed a bucket of ice water over Bj?rn''s head, "Oh, but I do believe our deal was that you''d inform for me until the day the Enve finally joined the Council. I don''t believe that day has arrived, do you?"


    Bj?rn''s eyes widened and his fists clenched, quickly wiping out Bj?rn''s calm when he realized Victor had no intention of doing as he promised. He roared, "You dare?! It''s you who revealed my identity! Release her, damn you!"


    But Victor simply scoffed. "Or what?" he asked, with a smug expression and eyes twinkling with sadistic glee.


    With a beastly roar, Bj?rn''s body began to change and in less than a second had taken the form of a wereverine.


    Surprisingly, unlike the werewolves, werebears, and most other shapeshifters, wereverines actually shrunk a little during transformation.


    Rather than the tall and lean build of a werewolf, or the massive yet slow werebears, wereverines were morepact. Their muscr frames were broader, and designed for brute force, like the werebear, yet their size allowed for far more speed and agility.


    Their fur was also thicker and coarser, as this was their main form of defense. In contrast, werebears relied more on their skin, while werewolves simply weren''t built for defense.


    His ws, too, were different, as rather than the more elegant, uniform ws of a werewolf, a wereverine''s ws had arger curve, built for pure destruction, rather than precision.


    Bj?rn''s blue eyes lit up with unsuppressed fury and ferocity as he charged at Victor.


    Yet, all his ferocity and fighting intent came to nothing. Arge hand wrapped itself around his throat and yanked him off his feat. "That''s enough, Bj?rn," Frostfang growled as he pulled Bj?rn''s face in front of his own. "I don''t care what your deal was with Victor. You betrayed us, and you''ll pay for it."


    Bj?rn struggled and growled for a moment longer, his eyes lost in despair and anger while the people around him looked on withplicated gazes. Emily and Astrid, as the fake Elora, looked surprised. Bj?rn had always seemed reasonable, a little pragmatic maybe, but not unkind, and certainly loyal.


    Bj?rn''s oldpanions thought the same thing. Their faces showed the sorrow of broken trust and the yearning to know his reasons.


    "I guess you were right¡­" Erik said to Elora through their link. Then he sighed, "It''s a shame, though. I really liked Bj?rn."


    He received a thoughtful, mental nod in return, "I know¡­ I''m sorry about that. But now I finally have an answer as to why. He seemed to me like the most likely candidate, simply because Anne and f are too unstable to be useful assets, but I could never figure out why he would do it."


    "But now I see," she continued, "In the council''s shoes, I, too, would try to find a way to turn someone like Bj?rn, and it seems like they did by holding someone close to him hostage. At least, based on him demanding ''her'' release, whoever she is."


    Erik nodded sadly. He felt for Bj?rn, who was clearly a man willing to do anything to protect the people he loved, and now, even after betraying everyone else he cared about, it didn''t seem like it was going to matter.


    In Bj?rn''s shoes, Erik didn''t know how much despair he would feel, but he knew it would leave him a shell of a man.


    Meanwhile, Bj?rn had given up his struggle and looked at Frostfang with defeated, broken, and hopeless eyes. "Please, Jonas," he pleaded wheezing a little due to Frostfang''s hand around his throat. "He''s got my daughter¡­"


    With that revtion, silence once again descended on the group, as the air seemed to grow heavier. If possible, this news caused an even greater shock among his fellow teammates. For as long as they knew him, he had never mentioned a daughter. In fact, they all knew of histe human wife and simply assumed he never had any children.


    "You¡­ have a daughter?" Frostfang questioned, an eyebrow raised in surprise.


    Bj?rn struggled to nod while stuck in Frostfang''s iron grip, but the message came across.


    "Why didn''t we know about this?" he frowned. "And why didn''t youe to me for help, instead of bing this man''s spy?"


    "Teacher knew¡­" Bj?rn struggled to say. "But¡­ little Alice is half human¡­ and I know how some of you¡­ feel about humans¡­ I mean¡­ can you honestly say¡­ you would have attacked a council base¡­ just to get my half-human daughter back?"


    Frostfang nodded slowly with a thoughtful expression, indicating that he understood, and likely even agreed with Bj?rn''s assessment. If he felt any guilt over that fact, it wasn''t shown on his face.


    The people around them couldn''t deny Bj?rn''s words either, but only Nora and Viljar felt any guilt over the fact that their hatred had apparently alienated them from part of theirrade''s life.


    Seeing that Bj?rn had calmed down a little, Frostfang dropped him on the ground, causing the wereverine to sag to his knees and gasp for air.


    While he coughed and gasped, he exined. "I knew I couldn''t raise her as my own daughter, since everyone knew I was only ever with one woman," he continued. "So I left her with friends of mine who never had children of their own. They would be able to raise her as if she was a full-blooded wereverine."


    Having regained his breath, he slowly stood up and looked at Victor with a hatred that ran bone-deep. "Those friends and Alice disappeared a few months ago, not long after the Enve and Dominion became embroiled in open war."


    "I thought they died¡­" he said, despair in his voice.


    "But then," he seethed, "Victor suddenly showed up with my daughter in chains and the rest you can guess."


    He turned his gaze back to Frostfang. "Please, Jonas!" he pleaded. "I don''t care what you do with me as punishment for my betrayal, but please make my daughter a part of your deal with them! Don''t I deserve that much at least, after all our years together?!"

 Chapter 172: Chapter 172 - The Enclave always comes first

    It remained quiet for a moment, as Frostfang stared at Bj?rn with an expressionless face, his thoughts unknown. Bj?rn simply looked back, with the slowly crumbling hope of a desperate father, his fists clenched in frustration and despair.


    Finally, Frostfang turned his face towards Victor with an unspoken question on his face.


    Victor scoffed a little and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I didn''t think you''d actually consider it, I figured you''d be harder on a traitor." He waved his hand dismissively, "Regardless, that daughter of his is a valuable asset. In the past, hybrids may have been uninteresting, but now¡­ well, things might be different."


    He shrugged, "Still, we have made very little progress, so I suppose you can take his daughter, but it will be in exchange for the support I promised you." He grinned maliciously, knowing the kind of choice he was putting in front of Frostfang, "You can''t have both."


    Yet, contrary to Victor''s beliefs, this choice was actually not that difficult for Frosfang. He turned back to Bj?rn and shook his head without hesitation. "The Enve will alwayse first," he said harshly, not sparing Bj?rn''s feelings at all, even as everyst bit of hope in Bj?rn''s eyes shattered.


    "The Enve includes many shapeshifters, who will all die by the Dominion''s hands, sooner orter, without some kind of support," he continued, with an emotionless expression, while Bj?rn slowly sagged to his hands and knees.


    "Alice¡­" Bj?rn whispered in a broken voice full of despair.


    "The life of one girl does not weigh up to that. Not even when she''s your daughter," Frostfang finally finished, while looking down at Bj?rn.


    Naturally, there was another option for the Enve, which was to outright join the council. Unfortunately, that would be impossible right now, as not even the Enve''s current dire straights would convince these shapeshifters to ept the human part of the European Council.


    Or at least, such was the opinion of Frostfang, which is why he kept the council''s presence, and their mixed leadership, a secret from most of the Enve. After all, if the people found out, they would start to divide between some wanting to join the council despite the humans, and some who wanted to tough it out on their own.


    Naturally, he couldn''t allow such division within the ranks. Not now.


    Silence descended once again. Some looked at Bj?rn withpassion and pity, others looked at him with derision. Yet, no one spoke out in his defense. Not even Viljar, who seemed particrly torn between the knowledge that Frostfang was right, and the love and care he held for hisrade of seven years.


    Bj?rn looked like a broken shell of a man, as he kept kneeling on hand and foot, all the while, shivering and mumbling his daughter''s name.


    Finally, Frostfang spoke up again. "You''ll face the consequences of your actions when we return to the nearest camp," he said, but Bj?rn didn''t seem to register the words, and simply kept mumbling, all hope now gone.


    Erik looked at that sight and sighed sadly, while inwardly promising himself something. ''That will never be me,'' he thought, as he felt the determination to grow ever more powerful swell within him. ''Never will I be forced to watch as others decide the fate of my loved ones.''


    ''This, I swear.'' He dered inwardly, full of conviction.


    Meanwhile, Elora was thinking very different things. ''A hopeless man will do anything, so long as he is given even the tiniest sliver of hope,'' she thought, as her mind kept racing to make new ns and consider possibilities. ''I believe he may be our ticket out of here.''


    Having finished with Bj?rn for now, Frostfang turned around to face Erik again.


    "Alright, boy," he began. "If you don''t want to be separated from yourdy friends, I''ll give you one chance to convince me that keeping them with me is better than taking a chance with the council.


    The Enve is in dire straits, and we need help, but I would prefer to take the support that is right here, from people rted to my honored teacher, rather than trust this guy to keep his end of the bargain. Something he is clearly not very good at in the first ce."


    Before Erik could respond, Victor made his displeasure known. "What the hell are you doing, Frostfang?" he growled, almost threateningly, despite their power difference.


    "What does it look like?" Frostfang snorted in response. "I''m weighing my options."


    He turned back to Erik with a questioning gaze, ignoring any further objections from Victor. "Well?" he pressed, impatiently.


    Meanwhile, Elora was, once again, the only one to notice Victor fiddling around with a sigil stone. Finally, after many revisions had been made from the moment Frostfang walked into Frostvik, Elora had formed the final version of her n to get out of there.


    It was risky, but what other choice did they have?


    So, before Erik could respond to Frostfang, Elora used their connection to exin her n to him at thinking speed. It was more images and feelings than actual words, but in less than a second, Erik had understood what she wanted to do.


    "Well, the riskier the n the better I always say," Erik chuckled mentally towards Elora, before agreeing to her n and turning his attention to Frostfang.


    Mere seconds had passed since Frostfang had asked his question, but he was already getting a little impatient. Meanwhile, Victor was giving Erik a threatening re, clearly warning him to keep his mouth shut.


    Naturally, Erikpletely ignored that warning.


    His lips curled into a sly smile before he looked at Frostfang and opened his mouth, "You know what sigils are, correct?"


    Frostfang''s eyes shone with interest, as he was very well aware of what had turned the Dominion into such a threat nearly overnight. "Yes, so?"


    "Well," Erik began. "Let me tell you why the council is after us¡­"


    So he started telling Frostfang everything that the council knew about them. Which basically just amounted to Elora having some skill with sigils, and Emily having a darkness affinity with the power to enve.


    However, Erik managed to make it sound like the answer to all of Frostfang''s problems with the Dominion. Especially by pointing out the sigil to affect the Dominion''s control over ghouls which Elora had already taught Nora.


    Naturally, he didn''t neglect to mention that he himself was far stronger than any normal second-rank, as Viljar could attest to. Yet if he was forced to part from hispanions, he would not be so inclined to fight as a member of the Enve.


    But the nail in the coffin was when Erik revealed the main reason why the Council was after them.


    Elora''s disappearing act in the helicopter.

 Chapter 173: Chapter 173 - Sales pitch

    During the entire speech, Victor became angrier by the second, and thoughts about welshing on his deal with Frostfang became more prominent. Assuming Frostfang would even still hand Emily and ''Elora'' over to him.


    Frostfang noticed, of course, but he didn''t care. He had always been nning to send Viljar and his group along with Victor to ensure the deal was honored. It was a dangerous assignment, as Frostfang wasn''t sure how the third-rank leaders of the council would react, but there was no one besides Viljar he trusted for this.


    Finally, Erik''s sales pitch, which is really what it was, came to a close. "But I believe the main reason the council is after us, is because Elora managed to disappear from their helicopter while in mid-air, despite the aetherium-blocking bracelet she was wearing at the time," he said while thumbing toward the fake Elora next to him.


    Of course, the entire thing was for show, as Erik and Elora had no intention of giving themselves up to Frostfang and the Enve. Right now, he just needed Frostfang to give up on his deal with the Council, so that Victor would make his next move, which would hopefully create enough chaos for Erik and the others to slip away.


    Because of this, from the moment he started his sales pitch, he had started to subtly gather power and prepare, as the most dangerous part of Elora''s n was still toe.


    Meanwhile, Astrid, who actually knew nothing about Elora''s disappearing act, as Erik had never described it in detail to her, put on a smug expression when Erik mentioned it, thereby subtly continuing her portrayal of Elora.


    Frostfang raised his eyebrows in surprise. While he had never heard of such a bracelet, he could guess at their effects from the name. Although, even if she hadn''t been wearing such a thing, the mere feat of disappearing like that was already impressive.


    Naturally, everyone else apart from Victor, who grumbled furiously instead, reacted in much the same way as Frostfang. No matter how Elora had managed to do such a thing, it was still impressive, and potentially very useful.


    "Alright," Frostfang narrowed his eyes with interest. "Setting aside the abilities of Emily for a moment," he said, causing Emily to pout a little despite herself, "if you can tell me how Elora managed to do that, I will protect you from the council."


    For some reason, Frostfang kept his attention on Erik, rather than simply asking the fake Elora next to him. Presumably, he assumed Elora wouldn''t answer without Erik''s permission, as he seemed like the leader of the group.


    Erik scoffed and rolled his eyes inwardly at Frostfang''s promise, however. ''How exactly is he going to protect us from the fourteen third-rank councilors that rule Europe?'' he thought to himself. ''Our best defense is to stay on the move and leave for Africa as soon as we''re finished here.''


    Yet, he naturally didn''t say those words out loud. Instead, he shrugged, "I don''t mind telling you, but I''m afraid the knowledge is useless to you, or anyone else."


    He thumbed towards ''Elora,'' again, who still looked a little ufortable in her slightly transformed body, "You see, me and Elora share a special bond, and we can''t be far apart from each other."


    He pressed his thumb and index fingers together on both of his armored, w-like gauntlets, hiding his transformed hands, and did a stretching motion with them. A small lightning link formed between his hands, which lengthened and stretched as he pulled his hands further apart.


    "You can see it as an stic band. Stretch it far enough, and¡­" he stretched his hands as far as he could with the lightning link between them and then released one end of it, causing the lightning band to snap together again. "She snaps back to me."


    He waved his hands, causing the lightning link to disappear, and shrugged, "It happens immediately if we travel too far from each other, or after a certain amount of time if we don''t see each other regrly."


    Thatst part was actually a lie, but it seemed like a good safety for the future.


    "So you see," he exined as he looked at the surprised gazes of the people in front of him, "this information is useless to you, but now you see that giving Elora to the council while keeping me here is pointless. Elora will snap back to me anyway."


    He looked Frostfang in the eyes with a curious intensity, "So, what will it be, Frostfang? Give me up to the council, disappoint my mother, and hope for the best regarding their support, or keep us all here and have our help with defeating the Dominion?"


    Instead of Frostfang, it was Victor who was the first to respond with ridicule practically dripping from his voice. "Ha!" he barked a shortugh. "Do you really expect us to believe that drivel? Who do you think you are? Fated lovers in a romance novel?"


    Frostfang also looked a little skeptical. His instincts told him Erik was telling the truth and he hated to agree with Victor, but it did sound a little far-fetched and awfully convenient.


    Seeing their skepticism, Erik grinned slyly. "Well, you can choose to believe me or not, but think about this. No matter what, Elora disappeared from that helicopter, and what''s to stop her from doing so again?" He turned towards Victor and continued, "Did you even make a n for that?"


    Victor was a little taken aback by that question. He had to admit that he hadn''t really thought about it. This ability of Elora to simply disappear was so far-fetched that, even now, he didn''t really believe it happened. All he thought about was the council''s reward.


    Erik turned back to Frostfang. "So let''s assume you decide to call my bluff and send Elora to the council while keeping me here. You''ll have earned our permanent ire, and we''ll never willingly work for you, while Elora will simply disappear from the council''s captivity. They''d have Emily, sure, but do you really think they''d still honor the deal?"


    Emily was looking ufortable and anxious at this point. After all, she already had her fears that she would simply be sacrificed to the council, but one of the few things that kept her from going into full-blown paranoia was that the council apparently wanted Elora, too.


    Only now she found out that Elora and Erik would snap back together, causing her anxiety and fear to rise by the second.


    As if smelling her fear, Frostfang turned toward Victor with a thoughtful andplicated gaze. "What would you give me for Emily alone?"


    "You can stop that right there," Erik answered as he waved his hand and shook his head. "It''s all or nothing for our support. We are notmodities to be traded at will. If you force Emily away from us, you can forget about getting my and Elora''s willing support."

 Chapter 174: Chapter 174 - Escalation [1/2]

    Emily felt the world around her fall away when she heard Erik''s words. All her anxieties and fears disappeared like dust in the wind, while Emma''s words about how Erik would never trade her away came back to her.


    All she saw in her field of vision now was Erik''s powerful, armored, and slightly hunched-over back. While the armor hid most of Erik''s beast-like features in his currently transformed state, she knew the beastly and dangerous form thaty beneath those onyx-ck tes.


    And yet, right now, Erik''s back looked more handsome, more powerful, and safer than anything else she had ever felt.


    All his past care, his help, and yes, also the pleasure she had felt because of him, if somewhat indirectly, all came crashing down on her once again, bashing against the gates of her resistance towards him.


    She had gone through this kind of revtion a few times already, but perhaps she was finally reaching a point where she could truly let him into her heart.


    She was starting to feel like Erik truly saw her as a part of his group.


    Tears appeared in her eyes, and she almost said something, but then remembered the situation they were in and quickly shut her mouth again. Yet, her head was now bowed and she barely paid attention to what was happening, as manyplicated thoughts and feelings surged through her mind.


    Frostfang panned his gaze toward Erik with a look that still held a lot of anger toward him for his defiance and far too casual attitude. "Shut up, boy," he growled. "As I said to Victor before, I''m weighing my options."


    But Victor waved his hand with an angry snort. "Well, you can step off the scale," he said dismissively. "It''s all or nothing. I might be able to get you something else in exchange for the ck-haired girl, but you can forget about war support."


    Erik and ''Elora'' both red angrily at Victor for treating Emily and Elora like tradingmodities. "If there''s a chanceter, I want that Victor dead," Erik said to Elora through their link. "He''s frayed myst nerve."


    Elora chuckled and nodded, "Alright, but try not to endanger yourself. We can always kill himter."


    "That goes without saying," Erik agreed, before focusing back on Frostfang, who now looked annoyed and frustrated as his gaze panned between Erik and Victor.


    Yet, in the end, there was really only one choice for him to make. Setting aside that he didn''t trust Victor or the Council, his loyalty to Runa didn''t allow him to give up her son to them.


    So, in that case, the most value for the Enve would be gained by going full in on Erik''s group, despite knowing that this would surely create future problems with the Council. Right now, his immediate concerns were about the Dominion.


    So, finally, he growled towards Erik, "I don''t like how you''re forcing my hand this way, boy. But you get your wish. I''ll take your offer."


    He then turned to Victor. "The deal is off," he said, and shortly considered ttening this annoying little shit, but then decided against it, as it would antagonize the Council unnecessarily.


    So instead, he simply dismissed the man. "You can find your own way back," he said, and turned to Viljar, intending to start giving orders and prepare for the return to their nearest camp.


    But before he could, he heard a low chuckle behind him. "Did you really think it would be over, just like that? The fact is, those two girls have far more future potential than you and this frozen backwater of a wastnd."


    Suddenly, he revealed the sigil stone he had been fiddling with and spoke into it. "Move in, now."


    No more than half a momentter, arge number of men and women began to stream into Frostvik from several directions, able to do so because all the fighting and sparring in Frostvik over thest few days, left the fence surrounding Frostvik with more holes than swiss cheese.


    "Bastard!" Frostfang snarled and, after a transformation that took the mere blink of an eye, did a lightning-fast grab for Victor.


    Yet, the man had prepared for this. Just before Frostfang''s wed hand reached his throat, Victor crushed a different sigil stone under his foot, one he had already ced there earlier, and¡­


    *Boom*


    A small explosion urred, apanied by a yelp of pain from Victor.


    The explosion was far too light to do anything to Frostfang, but it was just enough to st Victor into the air together with arge amount of snow and ice.


    Victor somersaulted through the air with one leg clearly dislocated, and his clothes in shambles.


    In the meantime, a mixed group of thirty menacing second-rank shapeshifters, vampires, and humans, all wearing the colors and symbols of the European Council, had quickly and efficiently surrounded Erik, Astrid, Emily, and the shapeshifters from the Enve.


    "Right on queue," Elora chuckled inside Erik''s soul, sounding unconcerned. So far, everything had turned out as expected, from the moment she noticed Victor fiddling with thatmunication sigil stone.


    Naturally, she couldn''t have known the exact number of people that would show up, as they had all hidden outside of her omnisense range, but she had done an estimation based on the strategic information regarding the council''s forces, which they had gained from Seraphina back in London.


    In total, there were currently about 500 second-rankers active in thends ruled by the council, 99% of whom were employed as elite soldiers.


    Taking into ount various other assignments, and the more important borders with southern Spain and southern Asia, which Seraphina had also told them about, Elora figured there should be around 60-100 second-rankers in Scandinavia as a whole.


    Considering the importance of their capture, assuming they would send a decent chunk of those second-rankers in order to be able to deal with Frostfang was not out of the question.


    The only risk was that she couldn''t have been sure that no third-rank councilor would show up.


    Luckily, so far, it seemed things were working out, as the number of second-rankers they brought was manageable ording to her ns, and no councilor was in sight.


    While Erik and ''Elora'' looked concerned and took fighting stances, with only Erik''s look being faked, Emily also quickly shook herself free from her earlier daze when the influx of powerful individuals registered in her mind.


    Yet, her following concern and anxiety were not as much, perhaps, as they should have been. Erik''s earlier deration had provided another significant shift in Emily''s feelings towards him, and she suddenly felt far safer in his presence.


    Astrid, in her Elora disguise, also pulled her new swords from her storage ring, and brandished them, ready to try them out in realbat.


    The three of them huddled closer together in preparation for theing conflict, while Viljar and his group quickly changed form and did the same thing on the other side, their expressions filled with parts anxiety, part fury, and part fighting intent.


    The only one who didn''t react at all was Bj?rn, who continued to kneel on the ground in utter despair and hopelessness. None of this mattered to him. If the council won, he''d die, and his daughter would remain in their hands. If Frostfang won, it would likely be the same result, as the punishment for treason was usually death.


    As for Frostfang, he remained in the middle, in his transformed state, as he kept turning menacingly to all sides and growling threateningly.

 Chapter 175: Chapter 175 - Escalation [2/2]

    The thirty second-rankers all stared at the third-rank powerhouse in the middle of their encirclement with grim expressions. To say they felt apprehension at facing a third-rank werewolf was no understatement.


    Yet, orders hade down, and now they were supposed to follow the orders of the envoy Victor or face the consequences of disobedience. Luckily, they didn''te unprepared, as the council had prepared methods for second-rankers to face a third-ranker.


    Meanwhile, after somersaulting following his daredevil escape from Frostfang''s ws, Victornded, a little ungracefully due to his dislocated leg, in the middle of the new arrivals.


    He grinned at the cornered Frostfang, even as he winced when he pushed his leg back in its socket. "I didn''t want it toe to this, Frostfang," he said, in a malicious tone. "But you forced my hand."


    "The council still prefers a diplomatic solution, however," he continued while walking to the front of the encirclement, where the leader of these thirty men and women waited for him, and saluted. "So why don''t you just reconsider your previous decision, before wee to blows?"


    Frostfang kept turning as he tried to keep an eye on any strange movement among these neers. Meanwhile, he snarled threateningly at Victor, "Do you really think you can take me down?! Even with thirty of you?!"


    Despite his apparent confidence, he was still hesitant to attack. While he didn''t doubt he''d survive the day, the same couldn''t be said for the others with him. Of course, Emily and Elora would be safe, but anyone else was likely fair game.


    Even he, as a third rank, couldn''t be everywhere at once, after all, and thirty second-rankers were still a formidable force, even for a third rank.


    "Perhaps not normally," Victor shrugged seemingly casual, yet inwardly a little annoyed that no councilor had been willing toe check out an unconfirmed sighting due to war preparations, considering the rising threat from the East. "But we''re not without our tricks. You are, after all, rtively weak on the third-rank power scale."


    Frostfang grimaced, but he knew Victor was right. He was a rtively new and inexperienced third-ranker, who had even used a shortcut to get to this point.


    A councilor of Katya''s power, for example, could wipe the floor with Frostfang. Even Liv Frost was more powerful than him, although Frostfang could at least defend himself against her.


    In that perspective at least, it was a good thing that the nominally weaker Sigurd had taken over.


    The only reason why the council hadn''t simply dispatched two or three councilors to subjugate these northern wastes, was because they were exactly that: wastes. There was nothing particrly interesting here, and they had more important things to deal with.


    Regardless, setting aside his emotional attachment to Viljar, Nora, Anne, and f, Frostfang also still wanted Erik alive. He couldn''t imagine facing his honored teacher and being forced to tell her Erik had survived for seven years, only to die for real due to Frostfang''s inability to protect him.


    While Fostfang contemted his weakness, Victor gave a sign to this group''smander, a buff, tall, and gruff-looking vampire with blond hair. Suddenly, twenty of the thirty second-rankers present began to cluster together. Sigils, shimmering brightly all over their bodies.


    "Oh!" Elora immediately eximed in wonder and a little concern from inside Erik''s soul. "I didn''t expect them to have formation sigils!"


    "Is that good or bad?" Erik asked, picking up on Elora''s concern. While he had some limited interaction with formation sigils back on S?l, his knowledge of the subject didn''t move past the basics.


    Formation sigils were applied to multiple individuals of the same rank and couldbine the power of every linked person in order to achieve things that they wouldn''t be able to do alone, or even as a regr group.


    "Depends on the formation''s effect," Elora answered, tensely, as she carefully inspected the sigils she saw shining on those twenty people.


    Naturally, Frostfang noticed they were up to no good and realized it was likely now or never if he wanted to do something about it. Regardless of the consequences, he couldn''t afford to lose control of the situation.


    So he straightened his back, howled a threatening challenge, and leaped into the air, straight at the cluster of shining second-rankers.


    But he was already toote.


    "Oh, I see!" Eloramented in Erik''s soul after having figured out the formation''s purpose. "That''s good news!"


    At the same time, the blond vampiremanding these men and women shone brighter than the others and grinned brightly as he unstrapped arge hammer from his back and jumped into the air with a boisterousugh, "Let''s see what you''ve got!"


    He and Frostfang quickly approached each other in the air, while Frostfang narrowed his eyes in suspicion and anger. He knew this guy likely had a reason to be so confident, but seeing another second-ranker act so defiantly towards him, after having already been thoroughly annoyed by Erik, caused him to see red.


    w met hammer, but unlike the easy victory for Frostfang that it should have been, the two appeared to be almost evenly matched!


    Behind themander, neen people went down on one knee to preserve energy while they sent as much of it as they could into theirmander. At the same time, they looked at his back with apprehension, knowing the consequences for them if theirmander failed.


    "Are they¡­ sharing power?" Erik asked Elora in wonder.


    "Yes they are," she exined. "The sigil formation they are using is called a unity matrix. It can significantly increase the power of one individual, by adding the power of a group to their own."


    "It is far from a substitute for an actual third-rank, however," Elora continued her exnation. " Because the people providing power are not much better than sheep, ready for the ughter. Not to mention that there is a great loss of energy during the transference, so in a battle of endurance, an actual third-rank will alwaysst longer."


    "Andstly," "she shrugged, "the boosted person will obviously still have less skills or spells than an actual higher rank."


    "I''m really starting to hate these damn things!" Frostfang roared when he realized what was causing this second-rank vampire to match his power. He already had to deal with the dominion and their sigil-controlled ghouls, now it was once again sigils that obstructed him.


    Icy-blue runes began to appear on Frostfang''s skin, which the vampiremander matched with his own earthen-brown runes. Abilities began to fly as their sh shook the ground.


    The vampiremander was clearly only barely holding up against Frostfang, yet it was enough to keep him upied while the remainder of the council''s forces attempted to deal with the other two groups there.

 Chapter 176: Chapter 176 - Fighting starts

    The ten remaining second-rankers quickly divided themselves in two and moved to deal with Erik and Viljar''s groups.


    As for Victor, he joined the group going after Erik, as Elora and Emily needed to be taken in alive.


    The battlefield was now divided into three parts. On the right, furthest away from the graveyard, and towards Viljar''s house, were the Enve''s four shapeshifters, Nora, Viljar, Anne, and f.


    They were transformed into their beast forms and stood with their backs against each other, ready to face the five second-rankers surrounding them. It wasn''t long before the fighting started and various skills began flying around. The strongest in their group, Viljar took on two opponents, while the others each took on one.


    A little further towards the graveyard was Bj?rn, still kneeling on the group in despair and mumbling his daughter''s name. Had he not been so lost in his own despair, he might have realized that now, with no one looking after him, would have been a good time to run, giving him a chance to save his daughter on his own.


    Although the feasibility of that rescue was debatable, as he had no idea where Alice was even being kept.


    A little further still, right in the middle of the battlefield was Frostfang, shing with the boosted vampiremander, while roaring furiously. Frostfang was clearly the stronger party in their sh, but unfortunately, themander was focused on defense and not so easy to take down.


    Themander''s current goal was to dy Frostfang while his remaining ten second-rankers took care of the other two groups so that they could join their fellows in providing him with the power he needed to, hopefully, subdue his opponent.


    Finally, on the edge of the graveyard was the third part, consisting of Erik, Emily, and the disguised Astrid.


    Six people, including Victor, advanced on them. In total, they were two humans, two vampires, and two already transformed werewolves, which obviously made Victor one of the werewolves, proving once again that wolf-type shapeshifters were the mostmon in Europe.


    Erik shot a worried nce at his uncle but then refocused on the people in front of him. Viljar was one of the most powerful second-rankers Erik had ever fought, and he could only trust that the man would be fine for a while.


    Elora decided to voice this same sentiment, "He''ll be fine, Erik," she said, soothingly, "Remember we nted a little protection on him and Nora both."


    Erik chuckled happily. With his concernsid to rest, excitement began to fill him. He may have sparred a lot in thest few days, but there was nothing that could beat the adrenalin rush of a true, high-stakes battle.


    Astrid and Emily, too, looked like they were rearing to go. Astrid always enjoyed a fight in much the same way as Erik did, although for Emily things were a little different.


    The ck-haired woman''s smile was wide and bloodthirsty.


    With the heat of battle nipping on her heels, the corrupted desires that were still a deeply ingrained part of her began to rear their heads again. Before, she would have been more afraid of these feelings, but now, with her trust in Erik skyrocketing after his previous deration, she was ready to let loose.


    Inside Erik''s soul, Elora''s voice sounded once again in a tone of grim excitement, "Now go show them the power of a future conqueror and two members of his battle harem!"


    Erik brandished his hammer andughed out loud at Elora''s use of the term battle harem.


    Although he had to admit he liked the idea, and filed it away forter.


    The six second-rankers looked at him strangely, but they had no time to think about it, as six ck orbs suddenlyunched themselves at the two humans among them.


    Emily was the first to engage.


    Astrid was quick to follow, engaging one of the werewolves and a vampire, while Erik eyed the remaining two with an excited grin.


    Victor was one of his opponents and looked at Erik condescendingly. "Just give up ande quietly. I''ve heard of your high battle prowess, but I doubt you co¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Erik disappeared in a sh of lightning and reappeared right in front of Victor,ughing, "Forget it, little toady! Let me show you the difference between you and me!"


    Erik''s hammer crackled and popped with lightning as he swung it in an arc straight toward his opponent''s ribcage.


    "You¡ª!" Victor yelped and barely managed to cross his arms in front of him before Erik''s hammer reached his chest.


    Yet, his flimsy and hasty defense was far too weak.


    Erik''s hammer broke straight through his posture, and crashed against the man''s transformed chest, detonating the concussive lightning st Erik had been charging.


    "Argh!" Victor screamed in pain and surprise as he skidded back, spat out a mouthful of blood, and felt a few ribs snap while his arms were bruised.


    "Fucking get him!" Victor barked at the second-rank vampire with him while he spat out more blood.


    The vampire looked apprehensive after seeing Erik''s strength, but he didn''t dare disobey orders and brandished hisrge sword before charging at Erik.


    But Erik barely paid him any attention.


    He turned in the vampire''s direction, opened his teeth and fang-filled mouth, and touched upon the power of his first rank, ice-affinity Arcanist spell.


    An icy blue magic circle formed in front of his face, and Erik howled, causing a mess of sharp ice shards to st forth and send the vampire flying with various cuts bleeding all over his body.


    He wasn''t dealt with yet, but Erik now had some freedom to focus on Victor with a sadistic grin. This man had pissed him off quite a bit during these events, and he intended to pay him back.


    With interest.


    Victor had somewhat recovered by now. His ribs were still broken, but he was no longer spitting blood and his arms weren''t bruised anymore, thanks to the high regeneration rate that came from being both a shapeshifter and a Runebound.


    Victor stared at Erik with venom leaking from his eyes, before azure-colored runes appeared all over his body.


    This time, it was Victor''s turn to suddenly disappear, only instead of a lightning sh, there was a powerful gust of wind.


    When he appeared in front of Erik, expecting him to be as startled as Victor himself was earlier, all he found was a confident grin and a fist flying at his face.


    "Nice try," Erik chuckled as his fist crashed against Victor''s face.


    With Elora merged with his body and his other advantages, including his vastbat experience from S?l, and the recent improvements he went through thanks to Katya''s manual, Erik was a formidable force amongst his peers.


    It was unsure if there would be any second-ranker on Earth that could stand against him.

 Chapter 177: Chapter 177 - Display of abilities

    As Erik continued to vent some of his anger on Victor and their confrontation reached an increasing level of power and ferocity, the battle around them raged on with equal intensity.


    After Emily seized the initiative earlier, she had been constantly harassing the two humans with four orbs of darkness. At the same time, by keeping two orbs back for her own defense, and strategically using the enhancement sigil to increase her physical stats, she was able to skillfully avoid getting hit by the human Arcanists'' counterattacks.


    Despite her negative feelings towards Elora, Emily couldn''t deny her magic had improved with leaps and bounds since Elora started tutoring her. Her dark orb spell already had an extra orbpared to when they entered Finnmark.


    While Emily may have only a single offensive spell, as her second slot was upied by her envement ability, it was an extremely powerful spell, whose only real weakness was a Runebound with strong defensive capabilities.


    These humans, however, were wholly unprepared to deal with her particr brand of powerful offensive magic. Their council uniform had some minor sigils worked into it for protection, but even those couldn''t stand against the ck orbs.


    They put up a good fight, but in the end, their own magic simply couldn''t match up to hers, and their bodies were unable to endure the powerful corrosive nature of her orbs.


    It didn''t take long before their bodiesy on the ground, writhing and screaming in agony as the corrosive magic ate away at their meager defenses. Emily watched their suffering with a bloodthirsty and sadistic smile as she felt her corruption bubbling up.


    It took her a moment to notice what she was doing before she lost her excited expression and shivered a little. She quickly put her opponents out of their misery and turned her attention to the other battles.


    Earlier, Astrid had engaged her foes with the grace and lethal precision of a seasoned warrior in a whirlwind of steel and searing orange light.


    A male werewolf,rge and imposing with a coat as ck as night,unched towards her with feral rage, jaws open wide. Meanwhile, a vampire woman circled around her with a sword in hand, looking for an opening to strike.


    Astrid''s eyes glowed with fierce determination as she tapped into her second skill: body enhancement. The orange runes of her sun affinity glowed brightly and her speed noticeably increased.


    Faster than the eye could follow, she parried the werewolf''s attack with one sword and aimed a devastating blow towards the vampire with the other. Sword shed against w, forcing the werewolf to veer of course, while the vampire just barely managed to avoid getting an arm cut off.


    Blue-colored runes appeared on the vampire''s skin, while droplets of water began floating around her. Meanwhile, the werewolf conjured up fiery-red runes, contrasting menacingly with his dark fur.


    But Astrid was unimpressed. She used the momentum she had built up, and the fact that both werewolf and vampire were still trying to regain their bnce, and turned her gaze toward the vampire.


    Her eyes dissolved into burning orange orbs, and no more than a momentter, two bright, deadly orange beams left her eyes and traveled nearly instantly to the vampire. The woman tried to avoid and deflect, but neither option proved fruitful, as all she could do was take the attack on her arm, rather than her chest.


    Yet, she had underestimated the attack''s power. Her arm was cut clean off, and she screamed in pain.


    Astrid''s beam attack was extremely powerful, and not to be underestimated.


    Of course, it came with proportionate drawbacks, like high energy usage, and a cool-down time. Her eyes would be teary for a few minutes, which could potentially cost one dearly in a fight.


    But Astrid had made herself intimately familiar with these drawbacks, and thus often sparred with a blindfold, in order to train while unable to see.


    While the vampire was temporarily incapacitated, the werewolf returned with a furious roar, perhaps attempting to avenge the vampire woman.


    Unfortunately for him, Astrid was prepared for him. Her eyes might be a little hazy at the moment, but the lumbering shapeshifter was easy to distinguish and even easier to hear.


    She brandished her swords, avoided the werewolf''s second attack, and struck a devastating blow, aiming for the man''s head.


    Back with Erik, Victor, now enraged, desperate, and with a slightly caved-in face, stared at Erik in disbelief. "You¡­ You are no less of an anomaly than those girls!" he stammered, even as the azure-colored runes on his skin began glowing again.


    "Figured that out, did you?" Erik responded with a victorious grin as he casually strolled closer to Victor with his hammer over his shoulder, intending to make Victor suffer a little longer.


    ''To be honest, I''m not even sure why I''m so angry at this guy,'' he thought to himself. ''He''s annoying, sure, and his treating of Elora and Emily like they''remodity goods is certainly infuriating, but there''s something else¡­ but what?''


    While Erik thought about this, Victorunched a series of desperate counterattacks in the form of des of air that sliced toward Erik with deadly intent in an effort to try and keep Erik away from him.


    But Erik remained unfazed and dissipated every wind de with a hammer blow, even as his face remained stuck in thought. His hammer became a blur, deflecting and smashing through Victor''s assaults, each strike charged with the electric fury of his lightning affinity.


    Meanwhile, the vampire who had been sent flying by Erik''s ice-shard breath was not down for the count. He had staggered to his feet, body covered in cuts that were slowly healing, and his eyes burning with hatred.


    With a roar, he intended to charge at Erik again in an attempt to save Victor, but this time, he was met by a volley of Emily''s dark orbs, as she had just now finished off her own opponents.


    Unprepared and surprised, the vampire was unable to defend himself properly, causing the orbs to attach themselves to his body and begin their destructive work of eating away at a Runebound''s powerful skin.


    Naturally, this came apanied by enraged and painful screams from the vampire as he felt his skin rotting away, forcing him to back away and attempt to use his power to resist these orbs.


    In the midst of all this chaos, Erik suddenly had a moment of rity when he noticed Bj?rn''s broken form still kneeling on the ground about ten meters away.


    ''Right¡­ that''s the one,'' Erik thought to himself. ''The thought that something like that might happen to me someday if I were to lose Elora, Emma, Astrid, or even Emily enrages me to no end.''


    He turned to Victor. ''And this guy is responsible,'' he continued inwardly. ''But that''s the extent of my anger. After all, I will never allow myself to be in Bj?rn''s position.''


    Finally having gained some rity, Erik stopped stalling and, with a smirk, unleashed the full might of his abilities.


    Lightning and ice enveloped him in a storm of elemental fury as he charged at Victor. Despite Victor''s best efforts, he was unable to withstand Erik''s renewed onught. A final, massive concussive lightning st channeled through Erik''s hammer and directly into Victor, sent him hurtling into the ground, defeated and unable to move.

 Chapter 178: Chapter 178 - Nearing the end

    A the same time, Astrid was standing over the decapitated body of the werewolf, while one of her swords was sticking from the chest of a vampire missing an arm.


    With a sickening sound and an uncaring expression, she pulled the sword from the woman''s chest, causing her to sag to the ground. "Well, I have to say, I expected more from them," she mumbled, mostly to herself.


    Now, of the six second-rankers that attacked them, five had been incapacitated or killed in record time. Such was the power that came from strong affinities, good weapons, and excellent training.


    The only two still alive were the unconscious Victor and the unfortunate vampire who continued to struggle with the harassment of Emily''s ck orbs, a few meters away from Astrid.


    "G- Get these things off me!" he yelled, even as he grunted from pain and effort. It was all he could do to keep the orbs away from his vital spots, by utilizing his lightning affinity tobat the orbs right on top of his skin.


    An annoyed Emily walked up next to Astrid. "Runebound skin is so tough!" sheined. "I''m afraid I spend too much time improving my ability to enve while ignoring my orbs of darkness. I need to focus more on my first glyph."


    "Oh right," Astrid raised an eyebrow, half curious, half concerned, while she took a step forward and chopped off the vampire''s head, putting him out of his misery. "Erik told me you enved me for a bit while I was a ghoul. So how does that work?" she asked, with a bit of morbid curiosity regarding her own state back then.


    Before Emily could answer, Erik walked up to the two of them with the unconscious and heavily wounded Victor over his shoulder. His hammer was nowhere to be seen, and likely resting inside his armor''s storage space.


    He dropped the man in front of Emily''s feet and said to Astrid, "She can show you right now," before turning to Emily.


    "Quickly enve this one. He''sing with us since we need to know what he knows," he said to Emily in a hasty tone.


    "You got it, Boss," Emily said, almost falling over herself in an attempt to do whatever Erik wanted her to. His earlier deration about refusing to give her up was still resonating in her mind, and a sudden desire to prove her worth to Erik filled her.


    It was funny how a deration that seemed so obvious to one person, could have such arge impact on another.


    Erik had never even considered giving Emily up to save his own skin. The very thought was reprehensible to him. He may not be in love with her yet, but she was one of his people, and betraying her would be like betraying himself.


    Elora knew that, which is why she hadn''t even mentioned it as an option.


    Emily quickly crouched down as a pitch-ck magic circle appeared on her hand, before touching Victor''s forehead with it. She realized they had little time, so she put her all into making this as quick as possible.


    They needed to get out of there before Frostfang or the councilmander noticed that the very thing they were fighting over was about to fly the coop.


    They were engrossed in their fight for now, but it was only a matter of time before one of them nced in this direction to see how things were going.


    Luckily, they should have a few minutes at least, as they wouldn''t have expected Erik and his group to have taken care of their adversary so quickly.


    Meanwhile, Elora left Erik''s body in her small form and flew off, close to the frozen ground and snow, in order to set thest part of her n in motion. The thing that would keep Frostfang and the council upied long enough for them to get far enough away that Frostfang''s omnisense and speed wouldn''t avail him.


    Erik watched her go with a worried look. He knew this was necessary, and Elora herself had insisted she do this since her small and hard-to-notice form made her ideally suited for this task.


    Yet, the fairy was also extremely vulnerable in this form, especially in the middle of a battlefield. After all, there was a reason fairies needed their protectors.


    So, Erik couldn''t help but worry. Naturally, their rtionship had long since passed beyond that of protector and fairy, but, if anything, his desire to protect her had only grown stronger now that she was his wife.


    He refocused on the scene in front of him, when a ssy-eyed Victor staggered to his feet,pletely ignoring his wounds and pain.


    "That''s freaky," Astrid said and shivered at the thought that she was like that not too long ago. She suddenly felt a little ufortable around Emily. A feeling she quickly tried to suppress.


    "Alright, you two," Erik said hastily. "Take this asshole and go grab Emma, we''re leaving as soon as Elora finishes what she needs to do."


    "What about you?!" Astrid and Emily said, surprisingly, at the same time, and with equal amounts of concern in their eyes.


    "I''m waiting for Elora, now get going!" he ordered, a little harshly, not wanting the two of them to wait any longer.


    Despite not liking this situation, Emily and Astrid finally sprinted off toward Erik''s old house to grab Emma, who quickly left the house when she saw them approach.


    Meanwhile, Erik quickly nced at the battle between Frostfang and themander, which was getting more and more violent, as Frostfang''s anger over this entire situation exponentially increased.


    "How dare you interfere in Enve business!" he growled as he attacked with both ws, while two floating wolf jaws filled with sharp fangs made of ice tried to take a bite out of the vampire.


    "You''re the one who wanted to make a deal with us, Frostfang! Don''t me us now, because we don''t agree with you backing out at thest moment!" the vampire retorted in an annoyed tone. He may have been a little boisterous at the start of their fight, but that was mostly for the troops.


    He was actually quite annoyed and concerned about all this.


    Erik didn''t care about their struggles, however, and quickly averted his gaze to look at Viljar''s group instead.


    His eyes narrowed with worry when he noticed f had been incapacitated, and Viljar was now barely holding up against three opponents.


    He knew he shouldn''t but, in the end, he couldn''t just watch as Viljar''s fate was uncertain. Erik may have some gripes with Frostfang, but he still loved his uncle dearly.


    Lightning struck, and mere momentster, Erik appeared on the other side of the battlefield.

 Chapter 179: Chapter 179 - What the hell do you want?!

    *roar*


    A bellowing, guttural sound came from Viljar''s throat. Fury burned in his eyes as he feared for f''s fate, who was lying on the ground in a puddle of his own blood.


    After f went down, Viljar had only barely been able to engage the werewolf who had done the deed, in fear of him going after Nora or Anne, who were doing pretty well so far, but likely wouldn''t be able to handle a second opponent.


    His flowing magma fur stirred, as his burning ws attempted to crush the male vampire in front of him. At the same time, his magma tentaclesshed around him in an attempt to keep two female werewolves engaged as well.


    Unfortunately, this effort was quickly tiring him out. Keeping both his abilities active at the same time was costing him an abhorrent amount of energy, and his mind was beginning to fray from having to control three enemies.


    Despite being one of the most powerful second rankers in the Enve, his training, affinity, and sheer talent still couldn''t match up to those of Emily, Astrid, and Erik.


    Nora and Anne both saw Viljar''s struggle and wanted to help, but their opponents were on them like flies, and they found it impossible to move away without getting injured.


    Luckily, just as Viljar was losing hope, lightning shed and Erik appeared just behind the werewolf on his uncle''s left side, just before Erik tore through the woman''s back. Sputtering and spitting out blood, the werewolf lost all strength and began to sag down.


    The werebear''s eyes went wide in relief when he saw Erik''s wed hand suddenly sticking out of his opponent''s chest. "Erik!" he eximed with an emotional voice. "I''m d you still care for your old uncle, despite all this."


    "Of course, Uncle," Erik said with a sincere smile as he yanked his arm free from the now-dead council werewolf. "In another life, I might have decided to simply join the Enve. The fact that Elora and I refuse to follow anyone else is not your fault."


    The council vampire and werewolf that were still engaged with Viljar momentarily lost their focus due to the surprise of Erik''s sudden entrance. Yet, despite his own surprise and his greeting towards Erik, Viljar still managed to make use of the opportunity.


    *rrrrip*


    With a sickening sound and a burning smell, one of Viljar''s tentacles managed to slip past the defenses of the werewolf on his right and disappear into her throat.


    The werewolf woman sputtered and gurgled with wide eyes before she, too, sagged down to the frozen earth.


    At the same time, he swiped his ws in front to keep the vampire engaged and fearing for her life, despite the surprises.


    Erik looked at his uncle''s actions with approval before grinning emotionally. "I see you''ve got the rest handled here, uncle. I hope you understand that me and the others are leaving now. It was good to see you again¡­"


    Viljar wanted to protest, but he knew it would be pointless, so he just sighed and nodded without taking his eyes off the woman in front of him. "Same to you, Erik. Please be careful out there¡­"


    "Don''t worry, uncle. This isn''t thest time we see each other," Erik assured Viljar with a wink before he quickly started moving towards hispanions while expecting Elora to re-merge with his body at any time.


    Unfortunately, things would not be so simple.


    This time, he did not have his lightning sh skill charged and ready, and thus, his speed was not fast enough to avoid the fist that suddenly came from the right while he ran.


    His eyes opened wide, and the only thing he had time to do was bring up his right hand to just slightly cushion the impact.


    It barely had an effect.


    His own hand impacted his face with the force of the fist on the other side. A crunching sound echoed through Erik''s head and with a surprised and pained scream he flew to the side.


    He barely managed to right himself tond a few meters away and on his wolfish feet. He skidded back and spat out a mouthful of blood, together with a few fangs, and snarled as he looked at his attacker.


    "Where do you think you''re going, brat?!" Frostfang growled.


    ****


    A few moments before, it was the vampiremander who noticed Erik helping out his uncle from the corner of his eye.


    That sight made him quickly look toward where Erik was supposed to be fighting Victor and the others but saw only corpses. "Crap!" he yelled.


    A still pissed-off Frostfang took advantage of the vampire''s distraction and formed five ice spikes on his fingers, before bringing them together like a drill point and attempting to skewer the man in front of him.


    The vampire just barely avoided death by creating a stone te in of him, but he still coughed out blood and skidded back.


    Before Frostfang could press the attack, the vampire wheezed out, "Our prize¡­ is escaping!"


    Frostfang immediately growled furiously and spread out his omnisense to get an idea of what was happening without taking his narrowed eyes off the vampire.


    When he noticed Erik was running behind him and his attackers had been in, he felt a strangebination of pride at his teacher''s son, and frustration at this damn brat''s inability to simply ept his lot in life.


    He also noticed a tiny, winged woman floating behind Bj?rn, but the actual implications of that barely registered with him as his gaze flooded with fury and he turned around to stop Erik.


    The vampire didn''t stop him from leaving, and instead, turned around to address his troops.


    ****


    "Dammit, Frostfang," Erik growled, as he spat out some more blood. "Just let me be. We''ve already given you a method to help deal with the ghouls, and your deal with the Council is obviously off, so what the hell do you want?!"


    Erik was getting more and more angry at Frostfang for persisting even now.


    "Let you go?!" Frostfang snarled. "And then what?! Teacheres back, and you''re nowhere to be found?! Forget it! You''reing with me, and I''m going to keep you alive until that time, whether you like it or not! If honored teacher wants to punish me for that when the timees then so be it!"

 Chapter 180: Chapter 180 - The finale [1/4]

    It appeared as if Frostfang was simply hellbent on keeping Erik safe until then, but he decided to call bullshit.


    "Get off it!" Erik growled as he spat out some more blood. "You''re still expecting our help to save your precious Enve. Keeping me with you until Momes back so you can earn some browny points is just a fringe benefit!"


    "And so what if that''s true?!" Frostfang roared back. "The dominion is tearing us apart with their damn ghouls! Who knows how effective that sigil of yours will be! Don''t you want to help the shapeshifters from your home country?! Or at least the faction that your mother founded?!"


    Erik scoffed and narrowed his eyes. "Why would I? If I''m supposed to care about the shapeshifters in Finnmark, then where does it end?! Those living in Norway? Scandinavia? Europe?


    The entire Earth?! And don''t try to pull my mother into this, if she cared so much about the Enve, she wouldn''t have gone after Edda!"


    Erik''s words seemed to have touched a nerve, as Frostfang suddenly became even angrier, and spittle left his fanged mouth when he roared, "Your mother did love the Enve!"


    Then, out of nowhere, he lost much of his momentum, as pain and sadness filled his eyes. "She just¡­" he began. "She was wracked with guilt, pain, and sadness every day until she couldn''t take it anymore. She had to do something to avenge you and your father."


    The clear pain in Frostfang''s eyes made Erik pause, and he, too, now felt sad as the desire to find his mother became ever stronger.


    He did notice, however, that Viljar and Frostfang seemed to have slightly different ideas about his mother''s leaving, and he wondered who was correct about her true feelings regarding the Enve.


    ****


    Meanwhile, behind Frostfang was the vampiremander. He hade here on the order of Victor, with the intention of pursuing the Council''s im on Erik and his group, but seeing the corpses of hisrades, and the fact that Victor was missing, made him reconsider.


    With Frostfang busy, and any hope of getting what they came for dashed, themander decided to issue a retreat.


    Constantly keeping a cautious eye on Frostfang, he addressed his troops, "We''re getting out here, boys and girls. The mission failed."


    The neen people kneeling there all ked a collective sigh of relief, before quicklygetting up and moving toward the exit. They kept their link to themander active for now, just in case Frostfang came back.


    Seeing what was happening and noticing that the second-rankers they were fighting against wanted to leave as well, Viljar, Anne, and Nora decided to simply let them go. Mostly because they understood that this was best for everyone.


    Some angry res were exchanged, but in the end, the remaining council forces gathered their dead and wounded, before filing out of the town as quickly as they could. At the same time, Nora, Anne, and Viljar rushed to f''s side to see if he was still breathing.


    ****


    Meanwhile, between Erik telling Astrid and Emily to retrieve Emma for departure, and Erik getting intercepted by Frostfang, only a short time had passed.


    Emily, Astrid, and the enved Victor were just now reaching Erik''s old home, which meant their backs were turned to the battlefield, and only Emma, who stood in front of the house, saw Erik being intercepted by Frostfang.


    "No! Master!" she yelled and began to run in his direction, causing Emily and Astrid to quickly turn around as well.


    But before she got very far and even while Erik was still flying through the air after getting punched, he contacted Emma through their link. "Emma! Take Astrid and Emily and leave now!"


    "What?!" Emma eximed both out loud and through their link. "I''m not leaving you! I refuse!"


    "I don''t have time to argue, Emma!" he hurriedly responded. "Just do as I say, I promise we have a n. Elora and I will be right behind you."


    "M- Master, I¡ª" she began, but Erik quickly interrupted her. "You trust me, don''t you?"


    Those words were fatal for Emma and she hurriedly nodded, both mentally and physically.


    Less than a second had passed during their mental conversation, and Erik justnded on the ground to face off against Frostfang, while Emma turned to Astrid and Emily. "We¡ª We need to leave! Now!"


    Her words stunned both girls and their instinctive reaction was exactly the same. "Forget it! I''m going to help!"


    But Emma wouldn''t take no for an answer.


    "Shut up!" she yelled with a red face, and in a rare moment of anger. "Master told us to go, and so that''s what we''re doing! He has a n and we need to trust him!"


    Her tone was surprisingly domineering, surprising both Emily and Astrid and giving them an urge to obey as they noticed an authoritative glint in her eyes. Perhaps she was channeling her identity as Erik''s wife, or perhaps this was a result of Emma drawing from previously unknown depths of herself.


    Whatever the case, Astrid appeared convinced and nodded. It wasn''t just Emma''s tone, however. Astrid was a fan of fighting, but she knew the importance of strategy and obeying orders when in abat situation.


    She understood Erik had sent Emma a message via that link she still didn''t really understand and decided to follow his lead, trusting that Erik and Elora had a n.


    Emily, however, didn''t seem to share Astrid''s pragmatism and strategic insight. Panic and fear appeared in her eyes as she watched Erik and Frostfang face off against each other. ''He¡ª He won''t return! I¡ª I can''t do this without him! I won''t do this without him!'' she thought desperately.


    Perhaps it was Erik''s earlier refusal to give her up, or perhaps it had been there for longer, just waiting for an opportunity to get out, but Emily''s expression gained a slightly crazed quality when she now thought about being separated from Erik.


    Red flickers appeared in her eyes as her corruption found new positive emotions to twist and distort. ''He¡ª He''s mine! T¡ª That Frostfang is trying to take him away from me! I¡ª I won''t let him!'' her thoughts seemed to go a mile a minute as her face became increasingly distorted.


    Her eyes, flickering with red strands, became empty and possessive when she looked at Erik.


    Once again corruption was rearing it''s ugly head and warping her mind, forcing her to leave logic, reason, and the carefully constructed facade of indifference towards Erik behind.


    Emma and Astrid had been watching her changing expressions with concern, when Emily suddenly yelled, "I won''t let him!" and began to sprint in the direction of Erik and Frostfang.

 Chapter 181: Chapter 181 - The finale [2/4]

    Fortunately, Astrid, as a Runebound vampire, was far faster, allowing her to quickly appear behind Emily, and knock her unconscious.


    Before Emily could sag to the ground, Astrid gathered her up in a princess carry and looked with some concern at the enved Victor, but he seemed to remain the same, causing her to sigh in relief.


    She then turned to Emma, and said, "Let''s go!"


    Emma was looking at Astrid with a face full of gratitude, as she had felt utterly helpless when Emily simply took off running.


    When they were about to take off into the wilderness outside of Frostvik, Astrid suddenly thought of something.


    "Wait!" she said to Emma, and quickly crouched down with her back turned to Emma. "Climb on my back," she said hurriedly.


    Emma understood that, as a human, and a first-rank at that, she would never be able to move as fast as a second-rank vampire, even if that vampire was carrying both her and Emily.


    So Emma climbed on Astrid''s back, a little awkwardly, and Astrid quickly jumped into a sprint.


    As for Victor, hisst order was to follow Emily, so that is what he did, the fact that his mistress was unconscious didn''t seem to bother him.


    *****


    Shaking himself free from thoughts of his mother, Erik refocused on Frostfang.


    He shortly considered mentioning that he and Astrid were nning to take down Sigurd but decided not to in the end. The two most likely reactions were ridicule for thinking too highly of himself as a mere second-ranker, and an only increased desire to keep Erik with him, for fear that he would get himself killed.


    "It doesn''t matter," Erik finally said as he shook his head. "I refuse to wait around for Mom toe back, assuming she even does. When I''m done in thesends, I''ll leave in search of Edda and hopefully find my mother along the way. I won''t be stopped by the likes of you!"


    Frostfang was about to retort when they heard a female voice yelling, "I won''t let him!"


    They turned their heads to the right, just in time to watch Astrid knock Emily out with a well-ced chop to the neck.


    Seeing Astrid''s following actions, Frostfang naturally realized they were about to leave.


    "Oh no you don''t!" he growled. "Erik I just want to keep safe, but you all are going to help the Enve survive. I won''t leave this ce with nothing!"


    After today, Frostfang felt he had a decent grasp of Erik''s character, and didn''t think the man would leave hispanions behind. Thus, he felt secure in leaving Erik to stop the other members of his group from leaving.


    Yet, just as he started moving toward them, lightning shed where Erik just stood. As it turned out, he had used the time he was talking with Frostfang to charge his second lightning rune up again.


    *Bang*


    Erik checked Frostfang with a lightning-sh-powered shoulder tackle.


    Pain shot through Erik''s body, as he felt like a normal human running straight into a brick wall. He knew the result would have been much better if he had had Elora with him, but without her reinforcing his body, the only advantage his body had over other second-rankers was the two powerful bloodlines mixed in.


    It was a powerful advantage to be sure, but not enough to match Frostfang''s third-rank Runebound body. Then again, even with Elora there he would still be unable to match a third-rank Runebound''s body, but at least he would have felt like he was simply running into a far more buff person, rather than a brick wall.


    Luckily, the extreme speed that came from the lightning sh skill did allow his efforts to have the desired effect, as Frostfang grunted and staggered a little, causing him to halt.


    Erik used this time to position himself between Frostfang and the leaving women. He took his hammer from his storage space and took a defiant,bat-ready stance, as he red at Frostfang. At the same time, he began to charge up his lightning sh skill once again, just in case Frostfang tried to use his superior speed to go around Erik instead of through him.


    Despite the obvious seriousness of the situation, excitement and a lust for battle once again twinkled in Erik''s eyes. "I didn''t fare so well against thest third-rank Runebound I fought," he began. "But she was truly near the top of the food chain among third-rankers, so I''d love to see how I do against one so far below her."


    Frostfang didn''t seem bothered by the insult. In fact, personal insults were very low on his list of reasons to get angry. Besides, if the asional battles he had fought against Liv Frost had taught him anything, it was that he was far from the strongest third-ranker around.


    But that didn''t mean he believed an uppity little second-ranker, even one as powerful as Erik, could stop him.


    "Get out of my way, boy," he growled menacingly. "That shoulder check was impressive, but youck the power to stop me!"


    "You''re probably right," Erik nodded, with a shit-eating grin. ''But all I need to do is stall you for half a minute at most,'' he thought to himself, excitedly. Although he didn''t say thatst part.


    Frostfang, expecting Erik to move aside after his words, quickly noticed that he had no intention of doing so.


    "Having it your way then," he scoffed and charged at Erik, intending to bowl him to the side and stop the people behind Erik from leaving.


    Erik howled and swung his hammer as it crackled and popped with the concussive lightning st charging right on top of it.


    Frostfang didn''t use any of his abilities, as he didn''t think he needed them. Plus, he still didn''t want to actually harm Erik.


    Fist met hammer, and Erik''s lightning st exploded with as much power as he could pump into it.


    Yet, even so, Erik nearly felt his hammer being ripped from his hands, as he desperately held on to it and skidded back a few meters.


    But, his goal was reached, Frostfang was halted and looked at Erik with narrowed eyes. "Well¡­" he began. "At least you do your mother proud."


    Then he charged again, and Erik began a difficult fight into which he poured every single ounce of his power. He could only count his lucky stars that Frostfang wasn''t trying to use his third-rank pressure again, as Erik no longer had a third-rank body merged with his.


    He could truly feel her absence and wasn''t sure how to feel about it. ''Have I be too used to her presence?'' he thought to himself. But he quickly threw those thoughts to the background. He had other things to focus on.


    Luckily, he didn''t have to think about his stamina, as he didn''t need tost very long.


    Elora was almost ready.

 Chapter 182: Chapter 182 - The finale [3/4]

    A few moments after Erik defeated Victor and Elora left his body, she flew low and slow across the frozen ground towards her goal.


    It was imperative that she didn''t draw any attention to herself. Thus, she did everything she could to stay out of eyesight, especially from the vampire and Frostfang, who were still trading blows in the middle of the battlefield.


    After a few moments, at the same time as Erik had reached Viljar to lend a hand, Elora reached her goal: Bj?rn.


    The broken man was still kneeling on the frozen ground, shivering not from the cold but from bone-deep despair.


    The thought of his precious daughter, the only remaining living proof of histe wife, being imprisoned and perhaps even experimented on by the council, despite his inability to do anything about it, was the worst kind of torture.


    His despair was precisely what Elora was nning to exploit, by offering him something she knew he would not refuse.


    When she reached him, she quickly put his hunched form between her and the third-rank battle no more than ten meters away.


    Bj?rn had reverted to his human form by now and was still whispering his daughter''s name over and over.


    "I''m sorry, Alice," he mumbled, "I tried¡­ I swear I did."


    Taking her chance, Elora made her offer. "Don''t react or look in my direction," she warned. "But don''t give up hope yet," she continued in the alluring tone of a whispering little devil on his shoulder. "Perhaps your daughter can still be saved."


    If Bj?rn felt any surprise about her presence through the despair that filled his being, he didn''t show it.


    However, he did as she asked and remained in ce. He stopped mumbling Alice''s name and remained quiet for a moment. "W¡ªWhat?" he stammered, without lifting his head or looking in the direction of the voice, afraid that he had misheard, that the voice had been a dream, or that disobeying her order would make her leave.


    "I said, perhaps your daughter can still be saved," she repeated, with a sly grin hanging from her lips as she floated just behind the man.


    Bj?rn searched his memories and finally remembered where he had heard that voice before. He hadn''t actually met this woman again since the day he first arrived here, but he would never forget her beauty or the terrifying he got when he dared to look in her eyes.


    "You¡ª You''re Elora. Erik''s wife," he stammered. At the same time, his body began shivering even more. Only now, it was from cautious excitement and the tiniest sliver of hope that prated his soul.


    "Yes, I am," she answered matter-of-factly. "But we don''t have time for pleasantries. Do you want a chance to get your daughter out of the council''s hands?"


    That tiny sliver of hope stirred again, causing him to shiver harder before it found its way into his voice. "M¡ª More than anything," he whispered.


    "Enough to give your life for it?" she asked, this time in a much more severe and grave voice.


    "I''m already a dead man," Bj?rn whispered emotionally. He knew that, regardless of their past, Frostfang would kill him for his betrayal. "I never expected to survive spying for the council, anyway. What¡­ What do I need to do?"


    While usually a mischievous and uncaring woman who would happily smile victoriously when sessfully tempting someone into a deal that benefited her, her excitement was tempered a little today.


    In the entire universe, there was perhaps only one thing she could not be carefree or yful about: true, self-sacrificing, and upromising parental love.


    Perhaps it came from her own upbringing by parents who she knew would do anything for her, or maybe it came from her desire to one day have children of her own with Erik and the absolute conviction that she would be that kind of parent as well.


    Whatever the case, Bj?rn''s readiness to sacrifice for the sake of his daughter earned him a sliver of Elora''s respect.


    So, she simply continued in a severe tone. "I will give you something. Something that will unleash all the potential in your body and allow you to fight at a level far above your own."


    Before she could continue to exin, Bj?rn interrupted, "But it will kill me¡­" Bj?rn didn''t believe in any free lunches in the world. A fantastic effect like that definitely had a terrible side effect. Combined with the fact that Elora talked about giving up his life, the likely result of epting her deal was obvious.


    "That''s right," Elora nodded, even though Bj?rn couldn''t see it. "You''d be dead within the hour."


    Bj?rn was an intelligent man who quickly filled in the nks of Elora''s proposal: "I''ll use this potential power to hold off Frostfang while you and Erik flee, and¡­ in return, you''ll save my daughter."


    "Exactly," Elora responded again before it remained quiet for a moment. Elora was d she didn''t have to exin everything in detail. ''It''s nice to deal with intelligent people, so long as you''re already sure they''ll agree to your proposal,'' she softly chuckled to herself despite the slight pity she felt for Bj?rn.


    "How will you find her?" Bj?rn suddenly asked. "And how can I be sure you''ll keep your end of the deal? I''ve already been burned once now¡­"


    Elora answered quickly as she saw Erik was currently confronting Frostfang, which meant they were running out of time. "You''ve seen Emily''s ability to enve others. We''ve already taken possession of Victor, and we''ll extract all the information we can from him, including your daughter''s location."


    "As for your second question," she continued as dark green covenant magic began to y across her hand and arm. "We''ll make a covenant, just as you did with Erik when you first arrived here. It affects us just as it does you, and you''ve noticed the effects yourself."


    "I¡ª" he began to respond before falling silent again. "I have no way of knowing if you and Erik really are bound by that covenant as well or not, but¡­ please," he pleaded, with a broken voice and a shivering body, "please, if I do this, please save my daughter."


    "We will," Elora said in a serious tone. While she may feel some respect and pity for Bj?rn, she didn''t suddenly care enough to try and soothe him. Still, she could remind him of how simr he and Erik were. "You''ve gotten to know Erik a little over the past few days; you must have a little faith in him by now."


    Bj?rn pulled himself together and nodded. "You''re right¡­ I haven''t known him long, but I believe he''ll take good care of her¡­" he smiled softly. "Plus, he''s teacher''s son, so if he adopts her, she''ll also be teacher''s granddaughter. I like that thought¡­"

 Chapter 183: Chapter 183 - The finale [4/4]

    Finally, Bj?rn sighed deeply. "I''ll do it¡­ But I hope you don''t expect me to kill Frostfang and the others."


    "Of course not," Elora immediately responded. "In fact, our covenant will include a use that states you''re not allowed to kill any of them. I don''t want you killing Erik''s uncle, and you''ll probably lose your mind due to the sigil."


    "That said," Elora continued with a raised eyebrow, "I''m surprised you still care enough after what happened."


    Bj?rn shrugged casually¡ªor at least as much as he could while remaining on his knees and bent over. "What can I say?" he sighed. "They''re not bad people, but they are what life''s turned them into. I can''t me them for prioritizing themselves over a girl they''ve never met, who is also half-human."


    "That''s idiotic," Elora scoffed harshly. "But to each their own," she shrugged. "So, shall I get started?"


    "Yeah, do what you have to," Bj?rn nodded. "I''ll cover your escape in exchange for the safety and happiness of my daughter."


    "Can''t promise that; it''s too abstract," Elora said as she shook her head and stuck out her hand while the covenant magic began weaving its way toward Bj?rn.


    "The deal is this," she began. "You will engage Frostfang in battle for as long as you remain alive, but you are not allowed to kill anyone. In exchange, we will do what we can to rescue your daughter from the council. Should we seed, we will consider her a part of our little family, protect her, and treat her with care until she no longer wishes to remain with us."


    "Fine, I agree," Bj?rn sighed and nodded, knowing he likely wouldn''t be able to get a better deal, not to mention that this was already far better than he had a few minutes earlier.


    Elora nodded in acknowledgment, and the covenant magic did its work. Soon, they both had a small green mark on the back of their hands, and Erik, who had just shed with Frostfang for the first time, gained the same.


    After all, their bond would force Elora and Erik to share any covenant or other magically enforced deals.


    While Erik desperately fought to keep Frostfang in ce for a little while longer, Elora took two things from her storage jewel: her sigil carving tool and a small red stone.


    While she could carve most simpler sigils onto a body with her hand, this one required a more specialized tool. Besides, she preferred not to touch another man besides Erik unless it was abat situation, and she had no other choice.


    As for the stone¡­ let''s call it Elora''s good deed for the century.


    She flew up and over Bj?rn''s back with the carving tool in hand and tossed the stone to the ground beneath Bj?rn''s face.


    "What''s this?" Bj?rn asked while Elora began drawing the sigil on his back.


    "It''s a memory stone," Elora said with narrowed eyes and a face filled with concentration. "You can record a message, sing a song, or even fill it with every memory from your birth until now."


    While the memory stone did have a limit, it would not be reached by all the memories of a mere 36-year-old. After all, the universe wasrge, the people were powerful, and the lifespans were long, so these stones were aimed at serving people far older than Bj?rn.


    "You¡ª" Bj?rn stammered, his face a mix of awe, surprise, and gratitude. "You''ll give this to her?" he asked.


    Still lost in concentration, Elora nodded. "Yes, but only if you hurry up. I''ll be done here in ten seconds at most. Just grab the stone, channel your energy into it, and think of whatever you want to put in there."


    With that ultimatum, Bj?rn quickly grabbed the stone and began racking his brain over what to put into it. This would be thest thing he could leave his daughter, and he had to make it meaningful.


    Yet, he didn''t have enough time, and, in the end, he just put in the first thing he could think of before tossing the stone over his shoulder back to Elora. His eyes were filled with determination, sadness, and hope¡ªhope for his daughter''s future.


    Elora caught the stone and tossed it in her storage jewel before putting thest strokes on the sigil.With thest stroke, she signed Bj?rn''s death warrant, while giving her and Erik a chance to escape.


    ****


    Now, back at Erik, Frostfang had been trying to get past him for thest twenty seconds and was getting increasingly annoyed and angry.


    Well, more angry and annoyed than he already was before, anyway.


    He could see the women who were supposed to be the salvation of his Enve disappearing into the distance. However, he knew that, even if they kept running for 10 minutes, he could still easily find and catch up to them.


    If not through smell or his omnisense, then at least through tried-and-true tracking methods that had been around since before the awakening.


    So he wasn''t too much in a hurry yet, but he didn''t like being waid by this brat who had been pissing him off since he got there.


    Despite his negative feelings, his curiosity regarding Erik also increased exponentially. Not only was the man far more powerful than a regr second-ranker, but he also had more skills and abilities than one should.


    That wasn''t the most exciting part, however. While Frostfang had been too preupied to think about it before, during this fight, he began to realize how special Erik''s armor was and the implications it could have for the Enve. Tough, shape-changing armor would change the game significantly.


    While Frostfang contempated the benefits of gaining more of these armors sets, and designed punishments for Erik to be inflicted after he was finally subdued, the target of his ire was in a bad state.


    Erik''s armor had protected him from the worst of it, but even that had its limits, as the armor had started to get dented. Luckily, Frostfang had only used his fists so far, as he didn''t want to identally kill Erik.


    Beneath the armor, however, Erik''s body was battered and bruised, with various broken bones and ruptured organs. Yet, despite all that, an excited grin remained on Erik''s face. These wounds were nothing, and he could feel himself improving every second during his fight with someone more powerful than him, yet not overwhelmingly so.


    After another few seconds of staring at each other, Frostfang charged again and began to unleash his wrath.


    Erik swung his hammer in impressively acrobatic maneuvers to defend himself as best he could. There was no doubt, no worry, no other thought inside him other than this fight, right here and now.


    He couldn''t let himself be distracted by thoughts of whether he could hold on long enough.


    Finally, Erik''s eyes shed when he noticed movement behind Frostfang.


    Frostfang halted when he felt a powerful presence behind him. A presence that shouldn''t be there, as it felt awfully familiar yet was far too powerful to belong to that person.


    His omnisense spread out almost instinctively, and at the same time, he turned around andunched several ice spikes toward the risen Bj?rn.


    Bj?rn''s presence and sudden power increase had startled him, and he wasn''t going to take any chances¡ªespecially because Bj?rn''s fate had been sealed already.


    Erik and Elora now thought they had made it to the end, and all that was left was for them to run while Bj?rn kept Frostfang busy.


    Unfortunately, one thing went wrong.


    Instead of defending himself against Frostfang''s instinctive attack, Bj?rn dodged, and the ice spikes went straight for the floating fairy behind him.

 Chapter 184: Chapter 184 - Wounded

    Several things were now happening at the same time.


    Bj?rn, who had previously dodged those icicles, returned to his wereverine form and roared into the cold morning sky. He charged at Frostfang with a crazed expression. His bloodshot eyes showed little sanity or rity. On his back glowed an ominous, blood-red sigil.


    Clearly, exposing Elora to Frostfang''s attack was not a choice he made but merely the result of instincts acting on their own.


    This sigil was considered part of the wicked faction back on S?l and thus ouwed by the righteous factions. It was called the dying star sigil, signifying Bj?rn as the dying star now going supernova just before the end.


    Frostfang barely registered the fairy as his instincts forced him to focus on Bj?rn, who was overflowing with a corrupted and life-consuming power.


    Bright blue runes appeared on his skin, yet he became covered in brightly burning blue mes instead of water or ice.


    As it turned out, Bj?rn possessed the somewhat rare affinity of ice-fire.


    A frost cloak formed around Frostfang as he prepared to receive Bj?rn while roaring, "What the hell are you doing?!"


    Bj?rn wildly crashed against Frostfang, and surprisingly, the third-rank werewolf was the one forced to take a step back, clearly making him the loser in their first sh. "You¡ª!" Frostfang yelled in surprise. Yet, Bj?rn did not give him any time to think or talk as he continued his assault in a frenzy.


    Simultaneously, five razor-sharp icicles with the power of the third rank zoomed through the air, straight at a surprised Elora. "Oh, crap," she whispered.


    "Elora!" Erik roared in a panic and activated his lightning sh ability, ignoring his pain-wrecked body despite knowing he wouldn''t be able to reach her in time.


    Elora, for her part, immediately began to try and dodge, even as her body had started dissolving into tiny specks of light. She was more than close enough to Erik to merge with his body, but the process was not instantaneous, and those icy spikes were very fast.


    In the end, she only managed to move a small distance, with half of her body turned into particles before the spikes reached her.


    Two spikes, nearly the same size as her fairy-sized body, hit her. Under Elora''s agonized screams, one ripped off her left arm, while the other went straight through her stomach, nearly bisecting her.


    The part of her body that had already turned into specks of light quickly reformed to make the fairy whole while she continued to scream. Considering her size, that scream was not very loud, but it reached Erik''s ears and wrenched his heart when he appeared next to her wounded body.


    Elora looked at him with pain and panic in her eyes as she screamed and groaned from pain. She wanted her beloved to make it better, to make the pain and panic disappear.


    "Little Ember¡­" he whispered with pain in his voice and tears in his eyes. He had never seen Elora in such a tragic state in seven years.


    Luckily, he knew what to do.


    He quickly bent over and scooped up the hand-sized Elora, including any other parts of her he could find, and then touched their bond. In times of emergency, the bond would allow Erik to absorb Elora into his body, even without her having to do anything.


    Despite the panic and the pain, Elora looked up at Erik with gratitude as her broken body began to dissolve into his hands.


    A soft and relieved smile appeared on her face as the pain left her and she felt herself being enveloped by the warm embrace of Erik''s soul.


    Erik felt his body be weaker instead of stronger as intense pain began to radiate from his left shoulder and his gut. But he ignored it as he turned around, dropped to all fours, and jumped into a sprint in the same direction Astrid and Emma had left in.


    Behind him, Viljar watched his nephew leave with aplicated gaze. Both Bj?rn and Erik''s roars alerted him to the quickly changing situation on the battlefield.


    Of course, Bj?rns''s changes concerned him, but he quickly realized it was some ploy by Erik and Elora. He didn''t know exactly what happened, but he hoped Bj?rn hadn''t turned into nothing but a pawn.


    Yet, the most concerning thing in his eyes was what happened to Elora, which caused him to worry about the future.


    Naturally, he was sad about how Erik must be feeling, and he prayed to the spirits of his ancestors that Elora would survive. But the truth was that he didn''t just hope for her survival for Erik''s sake, as he also feared for the future if she didn''t


    After all, he knew Erik''s newly vengeful nature and recognized it as much the same as Runa''s. This begged the question: Would Erik being after Frostfang or the Enve for revenge, despite this being more of an ident than anything else?


    He shook his head and could only hope for the best. At the same time, he turned his attention to his teammates who were attempting to resuscitate a heavily wounded f, his fate hanging by a thread.


    *****


    "Elora¡­!" Erik roared inwardly through his bond with her as he raced across the snowy, frozen tundra in the direction where he felt Emily and Emma''s presence.


    "D¡ª Don''t worry, my love," came a frail response. "I¡ª I''m fine. It''s you that''s¡­ taking on my damaged body¡­ with your own, despite¡­ being hurt yourself. Are you alright?"


    Unfortunately, even with Erik taking on her critically wounded body, Elora''s soul hadn''t gotten away without a scratch.


    After all, she, as a member of a physically weaker race, was still hit by the attack of a third rank while she was in the process of dissolving into a soul form.


    With Erik having reabsorbed Elora''s body, he also took on the pain and damage she took. While he wouldn''t suddenly lose an arm or discover a hole in his gut, the sensations and weakness were still very much there.


    Naturally, Erik refused to let Elora suffer needlessly, so he blocked the sensation sharing that was usually active between them. He wouldn''t let her pull a stunt like she did during his integration of the winter wolf bloodline.


    Yet, despite the intense pain of several broken bones, punctured organs, bruised flesh, and now a severed arm and pierced gut, Erik waved his hand dismissively while he ran, which naturally only intensified the pain. "I''m fine! This is nothing!" he said in an attempt to sound nonchnt, which failed miserably when he spat out a mouth full of blood.

 Chapter 185: Chapter 185 - Catching up [1/2]

    In the pale light of early morning, where the sun barely grazes the horizon, casting long, ethereal shadows across the frozen Norse tundra, a wounded werewolf in heavy ck armor thudded through the snow on all fours.


    His dark form was a blur against the white snow, a stark contrast to the tranquil and unyielding wilderness that enveloped Frostvik.


    The werewolf, obviously Erik, left behind a flurry of snow swirling in the air as he navigated the treacherous terrain. His paws crunched on the snow, and each breath he exhaled materialized as a cloud of vapor, quickly dissipating in the chill air.


    Around him, the taiga forest stood as an ancient witness to his flight. The dense conifers,den with snow, formed a formidable wall of green and white, their branches swaying gently in the frigid breeze.


    As he put distance between himself and his ce of birth, Erik moved with a desperate urgency, propelled forward by an innate drive to escape and tend to his and Elora''s wounds.


    Frostvik, with its few buildings and ongoing battle, became smaller and smaller, swallowed by the vastness of thendscape, as he disappeared into the embrace of the ancient forest.


    asionally, he staggered a little and coughed out some blood, which kept evaporating through a concentrated lightning charge before it even hit the ground. There was no need to make Frostfang''s job of tracking them down any easier than absolutely necessary, after all.


    It had been no more than a minute since he and Elora left Frostvik when a dark green aura suddenly began to flow across his body.


    Erik immediately felt a soothing sensation spread throughout his body, reducing the pain and refiling his energy reserves. Slowly, his body began to stitch itself back together while he ran.


    The energy flow was intermittent and a little weak, however. A clear indication of Elora''s own weakness.


    "Stop it, Elora," Erik growled inwardly as he continued to run, leaving Frostvik behind. "I''m fine! Conserve your energy and go to sleep!"


    "S¡ª So am I!" came the frail yet determined response. "I can sleep¡­ and recoverter¡­ you need healing now!"


    When Erik was about to retort, his thoughts were interrupted by a powerful, almost dizzying howl that echoed through their surroundings. It was a howl filled with frustration and anger.


    Inside his soul, Elora snickered weakly, "It seems Frostfang has¡­ figured out he''s not going to get¡­ past Bj?rn so easily."


    Trees kept zipping past as Erik felt himself quickly approaching the others.


    Thinking of Frostfang made Erik narrow his eyes, gnash his teeth, and seethe with anger. "Frostfang¡­" he growled through gritted teeth. "I''ll make him pay for what he did to you."


    When it happened, all he could think about was getting Elora to safety and following the n. Yet, now that he had some time to settle down, the rage came crashing down.


    Elora chuckled softly. "Normally, I''d be¡­ all for that. In fact¡­ I''d advertise for killing him slowly¡­" she began with apparent malice in her voice.


    Then she sighed, "But since it was¡­ an ident, and your mother might be¡­ upset if he dies, maybe we can make do¡­ with taking an arm or a leg? I''d rather not¡­ have my first meeting with your mother spoiled¡­ by the fact that you killed¡­ her favorite student because of me."


    While Elora absolutely wanted Frostfang dead for what he did, ident or not, she felt a little nervous about meeting Runa, and she didn''t want to give Erik''s mother any reason to resent her.


    Or at least, no more than was already there since she certainly had a hand in Bj?rn''s death already.


    Erik huffed and kept gnashing his teeth and fangs. When he saw those spikes ripping apart Elora''s small body back in Frostvik, he had felt his soul quiver and his mind quake. When he recalled that image now, endless fury and a desire to rip Frostfang apart filled his body.


    Elora noticed his feelings and sighed again, "I know how you feel¡­ I would have reacted the same¡­ if our roles were reversed¡­ But just consider it¡­ alright? I want Frostfang dead, too¡­ but not as much as¡­ I want a good rtionship with your mother¡­"


    Her voice became weaker and weaker as she talked, but her magic kept flowing out to heal Erik.


    Hearing the weakness in her voice shook Erik free from his fury, and he quickly said, with deep concern in his mental voice, "Fine, fine! I''ll think about it, but only if you stop healing me and go to sleep!"


    Elora chuckled softly and mumbled, "D¡­ Deal¡­" while slowly drifting off to sleep. The dark green aura receded from Erik''s body.


    Luckily, it had already had some effect. He felt a little better and didn''t have to constantly cough up blood anymore, even though he was very far from being back in top shape.


    ''If I actually had Frostfang at my mercy right now, I don''t think I could resist simply gutting him,'' he thought angrily. ''But since I don''t¡­ hopefully I''ll be able to calm down enough by the time that day rolls around.''


    His eyes narrowed as he made himself a promise, ''But even if I can resist killing him, I''ll absolutely take my pound of flesh¡­''


    As he shook his head and pushed thoughts of vengeance to the back burner, he looked ahead of him.


    He had now been running for about two minutes, and with the girls leaving Frostvik no more than a minute before him, he could already see one werewolf and one strange amalgamation of three bodies running through the trees, not far in front of him.


    In all themotion with Elora, Erik had forgotten to send a message to Emma that he was fine, so when his heavy, thudding footsteps starteding closer, Astrid quickly turned around, Emily still in her arms, to see what was behind them.


    When she and the white-haired girl on her back saw Erik, they both sighed in relief.


    "Master!"


    "Erik!"


    They both yelled, with joy in their voices.


    "Hey girls," he said with a sincere smile, as the happiness in Astrid and Emma''s faces pushed his thoughts of revenge even further down.


    At least for now.

 Chapter 186: Chapter 186 - Catching up [2/2]

    When Erik stopped in front of them, Emma quickly jumped off Astrid''s back and ran to Erik with a broad smile on her face. "Master!" she eximed with clear joy in her voice. "I knew you''d make it back! You never let me down!"


    A deep conviction was buried behind her final statement, and it only got more profound with every one of Erik''s victories.


    One could only wonder what would happen when Erik failed for the first time. Would it break her, or would she be the rock shielding him, as she stated back in Frostvik?


    Only time would tell.


    When Emma nearly reached Erik, she suddenly stopped. Concern marred her face as she frowned. "Master?" she asked. "W¡ª What''s wrong?"


    Emma''s uncanny intuition was at work again when Erik''s smile didn''t fool her for a second. His wrath and desire for revenge may have been pushed down further, but his concern for Elora was still barely below the surface, and Emma easily picked up on it.


    Instead of Erik, it was Astrid who answered after she came to stand next to the girl dressed as a maid. "He''s heavily wounded," she frowned, her expression matching Emma''s. This was no intuition, however. Instead, it was the experience of a seasoned fighter.


    Erik''s transformed face was a little beaten and bruised, but the real damage to his body was hidden under his slightly dented armor. Yet, just by watching his movements and slightly jerking motions, Astrid could tell that his body was in bad shape.


    But Emma disagreed, and her eyes narrowed in concern and suspicion. "No, that''s not it¡­" she mumbled.


    Finally unable to continue to stand their scrutiny, Erik rolled his eyes and sighed. While his actions may seem like he was annoyed, the concern he felt from both girls filled him with warmth.


    He decided that honesty was the best policy and also simply what would get them moving again the fastest, so he admitted, "You''re both right."


    First, he turned to Astrid, "Yes, I''m wounded. But it''s not so bad. I''m fine to move, and we need to start doing that again soon."


    Then he turned to Emma, "I''m concerned for Elora. She got wounded near the end and is currently resting in my soul. Don''t worry, though. She should be fine."


    Despite his words, Emma could feel the concern that continued flooding his mind.


    His answer relieved them both about their previous issues, although Emma became worried about his wounds instead.


    Frowning, she ran to him and began casting her first light spell. "Let me help, Master!"


    Her first-rank magic had little effect on his power body, which had already begun to border on the third rank, yet it still felt good. He smiled at Emma and petted her head, "Thank you, Emma. You''re a good girl." His second wife smiled brightly and nuzzled against his oversized, transformed, w-like hand. The fact that it looked so savage appeared to have little effect on her.


    Luckily, his armor''s gauntlets only fully covered his hands in human form. In his transformed state, they only covered the back of his hand, leaving the paw untouched.


    Thus, his head pats were actually quite soft despite his armor.


    Meanwhile, Astrid looked at their disy with a strange smile. ''To think such a devoted, wholesome girl could be such a massive pervert on the inside,'' she smirked to herself as she recalled the night of passion she had witnessed on the sigil stone.


    In fact, she never gave the stone back, nor had Elora asked for it back.


    Instead, she had continued to use the stone.


    This meant that the first night was not the only time she had witnessed Erik satisfying his two wives. The allure of the stone turned out to be too much for Astrid, who had, by now, lost any shame regarding her voyeurism.


    At least when ites to admitting it to herself.


    While Emma enjoyed her head pats and continued to flood Erik''s body with her light spell, Erik turned his attention to Emily in Astrid''s arms with a cocked eyebrow in curiosity. "So¡­ what happened to Emily?" he asked.


    Emma looked sad for a moment but then refocused on healing Erik, while Astrid answered with an unsure frown, "I''m not sure. She just kind of seemed to go a little crazy when you told us to run. Something about not letting Frostfang take you away from her?"


    Despite the situation, Erik couldn''t help but burst out inughter, causing pain to shoot through his body. Theplete departure from her usual behavior simply got to him.


    Immediately, he felt the lightest of thuds against his armor and looked down, only to see Emma staring at him with an angry pout and a tiny fist against his armor. "It''s not funny."


    Noticing she was actually a little angry at him and very worried about Emily caused Erik to quickly calm down and scratch his head awkwardly. "Sorry, Emma. You''re right. I shouldn''t beughing at that."


    Despite his words, he couldn''t help but be a little happy. The only way for her to react that way was if her positive emotions towards him were already pretty strong, allowing what little darkness corruption was left in her totch on to that and do its work.


    Erik smiled at the still-pouting Emma and kept patting her head. "Don''t worry, little glimmer. It was probably just a temporary burst brought on by strong emotions. She''ll be back to normal when she wakes up."


    Emma''s expression lost its worry and returned to a bright smile. "Thank you, Master! I was worried!"


    "Anyway," he said while looking at their surroundings. They were currently in the middle of a small clearing in the taiga forest. Wilderness, snow, rocks, and pine trees were all around. Erik could even smell arge number of rank-one beasts roaming around.


    "We should get moving," he continued.


    "Right," Astrid nodded. "Where to, though?" she asked curiously.


    "We have two destinations currently, but one of them can''t wait," he said thoughtfully.


    Turning towards the south-west, he picked up a yelping Emma into a princess carry.


    "We''re going to the Swedish border," he said before he took off running.

 Chapter 187: Chapter 187 - Travel [1/2]

    So they went back to running.


    With Emma in Erik''s arms, Emily in Astrid''s, and Victor running with a vacant stare, they raced across Scandinavia''s rugged and breathtakingndscape.


    They traveled overrge expanses of Arctic tundra, with its low shrubs, mosses, and lichens clinging to life in an awakened Earth''s harsh and quickly changing environment. The ground was a patchwork of frost and thaw, with icy rocks shimmering like jewels.


    The group''s steps were deliberate and fast, thudding against the frozen ground.


    For the first hour of their travel, they silently sprinted at maximum speed, focusing on covering as much ground as possible while Frostfang was still upied with Bj?rn.


    During this time, they had already crossed the once-border between Norway and Find, which was extremely close to Frostvik.


    Naturally, Erik also used various methods he had picked up on S?l, both magical and otherwise, to obscure any signs of their passage so that Frostfang would be unable to follow them.


    While Emily remained unconscious in Astrid''s arms, Emma didn''t stay idle. She kept flooding Erik with as much healing as she could. It still didn''t have much effect on actually stitching his body back together, but it did give Erik a soothing feeling that reduced the pain in his aching body.


    Finally, after an hour, Erik thought, ''That should be good enough,'' and began slowing down a little. He was still running, but it was more of a travel pace now rather than a sprint.


    After all, they had many more hours to go, and it wouldn''t have been wise to tire themselves out in the first half of their journey.


    Noticing Erik was slowing down, Astrid did the same. "Are we far enough away?" she asked Erik while they continued to move.


    Erik nodded while he ran, "Should be. Frostfang''s speed would allow him to catch up to us in about half an hour, but he should have no idea where we''re going. Our scent is obscured, we''re way out of reach for his omnisense, and I''ve been covering any tracks we left behind. His speed won''t avail him."


    Astrid nodded with relief. "That''s good."


    Emma had little reaction, however. She focused on healing Erik and trusted Erik to handle their safety anyway.


    "So when can I go back to myself?" Astrid suddenly asked with an annoyed huff.


    Erik chuckled when he realized Astrid''s hair was still crimson, and her eyes were still green. "What? Don''t like your new look? Elora would be hurt, you know!"


    "It''s a fine look, but I want my own!" Astrid rolled her eyes.


    "Alright, alright. Well, you''ll have to wait for Emily to wake up. Or Elora, but Emily will likely be first." Hisst words were apanied by a tinge of pain in his voice.


    "How is Elora?" Emma''s concerned voice suddenly came from Erik''s chest as the conversation had reached a part she was interested in. "What happened at the end?"


    Erik sighed. He didn''t really want to think about the scene of Elora getting wounded again, but he also didn''t want to keep anything from them.


    So he told them everything that happened from the moment they left, including how Elora got wounded and about using Bj?rn to dy Frostfang.


    "How the hell is she still alive after receiving those kinds of wounds?!" Astrid eximed and staggered a little when Erik got to that point.


    Emma had small tears in her eyes as she whispered, "Poor Elora¡­" Ever since bing sister-wives with the fairy, Emma''s care for Elora had grown exponentially. She didn''t see Elora as a true sister yet, but certainly as a very good friend, and also somewhat of an authority figure.


    "It''s one of the benefits of being a fairy with a protector," Erik exined with a soft smile. "Her soul can survive inside mine just fine, even without a body. At the same time, my body is essentially meant to be a recovery vessel for both her physical and metaphysical essence."


    All living beings were essentially made up of physical and metaphysical essence, encapsting the body and the soul. For most people, that meant very little, as the ability to alter, leave, or interact at all with either of those essences was impossible until they reached a very high level of power.


    But it was different for bonded fairies, whose very existence was essentially broken down into their essences, which was the only reason they were able to merge with their protector.


    "Basically, her wounded body and soul are currently being nourished by mine," he continued. He didn''t mind the fact that their bond was still based on this type of rtionship. In fact, he loved that he was able to save her life like this. Besides, it was a small price to pay for the benefits he received in return.


    "Her soul should recover in a day at most," he finished. "But she won''t be able to leave my body for a while. Her physical essence received heavy wounds and needs more time to recover."


    Immediately after he finished, Emma''s determined voice came from below his chin. "When she wakes up, tell her I wouldn''t mind if she wanted to use my body asionally while hers recovers."


    "Really?" Erik asked in wonder. It wasn''t an easy thing to give up your body to someone else, after all.


    Emma nodded while she continued to heal the running Erik. "Yeah¡­ I trust her. But, more importantly, I trust you. Besides, what kind of sister-wife would I be if I allowed her to remain locked inside somewhere when I could provide a way for her to leave, even if temporarily?"


    Erik smiled warmly, grateful for Emma''s kindness. "I''ll let her know, little Glimmer. Thank you," he said. "But you don''t need to worry too much. She always says that my soul is veryfortable."


    Emma nodded with a bright smile. She was always happy to help those she cared about. Especially Erik and Emily, of course, but Elora as well.


    Now, it was Astrid''s turn to speak up. "I''m d Elora is going to be alright," she said. "I honestly still have my doubts about her, but I wouldn''t want her to get hurt."


    Erik nodded, not minding her words.


    Then, Astrid continued, "So I suppose we''re on our way to rescue Bj?rn''s daughter then, ording to your deal?"


    The running, armored werewolf nodded again. "That''s the idea. I still don''t know where she is exactly, but we suspect she''s somewhere in what used to be Sweden, as that area is almostpletely upied by the council."


    He turned towards the ck-haired, unconscious girl in Astrid''s arms. "We''ll have to wait for Emily to wake up before we can ask Victor for the exact location, though."

 Chapter 188: Chapter 188 - Travel [2/2]

    "So we''ll travel to the Finnish-Swedish border, which should get us safely away from Frostfang, and then we''ll see about finding Alice''s exact location from Victor," Erik continued, exining as they ran.


    "Alright," Astrid nodded before asking about something she had been wondering. "So what about the other destination you mentioned? You said there were two ces we needed to go, but only this one couldn''t wait?"


    "Right," Erik nodded with a thoughtful frown. "The other destination is a strange ruin that my mother brought me to a few times in the past. Apparently, she left a sigil stone with Uncle Viljar before she left, with the message that I should bring it to those ruins."


    "Wait," Astrid wondered, raising her eyebrows in surprise. "Your mother knew you were alive?"


    Erik smiled warmly. "Not exactly, but apparently, she never lost hope." Then he went back to his thoughtful frown. "Although, whether that was just the hope of a desperate mother or something else, I don''t know. But perhaps those ruins and that stone will provide some answers."


    Talking about Erik''s mother caused Astrid to start thinking about her own, as a sad expression fell over her face. "I hope my mother doesn''t think I''m dead," she mumbled suddenly, more to herself than to Erik.


    "Even if she does, she won''t think so for long," Erik said with a reassuring smile, causing Astrid to nod with determination and agree with him.


    After that, they continued running at high speed in silence.


    While Erik and Astrid could potentially sprint at almost 100km/h (~60mph), they were currently running at a ''mere'' 60km/h (~35mph) because they were carrying cargo in the form of two beautiful sisters and were trying to conserve energy so they couldst longer.


    Not to mention that Erik was still wounded and wearing his armor, as it could not be stored in a storage jewel.


    Unfortunately, Erik had decided that it was not yet safe enough to simply wait around and heal. Besides, when those council soldiers returned to their base and reported what happened, there was a good chance they would move Bj?rn''s daughter, Alice, to somewhere else.


    After all, he and Elora currently assumed she was somewhere in Sweden, so she was close enough to provide some encouragement for Bj?rn should he need it.


    But now that Bj?rn was dead, and considering the council''s intention to study, or perhaps even experiment on, Alice for her hybrid status, there was every possibility they would soon move her to a ce more focused on research.


    Which meant they had no time to waste.


    Technically their covenant with Bj?rn was vague enough that they wouldn''t be forced to rescue Alice at the first possible opportunity, but, at some point, the covenant would force them to get a move on.


    Better they get it out of the way now, while she was hopefully in Sweden, rather than having to both search and travel all over Europe for her.


    Such was the price they paid to get out of Frostvik and away from Frostfang.


    Although Erik actually didn''t mind this deal so much. He liked Bj?rn and respected the lengths the man would go through to rescue his daughter.


    Under normal circumstances, that still wouldn''t be enough to actually convince Erik to go out of his way to rescue a rtively random girl. Still, as far as deals go, this one wasn''t so bad.


    Besides, Elora also had a slight interest in the girl''s hybrid status.


    ording to Victor, the council had learned very little about any special powers a hybrid might have so far, but that didn''t mean Elora would be just as stumped.


    All in all, while being forced to continue traveling despite his wounds was a downside, the rest of their deal with Bj?rn was very eptable to both Erik and Elora.


    As they traveled further southwest, the taiga forests of Norway and northern parts of Find made way for the fell hignds¡ªvast, treeless mountain teaus characteristic of the Scandinavian Mountains. The terrain undted, and hills rose like waves from the earth under a nket of snow.


    After the fell hignds, the terrain changed into one of partially frozenkes andrge, crisscrossing rivers that flowed from the fells to the sea. These rivers created countless wide river valleys with varying vegetation and terrain, from dense forests to marsnds.


    Naturally, none of this was an issue for Erik and Astrid as they continued to travel through thesends at a high pace, using their strength and stamina to traverse the terrain for hours at the same pace of 60km/h (~35mph).


    During this time, Erik''s natural regeneration,bined with whatever little help Emma''s magic was, managed to bring his body to a point where, at the very least, he wasn''t in constant pain anymore.


    At one point, when Emma''s magic ran out, she actually managed to fall asleep in Erik''s arms despite the rocky movement and cold metal armor he wore.


    Emily, too, didn''t wake up at all during this time. Erik figured her mind was resting and restoring itself after her short rpse back in Frostvik.


    Elora remained quiet as well, as she would need at least a day to wake up again.


    Their journey wentrgely uninterrupted, as second-rank beasts were still rare. First-rank beasts, on the other hand, had their instincts screaming at them to remain far away from this group of travelers.


    Neither did they encounter any people, as most of the S¨¢mi shapeshifters and vampires who once lived in this region had migrated to the north, into Finnmark, for safety.


    After all, Finnmark was the only nearby ce with powerful, established factions that could provide safety from other races and the roaming first-rank beasts.


    Of course, now there is the council as well, but they were new, and when they arrived in Sweden, Land had already mostly emptied out.


    As for the humans, they had likely all gone to seek warmer climates in Sweden to be eventually absorbed into the council, or died during some harsh winter, or from a horde of first-rank beasts.


    Perhaps some holdout human viges were still around with people stubbornly clinging to life in this harsh, post-apocalyptic region. Yet, if so, Erik and his group didn''t encounter them.


    Like this, they traveled for a total of eight hours, non-stop, until they finally began to near the Swedish border.


    Gradually, thendscape transitioned into mixed forests with a higher proportion of non-coniferous trees and even some abandoned agriculturalnd.


    They reached a small, abandoned town by the name of Muonio, located directly on the border between Find and Sweden.


    It was here that they finally decided to take a short rest to wake Emily and find out Alice''s location from Victor.

 Chapter 189: Chapter 189 - Muonio

    After eight hours of continuous running, Erik and Astrid finally halted at the edge of town.


    While their stamina as both second-rank Runebound and supernaturals was genuinely astounding, even they had gotten a little winded after such a journey.


    "Pffff," Astrid exhaled when she stopped. She bent over a little and panted, although she couldn''t go far since she still carried Emily in her arms. "It''s been a while since I had a workout like that. It felt good, though!"


    Erik chuckled as he put Emma on her feet, "Same here." Then he stretched his aching body and yawned a little. While the heavy movement during their journey had not prevented his body from stitching quite a bit of itself back together, he really needed a good rest to fully recover.


    Emma staggered a little when she finally stood on her own two feet again after being carried around by Erik for eight hours. When she found her footing, she looked up at Erik and Astrid. "For my part, the view was amazing. Scandinavia is a beautiful ce," she said, smiling brightly.


    "I''m d you enjoyed yourself," Erikughed as he patted her head.


    "Yeah, yeah, so am I," Astrid interrupted a little impatiently. "But can we get a move on now? I''d really like to finally put the edgy sister down somewhere."


    "Oh?" Erik turned to her with a teasing grin. "Unable to keep carrying her, huh? Well, no problem. Let me take her instead, then," he said, extending his arms towards her in a grabbing motion.


    But he had achieved exactly what he was aiming for when Astrid''s pride was clearly pricked. She turned away from him with a huff. "Who said anything about being unable to carry her?! I''m perfectly happy to go another eight hours like this. How about you?"


    "Oh no, not me," Erik chuckled indulgently. "I definitely need some rest. Luckily, I''ve got the powerful Astrid to carry poor Emily for me."


    "That''s right!" Astrid nodded pridefully before walking into town. "Now, let''s go find you a ce to rest!" she said confidently, trying desperately to hide the slight trembling in her arms and back.


    Emma giggled at Astrid''s reaction before grabbing Erik''s hand with a bright smile and walking into town with him.


    Muonio was a little smaller than Kirkenes, but it also had a heavy focus on tourism. Or at least, it did before the awakening.


    Currently, it appears to be entirely abandoned by humans and supernaturals while having been reimed by nature.


    The reason for the abandonment was uncertain, but there were plenty of possibilities. There was a small chance there simply lived no supernaturals here, while all the humans died in the awakening.


    More likely, however, was that the humans migrated south to escape the far harsher winters of a newly awakened Earth, while the supernaturals either stayed behind and eventually got wiped out by a pack of rank-one beasts, or traveled to Finnmark to join either the Enve or the Dominion.


    Alternatively, the vampires and shapeshifters might have simply gone with them since the extreme hatred of humans that was rampant in Finnmark was mostly a result of the hunter raids that happened at the same time as the awakening. It was entirely possible that the three races got along perfectly fine in this ce.


    Whatever the case, Muonio had no intelligent beings left inside it. The town''s structures, consisting primarily of businesses catering to tourists, stood silent as nature slowly reimed their exteriors.


    With Earth''s current development phase altering and enhancing the biosphere, nt life could survive here, even with the more extreme temperatures. Thus, ivy and other climbing nts covered walls and roofs, while some trees started to take root in less stable structures.


    Wildlife had also taken the opportunity to extend its territory, as many creatures like reindeer, foxes, and even lynxes had made their homes in this ce. Of course, they were all altered in some way, much like the tidal tempest Erik encountered during the boat ride.


    But unlike that ravenous school of fish, these creatures knew when they were out of their league and stayed well away from the neers in town.


    However, Erik and Astrid kept their eyes peeled for any possible second-rank beasts. Rare they may be, but non-existent they were not. And despite their love of fighting, neither Erik nor Astrid was in the right mood or the proper shape for such a thing.


    They slowly walked through what used to be the town''s roads but were now barely recognizable as such. Traces of the town''s once tourism-driven economy were everywhere, such as abandoned snowmobiles, skis, and hiking equipment.


    Naturally, everything was covered in ice and snow, with icicles abound and water puddles everywhere, as the current summer climate had temperatures that went at least slightly over the freezing point, causing some subtle thawing.


    Erik looked around with slight curiosity. After all, this was only the fourth inhabited ce he had seen on Earth. There was Frostvik, Kirkenes, London, and now this ce. All of these ces had their own image, from smallmunity to harbor town to metropolis and now tourism town.


    Finally, they found a hotel and ski lodge that appeared reasonably intact.


    The harsh weather, and particrly the slight thawing from the current summer climatepared to the harsh winters, had created some cracks in the walls, but it didn''t appear to be on the verge of crumbling down, and thus, was good enough to house them for a night.


    The insides were slightly damp yet deste and harsh. Mementos of winter sports were on disy, some S¨¢mi art was scattered around, and disy cases held entirely unrecognizable and decayed photographs.


    The trio made their way inside, causing some small, rank-one beasts to scatter around due fear. Astrid continued to carry Emily and Victor followed them like a trained dog.


    "I guess this will do for a night," Erik remarked as he looked around and scratched his head. "Perhaps two if we want to take the risk regarding Alice and fully recover before we head out again."


    He smiled at Astrid and Emma, "Let''s go find a room."

 Chapter 190: Chapter 190 - His own personal sun

    After searching the hotel for a few minutes, they finally found one of itsrger and more luxurious rooms.


    It included high-quality, minimalist furniture, featuring arge, king-sized bed with a thick duvet and many pillows. It also had afortable seating area with two sofa''s, a coffee table, and several armchairs, with everything crafted from wood.


    Naturally, there were many electrical appliances, but they were no more than lifeless shells with cracked screens. There was a firece, as well as some artwork, andrge windows that looked out over the stunning vistas of Land.


    Just as with the buildings in Frostvik, this room, too, had been preserved surprisingly well due to the cold. While small animals had made their way into this hotel, unlike in Frostvik due to the wall around the town, they hadn''t gotten to the upper floors yet.


    That said, everything was covered in a thickyer of dust and frost. The fabric on the furniture was faded and torn, and the wood was warped or cracked from the moisture of melting in summer and the dryness of cold winters.


    The artwork on the walls was discolored and peeling, and their frames were askew. The once vibrant colors now muted, and blending in with the overall gloom of the room. Therge window remained whole, but framed by icicles and translucent.


    The room also felt a little damp and wet, as it was currently summer, and the temperatures were barely above freezing, which meant some of the frost in the room was in the process of melting.


    But despite all the decay and abandonment, the room retained a ghostly elegance. It was currently early in the evening, and pale light from the setting sun glinted on the ice that remained, casting patterns on the walls.


    "Well, it''s a little wet and cold, but otherwise, this should do fine," Erikmented while scratching his head. Then he turned towards Astrid with a teasing grin, "Luckily, we have our own little sun."


    "Heh," Astrid chuckled in response. "Not afraid I''ll burn the ce down? This ce isrgely built of wood, you know."


    Erik immediately shook his head. "Not at all. I''ve seen the control you have over your affinity. Go on, Astrid," he prodded, his teasing grin returning. "Be my personal little sun."


    Astrid felt her cheeks heat up at that remark, causing her to snort and turn her head as if offended while actually just trying to hide her embarrassment. Had she not been holding Emily, she might have lightly punched Erik.


    "F¡ªFine," she stammered before handing Emily to Erik.


    She walked into the room, and bright orange runes began to flicker all over her skin as the temperature around her began to rise.


    She wasn''t using any skill, as all she was doing was flooding her body with her affinity while carefully controlling the power output.


    Soon, the orange runes on her body began to be obscured by the bright orange light shining from her skin. While Erik looked at her back with a warm smile, Emma had to turn her head away, as her mostly still mortal human eyes couldn''t handle the literal light of the sun so close to her.


    Erik, however, could handle it just fine and thought, ''She looks beautiful.''


    Astrid''s face scrunched up in concentration as the frost and dust around the room began a silent retreat as if cowed by the resurgence of such warmth. The frost melted, and the resulting water immediately dried, while the dust actually burned up without setting anything else aze.


    Slowly, Astrid''s all-consuming sunlight banished the room''s gloom and decay, and both Erik and Emma felt as if they were standing in the glow of a soft summer sun, warming their skin and ddening their hearts.


    Finally, the room was dried up and nearly glowing with warmth when the color from Astrid''s skin began to fade, together with the runes on her skin, as she released a sigh due to finally rxing a little after her deep concentration.


    Erik couldn''t resist his desire. He returned to human form, softly put Emily down on the king-sized bed, and walked up to Astrid. Grabbing her shoulder, and spinning her around, he nted a deep kiss on her still slightly orange and very hot lips.


    Astrid yelped in surprise, but it was muffled by Erik''s lips on hers. As she realized what was happening, she found herself melting into his embrace. A pleasured expression appeared on Astrid''s face as she tasted Erik''s tasty fluids. At the same time, Erik loved the feeling of her hot lips and spicy taste.


    After a moment, they separated. Astrid panted a little and looked unfocused while Erik grinned at her. "You looked beautiful," heplimented and then exined, "I couldn''t resist."


    Meanwhile, Emma just looked at the disy with a warm smile. There wasn''t a jealous bone in her body. Well, not so long as no one infringed on her role as Erik''s maid, anyway.


    Finally, Astrid regained focus and lightly punched his armored chest, ring at him. "You¡ª You ambushed me!"


    "Didn''t enjoy it?" Erik asked with a teasing grin hanging on his lips before swapping to an expression of exaggerated hopelessness. "I guess I''ll never do that again, then," he sighed sadly as he turned his head upwards.


    In response, Astrid punched him again, a little harder this time. "I¡ª I didn''t say that!"


    While she still had not given Erik a definitive answer regarding his intentions for her, she knew that, inwardly, she had already given up any resistance. The time she spent with Erik in the past few days had lit a fire under her old feelings for him.


    Astrid could feel the love he bore her, which finally equaled the love she bore him, just as she had always hoped for in the past. She knew she would never forgive herself if she didn''t leap into this rtionship with both feet.


    She wasn''t ready to admit that yet, however. She still had some slight reservations about Erik''s changed personality and promiscuous lifestyle that she had toe to terms with.


    Plus, she felt she needed to give him onest test to be sure he was still the person she knew.


    But that could wait untilter.


    With Astrid''s admittance, Erik grinned and bent over to kiss her again when he suddenly noticed an unwee presence in the room.


    Victor.


    The enved werewolf was still operating on hisst order of following Emily, but Erik had no intention of leaving the man in this room with him and the women he considered his. He narrowed his eyes and removed a sturdy chain from his armor''s storage space. "It''s time to take out the trash," he mumbled.

 Chapter 191: Chapter 191 - A distraction [1/3]

    After using that chain to hogtie the unresponsive Victor so that he wouldn''t try to get into the room again, Erik dumped him out in the cold and damp hallway before closing the door to the room they had upied.


    Inside, Emma and Astrid failed to contain their chuckles and giggles at Victor''s fate and Erik''s likely reasons for tossing him out.


    Although they had to admit they, too, didn''t want the doll-eyed and enved Victor to hang around where they would soon sleep.


    Erik next walked over to the firece, which clearly used to be electric, and quickly ripped out all the uselessponents before taking something from his armor storage.


    In his hands was now a red, sphere-like object that gave off a pleasant and far-spreading warmth.


    This sphere, called a fire orb, was a simple and readily avable object back on S?l that essentially served as an equivalent to Earth''s modern heating elements.


    It wasn''t that any of them really needed the warmth to survive, or even befortable, but it was still preferable to the alternative.


    So he ced the orb in the now-demolished electric firece and stepped back to let it spread its warmth throughout the room.


    After all, the warmth Astrid had spread was already fading, while this orb wouldn''t have been good enough to dry and clean the room as Astrid had done.


    He released a sigh of contentment. "Finally, time for some rest," he mumbled.


    He turned towards Emily while addressing Emma and Astrid: "We''ll leave Emily alone for now. Forcefully waking her might not be a good idea. I''d prefer to have her either wake up naturally or have Elora take a look at her before we do anything."


    Emma looked concerned at her motionless big sister but nodded in agreement. She wanted Emily to wake up soon, but above all, she wanted her to be safe.


    At this point, Astrid allowed herself to fall back into one of the faded yet newly warmed and cleaned sofas and sighed deeply from contentment as well. "Aaaah, finally, time for rest indeed." She had her eyes closed and her head leaning all the way back.


    Meanwhile, Erik turned toward therge windows and sank into thought as he looked out over the abandoned town and beautiful vistas. ''I need to get stronger,'' he thought to himself. ''There were a million things that could have gone wrong today, all because I''m not strong enough to defeat Mom''s little ass-kisser.''


    ''There will likely be more third-rankers on my path in the future, and even getting to Edda might require me to get past one or more of them," he thought to himself.


    He stared at the view for a few moments longer until he came to a decision.


    ''After we''ve rescued Alice and checked out whatever Mom wanted me to, I''m going to find a quiet ce where I can make use of Earth''s development phase and Elora''s support to rapidly grow in strength before I confront Sigurd and Frostfang and before we leave for Africa,'' he thought to himself.


    Then he nodded, as if to confirm his own ns. ''I''m sure Elora will agree with me; she''s always been a proponent of the slow but steady approach. My revenge on Edda is already cold anyway, and now I''ve mademitments in this ce, meaning I need to take down Sigurd, and Frostfang for what he did to Elora, before moving on.''


    ''You can live for a little while longer, Edda,'' he thought to himself grimly. ''But when Ie for you, nothing and no one will be able to stop me.'' He remained quiet for a moment before adding, a little wryly, ''Assuming, of course, Mom or someone else hasn''t beaten me to the punch by then.''


    Shaking himself free of these thoughts, he turned around and grinned at the rxing Astrid, who continued to have her eyes closed, seemingly in thought or simply resting.


    ''For now, however,'' he thought. ''Perhaps I could use a distraction.''


    The fact was that his mind continued to be preupied with what had happened to Elora earlier. He knew she should be fine; he simply had never seen her in such a state, and it rattled him a little.


    He knew there was no reason to feel guilty. The only way he could have prevented what happened was if he had known it would happen beforehand.


    But that didn''t stop him from struggling with what happened to her. He never wanted to see her or anyone he cared about get hurt, and regardless of logic or reason, he still felt like he should have done more.


    But thinking about such things was pointless and prevented him from rxing and recovering.


    Thus, it was time to distract himself while also giving Emma something else to think about besides her big sister.


    He was still grinning at the resting Astrid as he chuckled and thought, ''And at the same time, I can tease Astrid a little.''


    He quickly began to remove his armor piece by piece until, unbeknownst to Astrid, he stood entirely naked in the middle of the room. Some bruises still covered his body, but for the most part, he looked fine by now.


    At least on the outside. His insides still needed more time to fully recover, but he could still have a little fun.


    He sat down on the sofa opposite Astrid, with his legs wide apart, and beckoned towards Emma, who was still standing in the middle of the room, a few meters away from him, in the maid outfit she gained from Elora, which had be her standard attire.


    "I''ve had a stressful day, little glimmer. I think it''s time to help your husband rx a little," he told her through their link so as not to rm Astrid.


    With her thoughts still preupied with today''s events and her big sister''s current status, Emma blinked for a moment before realizing Erik''s current seating and his words.


    Naturally, she knew what he meant.


    Her eyes quickly fluttered towards Astrid, and a healthy blush appeared on her cheeks. Still, no one would think she was actually reluctant when they noticed the apanying small yet perverted smile on her lips.


    Quickly, Erik''s order and her desire to follow it pushed away any distracting thoughts. She looked at Erik with her limpid, heterochromatic eyes before responding through their link with lustful obedience and excitement: "Of course, Master. Let your beloved maid take care of you."


    With Erik''s hungry eyes locked on her body, Emma first took an stic band from her storage ring. She bunched her long white hair into a ponytail.


    Next, she started slowly and sensually undoing and removing her maid dress. Emma''s eyes reflected the same hunger in Erik''s as more and more pieces of her clothing disappeared into the storage jewel on her ear.


    Over thest few days since losing her first time to Erik, they had been having sex every night, causing Emma to quickly be increasingly liberated, lustful, and obedient.


    Before, she would, at the very least, have hesitated if Erik wanted to do anything with Astrid in the room. But now, the very thought of doing this next to Erik''s childhood friend only caused her to heat up even more. At the same time, anyst hesitation was annihted by the fact that Erik had worded his proposal as an order.


    Emma knew that Erik would never force her into anything if she resisted. Still, as thest pieces of clothing disappeared, she knew she would never be able to resist those piercing amber eyes.

 Chapter 192: Chapter 192 - A distraction [2/3]**

    Erik watched as more of Emma''s clothing disappeared, slowly revealing more of her soft, milky-white skin.


    One by one, her soft yet modest curves were deliberately put on disy for his viewing pleasure, and he felt his previously soft member starting to stir; a grin full of lustful excitement hung on his lips.


    After a few minutes of sensually undressing, Emma was entirely naked, except for the frilly ck choker belonging to her maid outfit, as she knew Erik liked seeing that on her.


    She also knew what he wanted next and thus slowly sank to her knees. Her eyes were full of obedience, hunger, lust, and devotion.


    She waited there while Erik watched her for a moment, his eyes shining with his own hunger and desire.


    He enjoyed the view of his second wife kneeling on the ground with a lustful gaze as she waited for his permission to approach.


    Although, no small part of his enjoyment came from the fact that Emma enjoyed this as well.


    He always preferred when his partners enjoyed themselves just as much as he did, and having someone give themselves to him sopletely as Emma had done would lose all meaning if it was simply forced through some kind of bond of very.


    Finally, while Erik leaned back casually, with his elbow on the sofa''s armrest and the side of his head resting against his fist, Erik quietly, but with an excited grin, beckoned Emma with his finger.


    Happiness shone through the white-haired woman''s eyes as she bent over to put her hands on the newly warmed and dried carpet before slowly crawling towards her husband and Master.


    With every meter that she came closer to him, Erik''s cock got a little harder, and Emma''s pussy got a little wetter.


    By the time she reached him, Erik had reached the status of a semi, while Emma''s lower body had already turned into a waterfall.


    Erik continued to sit in the same pose as before, while his hungry yet domineering amber gaze traveled across the entirety of her body. A powerful feeling of dominance and control flooded through him, and he loved it. In fact, it was exactly what he needed after today''s events with Frostfang.


    And Emma knew it.


    The girl felt herself shiver, and her cunt spasm, whenever her eyes crossed paths with Erik''s gaze.


    She loved to serve him and to make him happy. But she also loved how his gaze could turn her mind to putty and melt any resistance to his wishes.


    Erik said nothing and gave no orders. He simply watched. ''Let''s see what she does,'' he thought to himself.


    And Emma didn''t disappoint. She slowly brought her face closer to Erik''s genitals until her nose was pressed up against the skin between his cock and balls. Her eyes remained fixed on Erik while his semi-hard dick was resting on her forehead.


    She took a deep sniff of the intoxicating and musky odor that Elora had worked so hard on despite knowing what it would do to her.


    Or perhaps because of it.


    A pink fog began to fill her mind, and her pussy drooled even faster. A hazy lust filled her eyes as she took a few more sniffs, and all thoughts aside from pleasing Erik and satisfying her own lust left her.


    Across from them, on the other sofa, Astrid frowned slightly as she heard Emma''s sniffing. While she previously heard the rustling of some clothes, she didn''t think much of it, but hearing someone sniff like that was just weird.


    Still, she was tired and finally able to sit after carrying Emily for eight hours through the Scandinavian wilderness at the speed of a slow car. Thus, she decided not to care and kept resting.


    As Erik looked at Emma kneeling between his legs with an intoxicated expression as she breathed in his odor, he was quickly brought to full mast, lifting his cock from Emma''s forehead and making it salute the room.


    Finally, Erik heard a dreamy, almost hazy voicee from his link with Emma.


    Even in her hazy state, she remembered Erik wanting to do this under Astrid''s nose for as long as possible.


    "Will you allow me to help you rx and take your mind off today''s events, Master?" Emma''s voice asked softly, reverently.


    "Do it, little Glimmer," Erik responded with a small, confident smile. "Serve your husband and Master."


    The response was immediate as Emma''s small and eager tongue slithered out her mouth before she happily began licking his jewels, causing a tingling pleasure to shoot through Erik''s spine.


    "You taste so good, Master¡­" came her hazyment through their link.


    "And you feel very good," he responded in a growling tone, heavy with lust. "Now, cross your arms behind your back and move up."


    Emma didn''t need to hear anything else. A hazy yet knowing smile appeared on her face as she moved slightly upwards to begin licking his shaft while crossing her arms behind her back.


    By now, every thought in Emma''s mind revolved around pleasing the man she had chosen to be both her husband and Master, which included keeping her moans suppressed. She desperately wanted to moan out the pleasure she felt from servicing Erik. Still, she knew Erik didn''t want to alert Astrid.


    At least, not until they had gotten a little further.


    Thus, while forcing herself to remain quiet, her tongue coiled around his shaft, teased his most sensitive spots, and went up and down the entire nine inches while paying particr attention to the tip.


    Naturally, Erik and Elora had taught Emma well on how to please him in the past few days. After all, that was what Emma enjoyed doing the most.


    While she busied herself over his cock, her arms remained crossed behind her back. They may not have been bound, but they may as well have been, as nothing short of a threat to her life would convince her to uncross those arms until Erik allowed her to.


    After a few minutes of Emma worshiping his cock, Erik finally couldn''t resist anymore and released a low groan.


    At the same time, he reached forward and grabbed Emma''s ponytail before yanking her head upwards and looking into her eyes with a hungry gaze.


    Emma simply smiled contentedly and kept her arms behind her back despite his rude behavior.


    For Erik to do whatever he wanted with her body during sex was exactly what she wanted. In fact, her cunt drooled even more and began to form a small puddle beneath her.


    She knew what came next and opened her mouth wide. She looked at Erik with a gaze full of love, devotion, and obedience while moving her tongue around in an inviting gesture.


    "Do it, Master," she purred softly in his mind.


    Erik needed no more encouragement and positioned her head over his cock, before pushing her down hard and fast, pushing himself straight into her throat while still holding her ponytail.


    Now, neither of them was able to keep quiet anymore.


    Erik groaned from pleasure, Emma moaned and gargled, and Astrid suddenly opened her eyes wide.

 Chapter 193: Chapter 193 - A distraction [3/3]**

    Emma''s throat barely proved an obstacle. Erik felt himself slide in smoothly and groaned a little. He felt her muscles spasm around him and watched the bulge in her throat expand. The maid choker still around her neck was pushed to its limits as his full nine inches disappeared into his lovely second wife and maid.


    As for Emma, the cock inside her throat finally annihted any remaining thoughts that didn''t include pleasing the shaft inside her. She moved her tongue as much as she could, contracted her throat, and moaned to provide some vibrations.


    She felt like she was floating in a white void, where the only two things that existed were the tingling pleasure flowing through her body and the object lodged in her throat.


    Meanwhile, Erik felt amazing. "That''s good, little Glimmer," he growled through their link. "Keep doing that."


    He knew that, currently, his pre-cum and pheromones were ying havoc on the girl''s mind, and she barely heard him, but he still felt the need to praise her.


    Over thest few days, she slowly managed to ween herself of the usage of that sigil to take him into her throat and now managed to do so all on her own.


    ''I''ve never seen anyone learn to take me in that fast,'' Erik grinned and thought to himself as pleasure kept shooting up his spine.


    Across from them, Astrid finally realized something was happening and opened her eyes wide while sitting up. When she noticed Erik and Emma''s activities, she jumped off the sofa. "Y¡ªYou! What are you doing?!" she yelled with a voice full of shock and, to the careful observer, some curiosity.


    Emma didn''t react to her outburst, as the outside world had alreadypletely disappeared, and only one thing still existed for her.


    Erik grinned teasingly at the vampire woman. "What does it look like? We''re rxing a little."


    "D¡ª Do you have to do that with me here?!" she yelled, with rosy cheeks. "A-And what do you mean, rxing?! You''re choking her!"


    While Emma''s mind was lost in a haze, her body was still moaning and gurgling around Erik''s cock with her arms firmly locked behind her back. Naturally, she needed air eventually, but Erik knew when to let her up.


    "Well, you''re not looking away, are you?" Erik continued to grin while looking at Astrid''s rosy face, which kept staring at Erik and Emma''s debauchery. "Besides, you know perfectly well Emma enjoys herself like this, don''t you?" he said while knowingly wiggling his eyebrows.


    Immediately, Astrid tore her eyes away from where Emma and Erik connected to jump back a little in fright. "Dammit! So you did know about that!" she yelped out as she felt the need to punch something.


    Luckily, she chose her own palm as she angrily yelled, "Elora lied to me!"


    Meanwhile, Erik pulled Emma up by her ponytail, causing her to gasp for breath as drool leaked from her mouth.


    "D¡ª Don''t, M¡ª Master. M¡ª More!" came Emma''s hurried and barely coherent message. "I w¡ª want your delicious milk!"


    Erik smiled at her desire for him and said, "You need air, little Glimmer. Take a second to breath."


    She instinctively followed hismand and began breathing a little more steadily until Erik pushed her down again.


    As he felt his cock embraced by her warm, wet, and tight throat once again, he turned his attention back to Astrid.


    "She didn''t lie to you," he chuckled as pleasure flowed through him. "She told you she didn''t tell me about giving you the stone, and at the time, that was true. She just told me straight after giving it to you."


    Astrid immediately wanted to unleash a volley of curse words at Elora but managed to hold herself back. Based on what she knew about Erik, he wouldn''t react well to that, especially after what had just happened to the fairy.


    So, instead, she just mumbled, "I hate it when they''re technically correct."


    Despite all herints, however, she kept looking at the pair in front of her with morbid curiosity.


    "You''re still looking, Astrid," Erik smiled knowingly. "Why don''t you sit next to me for a better view? You must have thought about watching the live show once or twice while you spied on us, right?"


    Astrid gulped when she heard his proposal. He wasn''t wrong, after all.


    "I¡ª I¡ª" she stammered but suddenly shook her head and seemed to recover. She steeled herself. Astrid was inherently confident and self-assured, even if she had trouble dealing with certain emotions.


    Thus, she quickly came to the decision to steer into the skid.


    ''Since he already knows everything, what does it matter anymore?'' She couldn''t help but think to herself. ''Plus, it¡­ it is kind of exciting.''


    So she nodded, full of bravado, clearly not about to be cowed. "Alright, then I will!" she said and moved forward. She carefully stepped around Emma and took her seat next to Erik.


    Now, with a different angle, she was able to see Emma''s face, distorted with pleasure as it was, yet with her eyes constantly locked onto Erik''s face.


    She gulped again. "She¡­ seems to be enjoying herself," she said hesitantly.


    This entire situation was very weird for her, yet she couldn''t help but enjoy herself as well, although she wasn''t entirely sure why.


    She was sure she wouldn''t enjoy being treated like Emma, so maybe it was simply the act of watching in the first ce.


    Or perhaps it was something far more basic. Perhaps, with all the feelings from past and present beginning to mingle, she now simply enjoyed anything that brought her closer to Erik in some way.


    Whatever it was, she kept watching as Erik focused back on Emma.


    He pulled her up again and said, this time out loud so that Astrid could hear, "Take some deep breaths, Emma. This time, you''re allowed to touch yourself, but I won''t let you get back up for air until we both cum, understood? You''re also not allowed to cum before me."


    As his orders sank into her hazy mind, Emma''s hands practically flew to her drooling cunt, beginning to furiously pleasure herself while nodding eagerly to her husband-master with a wide, perverted smile.


    So Erik chuckled and pushed her down again as he felt himself getting closer and closer to the edge.


    "So, uhm," he suddenly heard a hesitant yet curious voice next to him. "I guess she''s a masochist, right¡­?"


    Erik groaned from Emma''s ministrations as she kept pushing him closer and closer to the edge but managed to answer Astrid anyway.


    "S¡ª Sort of," he chuckled, amused by Astrid''s curiosity. "She enjoys serving, obeying, and giving up control to me. But she doesn''t enjoy pain or humiliation. Although she doesn''t mind them either, so long as they''re in service to the first three points and in small doses."


    "I see¡­" Astrid mumbled. "So¡­ do you enjoy it when a woman is¡­ like that?"


    Erik naturally realized why she asked that question and quickly decided to put her mind at ease.


    "I do enjoy it, but it''s far from the only thing I enjoy," he exined, even as his hips slightly trembled due to Emma trying her hardest to squeeze him for all he was worth, with her tongue and throat massaging him with desperate urgency.


    "There are a few things I really don''t enjoy," he continued with a groan. "But for the most part, I enjoy most things so long as my partner enjoys them as well. An unwilling or unhappy partner is the biggest turn-off for me."


    It was then that Erik couldn''t hold himself back anymore. He sat up, pressed Emma as far down as she would go, and then exploded inside her, practically pumping his cum straight into her stomach.


    At the same time, Emma started shaking and moaning wildly as her fingers down at her snatch never stopped moving, clear liquid exploded from her pussy, and her eyes rolled up into her head.


    They both came at the same time, as ecstasy and pleasure exploded in their minds.

 Chapter 194: Chapter 194 - Erik and Astrid

    When he was done, Erik pulled Emma off his cock. Some white cream mixed with drool dribbled down her chin, a drunk expression on her face, and a giddy smile graced her lips.


    With the sex over, his domineering master persona made way for the caring husband, and so he quickly waved his hand to carefully burn away any remains of his creamy discharge with lightning. Next, he pulled Emma onto hisp and leaned back on the sofa, with Emma now hugging him and resting her head on his chest.


    She still shivered slightly from the pleasure that had rocked her body just before.


    The giddy smile hadn''t left her face, and she whispered in a tired voice, "I love you, Master."


    "I love you too, little Glimmer," Erik replied with a sigh as he caressed her hair, which flowed freely once again. "That was just what I needed."


    "I''m always¡­ ready to¡­ s¡­serve you, M¡­str¡­" her voice slowly trailed off as Emma fell asleep, the same smile still on her face.


    Next to them, Astrid had a strange expression on her face as she looked at the pair next to her. Currently, she sat on the sofa in a lotus position with her front towards Erik.


    "How can you two swap so easily from¡­ that to¡­ this?" she wondered aloud, but softly, so as not to awaken Emma.


    "Love, confidence in our rtionship, self-awareness about who we are," Erik answered without thinking. "But most of all, a boatload of trust."


    "I see¡­" Astrid mumbled again, a little jealousy seeping into her voice and expression. ''They''ve only known each other for a few weeks, while I''ve known Erik for years. Yet, I don''t remember ever having a real rtionship based on trust with him,'' she thought regretfully.


    "Don''t look so down," Erik chuckled when he saw her face. "We just need some time. But for what it''s worth, I trust you just as much as I trust Emma."


    "Hmpf," Astrid softly snorted before she mumbled, "You better¡­"


    Despite her words, she also felt a little guilty for not being able topletely trust him yet. He was too different from how he had been in the past, and she still wasn''t sure what to think of him.


    She did love him, however. She knew that. But love and trust were not the same thing. Nor was she even sure whether her love was a simple projection from the Erik of the past or if she actually loved this Erik as well.


    Ultimately, the simple fact was that she still needed more time.


    Luckily, Erik was perfectly willing to give her as much as she needed and changed the subject.


    "By the way, aren''t you hungry?" Erik asked with a smile.


    "W¡ª What?" Astrid asked, a little confused when she was suddenly roused from her thoughts.


    "We''ve had a very tiring day," Erik exined. "I''m sure you could use some blood after all that energy you spent."


    Astrid blinked and suddenly felt her instincts stir in the vampire''s equivalent to a rumbling stomach.


    "Are you sure I can take some?" she asked, a little concerned for Erik''s health. "We both used a lot of energy, and you were far more wounded than I was."


    "Don''t worry about me," Erik smiled warmly at her concern. "I have some internal bruising still, but I''m not bleeding anywhere, internally or otherwise. I can stand to lose a little blood if that means you''ll be in better shape tomorrow."


    Erik smiled slightly, moved Emma a little, and swung his left arm open in an inviting gesture.


    That was thest straw for Astrid, as she lunged forward with a slightly open mouth and sank her teeth into Erik''s neck.


    Erik felt a light sting, but nothing that would even make him flinch.


    "You know," he mumbled, closing his left arm around Astrid''s body and caressing her hair as he felt a trickle of blood leaving him. "It''s a shame that ecstatic feeling a vampire''s victim is supposed to get when they''re being drained is a myth."


    "Although it does feel kind of intimate like this," he chuckled.


    When Astrid was done, she retracted her fangs and slowly licked the small puncture wounds until his natural regeneration had closed them.


    "Do you always lick the wounds?" Erik smiled with curiosity.


    "Yes," Astrid mumbled as she kept her face buried in Erik''s neck. "But only because you''re the only person I''ve ever drank from directly. Even after the awakening, I only ever drank from bags or bottles¡­" She fell silent for a moment.


    "Back then was actually the first time I drank directly from someone. It was a pretty big deal for me, but you never realized," she finally admitted, a little despondent.


    Erik sighed and used his left arm to pull her off him. She made someining noises, but soon, she was staring into Erik''s eyes, and he was staring into hers. Erik saw a little surprise and uncertainty in those eyes. He couldn''t help but feel a little guilty for his past idiocy once again.


    Erik over and lightly kissed her on the lips. "I was an idiot back then. I''m not one to apologize multiple times for the same thing, and I know you don''t care either, so I won''t. But I will promise once again that I won''t be an idiot anymore. Assuming you''ll have me."


    As the vampire felt the lingering taste of his lips, looked into his eyes, and listened to his words, she felt an overwhelming desire to give in. She leaned forward a little, intending to kiss him back, but then pulled back.


    "I''m sorry," she stammered, looking away, her usual bravado and confidence nowhere to be found. "I need a little more time¡­ You''ve only been back in my life for a few days, and I¡­ I have seven years of despair, loneliness, andplicated feelings to work through."


    "I¡­" she continued, with small tears in her eyes, before turning her head back to Erik and looking into his eyes with love and determination. "I just want to be sure I love the present, Erik, and not simply a memory of the past."


    Erik smiled, took her chin, and turned her head back towards him. "I''m not trying to rush you," he said, kissing her forehead, causing Astrid to smile fondly and feel her determination waver again.


    He grinned yfully as he pulled back, "But until you actually reject me, I''ll keep stealing kisses from you."


    Feeling the urge to punch something again, she tried to hold herself back but still ended up punching Erik lightly against his chest with a red face. "Shut up! But I guess that''s fine¡­"


    Of course, her light punch would still have blown a regr human through a wall, but Erik could take it and just chuckled.


    Next, he bundled the sleeping Emma into his arms, stood up, and walked up to the bed, where he softly put her down.


    Then he turned and grinned at Astrid, "The bed isrge enough for four people, you know."


    Astrid jumped from foot to foot, a little nervously, but then nodded and walked up to the bed.


    Erik smiled before lying down. He pulled Emma on top of his chest, pulled the still sleeping Emily against his body on the left side, and opened his right arm invitingly towards Astrid.


    Having decided to join him, Astrid showed no more hesitation and immediately ced herself next to him, with her face against the side of his chest.


    They wished each other good night and quickly drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 195: Chapter 195 - Emily wakes up

    When Erik slowly opened his eyes several hourster, the first thing he did was carefully listen to his instincts and surroundings. After all, there had to be a reason he woke up a little earlier than expected.


    In fact, to say he woke up was perhaps an exageration. He had really only been partially asleep in the first ce. After all, someone needed to be alert in case trouble found them since Elora had been unable to ce some protective sigils this time.


    This technique of being only partially asleep was something he had picked up on S?l, and while it limited his recovery from exhaustion, it was better than the alternative.


    But when he realized what had woken him up, he quickly rxed and decided to check some other things first.


    He inspected his body to see how much good this rest had done him and noticed that his body had made nearly a full recovery. Nothing hurt anymore, and most of his strength had returned. Unfortunately, his mind was still a little tired, but it was nothing he couldn''t handle.


    Next, he reached inside himself to check on Elora, somehow suddenly worried something had happened to her during the night. He realized he had barely thought about her at all during his evening activities with Emma and Astrid, which was technically the point of distracting himself, but now he felt all his concern and worry flooding back.


    He sighed in relief when he found Elora''s soul still asleep but well on its way to recovery. It likely wouldn''t be more than a few more hours before she woke up, even though she still wouldn''t be able to use her physical body for at least another few days, or even weeks, as her physical essence was still being nurtured by his own.


    Elora and Astrid were also fine. Both of them were still asleep and clinging to his body with contended smiles, Emma on top of him and Astrid clinging to his right side.


    Finally, he turned his attention to the reason he had woken up: Emily.


    The beautiful ck-haired woman was squirming next to him and appeared to be finally on the verge of waking up.


    He turned his head to the left and looked at her with a gaze of slight concern. With everything that happened yesterday, especially regarding Elora, he had spent precious little time thinking about Emily. Plus, he was rtively confident about what he told Emma and Astrid: that Emily was likely just mentally recovering from a slight corruption rpse.


    Still, to say that he wasn''t worried at all would have been a lie.


    These were the times he most missed Elora, as she was far better than him at diagnosing problems with people''s minds, souls, and bodies.


    It may be a running joke between them that Erik was just the muscle in their rtionship, but there was a grain of truth to that. Then again,paring any first, second, or even third rank to Elora would show the same result since intellectual and magical pursuits were essentially what the fairies were built to do.


    Suddenly, Emily stopped moving. Her eyes opened wide, her mouth followed suit, and she sat up straight.


    Erik quickly realized that she was about to scream and reacted. His left arm had been coiled around Emily''s shoulder during the night, and now hisrge hand quickly jumped up and covered her mouth before he pulled her back down into a prone position.


    Emily squirmed, clearly panicking about what was happening, but Erik soothingly whispered in her ear. "Shhh, Emily. You''re safe. It''s me, Erik. Let''s not wake the others, alright?"


    Emily blinked and seemed to calm down a little upon hearing his voice before nodding.


    So Erik removed his hand from her mouth, and Emily turned her body towards him. Her hands clung onto his chest, and her eyes looked into his.


    Surprisingly, there were small tears in those eyes, but that was not what most concerned or surprised Erik.


    Instead, what most drew his attention were the crisscrossing crimson lines that gave her typically ck eyes a haunting quality. They appeared like delicate veins of ruby revealed through the cracks on two pieces of onyx, floating in milky white puddles.


    Worry filled his mind, but he pushed it to the side for now. He didn''t want to alert Emily and preferred to get a feel for her current mental state first.


    "Is that¡­ Is that really you, Erik?" she whispered,pletely neglecting to refer to him as either ''boss'' or ''pervert'' as she usually would.


    "Of course it is," Erik nodded seriously. "Are you alright, Emily?"


    "I¡­ I''m not sure¡­" she stammered as more tears appeared in her broken eyes. "Is this really real? Was it all a dream?"


    "I''m not sure what dream you had, Emily. But I promise this is real life," Erik said seriously, realizing Emily must have had some particrly realistic dreams.


    "Dream¡­" Emily mumbled before a slightly crazed smile crept onto her lips. "It was all a dream. Hehehe," sheughed a little crazily.


    She grabbed his chest a little tighter, and her voice became a little more unhinged with every word: "That''s good! That means I can still make you mine, hehe! No one will take you away from me!"


    Her head suddenly swiveled to the girl on Erik''s chest as her voice became a little more hysterical, and her eyes showed a brief sh of hate. "Not even my so-called little-si¡ª"


    But suddenly, she fell silent. Her eyes widened in horror, and she frantically shook her head. "No! No, no, no!" She began stammering a little louder as she tried to distance herself from Emma but was stopped by Erik''s arm around her shoulder. "I won''t go back to that! I¡­ I won''t!"


    She struggled harder against Erik''s arm, and while he could have kept her there by force, she was struggling so hard that she might end up hurt if he did. So he let her go.


    The moment he did so, Emily jumped out of bed and attempted to flee through the first door she found, which happened to be the one leading to the hallway.


    Realizing her intentions, Erik frowned and utilized the covenant to issue an order: "Emily, stop!" hemanded in a soft tone.


    Emily staggered a little as the green mark on her hand shed, but then the green glow became distorted with shes of crimson red. Suddenly, Erik''s order seemed to lose it''s hold on her, allowing her to open the door and disappear through it.


    Erik blinked in surprise, before quickly shaking his head and checking to see if Astrid and Emma were still asleep.


    While Emma was still sleeping peacefully, Astrid stared at him with her eyes wide open, which was perhaps no surprise considering her warrior instincts.


    They looked at each other, and Astrid whispered, "Go. I''ll look after Emma."


    Erik nodded before slowly and carefully lifting Emma off his chest. He slipped out of bed and put Emma next to Astrid.


    He didn''t want her to wake up and worry about Emily, or perhaps evenplicate matters further. Besides, he could take his time, since there was no way Emily could outrun him anyway.


    Luckily, Emma was a heavy sleeper, especially when she was in Erik''s arms, and while her face showed some struggle when Erik disappeared, some soothing whispered words quickly calmed her down and put her back into dreand.


    When Erik finally stood beside the bed, and Emma remained asleep, a few minutes had passed since Emily fled.


    Meanwhile, Astrid carefully sat up and started soothingly caressing Emma''s hair, hoping to keep her asleep.


    Seeing Emma and Astrid would be fine, Erik quickly grabbed some simple clothes from his armor storage and hopped out the door on one leg while he pulled some pants on.

 Chapter 196: Chapter 196 - Calming Emily down

    As soon as he left the warm room, lit by the soft glow of the fire orb, and entered the cold, dark, and damp hallway, he looked around for traces of the raven-haired girl but saw nothing.


    Trying to catch her scent was pointless, as Elora had long ago nted sigils on all of them to prevent that very thing.


    Luckily, Erik didn''t need to rely on that, as the covenant would point the way just fine.


    He frowned and looked towards the hallway''s floor. "She''s going down?" he wondered out loud. "Is she trying to leave?"


    Setting aside his doubts, he ran after her through the dpidated and decaying hallways. He quickly found the stairs and began bounding down them until he finally noticed Emily''s fluttering ck hair just below him.


    "Emily, wait!" he yelled after her, but she kept going. He tried to use the covenant again to force her to wait but cursed when Emily still appeared to be entirely unaffected.


    Erik grumbled with annoyance, promising himself to talk to Elora about thister, but continued after her.


    Naturally, his normal movement speed was far superior to Emily''s, but it was hard to make use of that in these narrow hallways and winding stairs. Combined with the fact that Emily had a five-minute head start and ess to the physical improvement sigil that Elora had given her, it would take at least a minute for Erik to catch up to her.


    But catch up to her, he did.


    He wasn''t sure where Emily was trying to go, but when they were only one floor above the ground floor, he managed to cut Emily off and ended up in front of her.


    Emily looked at him with panic in her eyes, but before Erik could say anything, she crashed through a door next to her and into another one of the hotel''s rooms.


    Erik watched her with concern, wondering what was going on in her head before following after her.


    The room they ended up in was far more basic and bare-bones than their more luxurious one on a higher floor, not to mention that it had never been cleaned and warmed by Astrid''s inner sun.


    The moment he entered, two pitch-ck orbs flew at his face, forcing him to dodge. "Whoa there!" he eximed.


    ''I guess with the covenant on the fritz, she can even attack me now,'' he thought to himself.


    After attacking him once, the orbs now floated in front of him as if acting like guardians. Behind them, Emily was shivering in a corner, with her arms wrapped around her knees and looking at him with fear in her eyes.


    "D¡ª Don''te closer!" she said in a panicky voice. "I¡ª I need time to think, and your presence is not making it easier!"


    Before Erik could answer, she suddenly grabbed her head, "Argh! My head is pounding!"


    Tears streamed from her eyes, "I can feel the darkness eating away at me, Erik!" she eximed desperately. "I¡ª I don''t want to continue like this! Fearing any moment that I''ll suddenly think harming Emma is okay, or even for the best!"


    Erik frowned and immediately began charging his lightning sh ability, thinking he might be able to use itter.


    Those protective orbs were of no danger to him. Still, since Emily seemed to only grow more panicked when he tried to approach, he decided to stay a few meters away from her for now.


    He crouched down so that he could look Emily in her cracked and teary eyes.


    "So what''s your n here, Emily? Why did you run away from me?" he asked in a grave tone while frowning somberly.


    "I¡ª I don''t know! I don''t know!" she sobbed as she continued to hold her head. "I just know I can''t stand this anymore!"


    "Well, how about we talk about it?" Erik said, soothingly.


    "I can''t do that, Erik!" she yelled back, with a hysterical undertone in her voice. "You''ll stop me if I try to run away! But I can''t stay here knowing I''ll one day hurt Emma again!"


    "Didn''t I promise to protect Emma from you?" he answered, as his mind raced to find a solution.


    "Well, you failed!" Emily yelled back angrily. "You''ve only made things worse! You made me care about you, and now¡­ now these intrusive thoughts," she screamed as she knocked on her own head, "are trying to convince me to get Emma out of the way so that I can have you all to myself! How stupid is that?!"


    Suddenly, she stopped as a sinister smile appeared on her face, "Of course, they also want me to kill that bitch Elora, but I don''t need much convincing for that."


    Erik quickly pushed down the fury that rose over Emily''sment, knowing she wasn''t in her right mind.


    He also couldn''t help but wonder what in the hell she dreamed about and how her corruption had suddenly reached this point.


    "That doesn''t mean I failed to protect Emma from you. She''s fine, after all, isn''t she?" he asked rhetorically as lightning flowed through his body and nearly finished charging his ability.


    Emily seemed to hesitate with thement. "I¡­ Y¡ª Yeah, but how will you stop me in the future? That damn covenant doesn''t even seem to work anymore for some reason. A¡ª And besides, even if it did, I still have to live with these damn urges!"


    Erik nodded with a frown and answered, "That''s true." But the moment thest syble left his mouth, lightning struck.


    The two ck orbs were instantly annihted, and Erik ended up with his body pressed against Emily''s.


    Her eyes opened wide, but Erik wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply before she could respond. At first, she struggled a little, but as his tasty, soothing fluids entered her body, she quickly calmed down and flung her arms around his neck to hungrily answer his kiss.


    Thoughts and worries left her as she felt herself engulfed in Erik''s protective embrace. Her headache receded a little, and she suddenly felt as if everything would be alright so long as Erik was with her.


    After a few seconds, they separated, and a farm calmer Emily was panting and looking at him with part lust and part anger. "Asshole¡­" she mumbled.


    "The covenant may be a little on the fritz right now, but we''ll solve that as soon as Elora wakes up," he said, grinning slightly at the frustration in her eyes. "But as you can see, I''m still perfectly capable of both stopping and calming you down."


    Unfortunately, he could see in her eyes that it wouldn''t be enough.

 Chapter 197: Chapter 197 - A solution

    Something that Emily confirmed soon after Erik''s words.


    Her eyes were sad and downcast, while her arms still hung around Erik''s neck. "But¡­ it''s not enough," she mumbled softly. "I''m a little calmer now, but I can feel the darkness encroaching on my mind again."


    She looked back up and into Erik''s eyes with a hint of despair. "Besides, you can''t be there all the time," she continued. "I don''t know exactly what happened to me, but the corruption has grown stronger. It can''t be like it was before."


    Erik smiled and removed Emily''s arms from his neck before taking a seat next to her. He then easily picked the somber goth girl up and dragged her between his legs before wrapping his arms around her.


    Emily yelped a little when she felt herself forcefully moved but otherwise remained despondent. Still, she felt safe and protected in his arms like this.


    "Do you trust me?" he whispered in her ear.


    It remained quiet a moment before Emily nodded, "Yeah. But only if you''re going to give me another solution, don''t give me any bullshit about how everything will be fine. Because you can''t feel what I feel, and I know it won''t be fine."


    "Well¡­" Erik mumbled thoughtfully. "Do you remember Elora''s first offer? Back when we gave you your first treatment in London?"


    Emily frowned and thought back before her eyes opened wide. "You mean¡­" her words trailed off as if unwilling to talk about that time.


    But Erik knew she remembered and nodded, "Yeah. You didn''t trust us back then, and with good reason, but since you say you trust me now¡­"


    Conflicted emotions passed through Emily''s eyes as many thoughts struggled with each other. "Would¡­ Would that work?" she mumbled hesitantly.


    "It would," Erik nodded again. "The Bond of Service works far more fundamentally than the covenant. I suspect the covenant failing now is due to abination of your corruption and Elora''s wounds, but the Bond wouldn''t have that problem. Plus, the Bond would shut out the effects of your corruption passively, unlike the covenant."


    It remained quiet again for a while as Emily thought about her options. "Still, to be a ve¡­" she said softly.


    "Not exactly a ve," Erik reasoned. "Nora is a ve, but with you, it will just be¡­ a temporary security measure until Emma reaches the second rank. You''ll be released as soon as the corruption is cleansed."


    Emily sank deep into thought. She did trust Erik not to abuse his new power over her if she epted. She knew he wouldn''t suddenly force her to join any of his perverted crap.


    Still¡­ there was one other factor in all this.


    "What about the bi¡ª I mean, Elora?" she asked, trying to keep the anger out of her voice. "I trust you, but I don''t want her to have that much power over me."


    Erik chuckled inwardly a little as he realized he might have to y arbiter between Elora and Emily someday.


    Unfortunately, for now, though, he had to shake his head. "Elora and I are bonded on a fundamental level. In some ways, we''re more a single person than separate entities. Any authority I have over you, she will share, and vice versa."


    Seeing Emily quickly regress into despondence and frustration, Erik quickly grabbed her chin from behind and turned her head so that he could look into her eyes. "But I promise you, Emily: if you ept, I will get her toy off and stop teasing you."


    Emily saw the sincerity in his eyes and felt her hesitation drain away. ''What other choice do I have, anyway?'' she thought to herself. ''Run away? To where? Besides, I do¡­ I do trust him.''


    So she nodded, "O¡ª Okay then."


    "Good," Erik smiled and released her chin before leaning back on the cold and damp wall they were sitting next to, d this was solved for now. Emily followed suit as she leaned back against Erik''s chest with a small, contented smile on her lips.


    Still, he had to wait for Elora to wake up, as she was the only one who could create a Bond of Service.


    So he decided to ask about something he''d been wondering about. "So what did you dream about, anyway?"


    A difficult expression appeared on her face. "I''d¡­ rather not talk about it," she mumbled. "Suffice it to say, it was not a good dream, and I''d rather just forget about it. Although I''m sure, the corruption won''t allow me to¡­"


    Erik nodded with eptance. ''Perhaps she''ll tell me some other time,'' he thought.


    They remained quietly sitting there for a few more minutes before Emily spoke up, seemingly a little impatient and annoyed. "So¡­ are we getting started, or what? I''m sure Elora is just itching to shackle me."


    Erik suddenly remembered Emily had no idea about everything that happened to them, including Elora''s wounds.


    So he quickly shook his head. "Elora was wounded¡­ She''ll need another few hours to recover before we can do this."


    Emily felt a tinge of glee at hearing the bitch was brought down a notch, but it was quickly stamped down by the pain she heard in Erik''s voice.


    So instead, she mumbled softly, "Oh¡­"


    "Shall we return to the room until then, or would you prefer to wait here?" Erik then asked her.


    Emily shook her head, "I don''t want to be near Emma until this is under control."


    Erik nodded in understanding and figured it should be fine to wait here. Emma would be asleep a little longer, and Astrid was watching over her anyway.


    "Anyway," Emily suddenly spoke up while looking around after another minute of silence. "Where the hell are we? What exactly happened since I fell unconscious? I guess we got away from your mom''s boot-licker?"


    Erik chuckled at the way Emily addressed Frostfang. Then he began telling her everything that happened: from their deal with Bj?rn to Elora''s wounds, running across Find, and finally arriving here in Muonio.


    Emily remained quiet during the story, but when he was finished, she asked, "So I guess we''re going after Frostfang, too?"


    Emily had a reasonable understanding of Erik''s personality by now. She knew he wouldn''t simply let those wounds to Elora go.


    "Yeah," Erik said gravely. "But we''ll spend some time increasing our strength before then and hopefully also boosting Emma to rank two so we can finally fix your corruptionpletely."


    "I''m looking forward to it," Emily nodded seriously, eager to finally get rid of this constant burden.


    For the next few hours, they remained seated in that cold, mmy, and dark hotel room, with Erik''s armsfortingly wrapped around Emily.


    They asionally talked about this and that, but they mostly just sat in a rtivelyfortable silence.


    Finally, three hourster, Erik felt something stir in his soul, and quickly afterward, a teasing, yful voice sounded in his head, "Well, this looks interesting. What did I miss?"

 Chapter 198: Chapter 198 - On to Stockholm

    "Elora!" Erik smiled warmly and eximed, mentally. "It''s good to hear your voice again. How are you feeling?"


    "Still a little weak, but mostly alright," she mentally smiled back. "But uh, why don''t you fill me in on what''s been happening during my nap?"


    Erik opened up his memories, and the fairy quickly skimmed through them.


    When she was done, she frowned thoughtfully and scanned Emily''s body and soul to see what was going on.


    A few minutester, she finally spoke up again. "Well, your initial instincts were right. Not only has the corruption taken a deeper hold due to her emotional outburst back in Frostvik, but because the damage to my soul left the covenant temporarily weakened, it''s also been rendered useless."


    Despite the seriousness of the situation, she suddenly giggled, "Luckily, you already seem to have a handle on the situation. And a lovely solution it is, too!"


    Hearing her enthusiasm caused Erik to roll his eyes, "Alright, alright, hold your horses, Elora. You read my memories, so you saw the promise I made her. Are you going to make me a liar?"


    He promised Emily that Elora would reign herself in, and he needed to ensure the fairy would y ball.


    Quickly, Elora''s enthusiasm turned into a sad pout. "No, but I want it on record that I don''t approve!"


    "So noted," Erik chuckled. "So, do you have enough strength to do this now?"


    "Sure," Elora nodded. "We should probably get moving; every hour we waste is another chance for Alice to be moved."


    Erik refocused on Emily, who had started squirming and struggling in thest hour. After Erik had calmed her down earlier, she appeared to be losing the battle against corruption again.


    "Elora''s woken up, Emily," he said softly while caressing her hair. "Are you ready?"


    "Y¡ª Yeah," Emily nodded with aplicated expression. "Please, get it over with. I can''t stand this anymore."


    Erik nodded and gently ced his hand over Emily''s throat. Since Elora could still not use her body, Erik would be the catalyst for her magic.


    "Don''t resist," Erik said soothingly, just before his hand began glowing with dark green magic. Aplicated pattern of runes and symbols was drawn, encircling Emily''s neck and throat.


    The ck-haired girl gasped and opened her eyes wide. She felt something inside her being bound by chains as her personal liberty was slowly stripped away.


    She felt her inner desire for freedom balk at what was happening. She could have resisted, but she forced herself not to, grasping anyst shred of remaining sanity to remind herself she could trust Erik.


    So often had she voiced her disgust for being enved, yet now, she could only jump in with both feet because the alternative was worse.


    Luckily, it soon became easier. She felt the constant intrusive thoughts and desires that had haunted her for so long being suppressed and silenced. She felt the corruption taking a backseat to Erik''s control.


    Despite bing bound to Erik, she felt freer now than she had been in a long time.


    She didn''t like her current circumstances, yet her lips couldn''t help but form a smile as her mind finally quieted down. She now felt only love and a normal, uncorrupted desire to protect when she thought of Emma.


    She turned to Erik, small tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she said in a voiceden with emotion. "It''s been years since my mind was this quiet."


    Erik noticed that her eyes still looked like cracked pieces of onyx with ruby-colored insides and wondered if that was permanent.


    "Well, I''m d you''re still on board with the idea," Erik chuckled. "Don''t worry, Elora will keep herself in check, and you can still call me whatever you like."


    Emily immediately narrowed her eyes as some of her spunk was already returning. "She better. You promised!"


    "Yes, yes. Don''t worry," Erik chuckled and patted Emily''s head under her frustrated pout.


    With the Bond in ce, she couldn''t help but feel a kind of instinctual reverence for Erik, making it harder for her to oppose him. And she didn''t like it one bit.


    Still, the patting felt nice.


    "So, ready to go back to the others?" Erik asked as he turned towards the entrance of the room.


    "Yeah, but¡­" Emily began with a thoughtful frown. "Why do I still feel that blood-thirst, and even some¡­" she nced at him withplicated feelings, "possessiveness towards you?"


    Erik stopped and sighed before turning around and looking at her with a serious gaze. "If you''re still feeling those things, then¡­ that means they''ve be a permanent part of your personality. I''m afraid you''ll have to learn to live with them."


    "I see¡­" Emily mumbled and frowned.


    ''I''m d she seems to ept this rtively easily,'' Erik thought upon seeing her rtive calm.


    Suddenly, he thought of something, and a teasing grin appeared on his face. "Although¡­ possessiveness is a character trait, but not when it pertains to a specific person. It would only be directed at me if some romantic feelings existed already."


    Surprisingly, a slight blush appeared on Emily''s face. "Shut up!" she eximed with frustration and stormed past Erik into the hallway.


    Erik watched her go and chuckled. He and Elora had reduced the forced reverence in Emily''s Bond as much as possible. He didn''t want Emily to lose her feistiness, after all.


    She may technically be enved now, but he had to admit to hoping it wouldn''t change much about her or their rtionship.


    With a contented smile, he followed after Emily while shaking his head.


    ****


    They returned to the suite to find Emma was just in the process of waking up.


    The moment she noticed her big sister was up and about again, she smiled widely before encasing the woman in a big hug, a gesture that Emily returned with relief and happiness dripping from her face.


    Thest few hours had been nerve-wracking and heartbreaking. She couldn''t stop thinking about locking Emma in chains to both protect her and get her out of the way so that Emily could have Erik all to herself.


    After assuring Emma that she was fine, deciding not to mention the envement, they had a quick breakfast. Then Erik dragged the chained-up Victor in from the cold hallway.


    It was time to find out Alice''s location and get a move on.


    So, about an hourter, after finding out all they could from Victor, they once again stood outside the hotel and turned toward Sweden.


    Or, more specifically, in the direction of Stockholm.

 Chapter 199: Chapter 199 - Karolinska institute

    Erik, Astrid, and Victor were once again running across the cold Scandinavianndscape.


    Victor had been given a stay of execution despite having already shared everything he knew because why rob yourself of a piece of perfectly capable cannon fodder? Since they were likely headed into abat situation, Erik decided to keep him alive until they rescued Alice.


    This time, they carried Emily and Emma on their backs since Emily wasn''t unconscious, and Emma didn''t need to spend energy healing Erik.


    Forests, mountains, and partially frozen rivers flew by as they made their way towards their next destination, the once capital city of Sweden: Stockholm.


    From Victor, they had learned two things: one, the Council''s main base in Sweden was, perhaps surprisingly, not Stockholm but Kiruna, and two, Alice was locked up and currently suffering through experimentation in the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, one of the premier gic research facilities on Earth.


    Kiruna was actually the main reason the Council even expanded into Scandinavia''s frozen wastes.


    After all, with the Earth''s temperatures bing more extreme around the poles and equator due to its awakening, Scandinavia should have been more trouble than it was worth. It was also because of this that the Council''s expansion into Finnmark was sockluster. Its primary goal was to attain manpower rather than territory or resources.


    But Kiruna stopped Scandinavia from being aplete write-off for the Council. The reasons for that were the Esrange Space Center and the Kiruna iron mine.


    One of the primary goals for the Council was reestablishing contact with Earth''s satellites, and while Europe had two more locations that might be suited for research in this direction, neither of them couldpete with Esrange in practical application and suitable facilities.


    Meanwhile, the Kiruna iron mine was a rich source of high-quality metals for which the Council had countless uses, not the least of which was the burgeoning melee weapon industry. Naturally, this mine had mainly first-rank Runebound working in it, who could do the physicalbor of several humans.


    With both of these important locations situated in Kiruna, it was no surprise that it had be the Council''s main base of operations in Scandinavia.


    Meanwhile, this exact situation had made Erik''s task a lot easier.


    While Stockholm was a lot further away from them than Kiruna, it was also severally understaffed and underpopted, while Kiruna was likely also the destination of the Council''s second-rankers who fled from Frostvik.


    Plus, Alice was unlikely to be moved from the Karolinska Institute since there wasn''t a better facility in Europe for testing and experimenting on the biology and gics of a human-shapeshifter hybrid.


    With all this in mind, their group made its way towards Stockholm less urgently than before.


    They reduced their travel speed to 50 km/h (31 mph) and nned to make the trip in two days while ensuring they avoided any popted areas, which they did actually encounter this time.


    After all, they needed to travel back this way, and it wouldn''t aid their journey if someone warned the second-rankers in Kiruna about Erik and his group traveling through Sweden.


    After the first day of travel, they found an abandoned vige, broke into one of the houses, and spent the night there before moving on the next day.


    Finally, after two days of travel, they arrived in front of the post-apocalyptic ruins of Stockholm.


    Five people were currently standing on a small hill overlooking the second ruined metropolis since London. Erik, Emma, Elora, and Erik were reasonably unimpressed since it really didn''t look that different from ruined London.


    Victor, too, remained stoic. But then again, to expect anything else from a mindless ve would have been folly.


    Astrid, on the other hand, wore a ck-jawed expression of awe.


    As with Erik before, this was the first time Astrid had actually traveled outside of Finnmark and, therefore, the first time she encountered a massive city like this one.


    Of course, it was a ruin now, with various dpidated buildings and skeletal skyscrapers, but that only gave it a sort of haunting yet strangely beautiful quality.


    "It''s so strange to think that nearly a million people once lived in this ce," Astrid softly mumbled as they looked out over the city. "Fuck, it''s so strange to think a city like this once existed in the first ce, only to now turn into this!" she then eximed while extending her arms in a gesture of wonder.


    Erik looked at her in amazement with a small smile. His reaction to the first metropolis he encountered in S?l had not been much different. Neither had his reaction to seeing the ruined city of London, although he hadn''t actually had much time to take in the sights back then.


    Suddenly, Astrid turned to Erik with a curious gaze. "Do you think this city will bustle with people once again someday? That Earth will recover from the awakening?"


    "Sure," Erik nodded. "It will take some time, but in the end, every world was once unawakened¡ªeven Elora''s home world of S?l. Admittedly, Earth is¡­ different from most other worlds. Still, I wouldn''t be surprised if it eventually turns into something not much different from every other awakened world out there."


    "And what are they like?" Emma asked with wonder in her eyes.


    "Well, I can''t really speak for other ces," Erik said thoughtfully. "But S?l was basically your standard fantasy world. Medieval, yet clean, countless people, magic, and various different races everywhere."


    As Erik continued to wow Astrid and Emma with descriptions of S?l, Emily''s eyes were wide open in shock. This was the first time she had heard anything about other worlds.


    Seeing her expression, Erik couldn''t help but chuckle.


    He decided there wasn''t much reason to keep Emily in the dark anymore, so he used the link established through the Bond of Service to quickly exin the particrs of hisst seven years.


    With that, all hispanions now knew the basics of his past.


    When they were done gawking at Stockholm''s post-apocalyptic ruins, they quietly and stealthily entered the city.


    While there likely wasn''t anything that could stop them here, it would still be prudent not to raise any rms until they actually assaulted the Karolinska institute that was holding Alice.


    After traveling through several abandoned and beast-infested areas of the city, they finally arrived in front of the institute.


    It was arge, ss building that had survived the apocalypse rtively well, although a number of obvious ces along its outside walls had some patchwork repairs done.


    This was also the first ce they finally encountered some other people.

 Chapter 200: Chapter 200 - Assaulting the institute [1/2]

    Currently, Erik and the others were crouched on the fifth floor of a nearby building, next to arge hole in the wall that overlooked the institute.


    Around themy the corpses of several overgrown, first-rank dogs, which had imed this part of the city as their territory. The aetherium seeping into the Earth had mutated them into walking balls of muscle and teeth, posing a serious danger to any first-rankers trying to survive without the Council''s protection.


    Of course, to Erik and his group, these creatures posed little obstacle.


    They suspected there might be one or more second-ranker versions of these beasts nearby, but believed them to be further into the city, away from the Council-upied institute.


    Erik surveyed the surroundings of the building and noticed several patrols of first-rankers securing the perimeter.


    It seemed as if the institute had been transformed into amunity center and now acted as the only Council-upied living area in Stockholm, a fact that a doll-eyed Victor confirmed after Erik inquired about it.


    Apparently, most of the Stockholm residents who had survived the awakening had left rtively recently for Rikuna, where the Council promised better living standards, safety, and order in exchange for working in the mines, assisting with research, or performing any number of other tasks.


    "So, what''s the n?" Astrid asked, turning her head towards Erik with a raised eyebrow, curious.


    "Well¡­" Erik began, with a thoughtful yet unconcerned expression, before turning to Victor. "Hey, toady. How much security did you say this ce had?"


    "Should be no more than five second-rankers and some sigils," came the robotic and emotionless response from Emily''stest ve.


    Hearing that, Erik shrugged casually. "In that case, I don''t think we really need a n," he said, before suddenly changing into werewolf form, sweeping Emma into a princess carry and jumping through the hole with an amused grin.


    Emma yelped as he picked her up and screamed all the way down¡ªnot out of fear, but from pure excitement.


    After all, there was nothing to fear when she was in Erik''s arms.


    Astrid rolled her eyes at his actions, then turned to Emily with a teasing grin.


    "Oh no, you don''t!" Emily quickly shook her head, backing away towards the staircase. "I''ll just take the stairs!"


    "Where''s the fun in that!" Astridughed, catching up to Emily, hoisting her over her shoulder, and leaping out of the hole right behind Erik.


    "Aaaaah! You bitch!" Emily yelled as they fell.


    Erik and Astrid soonnded on the cracked asphalt below, creating an explosive sound that immediately alerted the patrolling forces.


    Shortly after, Victor crashed down behind them.


    Emma and Emily were set down on the ground, each reacting differently. Emma giggled happily, while Emily red at Astrid, who returned the look with an amused smirk.


    Despite this seemingly unfriendly interaction, Emily and Astrid got along very well and even tentatively considered each other friends.


    Astrid turned to Erik and raised an eyebrow curiously while smirking. "So¡­ a frontal assault, I guess?"


    Erik chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, why not? Five second-rankers can''t stop us, and Elora will warn us of any nearby sigils. She may not be able to use her physical body right now, but she can still use her omnisense."


    As they approached the ss building in front of them, several first-ranker patrols began to cluster together, anxiously watching their approach, while a few others ran inside¡ªlikely to alert the resident second-rankers.


    "Are we going hunting?" Emily asked, a bloodthirsty smile on her lips, while three pitch-ck orbs danced around her fingers.


    Her question made Emma slightly ufortable, but she understood why her big sister acted this way and had epted it.


    "Not unless they give us a reason to," Erik chuckled, shaking his head. "I don''t mind killing them if they decide to make a fuss, but if we can leave here with Alice in hand and without taking a single life, then I say why not?"


    "Spoilsport," Emily pouted, clenching her fist and making the orbs disappear.


    Erik rolled his eyes but also noted how quickly Emily was adapting to the fact that her blood-thirst was likely to be permanent.


    Or perhaps, the fact that these emotions were already a part of her, meant she had to either adapt or go insane, and she had simply chosen the former.


    After a few minutes of walking and observing the guards prepare for their arrival, Elora suddenly announced in Erik''s head, "Heads up. Looks like they''re activating arge barrier sigil."


    "Oh?" Erik responded curiously. "Should I be hurrying?"


    His question was met with a casual mental shrug, "Not really. There''s a decent amount of power involved, but since it has to cover the entirety of thatrge building, I doubt it could stop more than a single second-ranker. And a weak one at that."


    Erik nodded, aware that he was neither weak nor alone, and thus, there was no need to exert himself.


    Suddenly, a shimmering blue barrier began to emerge a few meters in front of them. It rapidly grew upward and inward before finally forming a dome that covered the entirety of the building.


    Erik, having seen such phenomena before, was unimpressed, but the girls apanying him looked up at the dome with various expressions of curiosity and awe.


    The best barrier Emily had seen was a small one covering the house in Frostvik, while Astrid and Emma hadn''t even seen that.


    Yet, while this barrier was significantlyrger and more awe-inspiring, its technicality and protective power were far less impressive than the one Elora had created back then.


    Eventually, they arrived in front of the barrier, and Erik yfully poked it with an amused grin.


    At that moment, a group of six individuals, quickly identified by Elora as second-rankers, approached the other side of the barrier.


    ''I guess Victor got the number slightly wrong, but this is still fine,'' Erik thought as he watched theming closer.


    "This is a restricted area! State your name and intentions!" the leader of the group demanded, confident in his numerical advantage and the shield''s protection.


    Indeed, the shield was merely a precaution, erected as standard procedure since the institute was under orders to prioritize its safety and security above all else, including apprehending suspicious individuals.


    They knew perfectly well that the shield wouldn''t hold up against even one serious second-ranker, but it still functioned perfectly well as a method to stop anyone from sneaking in on the other side of the building, while all the patrols were gathered here.


    However, this man considered it unnecessary and was contemting lowering the shield to take the group into custody, especially since they closely resembled the subjects of a recent report that mentioned a handsome reward.


    Yet, the penalties for deviating from procedure were severe. Thus, he was still debating internally when Erik, ignoring the demand, began to speak.


    "We''re here for Alice," he stated nonchntly. "Hand her over, and we''ll leave you in peace."

 Chapter 201: Chapter 201 - Assaulting the institute [2/2]

    After Erik voiced his demand, a brief silence ensued.


    The silence was broken by the Institute''s leader, who raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You''ve got some nerve, boy. You should know that the only reason you''re not in chains yet is because we have orders to prioritize security here. I suggest you take this chance and leave. Now. Before I change my mind."


    Despite his bravado, Erik''s words had put the man on edge. Encountering a second-ranker who was also foolish was rare, if not unheard of. In the current state of Earth, reaching the second rank required both talent and intelligence.


    Therefore, he could only conclude that this man was either bluffing or had some reason not to fear their superior numbers.


    ''Could they really be the people mentioned in that report? I recall a warning about not engaging them without significantly superior numbers...'' he thought, realizing that having only two more second-rankers than the opponents likely didn''t qualify as ''significantly superior.'' Hence, he became more cautious.


    Erik dismissed the man''s ''friendly'' suggestion. "I''m not leaving without what I came for," he said with arms crossed and a hard, upromising re aimed for the man in front of him.


    Erik noticed his opponent narrowing his eyes, attempting to gauge the threat level of Erik and his group.


    And whether or not they really were this group from the report.


    "Why do you even think we have this Alice per..." he started to ask, but paused abruptly upon noticing Victor at the back. Though he didn''t recognize the man, the uniform was unmistakable.


    "What is a Council envoy doing with you? And why does he look so... strange?" he directed his questions at Erik, since Victor seemed somewhat distracted.


    Erik shrugged. "He''s the reason we know Alice is here. Don''t worry about his appearance. Let''s just say he had a bad day. Now, I really don''t have the patience or energy for this debate."


    He raised his right fist, which began to crackle and pop with lightning. "So, are you going to let me in, or do I need to create my own entrance?" he growled threateningly, with narrowed eyes.


    As the Institute leader grew a little more nervous when he felt the power behind that fist, he suddenly recalled the report''s mention of the ck-haired girl''s ability to enve others. His eyes drew to Victor again and it quickly dawned on him that these individuals were indeed those mentioned in the report.


    He didn''t know why they were here or what they wanted with one of their test-subjects, but he suddenly realized these people were definitely too much to handle for him and his small security force.


    "I..." he started, but Erik had grown impatient, and quickly interrupted him.


    "Toote," Erik said, and under the guards'' rmed gazes, he punched forward.


    The barrier offered little resistance as his fist crashed straight through, and continued moving until he grabbed the leader by the throat and lifted him into the air. The man yelped and gurgled. Feeling the rtively frail neck and throat beneath his hand, Erik realized this man was human.


    When Erik broke through the barrier, a crisp shattering sound ensued, and the barrier dissolved into blue specks of light.


    Sweat formed on the leader''s brow as he gasped and struggled against Erik''s iron grip. Although he had anticipated Erik breaking through the barrier, he hadn''t expected it to be so effortless.


    Witnessing their leader hoisted into the air, the remaining second-rank guards sprang into action. Their skin shimmered with runes, and their hands glowed with glyphs as they yelled for Erik to let their leader go.


    Behind them, some first-rank guards formed the same formation the second-rankers had used back in Frostvik. Theoretically, this added three more second-rankers to their numbers, but they posed no real threat to Erik and his group.


    Despite his precarious situation, the leader managed to conjure two silver-gray magic circles, summoning a handful of simrly colored spheres around him.


    "Simr to Emily''s spell, but with metal instead of darkness," Elora informed Erik mentally, assessing the affinities of the other second-rankers and sharing the information with him.


    "You dare!" the leader choked out, attempting to seem more threatening than he felt. If all else failed, he decided he might as well attempt to bluff. "Let me go now, or face the consequences."


    Erik scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Don''t make empty threats. You''ll be dead before those orbs of yours even twitch."


    Before the leader could reply, one of the other second-rankers acted impulsively.


    "Damn it, let him go!" he yelled, forming something akin to a fireball in his hands, clearly intending tounch it at Erik.


    But Erik just ignored him. Before the fireball could fully form, a small ck orb shot directly into the man''s eye.


    With their attention fixed on Erik and his leader, the rest of Erik''s group had been overlooked.


    And now, this guard was paying the price.


    He screamed as the ck orb consumed his eye, remaining lodged in the socket. He was about to double over in pain when Emily spoke. "Be careful," she smirked sadistically. "One wrong move, and my little friend there will melt your brain."


    The guard stiffened, whimpering in fear and pain as tears streamed from his remaining eye. "Please," he begged, looking at Emily with a pleading gaze while desperately trying to ignore the ck orb of death stuck in his eyesocket.


    Emily, however, didn''t care for his pleading and turned her focus back to Erik and the man in his grip.


    Realizing they were already down two men, including himself, the man understood they stood no chance in this confrontation.


    So he quickly eximed, "Stop! Stop..." while raising his arms and dismissing the metal spheres. His earlier bravado had vanished as he pleaded, "I''ll get you what you want, just don''t kill anyone."


    The Council''s rule was clear: when faced with unwinnable odds, surrender.


    This policy might seem defeatist or overly cautious, but it was neither.


    It was designed to preserve manpower. As long as there was a chance for second-rankers to escape unharmed and fight another day, that oue was preferred in many cases.


    After all, second-rankers were a valuable asset, and producing more of them was a slow and challenging process.


    Thus, thismander chose to surrender today.

 Chapter 202: Chapter 202 - Getting inside

    "Good choice," Erik chuckled, easing his vice-like grip from the man''s throat.


    The man, gasping for air, eyed Erik with a mix of fear and defiance. For a fleeting moment, the thought of seizing this opportunity tounch an attack crossed his mind. However, the dangerous glint in Erik''s eyes quickly quelled any notions of rebellion.


    Erik looked at him with slight amusement, wondering if he would make a mistake and turn today into a bloodbath after all, but then the man turned to one of the guards. "Go get the girl. We''ll give these people what they want. It''s not like those eggheads down there have made much progress anyway."


    The other guards looked ufortable, but they didn''t dare disobey. A single nce at theirrade, who was still quivering, an orb of darkness lodged in his now vacant eye socket courtesy of Emily, served as a potent reminder of the consequences of disobedience. These were not ordinary foes they faced.


    These people were dangerous.


    Before the designated guard could take his leave, Erik intervened, his voice authoritative yet calm.


    "Wait," hemanded, signaling with an outstretched hand while simultaneously turning his attention towards their apparent leader. "It''ll be you, me, and two more of your second-rankers who will go inside to get Alice. I wouldn''t mind a look inside this ce."


    Actually, it was Elora who was curious to see what they were up to down there. The two extra second-rankers were just to ensure they wouldn''t get any ideas up here while he was away.


    "No way!" the man quickly shook his head, clearly hesitant. "They''ll have my head if I do that."


    "Literally, or figuratively? Because in my case, it will be literally." Erik chuckled threateningly, before taking a nce around the za they were standing in, and looking at the nearly sixty first-rankers that were gathered there with clear killing intent. "And I won''t stop at just yours, either."


    After a tense moment of silent contemtion, the leader sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "Fine," he conceded reluctantly.


    However, Erik, ever observant, noticed a fleeting spark of something akin to deceit in the man''s eyes. ''Probably trying to lure me into some sigil,'' Erik mused internally, a smirk ying on his lips. ''Not that that''ll help them.''


    He turned to the women behind him with a warm smile. "Wait for me a moment, alright?" he said, before thumbing to the guards. "If they twitch, kill them."


    "You got it, Boss," Emily quickly answered, with a twinkle that suggested she hoped they would.


    "Be careful, Erik," Astrid warned, while cautiously eyeing the guards for any suspicious movements, brandishing her wed swords with deadly intentions.


    Only Emma was quiet and merely smiled brightly, her confidence in him remained unshaken.


    Erik smiled warmly at the feelings of love and trust he felt from Emma and then turned around to face the enemy leader. "Well? Lead the way," he indicated towards the ss building behind them.


    The leader somberly nodded, before picking two second-rankers and ordered them to nk him while they walked towards the Institute, with Erik trailing closely behind.


    Erik walked casually, slightly hunched over as werewolves tend to do, and appeared to simply take in the sights while he crossed his wed, transformed hands behind his back.


    The first-rank guards they passed all stared venomously at Erik, but anytime he actually met their gazes with his fierce and unwavering, wolfish amber eyes, they quickly averted their eyes, scared to be made an example of.


    Upon entering the facility, Erik was immediately struck by the stark contrast between the modern, albeit slightly neglected, architecture and the world outside. Despite its apparent state of disrepair, one could only imagine the grandeur that once pervaded this space, now marred by the ravages of time and neglect.


    It was evident that the realm of gic experimentation and research had yet to capture the Council''s full attention, the facilitynguishing in a state of limbo, awaiting the resources and focus that had been bestowed upon other projects in the wake of the Council''s establishment.


    However, what surprised both him and Elora was that this entire space appeared to have been rebuilt into some kind ofmunity housing. They quickly realized that thebs and clean rooms had been cleared out and turned into a refuge for people during thest seven years.


    But then, where did they do their research on Alice?


    The answer came quickly when they entered an elevator that started going down. Clearly, this ce had a basement.


    Naturally, it came as no surprise that the entire building had power, as the very sigil that Elora used to provide electricity to devices had been stolen from the Council in the first ce.


    "So what''s your name?" Erik asked the leader, curiously while they rode the elevator down.


    "Alistair," he answered, gruffly. "And you are Erik. I read a report about you."


    "All good things, I hope," Erik chuckled.


    Alistair snorted and didn''t answer, so they continued to ride the elevator in silence.


    After going down for at least half a minute, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened.


    Erik couldn''t help whistling when he saw the narrow hallway, surrounded by pure white walls ahead. "Now this is what I''d expect a secret biological research facility to look like! All that''s missing is blood on the walls and some hideous, mutated creatures roaming about."


    The guards didn''t react to his joke and kept walking, while Erik shook his head and chuckled. "They''re missing a sense of humor," Erik remarked towards Elora mentally.


    "Did you hear meughing?" Elora shot back in a teasing tone.


    "Actually, no," Erik responded with fake offense. "And what''s up with that? Aren''t you, as a loving wife, supposed tough at all my jokes, no matter how bad?"


    "No, that''s just a myth." Elora giggled.


    Erikughed out loud a little, causing the guards to look at him strangely. But Erik ignored them and instead sent some love to Elora through their connection.


    Alistair led them up to arge, hermetically sealed door, and punched in a code to open it.


    Behind that door was arger, open area surrounded by the same pure white walls. It was clearly a well-equipped research area, illuminated by soft artificial lighting.


    Workstations were equipped with state-of-the-art microscopes, gene sequencers, and bioreactors, all arranged to maximize space and efficiency. The walls were lined with digital disys and storage cabs containing meticulouslybeled samples and research materials.


    A hive of activity buzzed within, first-rankers d in pristine white coats moving with a purposeful intensity, their focus undisturbed by the arrival of Erik and his contingent.


    It was only when a woman, noticing their presence, approached with a deferential tone that the tempo of the room shifted momentarily. "Alistair!" she eximed, her voice tinged with surprise. "What brings you here? It''s not yet time for our next update, is it?"

 Chapter 203: Chapter 203 - Alice [1/3]

    "Indeed, you are correct, Miss Eleni. We''re not here for that," Alistair replied, his voice imbued with a tone of undeniable authority, as he nonchntly waved his hand, dismissing the matter entirely.


    "I see," Eleni responded, her eyebrow arching in a blend of surprise and curiosity. She pivoted slightly, her gaze drifting towards Erik, who lingered in the back of the room.


    His attention was scattered, exploring the room''s every corner with an evident interest, while Elora, utilizing her omnisense, scoured the vicinity for any scrap of research data she could find. Not even the encrypted contents ofputer drives could elude her keen senses.


    "So, what might I assist you with then?" Eleni inquired, her gaze still locked on Erik''s werewolf form, seamlessly enveloped in his sleek, dangerous-looking ck armor.


    A hint of amusement and challengeced her voice as she spected, "Does this have anything to do with our tall, dark, and undeniably handsome friend over there?" Her voice dropped to a sultry growl, her lips parting in a suggestive smirk as she lightly licked them.


    Erik immediately recognized the signs of a fellow werewolf and chuckled at her suggestive stare. In a different situation, he might have taken her up on her clear offer, but he doubted she would be in much of a mood soon.


    While far from a universal rule, many shapeshifters were lustful creatures, likely because of their close connection to their animal instincts.


    Alistair nodded, "It does, but you''re not going to like it." He thumbed over his shoulder towards Erik in a casual, yet annoyed and powerless gesture, "Erik over there will be taking custody of Alice."


    A storm of shock and indignation swiftly crossed Eleni''s expression. "What?!" she eximed, her voice echoing with disbelief and anger. She spun towards Erik, her protest vehement.


    "You can''t do that! Without Alice, we''re left with nothing¡ªdoomed to sift endlessly through the gic codes of vampires, humans, and shapeshifters,cking any coherent thread to unite them. Alice is that critical link!"


    Her impassioned speech slightly impressed Erik. Standing up to a second-ranker like this, despite being so weak inparison, was truly impressive.


    Unfortunately for her, it wouldn''t change the oue.


    Thus, he tilted his head to the side, his lips curling into a mischievous grin that, in his transformed state, revealed his sharply pointed fangs, transforming the gesture from potentially yful to distinctly ominous. "And how, pray tell, do you intend to stop me, Miss Eleni?"


    As Eleni began to manifest the initial signs of a transformation, driven by a mix of fear and defiance, Alistair swiftly intervened. "That will be enough, Eleni. To confront this man and his allies would most likely lead to our defeat. And even if we won, if woulde at a heavy cost. Too heavy a cost to justify defending research and assets that have yet to bear fruit after several months."


    "You mean to tell me this man isn''t even part of the Council?! Do we even know what he intends to do with the girl?" Eleni''s voice was thick with scorn, her question cutting through the air as the room''s tension heightened, every researcher present turning towards the unfolding drama with a mix of fear and anticipation.


    Erik was surprised to notice a hint of protectiveness in the woman''s voice. "Considering how Alice got here, I''m surprised this woman has the gall to pretend to care about the girl," he inwardly remarked to Elora with an amused tone.


    "It''s calledpartmentalization," Elora chuckled with the same level of amusement. "Since it was a different branch of the Council who did those things to Alice, this Eleni manages to pretend like it has nothing to do with her."


    Then she shrugged, "Well, or perhaps it''s just guilt."


    Meanwhile, Alistair responded to Eleni, "No, we don''t, and frankly, I don''t care either. It''s a done deal, Eleni. Just bring us to the subject''s room so this man can retrieve her."


    Alistair was looking at Eleni intently, and suddenly, a glint passed through Eleni''s eyes. "Right!" she said, a little too enthusiastically. Clearly, this woman was not a good actor.


    Inwardly, both Elora and Erik rolled their eyes at the obviously iing trap.


    However, Eleni''s demeanor swiftly shifted back to one of anger and defiance. "Fine. I suppose I have no choice," she conceded, her re fierce as she turned and led the way. The other scientists parted, forming a path, their gazes alternating between fear and fascination as they observed the imposing figure of Erik.


    With Eleni paving the way and Erik bringing up the rear, the group moved through the clinically pristine hallways until they arrived at a section designated for living quarters.


    Erik pondered the possibility of Eleni finding anyfort in these austere, underground confines, a stark contrast to the natural environments favored by shapeshifters.


    Finally, they reached another hermetically sealed door that required a passcode to open. Eleni began punching in the code while letting out a sad sigh. "This facility was never intended to contain prisoners," shemented, her tone suggesting she wished it had never been necessary.


    "But when little Alice arrived," she continued with regret, " and we were forced to improvise. This chamber, originally intended for botanical specimens, now functions as her cell." Her tone proved her clear disapproval and difort with hosting a prison cell in herb.


    Finally, the door slid open, and she took a step back to reveal the now opened door was merely the first stage of an airlock, before turning to Erik.


    Her narrowed eyes still radiated anger, but she attempted to make her next words sound reasonable. "Alice can be a little¡­ feisty, and usually attacks anyone who enters the room. Since you purpose here is to take her away, perhaps you might be able to pacify her?"


    The atmosphere was tense as they all wondered if Erik would actually be brave, overconfident, or dense enough to step inside this somewhat obvious trap.


    But he surprised them all by smirking confidently and stepping forward. "No problem at all!"

 Chapter 204: Chapter 204 - Alice [2/3]

    Erik stepped into the airlock, and the door quickly closed behind him with a precise, almost silent click.


    In response, some sigils flickered to life around him, bathing the small space in an ethereal glow. Erik felt the connection between his runes and his body''s power being severed, a sensation like ice water trickling down his spine, while the link between his glyphs and his aetherium remained as robust as ever, a warm beacon in the cold disconnect.


    "It''s actually quite impressive they already have sigils that can stop a Runebound from using their power," Elora''s voice sounded in Erik''s head, her toneced with a mixture of admiration and curiosity, apparently unconcerned by the sigils'' effects. "I really get more and more curious about the person in charge of sigils for the Council."


    Runebound didn''t exist anywhere except on Earth; thus, a sigil that cut a Runebound off from the unique kind of power they utilize would have had to be created right here, much like the sigil that could power electrical devices.


    "I''m sure we''ll meet them one day," Erik chuckled, the sound echoing slightly off the metal walls, before he casually walked ahead. His steps echoed in the airlock, as he ignored the changes brought by the sigils, while inwardly thinking: ''I suppose they''ve chosen death.''


    Behind him, on the other side of the door, Alistair and Eleni looked at each other with concerned and curious gazes. They had expected Erik to start pounding on the reinforced door by now, but it remained strangely quiet.


    While a second-ranker without ess to his skills still had his monstrous physical strength, the door had been reinforced to withstand that strength. Even so, they decided to remain cautious and wait for another few minutes as an air of anticipation hung between them.


    Meanwhile, Erik had opened the inner airlock door and stepped into something akin to a small garden. No matter what else, Erik had to admit they changed this bonatical storage space into an oddly human prison for a shapeshifter.


    Before he could take in more of the sights, however, a somewhat high-pitched roar erupted, and a small bundle of brown furunched itself at his face with unexpected ferocity. Erik couldn''t help but grin as he extended his arm with lightning-fast reflexes and grabbed the bundle of fur by the scruff of its neck before it could reach his face.


    Dangling from his grip was a young, 130cm tall (4''11"), fiery-eyed female wereverine, her brown fur bristling with energy, icy blue eyes shing defiantly, and destructive ws swiping through the air with a feral ferocity.


    Immediately, the bundle roared once again, this time, with a young voice full of spirit. "Let me go, you bastard! Let me go! I want to introduce my ws to your face!"


    She tried to swipe upwards to scratch his arm instead to force him to let her go, but she quickly realized she wasn''t going to get through his armor and gave up. She wasn''t deterred, however, and quickly went back to furiously swiping in the direction of his face.


    A deep and rasping chuckle left Erik''s transformed muzzle. ''You can''t help but admire and respect that kind of tenacity,'' he thought to himself, before chuckling some more. ''Even if it is pretty amusing as well.''


    "You dareugh at me?! Just for that, I''ll take my time and skin you slowly! I''ll make a coat from your fur, you damn mutt!" she roared back, her spirit undimmed despite the situation she was in.


    Her new threat only caused Erik''s terrifying grin to widen. ''Let''s see how she deals with this,'' Erik thought, and then opened his fang-filled muzzle wide.


    ROAR


    A deep, rumbling, and terrifying roar left Erik''s belly, traveled up to his throat, and unleashed itself out into the room, filling it with his power.


    Spittle flew into the young wereverine''s face as her sensitive ears rang with the echoes of Erik''s bellow. Her swiping stopped, and she blinked with clear shock and fear in her eyes.


    Yet, it didn''t take more than a second for the young girl to rally when she opened her own muzzle and roared back in much the same way.


    Erik watched her with interest and amusement, and when she was done, she began swiping at the air again, in the direction of his face. "You think that scares me?! Why don''t you be a man and face me without your armor, huh?!"


    Erik chuckled again before he finally spoke with both warmth and authority. "There''s no need for that, little Alice. Although I''d be happy to fulfill your wish someday. For now, though, I''m here to get you out of this ce. So, are you sure you want to keep swiping at me?"


    Alice stopped swiping with wide eyes form surprise. Quickly, however, her expression changed, and she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why should I believe you?"


    A casual shrug from Erik caused Alice, still held up by his outstretched arm, to jiggle a little. "What do you have to lose? And what would I have to gain by lying to you? Do you really think you cany a finger on me, even if I let you go?"


    "Doesn''t hurt to try," the young wereverine growled defiantly.


    It remained silent for a moment as the two of them stared at each other. Finally, Alice spoke up again, "Why?"


    The question she was asking was clear, and thus, Erik responded quickly and seriously. "Your father sent me."


    "My father?!" Alice roared and seemed about ready to start swiping again. "That man doesn''t deserve to call himself that!"


    Her voice became a little softer while her swipes became a little moreckluster suddenly as small tears appeared in her eyes, "It''s his fault that¡­ that Ivar and Marta died!"


    Erik frowned a little. Her earlier fierceness had impressed him, but it quickly became clear that she was still a little immature. Still, this much wasn''t unexpected. The real proof of her character and maturity would be based on how fast she could set aside her preconceived notions and realize who the real culprit was.


    He shook his head, "You shouldn''t disrespect your father like that."


    "Oh yeah?! Why not?!" Alice spat out angrily and stubbornly. She folded her arms in front of her chest while still hanging from Erik''s hand by the scruff of the fur on her neck.


    Originally, Erik had wanted to keep this information from her for a little while longer, but considering her attitude, perhaps now was as good a time as any.


    So he said gravely, "Because your father died, so that I could be here today to get you out of the Council''s hands."


    That news seemed to stun her into silence. "He¡­ He''s dead¡­?"

 Chapter 205: Chapter 205 - Alice [3/3]

    Alice remained quiet asplicated emotions flitted across her face. She was trying to determine how she felt about her biological father''s fate.


    Seeing that Alice likely wouldn''t attack him anymore, Erik slowly put her down on the cool, metal floor of the garden-like enclosure. He then chose sit on the ground with his inverted, armored legs crossed in front of him. This way, they would remain at the same eye height.


    Meanwhile, Elora, ever vignt, used her omnisense to monitor the movements beyond the sealed door. Erik could take his time only so long as those people remained in ce. As soon as they started moving, he had to as well, lest they reinforce the people outside.


    He doubted Emily, Astrid, and Victor could fight them all off without his help.


    The air hung heavy with anticipation until finally, Alice seemed to make a choice when she looked up at Erik with unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "H¡ªHow did he die?" she asked in a small voice.


    "Valiantly," Erik answered in a way he hoped Alice would appreciate. "And with love for you in his heart. He didn''t give up his life easily, but it was the only way left for him to give you any aid."


    Erik, with a heart particrly soft for children who''ve been dealt a harsh hand by life, felt his protective instincts surge. Alice''s previous fiery spirit, in contrast to her current vulnerable position, only endeared her to him more.


    "I¡ª" she began but fell quiet as more tears appeared in Alice''s eyes, and she began to sob a little. Her eyes seemed lost in space while she wrung her tiny wed hands.


    Erik wasn''t sure how to handle this situation, so he did the only thing he could think of. He pulled the little ball of fur into a hug and let her cry out into the unarmored fur of his neck.


    Surprisingly, or perhaps not, the girltched on to Erik with both arms and began to sob even louder. "F¡ªFirst the¡­people who raised me¡­d¡ªdie¡­and then I finally¡­meet my biological father¡­only for him to die too?!"


    Erik didn''t know what to say, so he simply patted her back and kept quiet while Alice cried her eyes out. Although he was a little surprised to hear Alice apparently didn''t know about Bj?rn until recently.


    After a few moments of crying, Alice''s grief gave way for self-me and doubt, "I¡ªIt''s all my fault¡­ My life must be cursed."


    Naturally, Erik couldn''t let that stand. Gently but firmly, he detached her from his shoulder, holding her at arm''s length to look into her eyes with a fierce intensity. "Never say that again," hemanded, his voice a low growl. "You think Bj?rn would want you to me yourself? You think Ivar and Marta would want that?"


    Erik had no idea who Ivar and Marta were or what they would think, but Alice mentioned those names earlier, so it seemed appropriate.


    "There is only one person to me for all this," he continued while looking into Alice''s eyes to make sure his words struck home.


    "W¡ªWho?" Alice asked as she hung on his every word, almost hopeful that she might be able to unleash this burning wrath she felt bubbling to the surface on someone other than herself.


    "Victor," Erik growled with a vicious smile. "He was the one who had your adoptive parents killed so that he could use you to push your father into dire straits that eventually caused him to lose his life."


    Erik needed to give Alice a target to focus all her hate on. That way, she wouldn''t focus it on herself.


    Or, for that matter, on Elora and him, after finding out the particrs of Bj?rn''s death.


    "Right¡­" she mumbled with a faraway look as a disgusting little man with a greedy smirk appeared in her mind''s eye. "Victor¡­ he said all sorts of crap about me being in this situation because of my father. I knew he was spouting bull, but I can''t believe some of it actually stuck¡­"


    Suddenly, her face twisted in fury as she balled her fist and clenched her jaw. "I want to kill him," she growled, her voice seething with fury. "I want to tear him apart with my own ws."


    Despite being half-human, it was clear that her instincts as a shapeshifter were on point. Shapeshifter children often reached maturity and awakened their more animalistic instincts at a far earlier age than children of vampires and humans.


    In fact, shapeshifters often had a far more cavalier attitude towards life and death, whenpared to vampires and especially humans.


    "Then you''ll have your wish," Erik nodded, entirely unconcerned about letting someone who couldn''t be older than ten or eleven kill someone. His values had shifted greatly from those of modern Earth during his time on S?l, where the harshness of life meant most children were taught to fight, kill, and defend themselves from a very early age.


    "Can you really promise that?" Alice asked, while some of her fury made way for skepticism.


    Erik nodded with a grim smile. "Of course. In fact, he''s right outside, and enved by one of mypanions. You can do whatever you like to him after we get out of here."


    Immediately, all remaining sadness and despair were pushed down to be dealt with at ater date as vicious anger and a desire for violence shed in Alice''s eyes. "Then what are we waiting for?" she growled. "Let''s get out of here!"


    Looking into the eyes of this young, but fierce little shapeshifter, Erik couldn''t help but grin a little. ''I like this girl. The covenant may force me to keep her safe, but I may want to, anyway.''


    "Good girl!" Erik chuckled and quickly stood up. Just in time too, as Elora notified him that Alistair and his fellow second-ranker guards seemed to be about to leave.


    He turned towards the door, his back towards Alice, and crouched down a little. "Come on, climb on my back and hold on tight. It''s going to be a bumpy ride."


    Having gained inexplicable trust in Erik after crying her eyes out in his arms, she quickly climbed up andtched onto his slightly hunched werewolf back like a ko, with her small, transformed head poking out over his shoulder.


    "How are we getting out of here, though?" she suddenly asked, eager yet curious. "Will they just let us leave? Isn''t your power suppressed, just like mine?"


    "Sort of," Erik chuckled as he walked up to the outer airlock door. "But I''m quite special, you see," he continued as a concussive lightning st suddenly began charging on his fist as he cocked it backward, before punching forward.


    Arge explosion ensued.

 Chapter 206: Chapter 206 - Breaking out [1/3]

    "It''s been about five minutes now," Eleni told Alistair in an anxious voice. The uncertainty of the situation cast a shadow over her features. "What do you think is happening in there? He hasn''t made a peep, but surely he''s noticed the sigil''s effects?"


    Alistair, his gaze fixed on the sturdy door with an intensity that seemed to bore through it, responded with a dismissive gruffness. "I don''t know, nor do I care," he dered, his attention unwavering. "All I care about is that he stays in there."


    He turned to his fellow second-ranker guards. "Let''s get back up top. I would have preferred a little proof that he is trapped in there, but given his silence and our inability to peer into that room, we can only assume that he is. We should make use of this time to subdue the others in his group."


    A murmur of unease came from one of the guards, Fritz, his eyes darting to the door and back, reflecting a deep-seated apprehension. "I still think this was too easy," he admitted, the silence from within unsettling him. "He just walked in there, unsuspecting, and now this eerie quiet... It feels off."


    Alistair''s response was dismissive, though not without a hint of acknowledgment for Fritz''s concern. "It''s called overconfidence," he shrugged, a pragmatic edge to his voice, even as he internally conceded Fritz''s points. Yet, the logical part of him clung to the belief that the door was impregnable to a second-rank Runebound stripped of his runes.


    "Wait a second!" Eleni eximed nervously. "What about Alice?! I went along with this because there was no other way, but are we just supposed to leave him in there with that little girl? Who knows what he ns to do with her!"


    "I doubt he''s doing anything to her, Eleni. But even if he were, that''s the price we pay for security. Now,e with us," he finished while gesturing in the direction of the way they came in. "We need to evacuate the scientists just in case and then deal with those additional troublemakers up there."


    "Wait, I¡­" Eleni stammered but was quickly interrupted by Alistair. "Remember, Eleni. The council wants these people alive and has offered a substantial reward. Seeding here today could get you additional resources for your research."


    Alistair needed to keep her on his side so that she could rally the scientists and not do anything stupid like open that door to try and get Alice out while he was up there dealing with the rest of Erik''s group.


    A sh of desire and greed passed through Eleni''s eyes when she heard Alistair''s words. Yet, her gaze softened when she looked at the door again. Her mouth opened, but before she could utter her words of either assent or protest, everything changed.


    Boom


    An explosion echoed through the pristine white hallways of this underground researchb, and the door they had been staring at flew off its hinges, hurtling towards them with terrifying force.


    Alistair and one guard just barely managed to jump out of the way, while Eleni and the third guard were caught in the door''s trajectory and rapidly swept off their feet, flying further into the hallway with surprised and pained screams.


    Under a rain of sparks and electric fizzling, Erik stepped out of the airlock with a wide, predatory grin that showed off his sharp fangs. "I''m back, bitches," he growled.


    The door had fallen, unable to withstand Erik''s brute force,bined with the power of his Arcanist spell lightning st, which had not been suppressed by the sigil''s effects.


    The two guards who had evaded the flying door readied themselves with admirable discipline, their actions swift and decisive in the face of unexpected aggression.


    Alistair regained his footing and created some distance while small metal spheres appeared floating around him. At the same time, he stretched out his hand, a silver-gray colored magic circle appeared and aimed at his fellow guard, who seemed to gain a shimmering metallic sheen over his skin.


    Apparently, Alistair''s second skill was a rare support-type.


    The second guard, for her part, was a vampire who manifested light-blue runes and charged at him while, quickly and elegantly, riding currents of water that surrounded her feet. From her back, she pulled a sword, while arge water-shield extended from her left hand.


    On Erik''s back, Alice had her face stuck in an expression of awe from the moment Erik unleashed his full power and sted the door from its hinges. Now, she showed clear anticipation and excitement at the confrontation as she quickly realized Erik''s power.


    Erik himself stretched his hunched back slightly, extending up to his full height, and breathed deeply when he felt the power of his runese back to him. He grinned menacingly at the approaching vampire and Alistair behind her, who was readying himself tounch his metal spheres at him.


    Erik reacted quickly. He swiped both his ws in Alistair''s direction, sending a total of ten lightning gashes through the air towards the man who should have just left well enough alone.


    His ranged attack caught Alistairpletely off-guard. While ranged attacks were not the exclusive property of Arcanists, to see a Runebound with a ranged attack was still strange. Of course, he had no idea Erik was actually both.


    While Alistair was forced to use the metal spheres to defend himself against the lightning gashes, Erik focused on the vampire who was elegantly skating in his direction.


    Erik reminded himself that he should treat this fight as if he was not merged with Elora, since Elora''s physical essence was still recovering, and thus not providing him with much aid.


    Still, his physical prowess remained in the higher echelons of second-rankers.


    Thus, he pulled his hammer from his armor''s storage, awing Alice and shocking the vampire, before wrapping his body with the lightning enhancement skill, being careful to avoid Alice. He charged another concussive lightning st on his hammer before swiping in the direction of the vampire.


    Not daring to take that hammer on her shield, the vampire instead decided to dodge, something she barely managed to do using water jets around her feet, but didn''t take into ount the lightning st.


    It exploded right beside her body, mming the woman against the wall, temporarily dazing her as lightning crackled over her body.


    Meanwhile, the third guard was on his feet again after getting hit by the door but was somewhat wounded. This man was another vampire, as Alistair had made the intelligent decision to take close-quarters fighters with him in the enclosed space of this undergroundb.


    This man wrapped himself in a fiery cloak and sted himself in Erik''s direction, while two knives made of fire appeared in his hands.


    At the same time, Alistair had managed to defend himself, and now prepared to finallyunch his metal orbs at Erik, while yelling angrily, "You should have just stayed locked up, Erik!"


    Despite his bravado, he knew they were in trouble and prepared himself for a difficult fight.

 Chapter 207: Chapter 207 - Breaking out [2/3]

    Erik''s face split into a malevolent grin, a clear testament to the exhration coursing through his veins as he prepared to receive the approaching vampire.


    At the same time, Alice, who wasfortably clutching on to Erik''s back, found herself utterly captivated by the spectacle.


    The sight of Erik''s lone figure, facing of against the might of three second-rankers, was not just impressive to the young wereverine¡ªit was awe-inspiring.


    Hermon sense told her that she still couldn''t be sure Erik had her best interests at heart, but her identity as a ferocious young wereverine with a passion for fighting was quickly taking precedence in her mind.


    Just these few seconds of fighting had already solidified Erik''s nomination for Alice''s new idol.


    Oblivious to the profound impact his actions had on Alice, Erik''s mind was filled with excitement at the prospect of battle, while his focus remained razor-sharp, and centered on winning and keeping Alice safe.While keeping her on his back might not seem like the best option for that, it was better than having her wait behind, only to be a hostage if someone managed to slip passed.


    He was currently rapidly charging his lightning sh ability, while forming a concussive lightning st in his left hand, and swinging his two-handed hammer with his right.


    In the next moment, his hammer met the second vampire guard''s double fire daggers, while his concussive lightning st flew in the direction of Alistair.


    His lightning st''s range wasn''t high enough to reach Alistair, but it didn''t need to be. Alistair hadunched his metal spheres at Erik in an attempt to distract him, but they were met with the lightning st right in the middle. The st exploded, sending the metal spheres right back where they came from.


    They didn''t hurt Alistair, but it did distract him for a moment.


    At the same time, his one-handed swing with his hammer only barely managed to contend with the vampire, but it was enough.


    With his second hand now free, Erik tensed his powerful muscles and pulled back the heavy hammer, its head trailing a shadow across the white metal floor, while his left arm shot forward in one fluid motion, with armored ws aimed at the vampire''s throat.


    The vampire parried his w with a flourish of his fiery dual daggers, causing sparks to fly and allowing him to remain safe for the moment, but the same could not be said for the other guard.


    The woman his lightning st mmed against the wall earlier had recovered and was charging him from behind in an elegant stride, using the streams of water on her feet. Her face was twisted in anger, and she had her sword raised as she prepared to sink it into Erik''s unarmored neck, unbothered by the young wereverine in the way.


    She did all this without making a sound. Even the water streams seemed purposefully designed to keep her approach as quiet as possible, slipping by even a sensitive shapeshifter''s ears.


    A vicious grin appeared on the woman''s face as she neared her goal and Erik still had shown no sign of noticing her approach. But she was overconfident and didn''t pay enough attention to Erik anymore.


    Because, unfortunately for her, Elora''s omnisense was always active.


    Erik''s trust in Elora was as instinctual as the beating of his heart. Without needing to nce back, Elora allowed him to know the exact moment to shift his stance.


    The heavy hammer, momentarily guided by one hand while the other just now shed with the other vampire''s daggers, quickly transitioned into a deadly backward swing powered by Erik''s immense strength.


    As soon as his w was parried and the dagger-wielding vampire was forced to take a step back, Erik partially turned his chest and grabbed the hammer that was in the middle of its backward swing with both hands.


    Now able to put his full force behind the swing, he continued turning.


    The first vampire guard waspletely caught off guard when Erik turned at thest moment, while the hammer was already too close to dodge. Panic appeared on her face, as the best she could do was turn slightly and raise her shield to defend herself.


    The hammer crashed against her shield, and the sickening sound of breaking bones echoed through the hallways. The metal sheen over her skin from Alistair''s ability only barely cushioned the blow. The vampire screamed in pain and was once again mmed against the wall, causing the structure to tremble a little.


    "You need to end this quickly, Erik," Elora''s voice suddenly sounded in his head. "We''re underground, and while this construction is remarkably sturdy, it has a breaking point. I''d rather not have our end be due to getting buried alive."


    Erik uttered a macabre chuckle at the thought of his journey ending here due to several tons of earth and rocks crashing down on his head but nodded inwardly to Elora. "Got it."


    After his hammer swing, Erik used the continuing momentum to return to his previous orientation just in time to defend himself against a flurry of dagger strikes by the second vampire guard. With hammer and w, he performed a deadly dance against his opponent as he was forced to go on the defensive.


    Meanwhile, Alistair had recovered and, with a face twisted in fury,unched his metal spheres at Erik again.


    Luckily, Erik was finally prepared to deal with Alistair for good.


    "Hold on as tight as you can," he growled at Alice on his back. The young wereverine was quickly shaken from her fascination and awe at Erik''s fighting ability and tightened her grip on his neck and back as hard as she could.


    Next, Erik activated his lightning sh ability, which had just finished charging.


    Lightning struck, and the vampire was pushed aside as Erik''s lightning sh increased his speed to incredible levels. He rushed straight past him and appeared right beside Alistair, while Alice screamed in shock and was almost flung to the side due to their sudden eleration.


    "Boo," Erik grinned widely at Alistair, whose face was twisted in horror and shock at Erik''s sudden appearance.


    Erik extended his empty left w to tear into Alistair''s unprotected chest.


    Yet, there was a reason Alistair deserved the position ofmander for this base.

 Chapter 208: Chapter 208 - Breaking out [3/3]

    Alistair''s response was as swift as lightning. A silver-gray magic circle burst into existence beneath his feet, wrapping him in the same metallic luster that had previously shielded the vampire woman.


    Ting


    Erik''s w shed against the metal sheen, but failed to prate it. Nevertheless, the sheer force of his blow still sent Alistair hurtling backward, crashing into the walls with such force that he coughed up blood before sliding down to the ground in a heap.


    This impact once again caused the structure to tremble, making Erik curse inwardly and promise himself to stop tossing these people against the walls.


    Approaching swiftly from the way he came were the two vampire guards, with the female guard noticeably wounded as her shield arm dangled uselessly while blood trailed from the corner of her mouth.


    Erik, however, ignored them for now, as they were still a few meters away, focusing instead on Alistair. He found him propped against the wall, cradling his chest, bruised and battered. "You should have just let me take her, Alistair," he sighed, shaking his head in disappointment.


    The fact was, Erik knew second-rankers were still rtively scarce in Europe, and likely on Earth as a whole, and he also knew that Earth would need as much manpower as possible to survive into the future since the worst was still toe.


    Thus, whenever possible, he preferred not killing these second-rankers. Unfortunately, to leave Alistair alive now would go against his principles.


    "F¡ªFuck you," Alistair managed to spit out between gasps, blood dribbling from his lips as he fixed Erik with a defiant stare.


    Metal spheres began to materialize once more around Alistair, but Erik merely snorted in disdain. He kicked Alistair back down to the ground before brutally stomping on his head.


    Alistair''s metal sheen proved unable to protect him from the raw physical force, and his head exploded into a mass of blood and gore.


    "No! Alistair!" one of the approaching guards eximed in horror and charged at Erik with renewed fury and vigor, while the other was not far behind.


    Erik shook his head and looked at them with indifference.


    Had they pulled back, he might have decided to let them live, but since they insisted on continuing, he could only respond in kind.


    Of course, with Alistair gone, and one of the guards having lost the use of her shield arm, they stood no chance against Erik anymore.


    Mere momentster, the two guards had turned into lifeless bodies sprawled on the floor. Erik stored his hammer back into his armor storage while a dark green coat of magic wiped away the blood and dirt from both Erik and Alice, who was unharmed but had not escaped the stter.


    "That was incredible!" Alice eximed, her voice filled with awe as she clung to Erik''s back and neck. "Exactly how strong are you, anyway?! And what was that green stuff just now?! I can''t remember thest time I''ve felt this clean!"


    Erik chuckled at her amazement. "I''ll tell youter, all right? The others are getting a little anxious, so we should be getting back to them."


    Naturally, he had been in contact with both Emma and Emily through his links with them to monitor the situation outside. He hadn''t told them about his fight, but somehow, they seemed to have learned about it anyway.


    "The others?" Alice asked curiously.


    Erik opened his mouth to answer but suddenly picked up a low groan not far away from them. It wasing from the door he had blown off its hinges before.


    He walked up to it and noticed Eleni was stuck under the door. Her first-rank Runebound status had allowed her to survive being crushed under the heavy door, but didn''t allow her to lift it to get up. She was currently struggling to breathe. She gasped for air and was unable to talk, but the pleading look in her eyes clearly begged Erik to remove the door.


    "Oh, right. You," Erik remarked, having somewhat forgotten about her before. He had no interest in helping her, however, and thus shrugged before turning to leave when Alice suddenly said something. "W¡ªWait! She was nice¡­ sort of. Can you lift the door off her at least?"


    Erik cocked an eyebrow in slight surprise but then nodded. ''I do need to hurry a little, since all council forces in Sweden have likely already been informed about this and reinforcements are likely on the way, but I can do this much at least,'' he thought to himself before turning around.


    After easily lifting the door off Eleni, she coughed and gasped for air while sitting up a little. "T¡ªThank y¡ª" she began but was quickly cut off by a heavy electric shock that put her out cold.


    "Still don''t want her following us up, though," he exined to Alice, who gave a small nod of understanding.


    "She gave me treats sometimes, and she made sure that they treated me humanely whenever they needed samples," Alice shared with Erik. "I think my time here would have been much worse if it hadn''t been for her."


    Erik offered a faint smile as the retraced his steps, now unapanied by his initial entourage, yet not entirely alone. "So what if she had walked through that door instead of me? Would you still have attacked?"


    "Hmpf," Alice snorted before her expression turned fiercely proud. "Absolutely, I would have. They always send in second-rankers to handle me. No first-ranker darede close! Cowards, the lot of them!" she boasted, puffing out her chest with pride, prompting a chuckle from Erik at her bravado. "That''s a good girl."


    "Hehehe," Alice beamed, basking in the praise from her savior and the man she had designated as her newest idol.


    When they arrived back in the main research area, all of the first-ranked researchers had already left, likely fleeing back up top as soon as they heard the fighting start, or perhaps even before that.


    Erik didn''t care, however. He did finally understand how Emma and Emily had known of his fight, but he wasn''t vicious enough to kill all those first-rankers anyway.


    So he simply continued walking to the elevator, intending to take it back up top with his prize in hand.

 Chapter 209: Chapter 209 - Miss me?

    Outside, in the expansive za that stretched before the Karolinska Institute, two distinct factions stood in a tense standoff.


    The furthest from the Institute were Erik''spanions¡ªEmma, Emily, Astrid, and, technically, Victor.


    Just a short ten meters in front of them were the remaining three second-rank guards, one of whom still had Emily''s orb stuck in his eye socket, making him tremble from fear and pain.


    Another ten meters behind them were the first-rank guards, gathered together in three formations that just barely equated to another three second-rankers.


    However, with one of the second-rankers essentially incapacitated due to Emily, the guards made no illusions about being able to subdue the invaders. They had seen how quickly Emily had taken down one of their own, and the first-ranker formations behind them barely counted for anything whenpared to real second-rankers.


    While both groups were wary of each other, the guards were a lot more anxious than Emily, Emma, and Astrid.


    After all, Emily and Emma were constantly kept apprised of what went on down there, while the Institute guards could only guess. Although Astrid had no connection to Erik currently, she knew he was fine, so long as Emma and Emily remained calm.


    Suddenly, about ten minutes after Erik left, a group of ten to fifteen scientists began filing out of the elevator in a panic. Their entrance to the scene, marked by a cacophony of curses, sighs of relief, and loudints about idiotic muscle heads below, momentarily broke the tension.


    "Finally, open air!" one of them praised, lifting his arms in the air.


    "Bunch of crazy bastards, fighting in an underground facility. I refuse to be buried before I''m actually dead!" another cursed, grumbling and spitting on the floor.


    "Mommy, save me!" a third wailed, tears streaming down his face as he ran towards a female guard, who could only respond with an exasperated eye roll.


    These scientists, upon noticing the assembled guards, quickly sought refuge with them, eager to understand the chaos that seemed to envelop the Institute.


    One of the remaining three second-rankers, Alex, who had takenmand of the guards in Alistair''s absence, quickly beckoned one of the scientists over to him without taking his eyes off the people in front of him. "You! Tell me what''s going on."


    First ncing around to ensure Alex was talking to him, the human in a white coat gulped anxiously but didn''t dare disobey. He carefully approached what was clearly something akin to a Mexican standoff. Before gulping when he felt the pure power radiating off these second-rank individuals who could squash him like the tiniest of bugs.


    When he arrived next to Alex and nced apprehensively between the two groups without talking, Alex barked, "Come on, speak up!"


    He didn''t ask the man to whisper it to him, since he didn''t doubt the redheaded vampire''s second-rank Runebound hearing would pick up any volume at this distance.


    "Uhm, y¡ªyes, sir," the man stammered, and quickly ryed how Erik, Alistair, and the two vampire guards arrived in theb, before taking Eleni with them to go get Alice. "All seemed fine, but then five minutester, the structure started trembling and we heard sounds of fighting, so we got the hell out of there!" he finished.


    At the mention of a fight, Alex quickly got agitated and changed into werewolf form before brandishing his ws and ring at the people in front of him. "You! What is going on!? We wereplying with your demands!" he growled furiously, while the scientist quickly ran back to therger group behind them.


    "Please calm down," Emma responded with a bright smile and a cheery voice while the calming influence of her nature affinity spread around her. "We know as much as you do!"


    Naturally, that was tantly untrue, as she was currently talking to Erik in a far more troubled tone than she projected to the outside world. Yet, it was Elora instead of Erik who responded and told her that Erik was fine but focused and couldn''t respond.


    Meanwhile, Alex seemed surprised that it was the only first-ranker among the invaders who seemed to take the lead among them. The reason for that was partially because she was Erik''s wife, but also because she had her calming nature affinity, and because neither Astrid nor Emily were particrly interested in a peaceful solution.


    Alex nced cautiously at the three second-rankers the white-haired girl was surrounded by, but since they didn''t object, he could only address Emma with narrowed eyes, while continuing to brandish his ws and prepare for a fight. "Are we supposed to believe that?!"


    Emma shrugged while keeping her casual attitude and bright smile, while her nature affinity was already working to slightly calm the tensions. "Believe it or not, have things really changed? A confrontation right now would be disadvantageous to all of us. How about we just wait until someonees back up again."


    Both Emily and Astrid momentarily lost their focus as they nced at Emma with raised eyebrows in surprise. Emily, especially, had never seen this side of Emma, and even her bloodlust now took a backseat to her surprise. Yet, they quickly refocused on the situation at hand, deciding to think about Emma''s behaviorter.


    Even Emma was a little surprised at herself, but all she could think of was that Erik trusted her, and that he wouldn''t want this situation to turn into arge-scale battle. Thus, she had pulled qualities she didn''t know she had from unknown depths within her.


    It seemed Emma could be quite the leader and negotiator when she wanted to be, which were qualities that she had shown before on more than one asion.


    And indeed, her words did make the guard think, as aplicated expression appeared on his transformed face. Finally, he nodded and took a more casual stance, though he remained in werewolf form. "Fine, we''ll wait."


    There was nothing that guaranteed Emma was telling the truth, but he could feel a sort of trustworthy and calming aura surrounding her, causing him to instinctively want to listen to and trust her.


    So they waited for ten more minutes, until, finally, the elevator dinged again.


    All eyes turned towards the metal door as they anxiously anticipated who wasing up again. All eyes, except for the second-rankers, who kept a cautious gaze on the people in front of them.


    Finally, the doors opened, and a smirking Erik stepped out, with the head of a cute and young wereverine sticking out from his right shoulder.


    "Miss me?" he chuckled as he looked around at the dismayed first-rankers ahead.

 Chapter 210: Chapter 210 - Leaving victoriously [1/2]

    After ncing around at the fearful first-rankers in and around the Institute, Erik slowly and quietly strolled his way outside, smirking a little at the fearful faces around him.


    Alice, who was stillfortably clutching his back like a ko, looked around smugly. She enjoyed the scared nces thrown in their direction. They may not technically be aimed at her, but it still felt good to see these people who had imprisoned her so afraid.


    The first-rank guards and scientists in their way quickly made a path for the pair, afraid to catch the werewolf''s wrath.


    "You know, you don''t have to keep clutching my back. It was mostly to make the fighting easier," he softly suggested to Alice by turning his head slightly.


    Alice pouted in response and tightened her arms and legs. "No! I like it here."


    "As you wish then," Erik chuckled with amusement. It''s not like it was an inconvenience for him.


    When they reached the second-rankers, Alex had finally taken his eyes off the women in front of him to re at Erik instead. He also shortly nced at Alice, who was sticking out her tongue at him. "Doesn''t feel good to be powerless to stop someone, huh!" she growled mockingly.


    It''s not that Alex ever did anything truly terrible to her, but he was usually the person who went to get her when it was time for samples to be drawn or tests to be done. Frankly, after after so many days of being powerless and alone, it felt good for Alice to have some support.


    "Where are Alistair and the others?" Alex growled furiously, yet cautiously, at Erik while ignoring Alice''s taunts.


    "They tried to trap me, so I killed them," Erik shrugged while continuing to walk towards the others. "I''m not currently inclined to make you join them, but you could try and change my mind if you like?"


    "You¡­ You dare!" Alex roared, as fury filled his mind. He snarled and bared his fangs at Erik. Part of him wanted to snap and simply attack, damn the consequences. But one look in the dangerous amber eyes of the taller, armored werewolf in front of him quickly calmed the man down. Fear and pragmatism threw cold water over his fury.


    Seeing the struggle in the man''s eyes, Erik snorted with indifference. "You should remember that the rest of these people would likely share whatever fate you chose for yourself," Erik growled softly as he passed the seething Alex.


    That was thest straw for him, as he took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and took a step back. "Fine. Get out of here, and leave us in peace."


    He shortly nced at the enved council envoy and considered saying something but then decided it wasn''t his problem. He just wanted these people out of here so he could assess the situation and bury his deadrades.


    Finally, Erik reached a brightly smiling Emma, a relieved Astrid, and a confidently grinning Emily.


    Emily was currently in the process of slightly rotating the orb in the second-ranker''s eye socket, just to watch the man squirm a little. Despite the fact she had lived with these types of feelings for the better part of seven years, she still surprised herself at the joy she felt doing this, and realized that it was all because of her corruption.


    But she didn''t care. Not really. Not so long as her sadism and bloodlust didn''t target anyone she cared for, and, ording to Erik and Elora, that wouldn''t happen so long as the corruption didn''t go any further, which the envement was supposed to prevent.


    "I''m d you''re back, Master!" Emma chirped happily.


    "Wee back, Erik," Astrid smiled softly, still brandishing her swords, and not taking her eyes off the guards for a second. She was a fighter through and through.


    "Took your time, huh?" Emily grinned, as if his return was never in doubt. Still, Erik could see relief and difort in her eyes. Difort that likely stemmed from her relief in the first ce. She still had a little trouble quantifying and uttering her care and concern for Erik.


    After they greeted Erik, Emily and Astrid stayed focused on the guards, while Emma turned her attention to the little head sticking out from Erik''s right shoulder. "Hi! You must be Alice," she smiled warmly in wee.


    Alice, for her part, looked at Emily and Astrid with curiosity, although her gaze changed drastically when her eyes fell on Emma. They all gave her different feelings. While Emily made her feel a little ufortable, and Astrid awakened her fighting instincts, it was Emma who had the most profound impact on the girl.


    Despite their mere eight years of age difference, Emma made her feel like a mother, which was a strange feeling for Alice. She didn''t remember her biological mother, and the woman who raised her, while loving, had told Alice early on that she and her husband were not Alice''s biological parents.


    Thus, she never really saw Marta as a mother, even if she did love the woman. But with Emma, it was almost instinctual.


    Naturally, this feeling came from Emma''s nature affinity.


    It was much the same as the human faction within the council, which had turned into somewhat of a cult. Their leader, the nature affinity wielding Zara Yaga, was revered as sort of a holy mother figure, who was not to be disobeyed or insulted.


    Of course, as a third-ranked Arcanist, Zara Yaga''s effects on the people around her were far more profound than the mere first-ranked Emma. Even so, Emma could still have a slightly calming effect on even second-rankers, but for a young girl in the first rank, who never had a real mother, Emma''s aura was particrly deadly.


    "H¡ªHi," Alice slightly stammered as she looked into those warm and caring eyes of Emma, and felt like she had finallye home. "Y¡ªYeah, I''m Alice."


    "My name is Emma," the white-haired girl beamed, before indicating to the two women besides her. "These are Emily and Astrid. I hope we''ll get along!"


    "We''ll need to teach Emma to control her aura soon," Elora chuckled in Erik''s soul. "Nature affinity can have an almost brainwashing effect on people that hang around it for too long, causing people to really see that person as a mother figure."


    Erik nodded in response but didn''t feel the urgency for now. There was no way for Emma to affect him, while the effect on Astrid and Emily would also be negligible. As for Alice, well, she could use a mother, so what was the harm?


    With the introduction out of the way, Erik quickly scooped up a softly giggling Emma into a princess carry since his back was upied now, and turned to Astrid and Emily. "Time we got out of here, girls."

 Chapter 211: Chapter 211 - Leaving victoriously [2/2

    Before they could get underway, Erik suddenly heard a low growling next to his ear. Emma''s aura had briefly stunned Alice before, but now she noticed the dazed-looking man standing just behind these women.


    "Victor¡­" she mumbled hatefully. Her mind was consumed by anger, as she preferred to spend her thoughts on revenge, rather than confront her emotions about his fate.


    Noticing her turmoil, and sensing her body tensing in preparation to confront Victor right there and then, Erik raised his right hand and gently caressed the young wereverine''s head. "You''ll get your chance, little one," he said soothingly. "But be a little patient, alright? We don''t have time right now, but he''s not going anywhere."


    "I know you don''t know me well yet, but you can trust Erik," Emma smiled at Alice, whilefortably nestled in Erik''s arms. "He''s never broken his word to me."


    Thebined efforts of Emma and Erik quickly calmed Alice down. She took a deep breath, nodded, and tightened her grip on Erik''s neck and back. However, she never took her hate-filled, narrowed eyes off Victor.


    Next, under the anxious and furious gazes of the Institute scientists, guards, andmunal residents, Emily climbed onto Astrid''s back, before they took off running. Behind them, Victor followed along obediently.


    As soon as they were out of eyesight, the ck orb lodged in the eye socket of Emily''s unfortunate target dissipated. Relieved from constant pain and the immediate threat to his life, the second-ranker guard immediately fainted from exhaustion.


    Alex looked at him with pity, sighed, shook his head, and turned around.


    He was nowmander of this ce, and there was much to do.


    *****


    A group of six, three of whom were being carried, raced across the ins of Sweden towards Find.


    They intended to make the trip back in one go this time. After all, the council forces throughout Sweden were likely already warned about their assault on the Institute, either through sigils or the council''s partially restored phonework.


    While they obviously didn''t need to worry about the first-rankers, there were also at least fifty second-rankers in Sweden, many of whom were vampires and shapeshifters capable of traveling just as quickly as Erik and his group.


    Fortunately, Sweden wasrge. Plus, the Council couldn''t be sure of their next destination. Not to mention that they would need at least ten second-rankers to pose a serious obstacle to Erik and the others.


    Still, to linger and make themselves easy targets would be foolish. Thus, they traveled at as high a speed as they could maintain for the entire trip while carrying three people, which was about 60 km/h (~37 mph). They took no rest and used minor detours to avoid any inhabited areas.


    In the end, it took them 23 hours of constant travel before they finally arrived back in Muonio.


    When the the familiar ruins of Muonio appeared in sight, Erik and Astrid ked deep sighs of relief, as sweat poured down their bodies, their muscles screamed in pain, and they took in a big gulps of air at a time.


    With Elora''s physical essence still incapacitated, Erik''s only support during this trip was Elora''s rejuvenating magic, which he had to share with Astrid if he wanted her to keep up. Luckily, his body wasn''t badly wounded as it was on the trip between Frostvik and Muonio a few days ago, but he did have to travel for far longer this time.


    They were still on the outskirts of town, but neither Erik nor Astrid cared. They released their passengers and sagged onto the cold, snow-covered ground, with Erik taking the additional step of dumping his armor to the side, and returning to human form.


    Naturally, Elora took the time to conjure some clothes on him, sparing young Alice the sight of his naked body.


    "Uuuuugh," Astrid and Erik groaned at the same time. They enjoyed the feeling of the cold ground and snow, cooling down their bodies while theyy sprawled on the ground.


    Surprisingly, Emily also joined them on the ground as she felt her body ache from clinging to Astrid''s back for so many hours.


    Only Emma and Alice remained standing. They looked down on the three of them with part pity, and part amusement. While Alice, too, had to hold on to Erik for the entire trip, her Runebound body and wiry, wereverine muscles were perfectly suited to the task.


    In fact, Alice had even managed to fall asleep forrge parts of their journey. After all, her mind and body were both exhausted from the revtions about her father and her months of nerve-wracking imprisonment by the Council.


    Thus, by hooking her ws into Erik''s armor, and with a little magical help, she had managed to stick to Erik''s back while sleeping.


    Actually, her ability to fall asleep had involved a bit of magical assistance as well. Erik had asked Elora to help, in order to prevent the young wereverine from being alone with her thoughts about Bj?rn and Victor for the entire journey.


    "How are you feeling, Master?" Emma asked with concern and a touch of sadness. "I''m sorry you had to carry me. I wish I could have helped¡­"


    "I''m fine, Emma¡­" he panted in response. "Don''t worry about it. Just let us catch our breath for a moment, and we''ll go to the same room asst time."


    "Don''t worry about it, my butt," Astrid panted as she (very) lightly punched Emily lying next to her before pointing a finger at the ck-haired girl. "You owe me!"


    "Sure, sure," Emily chuckled and panted, sporting a teasing grin. "Next time I''ll carry you on my back. Let''s see how far we get."


    "I''m holding you to that!" Astridughed softly in response.


    Erik smiled softly at the banter next to him. He enjoyed this. For seven years, it had been just him and Elora, with some notable exceptions, and while he loved his time alone with the mischievous fairy, he realized he greatly enjoyed having more people to travel with.


    At least, while they were getting along.


    Meanwhile, Alice scratched her head, looking a bit ufortable. While she felt a great affinity for both Erik and Emma, thest 23 hours hadn''t offered much opportunity for conversation, so she didn''t really feel like part of the group yet. She felt like an outsider.


    Luckily, Emma noticed her difort and approached the young girl with a smile. "Say, Alice. I haven''t seen your human form yet. Do you mind showing me?"

 Chapter 212: Chapter 212 - Alices problem

    Hearing Emma''s question got Alice momentarily lost in the young woman''s motherly aura again. However, she quickly freed herself and nodded, albeit a little hesitantly, "I, uuuh, sure." But then she scratched her head again, "But I¡­ don''t have any clothes on."


    From the moment Erik had found her, Alice had remained in her wereverine form, covering her body in fur. While Alice enjoyed being in her beast form, she did have some clothes back in the Institute, but neither Erik nor she really thought of that amid everything that was going on.


    "Right," Emma giggled, before turning to the still-prone Erik with a questioning gaze, "Master?"


    Erik naturally understood her request and beckoned Alice with an outstretched hand, "Come here for a moment, Alice."


    A little curious what this was about, Alice approached Erik and put her wed hand in his newly human one. A sh of dark green light ensued when Elora used Erik as a conduit for her magic


    "Ah!" Alice yelped, but kept her hand in ce. She watched the glow suddenly covering her body with wonder. With everything that happened, she had already put a lot of her trust into Erik, so she wasn''t too concerned about this development.


    When the glow dissipated, Alice was suddenly wearing some simple, yet colorful clothing. "Wow," she mumbled in awe as she inspected her new threads. "I didn''t know shapeshifters could do that!" she eximed excitedly, perhaps hoping to get this ability herself one day.


    "I''m sorry to disappoint," Erik chuckled with amusement. "But those clothes are actually the handy work of someone you haven''t met yet. It''s a long story, but suffice it to say she can''t show her face for a while. You''ll meet her eventually, though."


    Alice looked a little disappointed about losing her potential future ability. Yet, despite the many questions in Alice''s mind about who this person could possibly be, and how they conjured these clothes on her without even being anywhere near, Alice just nodded and took his exnation as face value.


    With nothing obstructing her anymore, Alice quickly started shifting back to her human form. The transformation was notably the slowest shapeshifter transformation any of them had seen, but considering her age and power level, that was no surprise.


    It took about a second of crackling bones, rippling skin, and shifting muscles, before Alice had turned into a ten-year-old human girl, with bright blue eyes and chestnut hair the color of her fur. As was the case with all wereverines, her beast form was slightly shorter and morepact, thus she had grown to about 145cm(~4''9").


    However, surprisingly, her face contorted in difort and even a little pain during her transformation.


    After it was done, and the difort on her face disappeared, she was instead filled with wonder once again when she noticed that her new clothes had adjusted themselves to fit her new form.


    Yet, when she noticed the strange looks everyone was throwing at her, she got a little nervous. "W¡ª what?" she stammered, a little uncertain how to feel about all this attention.


    Deciding to first put the girl at ease, Emma smiled brightly at her. "You look beautiful, Alice!" she beamed.


    Immediately forgetting about the strange looks, Alice chuckled sheepishly while ruffling her own hair, "Hehehehe. Thank you, Miss Emma." A small blush and happy smile had appeared on her face due to Emma''spliment.


    "Actually, it''s Mrs. Emma," she responded with a small giggle, realizing that this was the first time she referred to herself as Mrs. "But you can just call me Emma."


    As Emma continued to put Alice at ease and exined her marital status to the girl, Erik was talking to Elora.


    "Elora? What was that?" he asked as a little concern for Alice seeped into his voice.


    Elora remained quiet for a moment, as if in thought, before responding. "I think it''s the consequences of her being a hybrid¡­" her voice trailed of at the end, as if she was still thinking deeply. Erik could practically see her chewing on her metaphorical hair.


    "You already checked her body and gics during the journey, right?" Erik asked, sure that Elora wouldn''t have missed the opportunity.


    "Of course," Elora nodded, shaking herself free from her thoughts and entering teacher mode. "You''ve already seen she''s perfectly capable of changing into and out of her wereverine form, and that her beast form looks no different from what you might expect a wereverine to look like."


    "This aligns with what I discovered when inspecting her body: shapeshifter genes are dominant over human genes," she continued thoughtfully. "Half-human she may be, but the human part of her gic makeup is almost entirely suppressed. And before you ask, no, she currently does not have ability to be both a Runebound and an Arcanist."


    "The genes responsible for altering the function of aetherium in the body that vampires and shapeshifters have are preventing her from forming an aetherial storage organ. Basically, for all intends and purposes, she''s a normal shapeshifter. At least outwardly," Elora finally finished.


    "So what about inwardly? And what about the pain and difort on her face earlier?" Erik asked a little impatiently. It''s not that he wasn''t interested in the exnation, he was just a little more concerned about Alice right now.


    It seemed Alice had endeared herself to him quite quickly, something Elora was more than happy to point out. "You''ve certainly taken a liking to the girl awfully quickly," the fairy giggled from inside his soul, not minding his impatient tone.


    "I¡­" Erik began but trailed of when he realized she was right. Finally, he sighed. "Fine, so I have a weakness for resilient and feisty girls like her. Just call me a bleeding heart already," he finished with a roll of his eyes.


    "Oh, no, no. I would never!" Elora giggled teasingly, clearly indicating that that is exactly what she thought of him. "I''m just wondering if I should mark this girl down as one of my future sister-wives. In a few years, of course."


    "What?! No! Absolutely not!" Erik surprised himself at outburst of disgust he felt at the thought of marrying Alice.


    Naturally, this only caused Elora tough harder. "Hahahaha," Elora''s bell likeughter rang through Erik''s mind and soul while he huffed with a little annoyance.


    "Oh, don''t pout!" Elora chuckled after she calmed down a little. "That outburst just proves you''ve started awakening some fatherly instincts for the girl. It''s a little sooner then expected, but I can only hope you''ll be like this with our own kids someday."


    Finally, Erik couldn''t stand her teasing anymore. "Alright, alright. You''ve had your fun," he huffed with a roll of his eyes. "Just answer my question, will you? What about inwardly, and what about the pain and difort from earlier? Will she be alright?"

 Chapter 213: Chapter 213 - A message

    "She''ll be fine," Elora reassured Erik with a chuckle. "Her body is simply not as prepared for the changes during transformation as a full shapeshifter is, making the entire thing a little harder for her. Still, there shouldn''t be any actual danger for the girl, so you can rest easy."


    Erik''s response, "Shouldn''t be?" came as a reflex, picking up on the subtle hint of uncertainty in Elora''s previous assurance.


    "Well, I still have to conduct a bit more analysis and testing," Elora admitted with a mental shrug. "There''s always the possibility of discovering something unexpected. I may be awesome and amazing, but I''m not infallible!" The tone in her voice was filled with so much pride that most would doubt if she actually meant thosest words.


    "Anyway," she continued, shifting the topic slightly. "The data from those Council scientists wasn''t particrly helpful, but I think there might still be some interesting findings in Alice''s gic makeup that are worth exploring. I just need a little more time to study her."


    "Alright," Erik nodded, signaling his understanding and agreement. "Just don''t make her ufortable, and try to figure out a way to make her transformation less painful and stressful."


    "Of course, of course," Elora chuckled mischievously. "Wouldn''t want your new daughter to be ufortable."


    Groaning at Elora''s jokes, Erik finally pushed himself up from the cold snowy ground and stretched his body. Beside him, Astrid and Emily were resting their eyes for a moment until they were ready to move on, while in front of him, Emma was giggling and whispering with Alice.


    ''Do I really want to be a father-figure to that girl?'' he thought to himself as he looked at the little girl who seemed so resilient in the face of the curve balls life had thrown her so far. ''Well, whatever,'' he thought after a few moments of contemting his future role in Alice''s life. ''If it happens, it happens.''


    He stepped up to Emma and Alice, before grabbing his second wife and nting a soft kiss on her lips. "That''s for being so great to Alice," he told her through their link with a warm smile on his face.


    Emma giggled happily and responded, also through their link, "She''s a cute girl. I''d love it if she stuck around."


    Erik smiled and turned to Alice who was looking at them curiously. "So Alice," he began with some concern in his voice. "How does it feel for you when you transform? It looked like you were in difort just now."


    "Ah," Alice eximed, being momentarily taken aback by Erik''s question. She had hoped no one noticed. "It''s no big deal," she mumbled a little awkwardly as she scratched her head. "It just hurts a little when I transform. But I''ve had that my whole life already, and I''ve gotten used to it. I just try not to transform to often, and usually prefer to stay in beast form."


    It was no surprise the girl preferred her wereverine form to the human one. The only link to her human side was her mother, and she was just three-years-old when that link died. To this day, she had very little to no memories of the woman, while most of the important people in her life were shapeshifters.


    Naturally, the wereverine form wasn''t exactly practical in a lot of day-to-day activities for adults, but Alice was still a child. She had been getting away with this for as long as she could remember.


    "You should have said something!" Emma eximed, a little frustrated. "You didn''t have to transform if you didn''t want to!"


    "No, no! It''s fine!" she hurriedly exined, somehow not wanting to disappoint the woman in front of her. "I wanted to do it! Besides, I would have had to show my human face at some point, anyway."


    "I''m d you two are getting along," Erik smiled. "But we should be getting to the hotel now. We need to rest on something better then the snowy ground," he chuckled as he looked at Astrid and Emily. The two exhausted women were already in the process of falling asleep despite the cold ground they were lying on.


    "Come on, you two. Get up. This is no ce to sleep," he grinned as he softy kicked their legs causing them to groan and re at him, even as they stood up and stretched.


    "Fine, fine. Let''s go," Astrid mumbled, groggily.


    As they turned around and were about to move deeper into town, they were stopped by a young voice that sounded uncertain, yet filled with a desire for vengeance. "W¡ª Wait! What about Victor!"


    Erik turned around to see Alice ring at the dull-eyed Victor. Their arrival here, her falling asleep during the journey, and Emma''s conversationbined with her aura had distracted the girl for a while, but not anymore.


    Just before she was about to follow Erik and the others, she suddenly saw Victor from the corner of her eye, and all her feelings of hatred, fury, and sadness came flooding back again.


    "You¡ª You promised me his head!" Alice seethed, despite some uncertainty in her voice, and small tears in her eyes.


    "I did," Erik said with a stern frown and a nod. "And you''ll have it. Tomorrow, first thing. But not now."


    But Alice''s fury wouldn''t be quelled so easily. Not after having been, somewhat magically, suppressed for nearly 24 hours, through abined effort of Elora''s magic and Emma''s instinctual aura.


    She shook her head wildly. "I don''t want to wait! He caused everyone I cared about to die, and he needs to pay!"


    The only thing stopping her from simply assaulting Victor right here and now, is that she wasn''t in wereverine for anymore, and she was afraid Erik would stop her.


    Erik stepped up to Alice carefully and caressed her small head. "I know, Alice. And he will. But tonight, there''s something else I want to give you. Something perhaps even more important."


    Uncertainty shone in the young girls eyes as she panned her gaze between Erik and Victor. Fury was still flooding her mind, but the respect and trust she had gained for Erik after his rescue, and his extraordinary abilities, tempered her feelings, ever so slightly.


    "W¡ª What''s that?" she finally decided to ask, with some skepticism.


    "A message from your father," Erik said softly. "He created it just before he died."

 Chapter 214: Chapter 214 - The memory stone

    About half an hourter, Erik, Emma, and Alice were sitting on the couches in the same hotel room they had upied two days earlier. After mentioning her father''s final message to her, it had taken very little effort to convince Alice to wait a little longer for her revenge.


    The reason Erik wanted her to wait was based on Elora''s rmendation. The fact is that allowing Alice to take revenge now, when her mind is overflowing with fury, might leave her with emotional scars after the deed is done. Currently, Alice is marinating in a mix of loneliness, fury, and loss, which means that killing Victor now would simply beshing out at the injustice of it all.


    Yet, if they showed her Bj?rn''s message first, it might allow Alice to find a little closure and ground her emotions, perhaps giving her a sense of continuity and purpose, beyond the immediate rage and desire for revenge.


    They didn''t expect, or even want, her to give up her desire for revenge. Just to give it a little more purpose, beyond simple venting.


    It was just the three of them right now, as Astrid and Emily had both fallen asleep already, while Victor had once again been chained up and dumped in the hallway, much to Alice''s glee.


    Both Emma and Alice had managed to sleep during the journey, and their physical exertion was far less than that of Emily and Astrid, allowing them to remain awake for a little while longer.


    Erik, on the other hand, was tired, but it wasn''t anything he couldn''t handle.


    Emma and Alice were sitting on one couch, while Erik was sitting across from them. Emma had insisted on this since she liked Alice and wanted to give her some support.


    Alice looked anxiously at Erik. "So? What''s this message you couldn''t give me out there?" She was a bundle of nerves, as she didn''t know what she wanted to hear from her father, or if she wanted to hear anything at all, but she also felt the desire for revenge gnawing at the edges of her mind, giving rise to some impatient annoyance.


    Unfortunately, Erik would not allow her anywhere near Victor until she had received her father''s message.


    Erik held up his hand, and a small light shed. A small red stone appeared in his hand.


    It was the memory stone Elora had given to Bj?rn back in Frostvik.


    "A stone?" Alice muttered, with clear skepticism and annoyance in her voice.


    Erik didn''t mind her tone and smiled indulgently while he nodded. "It''s a memory stone. It can record anything, from memories to thoughts to music. Your father''sst thoughts are recorded on it."


    "Oh¡­" Alice mumbled, falling silent as she stared at the stone with equal parts fear, apprehension, hope, and desire.


    "Here," Erik carefully handed her the stone with a solemn expression.


    Alice''s small hands trembled a little when she took the stone and stared at it for a while.


    Erik and Emma gave her the time she needed, while Emma draped her arm over the girl''s shoulders and pulled her a little closer. Something that Alice simply let happen, as Emma''s natural aura slightly soothed her chaotic emotions.


    Finally, Alice looked up at Erik, "Do you¡­ know what''s on it?" she mumbled hesitantly.


    Erik shook his head. "It''s a message for you, not us. You''ll be the first to know what''s on it."


    Of course, it''s not like Erik even had a real moment to rest and check the message between Bj?rn handing it to Elora and now. But even so, he wouldn''t have checked what was on it. Not only was it none of his business, but it also didn''t really matter to him.


    Alice nodded gratefully, "So what do I do?"


    Erik figured Alice didn''t have much experience with her abilities as a Runebound yet, so he quickly exined to her how she could manipte the aetherium that was constantly permeating her body.


    "When you send that energy into the stone, the message should appear in your mind," he finished his exnation before falling silent.


    Alice nodded gratefully again. Yet, instead of following his instruction, she went back to looking at the stone with the sameplicated mix of emotions as before.


    Emma and Erik simply let her be. Something like this couldn''t be rushed. Alice needed to prepare herself, and they would give her as much time as she needed.


    Finally, Alice took a deep breath, and conviction appeared in her eyes.


    No visual effects appeared, but Erik could feel aetherium flowing from Alice''s body into the stone before the young girl closed her eyes. She frowned a little, as if trying to make sense of what was happening.


    It didn''t take long before the frown disappeared, however. Instead, her facial expression started showing a mixture of surprise, love, and sadness.


    Meanwhile, her hand folded around the small red stone into a fist, tightening by the second.


    Finally, tears started dripping from her closed eyes, as her shoulders began to tremble.


    A few minutester, she had begun to sob uncontrobly. Her eyes opened again, clearly having seen the entirety of the message, and her gaze was filled with love and loss but also understanding. There was also fury there, but it was greatly tempered by her other emotions.


    After her eyes opened, she kept her fist tightly clenched around the stone and dove into Emma''s embrace, as she let the young woman''s motherly aura wash over andfort her. Emma looked at Alice withpassion and wrapped her arms around the girl.


    Luckily, the maid outfit she was wearing had enchantments to keep it from getting wet.


    Alice didn''t say anything, and neither did Erik and Emma. They simply chose to let the girl vent her emotions as she cried and sobbed into Emma''s shoulder while tightly gripping Emma with her Runebound strength.


    It was a little ufortable for Emma, but she didn''t mind. The girl''s grip wasn''t tight enough to actually harm her, anyway.


    Finally, after ten minutes of crying, it was slowly starting toe to an end, as many of the emotions she had been bottling up from the moment her adoptive parents died had finally gotten an outlet.

 Chapter 215: Chapter 215 - Just another sob story. And yet...

    Despite having stopped crying, Alice kept her head buried in Emma''s chest for a little while longer. At the same time, Emma was caressing the girl''s back while whispering soothing words in her ear.


    Finally, she pulled herself back while mumbling, "Sorry," and trying to wipe away some of the snot and tears staining her face. Unfortunately, she only managed to spread them out. Emma giggled slightly at the sight and waved her hand slightly, inadvertently showing off her skills with aetherium by cleaning Alice''s face with a wave of light.


    "No need to apologize, Alice," Emma soothed with a warm, almost motherly tone. "Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on now and then. I was happy to be yours today."


    "Thank you¡­" Alice smiled slightly, despite her hoarse voice and broken tone.


    Then, she turned and looked at Erik with aplicated gaze. Erik calmly looked back at her.


    They stared at each other for a moment, until Erik spoke up: "I guess Bj?rn talked about the specifics of his death, huh."


    Alice nodded slightly, as her expression showed a clear struggle over how she was supposed to feel about this. "You and that other woman¡­ were also directly responsible for his death," she mumbled, as hate fought against the care and trust she had built with Erik and his group.


    "Do you really believe that?" Erik asked, as his expression remained calm. Emma decided to stay out of this, as she instead stood up to pour Erik some more tea.


    They stared at each other again, before Alice said softly, "Dad didn''t¡­ he knew this was the only way for¡­ for someone to go save me." Tears started flowing again. "Even if you had agreed to save me without his sacrifice, you wouldn''t have been able to escape that asshole Frostfang."


    She began to sob a little again as she continued, "Plus, he was happy to be able to go out fighting, rather than simply being executed by Frostfang. I suppose I got that part from him¡­" she trailed off with a small smile, despite the tears.


    At this point, Emma had once again taken the girl into her arms.


    Meanwhile, Erik calmly nodded. "I''m actually a little relieved to hear how Bj?rn felt about the whole thing," he mentioned thoughtfully. "I liked Bj?rn, and I can''t even me him for causing all that trouble. I would have done the same in his shoes, after all."


    Alice smiled slightly, "He liked you too¡­"


    Suddenly, Erik frowned, "So now I know how he felt, but how do you feel about the whole thing? Do you me me? Or Elora?"


    "I¡­" Alice began but trailed off as she looked away. "I''m not sure yet¡­ sorry."


    "That''s okay," Erik nodded, before continuing, "Do you mind telling me about his message to you?"


    Alice slowly shook her head. "It was¡­ the memories from his life, from the moment I was born. I saw¡­ I saw my mother. I knew so little about her before¡­ You know, I didn''t even know I was half-human until those damn people at the Institute told me¡­" she mentioned, as some fury towards the Council passed through her eyes.


    She quickly calmed down again, as her lips turned up into a small but happy smile, "I saw how happy they were together, and how they loved me¡­"


    Yet, just as quickly as it appeared, the smile went away and as if there was some endless reservoir of water in Alice''s body, the tears began flowing again when she continued, "I saw her death at the hands of those hunters, and heard herst words¡­ Protect my little Alice."


    She went quiet for a little while, as her emotions raged through anger, a desire for revenge, and a feeling of extreme loss.


    Finally, the blues won out again as she looked down. "After that, it went rtively quickly. I understand now that he left me with Ivar and Marta so that I could be raised as a full-blooded wereverine, and not have to worry about being persecuted for my heritage."


    She nced at Erik, "I also saw your mother¡­ I think I like her. She was hard and tough as nails, but¡­ kind in her own way. Dad noticed the grief behind her eyes, however. She''ll be overjoyed to see you, I think¡­"


    Erik smiled softly at her and Bj?rn''s description of his mother. ''That''s definitely Mom. I''m looking forward to seeing her,'' he mused inwardly, causing Elora to send someforting feelings his way.


    Meanwhile, Alice continued. "Anyway, I saw him meet with Ivar and Marta a few times in secret, and I saw him watching over me from a distance, whenever he had some free time¡­ Very few of his thoughts were spent on anything but me," she sobbed softly, "While I barely knew him at all, and even¡­ even med him for ridiculous things."


    "You can''t me yourself for that," Erik shook his head. "You were just a kid. In fact, you are just a kid. I''m sure you realize after seeing his memories, that Bj?rn wouldn''t want you to do that."


    Meanwhile, in Erik''s soul, the gears in Elora''s mind were turning. Staying true to herself, she didn''t really care about what she considered to be just another sob story, and only focused on the factual information in Alice''s words.


    So she mumbled thoughtfully, "I guess that''s how the Council found out about Alice¡­ They trailed Bj?rn in an effort to find anything they could use to turn him against the Enve, and they seeded. Discovering that Alice was half-human was likely just some ident that came after."


    This was something that had been bugging Elora for a while now. Since even his closestrades didn''t know about Alice, how could the Council have known? But now it made sense to her. A weight was lifted off Elora''s mind, as she always hated not knowing something.


    Meanwhile, Alice answered Erik with a slight nod, "I do, but¡­ it''s easier said than done."


    Silence descended on the three of them once again, while Emma continued tofort Alice, and Erik looked at her solemnly. ''It''s just another of the many sob stories that exist in the universe,'' he couldn''t help but think to himself. ''And yet, I find myself caring about it¡­''


    ''I guess Elora was right,'' he chuckled to himself. ''I''m not only a bleeding heart, but I''m also awakening fatherly instincts for the girl. If I have a daughter of my own, I want her to be like Alice. Resilient and ferocious, but not afraid to cry when the situation calls for it.''


    Yet, he fully recognized that really the only reason he cared about Alice''s story was because she was technically still a ten-year-old child. Had she been an adult, he probably wouldn''t have cared so much.


    While he was thinking, Alice spoke up again. "And that was basically it. After that came¡­ came Victor," she mumbled with hatred in her voice, "and the rest you know."


    Erik nodded slowly. "So now that you have your father''s message, and you know everything¡­ what do you want to do?"

 Chapter 216: Chapter 216 - Guessing game*

    Erik''s question impregnated the air and caused Alice to fall silent. She was currently leaning against Emma, who was caressing Alice''s hair and holding the girl in her arms. The tears had finally dried up now, and her eyelids seemed to be getting heavier.


    The emotional venting, turmoil, and revtions had tired the girl out.


    "I¡ª I don''t know," she finally sniffed sadly, her head lolling a little in Emma''s bossom.


    "Why don''t you sleep on it," Erik softly suggested. "You can decide in the morning."


    "O¡ª Okay,"Alice nodded slightly, before tightening her grip on the white-haired maid. "C¡ª Can I¡­ sleep with you, Emma?" she murmured softly. Her eyes were already half-closed, and sleep was not far away.


    Emma looked at Erik with a questioning gaze, clearly asking Erik for permission before answering. In response, Erik chuckled, and nodded. He wouldn''t have minded if Emma had simply agreed to it. After all, Alice not only a girl, but also ten-years-old.


    Emma likely knew that as well, but her service minded attitude towards Erik still pushed her to asking for permission.


    Seeing Erik''s nod, Emma smiled down at the girl in her arms. "Of course you can, little Alice. Let''s go," she then said, as she stood up and softly pulled the half-asleep Alice with her.


    Next to the sofa''s was a one-person bed that hadn''t been there before. This was one of Elora''s beds, which they had put there for Alice to use and, luckily, Emma wasn''t actually that much bigger than Alice, thus they both fit into the one-person bed perfectly well.


    After carefully putting the emotionally exhausted Alice under the covers, she walked up to Erik and kissed him softly. "Good night, Master," she smiled at him.


    "Good night, Emma," Erik smiled, and smacked Emma lightly on her pert ass when the woman turned around again.


    Emma walked back to Alice, who had started frowning and absentmindedlyining about missing Emma. She crawled onto the bed, and put herself next to the young wereverine, causing Alice to grip onto Emma with both arms, before she quickly drifted off to sleep.


    Erik smiled a little, before joining the already long asleep Emily and Astrid on the room''s king size bed.


    Once he put his head down, he looked up at the ceiling, and quickly drifted off while thinking about the day''s events.


    ******


    A few hourster, he was suddenly awakened by a weight sitting on his crotch.


    Inwardly, he sighed and thought, ''It''s a good thing I don''t really need that much sleep,'' before opening his eyes.


    A fire orb was once again glowing in the once-fire ce, causing a soft red glow to permeate the otherwise dark room, as it was currentlyte at night.


    The silhouette of a beautiful woman was gracefully etched against the backdrop of this soft glow, as she sat naked on his waist with a sultry smile on her lips. It was a smile that was quite far removed from the kind and motherly one she had shown earlier.


    Her long white hair cascaded down like waves of silk, while her soft skin took on a delicate hue thanks to the dimly glowing light. The beautiful, yet modest curves of her body were on full disy, causing Erik to immediately start getting excited.


    She was slowly grinding her wet, naked pussy on Erik''s trouser-covered, yet quickly hardening dick.


    Her soft, full lips parted slightly, and a softly purring voice came out. "I got horny, Master. Will you let me serve you?" she asked in a deferential, yet lustful tone.


    Erik couldn''t help but grin at the woman who seemed to be Emma. "You do know you can''t actually fool me, right?"


    Immediately, ''Emma'' lost her deferential tone and huffed, but didn''t stop grinding her hips against his. "Hmpf, "Couldn''t you just y along? You like getting serviced!"


    "Yeah, but it''s not what I want tonight, my slutty little Ember," he chuckled softly.


    As it turned out, while the body sitting on his really was Emma''s, the mind currently controlling it was not.


    He wasn''t worried about Emma, however. She had already told him a few days ago that she wouldn''t mind if Elora''s took a ride in her body while the fairy''s physical essence recovered. Plus, while Elora could technically force possession on a first-rank, he knew she would never do that to Emma.


    And finally, he could feel the real Emma through their link. Her mind was perfectly calm,fortable, and awake. She was likely watching the events through her own eyes, even as her body was controlled by Elora.


    ''I guess Elora wanted to have a little fun,'' Erik chuckled inwardly.


    "What about Alice, though?" He asked with a curiously raised eyebrow.


    It was important to think about the kids before you start doing your adult exercises.


    "She''s fast asleep," ''Emma'' shrugged casually. "I made sure she wouldn''t wake up for a few hours at least, so Emma will be back before the girl notices anything."


    "Good," Erik nodded calmly, even as his manhood kept getting harder due to ''Emma''s'' soft rubbing, while a wet spot started forming on his trousers.


    Feeling Erik''s growing excitement caused a mischievous grin to appear on ''Emma''s'' face. "So no service y tonight. That''s fine. But what else then? Bondage y? I don''t mind personally, and I''m sure Emma will enjoy it all the more."


    Since Emma was still awake inside her body, she would be able to feel anything done to her body as well, while Elora could even enhance what Emma was feeling, and give the girl an experience like never before.


    Technically, this was about to be a strange three-way.


    But, to ''Emma''s'' growing frustration, Erik shook his head. "Nope, I''m not tying you up either."


    The white-haired girl quickly threw out her next suggestion. "Lightning y then? Perhaps Emma will take a liking to it!"


    But Erik shook his head again, while a teasing grin appeared on his face.


    "Ugh," ''Emma'' groaned. "Teasing is only fun when I do it. How dare you infringe on my turf."


    Yet, despite her words, she didn''t stop the guessing game. "So what then? Breath y? I think Emma would love that actually, and you know I enjoy the asional light choking."


    Again, Erik''s denied her guess, the grin never leaving his face.


    "Damn you," ''Emma'' cursed, while Elora wrecked her brain and attempted using her bond with Erik to discover what he was thinking based on his feelings.


    Finally, she arrived at an answer and sighed, "Ugh. I was hoping for something kinky, but instead you want it loving and vani? Boring!"

 Chapter 217: Chapter 217 - Loving [1/2]**

    [A/N: ''Emma'' = Emma''s body as possessed by Elora]


    Erik smiled at Elora''sst guess and quickly sat up straight until his chest touched ''Emma''s.''


    While the possessed white-haired girl was still sitting across his legs with her knees on either side of his hips, their chests were now pressing against each other. Thus, ''Emma''s'' soft, yet firm breasts and hard nipples poked against Erik''s powerful chest, while her head came only up to his chin.


    Emma and Elora both gasped a little from the sensation.


    At the same time, Erik put his left hand on her hips and used his right to take her chin in a light but firm grip. He raised her chin a little and looked into Emma''s heterochromatic eyes which now carried a spark of Elora''s mischievous gaze. Behind Elora''s yfulness, however, he could still see Emma''s usual limpid and submissive eyes.


    He looked both his wives straight in the eyes at the same time. A slightly crooked, yet warm grin hung on his lips. "You''re right about the loving part, Elora. But I''m not sure how vani ''possessed threesome sex'' is. Regardless, I''d just like to take this opportunity to show both of the most important women in my life how much they mean to me."


    His words caused Emma to quickly melt and used her link with Erik to answer him, "I love you too, Master! You can do whatever you like to me!" Her voice sounded particrly eager and cheerful. Meanwhile, she was trying to push Elora into simply going along with Erik.


    Unfortunately, Elora was a little harder to please and refused to give in to Emma'' poking and prodding. She looked straight back into his eyes with a defiant twinkle, and a yful grin. "And what if I don''t want to?" she asked, in a lustful tone. "Are you going to force me? Punish me? Show your beloved first wife who''s boss around here?"


    Every word was aimed at enticing Erik to do that and more to her.


    While Elora was not into the whole service mindset that Emma had going, she did love being conquered by Erik.


    "Nope!" Erik chuckled. "No games today. If you don''t want to, then we''ll just go back to bed. That means you too, Emma."


    Emma immediately pouted at Elora mentally, while poking and prodding her harder, practically shaking Elora by the shoulders mentally.


    Finally, ''Emma'' sighed and draped her arms over Erik''s neck, before pulling herself up and into a kiss. It was a deep, wet, and yet loving kiss. Their tongues intertwined in a sensual dance, while both Emma and Elora moaned from the taste and sensations Erik gave them.


    Emma''s body was heating up and leaking more and more, but while it was only one body, both minds currently upying it were feeling the effects.


    As their kiss went on, Erik enjoyed the novelty of having the taste and sensation of Emma bebined with the more confident and experienced movements of Elora.


    After a few minutes of kissing, Erik and ''Emma'' finally separated, with ''Emma'' breathing heavily. "F¡ª Fine, then," ''Emma'' panted. "I guess we can do this lovingly, even though I was hoping to be fucked into a stupor tonight."


    Erik grinned at her approval, "You know very well I can do both, little Ember."


    Before getting started, however, he stroked ''Emma''s'' cheek and took on a more serious expression. "I know you getting wounded has rattled you just as much as it has me, Elora. So tonight, I''d just like to reaffirm our love while also having a little fun. We haven''t done it like that since the boat ride."


    Meanwhile, he also spoke to Emma through their link, "And I haven''t forgotten about you, little Glimmer. I know you like to serve me, but I don''t believe we have actually had slightly more vani sex yet."


    Finally, Elora seemed to acquiescepletely. She sighed, and melted into his arms with love in her eyes. It was a powerful love that consisted of thebined feelings of Elora and Emma.


    Yet, Erik wasn''t intimidated, and stared back with his own possessive and domineering love.


    He smiled and kissed her again, before shifting his right hand from ''Emma''s'' chin to her back. Leveraging his grip on both her back and her hip, he managed to swap their position, and put ''Emma'' on her back in one fluid motion. Naturally, she yelped and giggled as it happened.


    Her legs were spread wide in an M-form, with Erik kneeling in between them, with his upper body hovering dominantly over Emma''s petite body.


    Naturally, the bed shook, and Erik was suddenly reminded of the other upants, Astrid and Emily, as he looked to the side at their peacefully sleeping faces.


    Sensing his doubt, ''Emma'' spoke up. "Don''t worry, I made sure they won''t wake up, no matter how much the bed shakes, or how much sound we make."


    Hearing that, Erik grinned and refocused on the task at hand.


    First, his hands caressed the soft skin on her t stomach and wide hips, before moving upwards to lightly grasp her modest breasts. Two women possessing this body both gasped at the sensations when Erik started gently massaging them.


    "Y¡ª You can do¡­ better then that!" ''Emma'' couldn''t help but taunt slightly.


    Erik chuckled and dove down with a hungry look in his eyes, before sucking one of the hard little nipples that had been pointing at him from the start.


    ''Emma'' moaned loudly as both minds upying the body melted with the soft pleasure assaulting their body.


    The moaning only got worse when Erik began ying with the nipple on her other breast using his hand.


    After a few moments of that, he switched his hand and mouth, causing ''Emma'' to tremble with the sensations that were flooding her system.


    Erik sucked hard and raised his body, causing ''Emma''s'' breast to follow him up, and the white-haired girl to arch her back as her eyes rolled up in her head and the moaning became louder.


    "Aaaaaah, hnngghh, I¡ª I thought you wanted to y it slow!"''Emma''ined unconvincingly.


    Erik released her breast with a loud plopping sound, causing ''Emma'' to sag back into the bed with a delirious look on her face. He grinned widely, "We both know that this is very slowpared to our usual."


    Neither Elora nor Emma had time to respond, as ''Emma'' yelped when Erik grasped her hips and pulled her waist up to his face, causing ''Emma'' to nearly hang upside down and her legs to be draped over his shoulders.


    It was time for the next stage of the night.

 Chapter 218: Chapter 218 - Loving [2/2]***

    With Emma nearly hanging upside down, Erik''s left arm was snaked around her hips to keep her in ce, while his right hand kept roaming over her soft breasts and ying with her hard nipples.


    Now with ''Emma''s'' sopping, pretty, and clean-shaven pussy right in front of him, Erik first took a sniff of the unique aroma that he hadn''t actually smelled from this close before.


    "D¡ª Don''t smell that!" came a panicked voice through his link with Emma. "It''s¡ª It''s dirty!"


    Erik nearly burst outughing at the clich¨¦d line from his beloved little Glimmer, but managed to keep himself together. Luckily, Emma was far too preupied with other things to notice his amusement.


    "Oh I''m gonna do far worse than simply smell it, little Glimmer," he answered in an almost menacing tone of voice.


    Elora, who could hear their conversation due to her current merged state with Emma, couldn''t help but giggle loudly using Emma''s own body, causing the poor girl to pout mentally at both of them.


    Luckily, her pout didn''tst long when Erik first nted his lips on her puffy snatch. Both women moaned loudly at the sensation as the body they both upied was nearly pushed to orgasm right then and there.


    Unfortunately for them, he only did that to remove the pout from Emma''s mental face. He wasn''t actually going to make it that easy.


    So he removed his lips from ''Emma''s'' lower lips again and instead started nting soft kisses on their inner thighs and right around the drooling pussy, but never actually touching it.


    Naturally, ''Emma'' trembled from frustration and pleasure. "Y¡ª You call this loving?!" ''Emma'' panted and moaned. Even the real Emma whined through their link, "M¡ª Master¡­! Pleeeaaase!"


    But Erik simply grinned and didn''t give them any relief as he continued to tease them to the brink of orgasm, without ever bringing them over. ''Emma''s'' hands were entangled in Erik''s silver-white hair as they attempted to guide him towards the prize, but she was naturally far to weak for that.


    Finally, when Emma and Elora were on the verge of tears, Erik gave in to their pleading. "Here ites!" he chuckled through both of their links, before plunging down on the main course.


    He pushed his lips up against ''Emma''s'' pussy lips and, with a single prod of his tongue, caused Emma and Elora to cum wildly at the same time after all that edging had brought them so close before.


    Clear liquid squirted against Erik''s face as he grinned from a feeling of aplishment.


    Emma''s body shook and trembled as her near-screaming moans filled the room. "Gaaaah, D¡ª Damn you, you bastard!"


    The actual Emma''s response was a little different, as she flooded their link with gratitude while her mental pleasure was flooding Erik''s mind. "Hnnngggh, T¡ª Thank you, M¡ª Master! I love you!"


    Erik chuckled with amusement, as he enjoyed ying with his wives so much he almost forgot he had wanted to take it slow and make them feel loved.


    So he took his right hand of ''Emma''s'' breasts and wrapped both his arms around her waist, before literately and figuratively digging in.


    He pulled Emma''s body against his and stuck his tongue as far inside her snatch as he could reach, before starting to lick and suck like a man possessed.


    He couldn''t help butpare Elora and Emma''s tastes as he thought to himself, ''Emma tastes different and unique, but still human. The taste of a fairy is simply superior, but I''ll never say that out loud, of course.''


    ''Emma'' screamed and likely would have long since awoken everyone in the room if it hadn''t been for Elora''s precautions. Her hands were still entangled in his hair and tried to push him deeper and deeper into her cunt.


    Erik moved one of his hands up a little and grabbed the little pink button right above her pussy. ''Emma'' moaned even louder as she started mumbling, "M¡ª More, more! A¡ª Almost there again!"


    Usually, Elora preferred to remain a little more collected during sex and really giving him something to work for in removing her confident expression. This time, however, Elora recognized that it wasn''t what Erik wanted. So she just let herself go and enjoyed the sensations together with Emma.


    Erik happilyplied with Elora''s request by switching things up a little. He stopped licking ''Emma''s'' pussy and instead started licking the little nub, while pushing two fingers into her snatch and going to town.


    After that, it didn''t take long before the two women sharing a body screamed again, as they shook wildly and came hard.


    At the same time, Erik dropped her body to the bed, lowered his pants, and shoved the full length of his nine-inch dick into their still-spasming pussy with one forceful thrust.


    "Aaaaaaah!" both woman screamed as their came again straight after theirst orgasm. Erik heard both Elora in Emma''s voice live, and Emma as her self through their link.


    Erik didn''t move yet, and instead stayed inside her while lowering his body and encasing ''Emma'' in a hug.


    "I love my little Ember and Glimmer," he whispered in ''Emma''s'' ear while the two women were stilling down from their high as the Emma''s possessed body trembled, shook, and panted.


    "We¡ª We love you to," came the simultaneous response, causing Erik to smile warmly.


    When his two wives were finally done cumming, Erik felt their pussy had stopped spasming wildly around his cock, and instead simply started massaging him a little more gently.


    It was then that he started moving again.


    He went slowly, as he truly wanted to take it easy tonight, and simply pamper his beloved wives a little, as the current situation offered an opportunity to do so to both of them at the same time.


    Luckily, it was not an unique opportunity, as they could do this whenever they wanted, so long as Emma agreed.


    So the next hour or so was slow and simple, as Erik gave his two wives all the pleasure they could handle while whispering sweet words in their ear, and they whispered back the same.


    Finally, Erik exploded inside Emma''s body, as they all shared in an explosion of pleasure.


    It was a calm and pleasant explosion, however, and they looked into each other''s eyes with love while it happened.


    Afterwards, Elora cleaned them all up, Emma put her clothes back on, and they all went back to sleep in their respective beds. Erik with Astrid and Emily, Emma with Alice, and Elora in Erik''s soul.

 Chapter 219: Chapter 219 - A choice

    Several hourster, Erik woke up again. This time, however, it was not because one of his beautiful wives was sitting on his crotch, but rather, because there was simply no more sleep in him.


    ''How novel,'' he thought, as he remained prone, with his eyes closed. ''I woke up naturally.'' Then he chuckled a little at his own joke.


    "Laughing at your own jokes again?" a teasing voice suddenly sounded in his head.


    "Good morning to you too, little Ember," Erik smiled and responded mentally. "Enjoy yourselfst night?"


    Elore sighed before responding. "Yes, yes. I can admit when I''m wrong."


    "I''m not sure what you''re talking about?" Erik grinned while raising a mental eyebrow in faked curiosity.


    It remained quiet a moment, before Elora sighed again. "It felt good to be pampered after what happened in Frostvik¡­ Getting fucked silly would have just been a crutch."


    "Good," Erik smiled warmly. "I enjoyed it too."


    "But next time we''re back to the kinky stuff, you hear me?!" Elora then huffed in fake annoyance.


    "Yes, yes. Whatever you wish, my love." Erik chuckled.


    He finally opened his eyes and took in the soft morning light. Next to him, Emily and Astrid were still sound asleep. He could hear someone moving around, however, so he sat up and looked in the direction of the sound he heard.


    In front of therge, slightly cracked windows of the room, bathing in the cold morning light, stood Alice. Her hand was ced on the ss as she looked into the distance, seemingly lost in thought.


    Erik sighed softly as hemented the poor girl''s fate, before he looked over at the bed and saw Emma was still asleep as well.


    He looked over at Alice again and, after thinking it over for a moment, he got up and walked in her direction.


    Soon, he stood next to her, and looked into the morning light as well.


    If Alice was startled, or had even noticed his arrival, she didn''t show it. She kept looking into the distance with a sad and thoughtful expression.


    Erik said nothing, and simply stood next to her in a silent gesture of support.


    "I''ve been thinking about what I want¡­ and what I think my parent''s would want for me," Alice''s young voice suddenly sounded next to him. Her tone a little forlorn, but also full of determination.


    "That''s good," Erik nodded. "Did youe to a conclusion?"


    "Partially¡­" she softly mumbled. "I still don''t know what I want to do in the long term, or if I want to¡­ stay with the people who are at least partially responsible for my father''s death. Even though that was his wish¡­ and assuming I''d even be wee."


    Erik was quick to reassure her. "You''re wee to stay with us for as long as you like, Alice," his tone was calm and warm. "For the rest of your life even, if you wish. I''d never try to rece your parents, but you''ll have a home with us, if you want it."


    They remained quiet for a moment while Alice seemed to struggle a little with her emotions. Finally, a slightly hoarse voice came from the girl. "T¡ª Thank you¡­ I''ll remember that¡­"


    Regardless of her feelings towards Erik and Elora for their part in her father''s death, she couldn''t help but enjoy the knowledge there was a ce she could call home, if she wished.


    Erik nodded in acknowledgment, and then continued their conversation. "So what about the short term?" he asked. "I assume it involves Victor''s fate?"


    "Yeah¡­" Alice nodded as her voice trailed off a little hesitantly, clearly unsure about what she wanted to say.


    "Whatever you want to say, just do it," Erik chuckled. "I mean, where is the feisty little wereverine that attacked me the moment I entered your prison cell?"


    "Hmpf," Alice snorted. "Fine then. I want¡­ I want to go to Frostvik! I want to visit the ce my father died. I want to bury him if his¡­ body is still there, and I want to spill Victor''s blood on his grave!"


    She turned to Erik with a ferocious re and an usingly pointed finger, "And you''re going to help me, because it''s the least you can do after using him for your escape!"


    Erik and Alice ended up in a staring contest, with Alice''s eyes narrowed and stubborn, while Erik was rxed and lightly smirking.


    Finally, Erik broke the silence as he shook his head. "No, the least I could do is nothing. And regardless of your opinion, its a perfectly reasonable action. My deal with your father was to rescue you in exchange for his sacrifice. He fulfilled his end of the deal, and so did I. I don''t owe him anything anymore."


    Fury grew on Alice''s face, even as small tears of despair and anger sprang up in her eyes, "You¡­!" she seethed, but was quickly interrupted by Erik.


    "That said," he continued with a small smile. "I''m not opposed to bringing you to Frostvik as a favor to you¡­ but you''ll have to bear a little risk if we do this."


    Alice blinked as the fury quickly drained away to be reced by surprise and confusion. "What¡­ What do you mean?" she asked, unsure how to feel about this. On the one hand, she felt Erik was too casual about her father''s sacrifice, yet on the other, he was willing to do as she asked.


    A thoughtful expression appeared on Erik''s face. "There''s little chance that Frostfang has remained in Frostvik, or even in its vicinity, but little chance is still to high for me. Thus, we need someone to scout the ce out before we head there."


    "You want me to be the scout?!" Alice looked at him in shock, thinking she had the wrong impression of him all this time.


    "What?" Erikughed softly. "No, of course not. That''s not what I meant by risk. If we do this, I want to use Victor as the scout. His envement means he''s in constant contact with Emily even if we''re still several hours away at the time, so he''s perfect for the job. But¡­ if Frostfang is still around at that time, we''ll lose Victor.


    And you your chance to take revenge on him."


    Alice''s eyes went wide when she realized Erik''s n, before her expression quickly transitioned into a thoughtful frown.


    Seeing her lost in thought, Erik decided to mention the other option. "Alternatively, you take your revenge here and now, and we visit Frostvik another time. We''ll be confronting Frostfang within half a year or so anyway, so it won''t matter at that point. Of course, the chance something happens to your father''s remains in that time increases exponentially¡­"


    "So what will it be?" he finished, curiously.

 Chapter 220: Chapter 220 - A surprise encounter

    After a moment of silence, Alice looked up at Erik with determination in her eyes. "Alright, I''ve made my choice," she said, nodding.


    Erik smiled softly, understanding her choice without words¡ªit was ringly obvious to him.


    No way would she give up the chance to bury her father.


    With that done, Erik invited Alice to sit down on the couch with him and engaged in light conversation wit her, as the others gradually awakened around them.


    After all, Runebound weren''t much different from Arcanists in that they didn''t have full ess to their abilities until the age of ten.


    Unlike with Arcanists, however, they didn''t need to grow a metaphysical organ allowing them to store aetherium. Instead, their bodies needed to mature enough to handle the power of runes, while aetherium simply didn''t start permeating their bodies until that time.


    Thus, Alice had awakened to her Runebound powers mere months before her abduction, aware only that she had inherited ice-fire affinity from her father, while her first ability remained a mystery.


    This was one of the drawbacks for Runebound: Arcanists discover their ability almost instinctively, while Runebound have to work for it.


    So he decided to give Alice some advice on how he discovered his own Runebound abilities, causing the girl to be grateful to him and raise his idol-hood in her mind even higher, despite her mixed feelings.


    After everyone was awake again and ready to continue, they moved to leave the hotel and go back to Finnmark, where they now had two immediate objectives: pay a quick visit to Frostvik, assuming Victor doesn''t find anything suspicious, and finally check out what his mother wanted Erik to see.


    Yet, something entirely unexpected happened when Erik set foot outside the building.


    "Crap! Above you!" Elora''s tense voice sounded in Erik''s head.


    At the same time, Erik heard a deep, yet distinctly female chuckle above him. Then, a woman''s voice, with a thick, eastern-European ent sounded. "Well, well, Erik. It''s good to see you again."


    "Shit¡­" Erik softly cursed when he recognized the voice and looked up to see a woman with sharp blue eyes and a yful, yet arrogant smirk hanging from her lips.


    She was sitting on the facade covering the hotel''s entrance, as her legs dangled over the side. Her right elbow rested on her knee, and her chin rested on her right fist in a gesture of casualness.


    "Hello, Katya," he mumbled a reluctant greeting at the same time as he quickly shifted to wolf form in preparation for a fight.


    Immediately, Emily, Emma, and Astrid behind him grew cautious, while Alice was confused. The former three had never actually seen Katya, but they had heard Erik talk about her. Alice, meanwhile, had never even heard the name.


    Astrid''s eyes also shone with a little interest when she realized this was the woman who gave Erik that training manual. But of course, her priority was with Erik and the others, so she tampered her enthusiasm.


    Erik was ahead of them, while they were still under the facade, and they could only see the dangling legs.


    Katya''s clothes rustled when she jumped down from her perch andnded in front of Erik with a heavy thud. Snow and ice shot into the air around her, but she payed it no mind and neither did she care about the nearly-freezing ground under her uncovered feet.


    Katya was a beautiful and mature woman who carried herself with a yful arrogance reminiscent of Elora. But while Katya''s yfulness was born from her arrogance, Elora''s was simply a part of her personality.


    Her light brown hair swayed in a long ponytail. She was dressed much the same as she had been back in London: a simple white crop top, exposing the well-defined muscles on her stomach, camouge print cargo pants, and bare feet.


    Her top also served to snuggly hug her bountiful breasts which, while still not too big, were certainly thergest among the women here, apart from Elora herself.


    Her stature and size were no less imposing than Erik''s, except that she also had the intimidating aura of an extremely powerful third-rank around her.


    "You girls should leave," Erik growled to the women behind him, without taking his cautious gaze of werebear in front of him. He knew Katya could not even be mentioned in the same category as Frostfang.


    They may both be third-rankers, but their actual power levels were as different as night and day.


    He could offer Frostfang a decent fight before his eventual defeat, but with Katya there was no contest. In a real fight, utter defeat was the only oue.


    The problem was,st time they talked over the phone, Katya warned him that he better be ready to face her when they meet again or suffer the deadly consequences.


    Still, he wouldn''t simply roll over and submit. He would fight tooth and nail to keep himself and Elora alive. But at least he didn''t need to involve the women behind him in this.


    "No!" Emily and Astrid both hissed at the same time. "You clearly don''t have a n this time, so we''re not going anywhere."


    Meanwhile, Emma seemed to struggle a little, as she wanted to trust Erik and following his orders, but the other two girls were right, she could see Erik didn''t have a n.


    As for Alice, she simply looked confused and concerned.


    Erik could hear in their voices that they wouldn''t leave no matter what, and he couldn''t just get into an argument with them here. So he just sighed and nodded, "Fine then," and prepared himself forbat.


    Katya had been watching their behavior with an approving grin, but when she noticed Erik was about to start things off by being the first to strike, she finally held up her hands in a sign of peace.


    "Calm down, Erik," she slightly smirked. "I''m not here to fight you, unlike what I saidst time we spoke. The truth is, that I was a little angry at being yed back then, but I have no actual desire to kill someone like you without very good reason. I like you!"


    Hearing that, Erik quickly held himself back from attacking, but narrowed his eyes suspiciously at the woman in front of him. "So what do you want then? You already know I''d rather blow myself up than go with you to the Council. I still have yet to get my revenge."


    "Indeed, you''re quite the foolhardy fellow," sheughed loudly. "But that is part of why I like you! Regardless, I''m not here for either of those things, nor do I want to try and kidnap one of yourpanions again. No, I''m here to make a deal with you¡­"

 Chapter 221: Chapter 221- Once a mercenary... [1/2]

    Silence descended on the ruins of Muonio after Katya announced her peaceful intention.


    Erik kept his eyes narrowed in suspicion as he looked at the powerful woman in front of him. He knew she had no reason to lie about this, and was thus inclined to believe her. Still, he didn''t lower his guard and stayed in a fight-ready stance, much the same as Emily and Astrid.


    As if they had agreed upon it beforehand, Alice and Emma were protected in the middle of a triangle formed by the three second-rankers in their group.


    In the meantime, Erik was conversing with Elora in his soul. "Any idea how she found us? And why your omnisense didn''t pick her up?"


    "No idea on the first part," Elora responded in a thoughtful tone as she chewed her metaphysical hair. "I''ve hidden all our tracks as I always do, and I checked Alice''s body for any tracking methods."


    "But your second question is actually easily exined," she continued. "When proficient and powerful enough, an omnisense user can hide their own presence from others with omnisense by covering their own body with it. Most who can do this simply keep it active constantly out of precaution.


    It won''t actually protect you against the omnisense of someone more powerful than you, but Katya and I are both third-rankers."


    Erik nodded inwardly to indicate that he understood, and was just about to ask Katya how she found them, when she asked a question instead.


    Katya took a good look at the people in his group and raised an eyebrow, "By the way, were''s that Elora woman? I was hoping to see her again. We had quite an¡­ interesting conversationst time we spoke. Themander of Sweden''s forces mentioned reported Elora was with you, but I don''t see her. Don''t tell me he mistook that vampire for her?"


    Erik snorted and waved his hand dismissively, "Never mind about Elora." He wasn''t about to say any more than absolutely necessary here. Continuing to look at her cautiously, he continued, "Since you say youe in peace, why don''t you tell us how you found us first?"


    "Simple," she shrugged, and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I followed you from the Karolinska Institute. I arrived there just in time to see you leave," she chuckled casually, before continuing.


    "But I wanted to speak to you in private, and I don''t care about some second-rate gics project. I couldn''t talk to you before arriving here, as I didn''t want the Swedish Council forces to find us, and when we did arrive here, I figured you''d be more amenable to my proposal after a good nights rest. So how about we get to the reason I''m here?" she finished with with a confident grin.


    Her words made sense, as it would have been child''s y for a third-rank of her power to follow them from a distance without being noticed. Still, it didn''t answer all his questions. "Not just yet. Why where you in Stockholm to witness what happened in the first ce?"


    "You sure are a curious one, aren''t you?" Katya sighed, but then exined anyway, as she shrugged casually. "Neither me nor any other Councilor was able to drop their duties for an unconfirmed sighting of you and your group, but after your little scuffle in Frostvik, your identities were pretty much confirmed by themander of the Council forces that fought there."


    "Still," she continued. "The Council had no idea where you would go next, and we couldn''t afford to go on a manhunt in uncontrolled territory. Thus, your presence there was noted, but was otherwise going ignored."


    Then her lips curled up into a proud smirk. "Yet, asmander of the shadow sentinels, I have my eyes and ears everywhere. One of my subordinates with the shadow affinity secretly stayed behind in Frostvik to see how the whole thing would end.


    She is just a human and was thus unable to even try and follow you, but¡­ well, suffice it to say, I thought that wereverine''s unexpected sacrifice was very interesting, so I did a little digging on what his story was."


    "I found out about Alice, figured that perhaps some deal had been made, and I''m sure you can figure out the rest," she finished with an arrogant chuckle.


    "I guess I was a little to preupied to notice anyone hiding there¡­" Elora mumbled with a sigh. "I didn''t think the Council would find out about Bj?rn''s sacrifice, otherwise I would have ounted for the possibility they might figure out our next destination." She fell silent for a moment before continuing with an annoyed snort, "And I clearly underestimated this woman''s intelligence."


    "Don''t me yourself, little Ember." Erik spoke in aforting tone. "Things happened fast back then, and with your wounds at the end¡­"


    "I know, I know," Elora sighed again. "But it still stings."


    "Anyway, was that thest of your questions?" Katya asked, as a little difort and impatience slipped into her voice. "I came to Sweden under the pretense of having some business with the shadow sentinel chapter in Rikuna, but I can''t stay away much longer."


    "Fine," Erik nodded, not really wanting Katya to stay here much longer anyway. "What''s this deal you spoke off?"


    A solemn look appeared on Katya''s face, recing her usual air of casual confidence. "I need you to repeat what you did for Alice."


    "You¡­ want me to rescue someone?" Erik asked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.


    "That''s right," Katya nodded. "Someone dear to me is being held captive and used to keep me under control by the leader of the shapeshifter faction¡ªAria Lefay. I know where they are being kept, but neither me, nor any of my people can get close without alerting Aria." She spoke the name Aria with such anger that it actually surprised Erik a little.


    So far, Katya had seemed like a woman who would go unfazed by most things.


    A bloodthirsty fighting intent started radiating from Katya and an eager smile graced her lips. "I want to crush Aria and turn her into a handbag, but I can''t do it while she has this leverage over me. So you need to remove it for me. I couldn''t ask this back in London as there were too many other people around, but it''s different now."


    "I had actually intended to ask you thister over the phone, and trade Elora for my brother, but then¡­ well, you know."


    Erik frowned in thought for a moment as he also discussed this with Elora. Finally, he looked Katya in her eyes. "Fine, I can see why you want me for this, but what do I get in return? You already said you wouldn''t be kidnapping any of mypanions, so I can only imagine you intend for this to be a quid-pro-quo."

 Chapter 222: Chapter 222 - Once a mercenary... [2/2]

    Katya''s anger disappeared and a wide grin took its ce. "That''s right! It''s nice to deal with intelligent people. I have no desire for you to undertake this task under duress. Instead, I''d like you to do so willingly. And perhaps, in the future, we can make more of such deals¡­"


    "Until you finally agree to be my apprentice, anyway. Because I still haven''t given up on that," she finished with chuckle.


    "Ignoring thatst part for now," Erik began as he rolled his eyes. "You basically want me to be your mercenary, correct?" Erik eyes suddenly lost much of their caution, and lit up with interest instead. "I don''t mind that. In fact, you might even color me interested. But what exactly are you offering here?"


    This was essentially no different from the mercenary work he and Elora had done on S?l, and its not like he disliked Katya. In fact, he liked her. So there was really nothing stopping him from doing a little work for her, so long as the reward was good.


    Erik and Elora noticed Katya''s eyes shone with subtle relief when he epted. Clearly, this was important to her, and Elora''s knee-jerk reaction was to gouge this woman for all she was worth. Especially regarding information.


    A thoughtful frown appeared on Katya''s face when she answered Erik''s question. "To be honest, I know very little about your intentions, goals, or needs, other than your desire for revenge on some unknown person. That Elora woman seems to be proficient in sigils, so I doubt you want knowledge about them from me.


    Still, I''m sure a third-rank Councilor like myself can be of some help to you, so why don''t you name your price?"


    ''Oof,'' Erik chuckled inwardly. ''Never say those words in earshot of Elora.''


    Still, his outward expression remained unchanged as he discussed the best course of action with his beloved nner. Unfortunately, useful resources were still rare, if not non-existent, on Earth. Those usually took a little longer to appear after the awakening.


    Finally, they agreed on a n that Erik proposed. Although, Elora still wasn''t entirely convinced. "Are you sure we shouldn''t just ask to get information on all the things we still don''t know about?" she wondered, a little unsure.


    But Erik chuckled in response. "I know you dislike not knowing things, Elora, but I know you can see the long-term benefit in my proposal. There''s no immediate need to know more, right? And we''ll find out these things eventually, no matter what."


    "Yeah, yeah. I know," Elora sighed. "I just don''t like being in the dark¡­ plus, your n is a little risky."


    "It''ll be fine, little Ember," he smiled warmly through their bond.


    Their mental discussion, while extensive, had taken no more than a few seconds, and Katya was still waiting for his answer.


    "Alright," Erik nodded. "But first tell me a little about exactly what you expect of me. Who am I rescuing, and where am I rescuing them from? What resistance can I expect?"


    "His name is Dimitri," she quickly answered. "He''s my younger brother, and a werebear like me. When I get back into range of the Council cell towers I''ll send you a picture of him on the phone I gave you back in London. You won''t receive it until you get into range yourself, but you''ll have to do that anyway if you want to get to him."


    "He''s being held in northern Ennd," she continued eagerly, having lost much of the yful arrogance from before. Clearly, this meant a lot to her. "Ennd used to be Aria''s turf, until it was handed to the human faction after the council established itself, but her influence in the area still exists. I can send you his exact location via text message as well."


    "As for resistance¡­" she finished a little awkwardly, "technically that ce is the home of a human councilor."


    Immediately, Erik''s eyebrow shot up. "In other words, a third-rank Arcanist?"


    While Erik intended to be capable of fighting third-rankers like Frostfang and Sigurd before he left Finnmark, there was a good chance this human councilor was far stronger than them.


    "Yes," Katya nodded with a sigh, having known beforehand that this would be an issue. "But it''s fine!" she quickly interjected when she noticed Erik was about to protest. "It''s fine, because all you need to do is attack on the first of the month. That''s when Council meetings are being held in Brussels. Even if news of the attack reaches him there, he won''t be back in time to stop you."


    Erik frowned thoughtfully. ''This addsplications, but¡­ if what she says is true, and she has no reason to lie about this, then it shouldn''t be anything we can''t handle.''


    He looked up at the powerful, usually so confident woman in front of him, and noticed the slightly vulnerable anxiety behind her eyes. He nearly grinned a little, but barely managed to stop himself.


    "Fine," he finally said with a small smile. "As long as you don''t mind waiting until I''m finished here in Finnmark, and you''re willing to pay my price, I''ll free your brother."


    Some relief appeared on her face, but it quickly turned into a frown when she realized his words. "Exactly how long will you wait with this?" she asked, a little doubtfully, a little menacingly.


    "At most a year," Erik said, his face full of determination, to make it clear he wouldn''t budge on this.


    He had been nning on going back to Ennd due to Emily''s request anyway, so this worked out quite well. But he had been nning on doing that on his way to Africa, not before. He wasn''t about to head to Ennd, and than back here again.


    "A year, A year¡­" Katya mumbled doubtfully. She stared into Erik''s eyes, looking for any advantage she could use to make him do it sooner, but could find nothing. Presented with the choice of either trying to force him after all, or letting him set the rules and go into this willingly, she finally nodded. "Fine¡­ I can wait a year. But no more!"


    "Agreed," Erik smiled softly.


    "Now, what is this price you want me to pay?" she finally asked, attempting not to seem to eager and recover some of her confidence and arrogance. Despite her usual casual attitude, her brother''s fate had been weighing heavily on her, and there were few things she wouldn''t pay to secure his freedom.


    "Simple," Erik grinned mysteriously, as Elora''s dark green magic started snaking around his left hand. "In exchange for saving your brother, I want to make a little bet with you."

 Chapter 223: Chapter 223 - A bet

    "You¡­ want to make a bet with me?" Katya asked, as her eyebrow was raised in part confusion, part curiosity, and part amusement. "And whats that green stuff on your arm?"


    "You heard me," Erik grinned widely. "As for the green stuff¡­ I know you and your Council figured out what happened to Seraphina." Waving his magic covered arm, he chuckled. "Well, meet the cause."


    Katya blinked a little in surprise, but otherwise didn''t seem overly interested. "I see," she nodded. "We thought it was Elora who had that ability¡­" she mumbled to herself, before shaking her head and continuing, "So that means it''s more than just a means to keep people silent?"


    "That''s right," Erik nodded. He naturally wasn''t going to correct Katya regarding Elora. The more confusing and contradictory the information that existed about them was, the better. "You can think of it as a magical contract of sorts. I simply made a deal with Seraphina. She got something from me, and in return I got her silence and¡­ cooperation.


    The covenant is merely enforcing the contract."


    "A contract?" Katya looked a little more curious now as she suddenly thought of something. "Does that mean it binds you to the deal as well?"


    "I figured that would interest you," Erik grinned. "Yes, the contract will bind us both and enforce the deal. If you ept the covenant, you can be absolutely sure that, at the very least, I will do everything in my power to save your brother within the year. Of course, at the same time, you won''t be able to escape the bet either."


    She scoffed a little from disbelief. "That''s all quite impressive, but are you sure that''s even going to work on a third-ranker like myself?"


    "Of course it will," Erik grinned confidently. ''Elora is a third-rank as well, after all. You''d need to be a fourth, or perhaps even fifth rank to break free from this.''


    Of course, he didn''t mention thatst part out loud.


    "Fine then, we''ll use your covenant¡­ But don''te crying to me when the covenant doesn''t work on me," she grinned arrogantly, and a little curiously.


    "Regardless," she continued. "You still haven''t told me about this bet of yours."


    Erik grinned excitedly. "Right! Here''s the deal. The first time you and I meet up again, up to at least a week after your brother''s rescue, you and I will duel and, afterwards, the loser will serve the winner."


    Shock passed over Katya''s face, as it did over the faces of Erik''s femalepanions, who had been quietly listening to their conversation so far. None of them could imagine Erik serving anyone, nor did they want him to. Astrid and Emily might even lose some respect for him, while only Emma didn''t really care.


    Erik felt the same way, but he wasn''t worried. After rescuing this Dimitri, he would head straight for Africa, while Katya would be stuck here in Europe, likely fighting a war against the powers that be in Asia. By the time Erik returned to Europe he didn''t doubt he''d have the ability to defeat Katya.


    He made the consequences of losing universal between him and Katya, because otherwise he didn''t think she would agree.


    After the shock passed by, however, Katya burst outughing. "Hahahaha, I love it! A real battle should be like that!" she eximed loudly and enthusiastically, clearly showing her love of battle.


    Meanwhile, Erik just grinned confidently at her, with his arms crossed in front of his chest, one of them still covered in green magic. He knew she wasn''tughing at him, she was simply enjoying the situation, as did he.


    When she finally stoppedughing, she wiped away some tears and pointed at Erik with an excited grin. "You''ve got a deal, brat! Let''s see if you can make me submit when we meet again!"


    Still grinning, Erik raised an eyebrow, "Oh, I''m sure I''ll have you purring like a kitten."


    Katya''s smile widened when she heard that. "Well, if before you had my curiosity, now you have my attention. Beware, though. I won''t be nice if you end up losing," she grinned with eyes shining from excitement. "I''m already looking forward to the day!"


    "So am I," Erik chuckled, before approaching Katya with steady stride and a reached out hand.


    "Here''s the deal: I will do everything in my power to save your brother Dimitri within a year. In return, we will duel the first time we meet, up to a week after your brother is rescued, where the loser will serve the winner. Also, you''re not allowed to reveal anything you''ve learned about me and mine in thest few days. Do you agree?"


    It was always necessary to repeat the full extend of the deal just before the other party agreed. Otherwise, the covenant magic simply wouldn''t work.


    "Agreed," Katya grinned excitedly, and extended her hand to grab Erik''s.


    When they shook hands, with Erik still using his transformed w-like hand, Katya started squeezing his hand using her third-rank strength.


    The bones in his hand creaked and cracked, but Erik didn''t flinch, and kept looked Katya in the eyes with a grin on his wolfish lips. This was a challenge, and if he backed down now, she would never truly respect him. Not even if he ended up wining that future duel.


    Finally, after the covenant magic had done its work, and Katya had stopped squeezing mere moments before bones actually started breaking, they separated again.


    Katya curiously checked out the symbol on her hand, and noticed that it was indeed the same as the one that continued to grace Seraphina''s. She suddenly realized she was going to have to find a way to hide it from the rest of the Council.


    But that was a problem forter.


    She nodded at Erik with appreciation. "I wasn''t wrong about you, boy. You''ve got strength, both mental and physical. If I lose that duel, it will be an honor to serve you. But you should know that I won''t underestimate you. When we meet again, we will fight, you''ll find me even stronger than I am now, and if you lose, your ass is mine."


    "Just a figure of speech, of course," she chuckled, when she saw Erik''s eyelids twitch slightly at herst words.


    "Alright, I really need to get going now," she then said, and turned around, before changing into her bear-form. "See you next time, boy," she growled softly, before taking off into a sprint at monstrous speeds.


    When she was gone, Erik released a sigh of relief, and slowly shook his painful hand. Yet, he also chuckled, as he felt like this event would likely bring him many benefits in the future.


    He turned around to look at the shocked faces of hispanions, and grinned. "What are you girls staring at me for? We have ces to be, things to do."

 Chapter 224: Chapter 224 - Scouting ahead

    A single werewolf raced through a mountainous region filled with taiga forests. His wed feet thumped on the cold, snowy ground with methodical, almost mechanical steps.


    His gaze was dull, and pointed straight ahead, his eyes focused, yet unfocused, as if he was trying to aplish single goal, while constantly wondering what goal that was.


    This was Victor.


    His mistress had given him themand to scout ahead, and he couldn''t even think of a reason to disobey.


    He had left Erik and his group behind about two hours ago, while they stayed back and waited for news about Frostvik''s current situation.


    Two hours worth of distance was enough for them Erik and the others to stay out of Frostfang''s grip, should the man still be hanging around the ce.


    Naturally, Erik had used his link to Nora to hear what she knew on the matter, but it hadn''t helped much.


    Apparently, Viljar had ordered her and Anne to get f to the nearest camp for medical treatment, while he stayed behind to see how the fight between Frostfang and Bj?rn yed out. Not long after that, Viljar had joined them, saying that Bj?rn had simply keeled over, an hour after the fight started.


    When it was over and Bj?rn fell down, Frostfang had let out a deep sigh, but otherwise remained still as he stared at Bj?rn''s crumpled up corpse with an unreadable expression. After a few moments of silence, Viljar tried to approach him to talk about what happened, but Frostfang simply ordered him to rejoin the others and check on f.


    So, the slightly concerned werebear was forced to leave him there, and that was thest Nora knew of Frostfang''s location.


    Still, with the war going on, Erik doubted Frostfang had remained in ce for thest few days, not to mention that the third-ranker likely wouldn''t expect Erik to return to this ce. Of course, doubt was not good enough, thus, Victor was sent in to scout out the situation.


    The enved werewolf finally had Frostvik in view, but didn''t slow down. He kept sprinting on all fours until he finally stood still in the middle of an empty town. Or at least, the remains of one.


    Most of the houses had been turned into frozen ruins, as they had been first demolished by the physical struggle between Bj?rn and Frostfang, then hit by their ice-rted abilities. Only two things remained rtively intact: the graveyard, and Erik''s house.


    While Frostfang couldn''t have known which house had once belonged to his teacher, he simply assumed it was the one those girls hade running out of.


    Clearly, Frostfang had made extensive efforts to draw Bj?rn away from these two ces during their fight, as he didn''t want to destroy the ces that were most important to Runa.


    Still, it had been a battle between two third-rankers. This was a kind of battle that a town like Frostvik couldn''t withstand.


    The only reason there wasn''t more damage was because grand-scale destruction was usually the domain of Arcanists.


    Victor moved robotically as he straightened himself to stand on his legs, and looked around for any sign of movement, naturally rying all the information to Emily.


    It seemed empty, but that wasn''t good enough.


    He took a sigil crafting tool from the pocket of his stretchy pants, and bent down to start drawing on the ground.


    While Victor himself had some minor ability with sigils, this was all Emily, who was simply using Victor as a medium to create this sigil.


    It took a little while, as this was aplicated sigil, and Emily was not only inexperienced in general, but this was also her first time drawing a sigil with someone else as the medium.


    Still, half an hourter, the sigil was done, and it shed shortly, before a subtle wave of power quickly extended itself in a circr radiance. It extended further than Victor could see, but mere momentster, the wave quickly returned to whence it came, and a flood of information entered Victor''s, and thus Emily''s, minds.


    This was a detection sigil with a high range, but a serious limitation: it only worked once.


    After it was drawn, this sigil would gather information about anything and everything in arge radius, but then lose its power, forcing the sigil-crafter to create another one if they wanted a continuous stream of information.


    Luckily, only once was enough. They just needed to know if Frostfang was close enough to notice what was happening in Frostvik. Naturally, there were ways to circumvent this sigil, such as a third-ranker covering themselves with their omnisense, but from what Elora had seen, there was no way Frostfang was proficient enough with omnisense to do what Katya had done.


    After the sigil revealed no Frostfang in the surroundings, Victor began drawing the sigil a second time.


    Meanwhile, in the ce where Victor had left Erik and the others, Emily opened her eyes. While she didn''t need to concentrate on her connection with Victor like this the whole time, she did need it for drawing the sigil and receiving the information.


    Luckily, with the method for drawing the sigil now stuck in Victor''s brain, she wouldn''t need to keep concentrating anymore, and would simply receive a signal from Victor if the sigil found anything out of the ordinary.


    In front of her, was a mildly heartwarming scene of Erik and Astrid training together with Alice as they taught her everything they knew about being a Runebound. Their surroundings were slightly destroyed, as they had interspersed their training with sparring, which Alice would witness with bated breath and shining eyes.


    Next to Emily sat Emma in the lotus position as she explored her glyphs and filled her aetherium storage.


    As soon as Emily opened her eyes, Emma noticed, and looked at her big sister with her signature bright smile. "Wee back, big Em! How did it go?"


    Emily''s heart warmed every time she saw that smile on Emma''s face. And perhaps without realizing it, her gratitude towards Erik increased at the same time, as she knew who was responsible for putting that smile back on Emma''s face after London.


    She offered her sister a small smile and answered. "Looks like we''re clear, little Em."


    At the same time, Erik came up to them and overheard Emily''s answer. So he nodded, "Good. Did you tell Victor to keep checking as often as he can?"


    Emily turned her attention to Erik and nodded, trying to make it as non-deferential as her new Bond of Service would allow her. "Of course!" she snorted. "As if I''d forget!"


    Erik had noticed Emily had be a little more feistytely, likely in an effort topensate for the enforced feelings of obedience towards him that flowed from her Bond of Service. Erik chuckled as he actually enjoyed seeing her like this.


    Unfortunately for Emily, he enjoyed teasing her even more.


    So he patted Emily''s raven-ck hair with a grin, and uttered a phrase that made Emily groan: "Good girl."

 Chapter 225: Chapter 225 - Bj?rn Olsen

    When Emily heard those words and felt his hand on her head, she couldn''t help a shiver of pleasure passing through her spine, while a slight blush appeared on her cheeks.


    Emma watching this, couldn''t believe her rebellious and independent big sister was acting this way, yet¡­ it made her very happy. She giggled at the sight. "At this rate, you''ll marry him before Astrid does!" she eximed enthusiastically.


    Astrid blushed a little at her words, but didn''t say anything. Instead, she looked around for something to punch.


    Emily, however, quickly shook off Erik''s hand and jumped up, causing Erik to grin and take a step back. "S¡ª Shut up!" she yelled with more embarrassment than anger.


    ''Crap, crap, crap,'' Emily thought to herself in an angry panic, with most of the anger directed at herself. ''Are these my real feelings, or the result of this damn very thing!''


    "The Bond only forces obedience and reverence. And a very small amount in your case, too. It doesn''t give pleasure or happiness," she suddenly heard Erik''s teasing voice in her head.


    "You!" she responded angrily through their bond as she red at him. "You didn''t tell me you could read my thoughts!"


    "I can''t," Erik chuckled. "They were just ringly obvious."


    "Agh!" Emily eximed loudly, and turned her back on Erik in frustration.


    Meanwhile, Emma had heard nothing of their conversation. Nor, in fact, was she even aware that they couldmunicate through a bond, as she was still unaware Emily had been enved.


    Still, she grinned happily at their interaction.


    With the teasing done, Erik smiled softly and turned to Emma to pick her up. "Alright guys. Victor says the coast is clear for now, so let''s get going."


    Alice''s eyes immediately lit up, and she quickly climbed on Erik''s back. A part of her was apprehensive to see her father''s remains, but her eyes were full of determination.


    In the same configuration they had been traveling all this time before, they once again took off. Next destination: Frostvik.


    Still, Erik felt the need to give Alice a disimer: "Remember, Alice. It''s not a sure thing yet. We''ll get periodic updates from Victor, and if anything changes we''ll have to haul ass away from here."


    Their current n wasn''t foolproof, or absolutely safe, but it was as close as they would get. And frankly, Erik wanted to do this for the brave little Alice.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Two hourster, they strolled into Frostvik. Here, they found a bend over Victor, still in the middle of drawing his next sigil.


    Every one of his scans so far had been clean, so they had simply kept moving. At this point, even if the scans finally picked up something, they would have plenty of time to leave again.


    "Damn," Astrid whispered as she looked around. "They really made a mess of things, huh."


    Emily and Emma too, looked around with different expressions. Emily was full of morbid curiosity, and a desire to have this kind of power as well. Emma, on the other hand, looked sad, not for herself, or for the town, but because she felt a tinge of sadness from her link with Erik.


    Erik couldn''t help but sigh with regret as he looked around at the remains of his childhood vige. Although he felt substantial relief when he saw his own home and the graveyard remaining in one piece.


    Of course, his father''s grave would have survived due to the flower Elora had nted on it protecting the area against anything of third-rank power and below. But it wasn''t like he felt nothing at all for the other graves, especially the grave of his aunt.


    As they approached the middle of town, Erik put down Emma. He could feel Alice getting restless on his back, as she looked around with part fear, part desire. She was looking for her father''s remains.


    He bend down to let her off his back, and when she stood next to him, offered her his hand in support.


    She looked at it with a little apprehension, still not sure how to feel about Erik''s role in her fathers death. Especially now that she was standing here.


    Still, the hand looked awfully inviting, considering her own turmoil and the trust she hade to put in Erik. So after a moments hesitation, she grabbed his hand.


    Erik nodded encouraging at her, before turning to the others. "Let''s spread out and look for him. Remember, he''ll have died in wereverine form, so that''s what we''re looking for."


    Unlike in much of modern Earth''s media, shapeshifters did not return to human form after their death. That would imply that the human form was their true form, but that wasn''t the case. They had a single body, and that body simply had two different shapes they could shift between.


    The beast form was as much their true self as their human form.


    Thus, a shapeshifter that died would remain in the form they had at that moment.


    Everyone nodded, some a little more solemnly than others, and started spreading out, with Erik still holding Alice''s hand. Meanwhile, Victor remained in the middle of town, drawing his sigils.


    It took only a few minutes before Astrid yelled from somewhere behind one of the houses. "Hey guys! I found¡­ something."


    Erik raised an eyebrow from curiosity, wondering what she could mean with something, but he shared a look with Alice, giving her an encouraging nod, and made his way to Astrid''s voice.


    When he and the others arrived at Astrid''s location, they found something a little surprising.


    It was a grave.


    It was ced just on the edge of town, and consisted of some stones heaped in a small hill, and arger one ced at the head.


    Alice slowly approached the grave with slightly trembling hands, until she touched the headstone, to make sure it was real. Small tears started rolling from her cheeks when she read the text that had been carved on it with a sharp nail:


    Here lies Bj?rn Olsen.


    Devoted father.


    Sentimental idiot.


    He has my respect.

 Chapter 226: Chapter 226 - A last look

    Silence descended among Erik and hisrades.


    Alice cried silent tears while her trembling hand tightly gripped the headstone of what was, presumably, her father''s grave.


    Erik subtly indicated towards Emma, who quickly nodded and moved behind Alice before wrapping her arms around the girl in a sign of silent support. Content source m-vl|e


    "I guess that Frostfang cared more than he let on¡­" Astrid mumbled softly as they all looked at Bj?rn''s grave, which had almost certainly been created by Frostfang.


    Erik softly nodded, "My mother and the Enve are his two highest priorities, but he''s clearly not uncaring towards his fellow students. At least so long as it doesn''t cost the Enve anything."


    Of course, Erik''s new appraisal of Frostfang changed nothing about his intentions towards the man.


    Frostfang had caused Elora great pain, and there would be a reckoning.


    In response to Erik''s words, a noise came from Alice''s direction. It was a noise that sounded suspiciously like a strangebination of a sad sob and an angry snort. "Don''t make excuses for him," she growled softly, without taking her eyes off the grave. "He was just trying to assuage his guilt¡­ not much different from you."


    Erik calmly and slowly shook his head. "That''s where you''re wrong, little Alice. I feel no guilt over your father''s fate. A deal was struck, and he went into it knowing full well the consequences. The reason I''m taking care of you is because of that deal, and the reason we''re here today is because I like you. And because you decided to put your revenge on the line for it."


    Alice directed an angry re at Erik, finally taking her eyes of the grave. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"


    "No, of course not," Erik shrugged. "It''s just the truth. I think your father was a good man, and a great father. He believed that one should sacrifice everything for the people they love. The deal he made with me and Elora was a consequence of that belief, and to feel guilty over it would be an insult to his conviction."


    While all that was true, Erik also simply didn''t care enough about Bj?rn to feel anything but a littlement at the fate of good people in this universe.


    He also knew that, at least in the aspect of attitude towards loved ones, he wasn''t that much different from Bj?rn. Did that mean Erik thought of himself as a good person? Not exactly.


    Fact was, Erik preferred not to ssify himself in notions like good or bad. They were far too abstract for his liking. He simply was.


    After Erik fell silent, Alice stared at him for a moment with a little surprise. Then, she turned her gaze back to the grave, while mumbling, "That¡­ actually does make me feel a little better."


    When Alice''s words reached Erik, he smiled a little.


    Their group remained silently standing around the grave for another few minutes, before Alice finally released a sigh. "Let''s¡­ Let''s get to the next part."


    Victor had just finished hisst sigil and the result was once again clear, so Emily nodded and called him over to them.


    In the meantime, Erik raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity. "I thought you wanted to look at him onest time?"


    Alice quickly shifted her gaze towards him with wide eyes, "You¡­ We are not digging him up!" she eximed in horror.


    The others around them didn''t react much better, but they had trust in Erik, so they didn''t say anything.


    Erik chuckled at her disbelief. "I don''t mean that, obviously, but¡­ Elora can create a projection of what he looks like now. If you want, of course."


    Alice still didn''t know much of this mysterious Elora, except that she was apparently somehow stuck in Erik''s body at the moment.


    When she realized Erik''s n, her gaze showed some struggle and uncertainty. She looked towards Emma, the woman that always gave her a strong feeling of support and warmth, hoping for some advice.


    "I think you might regret it if you don''t," she said with a warm smile. "But you should be sure about this. The only one who really knows you, is you."


    Alice closed her eyes and fell into thought, spurred on my Emma''s words.


    Finally, she sighed and looked at Erik with all the determination her small body could muster, before nodding.


    "Good," Erik nodded and bent down to one knee next to Bj?rn''s grave. Under Alice''s anxious gaze, he ced his left hand on the stones, before a dark green aura began seeping into the earth. Soon, the green aura began rising up from the grave again, but this time, it took on a humanoid form.


    At Erik''s request, Elora had taken the liberty of slightly adjusting the image to represent what Bj?rn''s remains would look like if he died in human form, since that would be better recognizable for Alice.


    While shapeshifters could easily recognize each other, even in their more uniform beast-forms, this was mostly done through smell and mannerism, rather than the way they looked. And since thosest two did nothing in this case, it was better to just go with the human face instead.


    Slowly, Bj?rn''s human body, in the form of a green specter, took shape, floating slightly above the grave. His hands were crossed in front of his chest, and a peaceful smile graced his lips.


    "Dad¡­" Alice softly sobbed and extended her hand to touch his face. Unfortunately, the hand went straight through him, reminding her of the current reality.


    She quickly retracted her hand and cried softly, with Emma silently supporting her from behind.


    After another few minutes of mourning, she finally sighed, and wiped away her tears. She took onest, hard look at Bj?rn''s face, as if to imprint his likeness in her mind, and then turned to Erik with a quick nod. "T¡ª Thank you," she mumbled. "You can¡­ let him rest now."


    Erik nodded, and removed his hand from the grave, causing Bj?rn''s image to slowly dissipate in the wind, with Alice''s longing eyes following thest specks of green light.


    "You''re a brave and resilient girl, Alice," Erik said softly. "I think Bj?rn would have been proud of you."


    Alice nodded quietly, but didn''t otherwise acknowledge his words.


    Instead, her eyes lost their longing, warmth, and sadness, to be reced by a cold fury when she looked at Victor''s face.


    It was time to avenge her father, and her adopted parents, by putting down the dog that ruined her life.

 Chapter 227: Chapter 227 - Revenge

    [A/N: There''s a small gift in author''s thoughts]


    Mere momentster, a dull-eyed Victor was kneeling in front of the grave. His body was thoroughly chained up, not allowing for even an inch of movement. Beneath the tatters of his shirt shone a sigil that was well-known to Erik.


    It was a sigil that suppressed a Runebound''s power.


    Behind the kneeling man stood Emily, Emma, and Astrid, while Erik and Alice nked him on both sides.


    Alice''s eyes were filled with a calm fury, far different from the red-hot rage she had felt towards Victor before. Erik gave a small smile at that sight, realizing his efforts to temper her feelings had paid off.


    Now, Alice could take Victors life and treat it as closing a particrly painful chapter of her life. Had she taken Victors life in a rage induced fury instead, it could have simply left a hole that she might never have been able to fill.


    At least, that was Erik''s hope. Time would tell how this chapter in her life would truly affect her mind. After all, shapeshifter or not, she was still a young girl about to kill a man in¡­ well, lukewarm blood.


    With all the preparations in ce, Erik gave a small nod towards Emily. In response, a pitch ck magic circle appeared in front of the goth-girls hand, and soon, the envement of Victor''s mind began to be undone.


    Victor slowly began to blink as the fog was lifted from his mind and independent thought was once again allowed to pass through his brain.


    "W¡ª What is¡­?" he mumbled as he slowly starteding to his senses. The chains rattled when he tried to move, only to find out he was unable to.


    He naturally noticed the grave in front of him and his brow furrowed in confusion when he noticed the name on the headstone. "Why am I¡­"


    He looked to the side were Erik stood and naturally recognized him immediately. "You¡­! Erik! What is going on here?! I remember we¡­ we fought, and then¡­ Ugh, my head hurts. Whatever.


    Let me go this instant!"


    Erik chuckled at Victor''s pointless outburst. "No, I''m afraid you''re not going anywhere, Victor. But you shouldn''t be talking to me, anyway," he said while grabbing Victor''s head and forcefully turning it to the other side. "She''s the one you''ll be dealing with today. Or rather, she''ll be dealing with you¡­"


    Victor''s eyes went wide when he recognized the young girl standing next to him and staring at him with cold hatred.


    "Alice! What are you¡­!" but than his still sluggish mind finally started catching on.


    His restraints, the fact he couldn''t ess his runes, Bj?rn''s grave in front of him, Alice next to him¡­ If he still wasn''t able to put it together he would have been unworthy of his status as second-ranker and Council envoy. The exact circumstances that led him to this moment were still unclear, but the purpose of it was obvious now.


    "No, wait! You¡­ you can''t do this!" he turned his gaze back towards Erik, panic clear in his eyes. "You''re just going to let a ten-year-old girl kill me in cold blood?!"


    "Everyone deserves to take revenge with their own two hands, regardless of gender or age," Erik shrugged casually. "Besides, thanks to the suffering you''ve caused her, Alice is already far more mature than many adults I''ve known."


    Find joy at m-vl_e


    "Anyway," he said as he once again grabbed Victor''s head and turned it back towards the seething Alice, "I told you, you''re not dealing with me today." This time, he kept his hand on Victor''s head, keeping his panicked eyes pointed squarely at Alice.


    Alice still had not said a word, as her eyes bore into Victor''s skull, and the man quickly began begging for his life. "A¡ª Alice! You¡­ You don''t really want to do this, do you?! You''re just a little girl! This will haunt you for the rest of your life!"


    His words seemed to set her off as she furiously growled, "And where was this concern for my well being earlier, huh?! You killed the people that raised me, kidnapped me, and drove my father into desperation! You filled my life with despair and misery! Killing you might or might not haunt me, but not doing so, absolutely would!"


    As she spoke her words of hatred, she slowly changed into her wereverine form, but no difort or pain was shown on her face this time. She refused to show weakness in front of Victor now.


    Erik, hearing her words, and seeing her actions, could only nod with approval. Her words were filled with anger, but not devoid of reason. She knew what she was doing, and chose this path. That was the most important thing here: for her not to act without thought.


    "That¡­! I¡­ I was just following orders! M¡ª Mistress Aria told me garner spies no matter the cost! If I failed her, I could only hope she would simply kill me!" he eximed, desperately trying to stave off the inevitable.


    "Aria, huh¡­" Alice growled softly, as the conversation between Katya and Erik from earlier starteding back to her. But then she shook her head, deciding to think about thister. "It doesn''t matter. This Aria is at most an instigator. You are the one ultimately responsible."


    Erik once again nodded approvingly.


    Victor grew more panicked as he rattled his chains in an attempt to get away, but he couldn''t even wiggle anywhere, as Erik''s hand on his head kept him firmly in ce.


    Meanwhile, Alice moved to stand behind him and put her ws against Victor''s throat. While Alice was only a first-rankpared to Victor''s second-rank, the throat was always a particrly weak spot physically. Plus, a wereverine''s ws were designed for pure destruction, which is exactly what Alice was going for today.


    Of course, had the difference in rank been any bigger, it would have still been impossible for Alive to pierce his skin, weak point or no.


    Feeling the cold ws against his skin caused Victor to try and move his head away in a panic, but Erik kept him firmly in ce.


    Alice''s eyes were filled with determination and hatred. But there was love, too. Love for the people she lost, and a desire to put this all behind her.


    "I saw you burn the corpses of Ivar and Marta all those months ago. They don''t have a grave for me to honor. But my father does. And your blood will be my tribute to him¡­" she whispered her words with all the sameplicated emotions that filled her gaze, before tensing her hands and, in one quick motion, ripping out his throat.

 Chapter 228: Chapter 228 - Pillars in the woods [1/2]

    Rrrrrip


    A sickening sound of tearing flesh echoed through the surroundings.


    Blood sttered on the grave in front of them, and a panicked gurgling sounded as Victor''s mouth and lungs were filling up with blood.


    He didn''t sag down, or try to look at his executioner in ast plea for mercy. Not because he didn''t want to, but because Erik kept holding Victor''s head as he looked at the man with cold eyes.


    Next to him, Alice had her eyes closed. She trembled a little, and a small tear rolled down her cheek.


    It was a tear of relief and sorrow.


    Relief over getting closure by saying goodbye to a father she had barely known. Relief over having avenged his death, and the death of her adoptive parents. But also sorrow over the fact that this still didn''t bring back the biological father she had never had a real conversation with.


    Yet, it was not overwhelming sorrow that left a gaping hole in her soul. It was a sorrow she could deal with. It was a sorrow, tempered by her father''s message, and today''s opportunity to say goodbye.


    Erik saw the emotions in her expression and wondered if this would have been harder for her if she had actually been raised by Bj?rn as well. Yet, that was a question he would likely never have an answer to.


    Alice''s ws were still at Victor''s torn throat, when she opened her eyes and looked up at the sky. This part of her life may have been closed, and she didn''t know what the future held exactly, but she did know one thing: aside from her safety, Bj?rn had another mission, and she intended to continue it.


    This, she vowed to herself.


    She looked down at the still sputtering Victor, and raised her ws to look with fascination at the blood dripping from them. She probed her feelings, and wondered if she cared at all about having taken a life for the first time.


    ''He was a monster who hurt the people I loved¡­ My father¡­ Ivar¡­ Marta¡­ they deserved vengeance,'' she thought to herself. Finally, she nodded with determination. "He deserved to die, and I feel only relief at his death," she mumbled to herself.


    Her words caused Emma and Emily to look surprised, and in Emma''s case a little concerned. She had known what was going to happen, but didn''t expect Alice to be so cavalier about it.


    Yet, Astrid and Erik had no such reactions. They knew that, while a human or even vampire child might have struggled more, or perhaps even felt some regret, shapeshifters had an easier time with this. Revenge was part of the natural order, and so was killing.


    Erik knew that Emma and Emily were still somewhat ignorant regarding the particrs of vampires and werewolves, so he quickly filled them in via their link.


    When Victor had finally breathed hisst, Erik quickly removed the chains binding him without taking his hand of the dead man''s head. After he was done, icy-cold aetherium started spreading from his hand downward, firmly encasing the kneeling Victor in ice. "Let him be an eternal guardian over your father''s grave," he said when it was done.


    Alice finally tore her eyes away from her bloody ws and looked between the corpse in front of her and Erik, before slowly nodding, gratefully. She had actually been wondering what to do with the corpse, since she didn''t want to bury him, but also didn''t want him to rot in front of her father.


    Next, she walked towards the headstone and crouched down, before using her bloody ws to carve a few extra lines in addition to those left by Frostfang.


    ***


    Here lies Bj?rn Olsen.


    Devoted father.


    Loving husband.


    Sentimental idiot.


    He has my respect.


    His death was avenged.


    ***


    When she was done, she turned around and walked away, her face etched with both sorrow and eptance.


    When she reached Erik, she looked up at him with trembling eyes, and than threw her arms around him. She started sobbing softly. "T¡ª Thank you," she mumbled into his chest. Luckily, he was not currently wearing his armor, and instead wore loose clothing.


    "No problem," Erik softly chuckled as he caressed the young girl''s hair. "You did good today."


    The others simply watched quietly.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Several hourster, Erik and his group were once again on the move.


    This time, they were traveling eastward, towards Russia, rather than southward, toward Find and Sweden.


    Their destination? The ce that Erik recognized as described by his mother''s cryptic message: ''the pirs in the woods.''


    Naturally, it was overly cryptic simply to throw off anyone that might pry the message from Viljar''s lips, however unlikely that was.


    But Erik knew the ce she talked about. It was about 780km (~485 miles) away, and located in the middle of arge, uninhabited area located in Russia''s K penins.


    Traveling continuously and at the same speed as before, they might be able to reach the ce in as little as 13 hours, but their was no need to push themselves that hard.


    After all, they were no in a hurry this time, and there were plenty of camping supplies in Erik''s chest storage and Elora''s storage jewel.


    They traveled in the same setup as before, which included Alice on Erik''s back, despite the fact that technically their business was more or less concluded, and Alice had voiced doubts about continuing to travel with them before.


    Yet, nothing came of it, for the simple fact that no one had bothered to bring it up.


    After they were done in Frostvik and Erik announced their next destination, Alice herself had taken the initiative to climb on Erik''s back and wrap her arms around his neck, without saying a word.


    Erik, for his part, had also remained quiet. Instead, his lips had simply curled into a soft smile.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    It was two dayster, in the evening, when they arrived at their destination.


    "This¡­" Astrid mumbled softly when their target came in sight. "What is this?"


    They found themselves in the middle of a massive taiga forest, with some of thergest trees any of them had ever seen. With the exception of Erik and Elora, who had seen the forests on S?l that were infused with aetherium.


    In front of them was a small clearing, characterized by some sort of stone structure. Six pirs were surrounding a slightly elevated stone tform with a sort of alter in the middle.


    While there was some clear wear and tear of the stone, anyone who saw this structure might assume it was a few hundred years old at most.


    Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Erik remembered how his mother had told him this ce was older than most known civilizations, and while he had been extremely skeptical back then, he wasn''t so skeptical anymore.


    "Alright, Mother," he mumbled to himself. "Let''s see what you have in store for me."

 Chapter 229: Chapter 229 - Pillars in the woods [2/2]

    "How in the hell has something like this gone undiscovered?!" Astrid eximed as she put a hand on one of the pirs.


    It was a fair question. Ruins like this one would usually attract all sorts of researchers, scientific or otherwise, yet there was no sign of an excavation or any kind of human interference at all.


    "It''s not that strange," Emily shrugged as she casually strolled around the tform. "I mean, have you seen any kind of infrastructure in thest two hours or so of traveling? No one lives here, and no onees here. Because why would they?"


    Erik, who was standing in front of the altar, looked up at the sky. "She''s right. Plus, even if someone flies over this ce, and just so happens to look down at the right time, they would still need to spot it through the trees, and not simply ignore it. After all, most people can''t imagine there is anything left on Earth that has gone undiscovered."


    Suddenly, just as Erik finished speaking, a cloud of light specks left his body and coalesced into the form of a small fairy. The fairy quickly took her ce on Erik''s shoulder and began speaking. "While you''re all correct, I can also sense the effects of an obfuscation sigil at work."


    "Elora!" Emma, who was standing next to Erik, eximed happily while pping her hands. "You''re alright again!"


    Erik smiled warmly at the reappearance of his first wife. Naturally, he had known she was ready to make an appearance again and was not surprised she chose now. Mysterious ruins, sigils, mysteries. Elora loved this stuff.


    Astrid smiled as well, although that was mostly rted to Erik and Emma''s happiness, as she still had her doubts about Elora.


    The most negative reactions came from Alice and Emily, who both looked at Elora''s appearance with weariness and caution.


    Elora giggled with glee at Emma''s happiness, before nodding. "Not entirely yet. For now, I''ll have to stick with my small form as my physical essence can''t handle the expansion yet."


    "Still, you''ve gotta be d to be able to leave again, right?" Emma smiled brightly as she looked at Elora.


    "It''s actually quitefortable in Erik''s soul, so I don''t really leave it that often anyway," she shrugged casually in response. "But it does feel nice to have the choice again."


    Meanwhile, Emily and Astrid also weed her back, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, while Alice growled softly. "So she''s the one who killed dad in the end¡­"


    She was trying to go unheard, but unfortunately, while Elora''s natural senses weren''t particrly powerful, her omnisense was always active.


    So she turned to Alice with a curious nce, as if gauging her reaction, and nodded. "That''s right. I don''t believe I am responsible for his death, but I did pull the trigger, as it were." At the same time, she thought, ''Not that I would particrly care if I was responsible, but she doesn''t need to know that.''


    The young girl eyes opened wide in surprise when she realized Elora had heard her, but quicklyposed herself again, earning her some points in Elora''s mind. She snorted a little, "Right¡­ he was going to die anyway¡­ I know that. But I hope you don''t expect me to just forgive and forget."


    Elora looked at Alice with amusement, before she chuckled and shrugged, "I really don''t care about your forgiveness, little Alice."


    "You¡­!" Alice eximed in frustration. Yet, realizing her frustration was pointless, she turned around and softly grumbled.


    "Elora¡­" came the softly whining voice from Emma, as she pouted at the fairy with slight indignation.


    But Elora just rolled her eyes. "Come on, Emma. You know how I am. I don''t deny Alice is pitiful, but I still don''t need nor want her forgiveness."


    Before this matter could escte, Erik turns his head towards Emma and nudged her towards Alice. "Why don''t you go talk to the girl, huh? I think she likes you most of all anyway."


    She swallowing the response she had for Elora, and instead turned to Erik with a warm smile. "Alright, Master. But I''m not so sure about thest part, she''s taken quite a shine to you as well¡­" she giggled. Than she quickly went after Alice, and pulled the young girl into a conversation with her infectious enthusiasm.


    Meanwhile, Astrid and Emily approached Erik and Elora. "So what was this¡­ obfuscation? sigil you mentioned?" Emily asked curiously. Regardless of her feelings towards the fairy, she did have a genuine interest in art of sigil craft.


    "Yeah, obfuscation," Elora nodded as she entered teacher mode. "It basically makes it so that anyone whoes near this ce without knowing exactly where it is would be diverted without even realizing it."


    Erik frowned in thought, "I guess that could exin how no one found this ce before, but¡­ how did a sigil stay active in pre-awakening Earth? There was no aetherium yet. Even that sigil my mom used against the hunters seven years ago was kic in origin."


    "Well, that''s the real question, isn''t it!" Elora grinned widely, her eyes shining with curiosity at the prospect of uncovering something new. "An obfuscation sigil doesn''t need much power, but it does need at least a little!"


    "And do you know what else needs at least a little aetherium?" she asked as she turned to Erik with the same enthusiastic expression.


    Erik raised an eyebrow in thought, but didn''t need long to realize what she meant. "You think this ce is rted to how my mother reached the first rank in an unawakened Earth?" he suddenly uttered in wonder.


    "Yes!" Elora chuckled, happy that Erik reached the same conclusion as she did. "This sigil needed aetherium, and so did she! It can''t be a coincidence!"


    "Alright, well¡­" Erik mumbled, as he took the mysterious metal medallion that Viljar had given him from his armor storage. "I guess we''d better find out the truth than."


    He was pretty sure he already knew what to do with this, because there was actually a very convenient, shallow indent in the alter in front of him. And it just so happened to have the same size as the object in his hand.


    He looked around at the people with him to see if they were ready, and quickly noticed they were all looking at him with curiosity.


    So he chuckled, and pressed his mother''s gift into the altar without hesitation.

 Chapter 230: Chapter 230 - Descend

    As soon as the medallion was ced on the altar, the entire tform began to tremble, like the stirring of an ancient giant, awakening from a deep slumber.


    They all had different reactions to this phenomenon. Some, like Astrid, Emily, and Alice, quickly prepared themselves for anything as they gazed around with cautious frowns. Erik, Emma, and Elora, in contrast, were calm, and simply curious to witness this ancient mechanism at work.


    Naturally, Emma''s calm came mostly from her proximity to Erik, while Erik simply refused to believe that whatever his mother had left him would cause them harm.


    Either way, however, anticipation hung heavy in the air.


    After a few moments of shaking, a deep rumbling echoed from below, and the tform suddenly began to move.


    Or, rather, it began to sink.


    "Oh?" Elora immediately reacted as she looked thoughtfully at the rising walls, made from the same yellowish-gray stone as the rest of this ce. "It''s¡­ a moving tform? To be honest, I had expected a teleportation sigil instead, or perhaps a portal, but this¡­ why something so¡­ forck of a better term, low-tech?" she wondered aloud as she began chewing on her crimson hair in deep thought.


    Meanwhile, they continued to sink and the surrounding woods were quickly being reced by ancient stone walls.


    Erik looked up, noticing the six pirs were also descending, almost as if they were being dissolved. At the same time, the hole their tform left was being filled by a new stone te that seemed to be build piece by piece with stones from those pirs.


    "You call this low-tech?" Astrid mumbled, her voice filled with awe as she looked up to witness stone moving as if it were alive.


    "It is," Elora nodded as she continued to chew her hair in thought. "It may look impressive, but in sigil terms this is extremely easy, yet¡­ marvelously efficient."


    Suddenly, Erik had a thought and raised an eyebrow, "Meaning it has a low power requirement, right?."


    Immediately, a conspiratorial grin appeared on Elora''s face. "Exactly! The obfuscation sigil was already making me suspicious, but now I''m certain. All of this is designed to keep energy cost as low as possible! No surprise, perhaps, if they had to make this all work in an unawakened world."


    It was at that moment that thest stone in the new cover was ced with a heavy thunk, and darkness fell over Erik and the others.


    But the darkness didn''tst long.


    Almost at the same moment, two new sources of light began burning among them. One was an orb of pure white light floating above Emma''s palm, and the other was Astrid herself, whose entire body had begun to shine like the sun.


    "Thanks girls, I was just going to ask," Erik chuckled softly, causing the both of them to grin proudly.


    Meanwhile, Elora kept muttering to herself. "There''s no way this isn''t rted to one or more of those powerful figures from Erik''s dream¡­ But why do all this? And where did they get the aetherium to operate all of this in what was, essentially, a vacuum?"


    While there were ways to store aetherium, including the currency used on S?l and other worlds, they wouldn''t be able to keep their stored power for long in an unawakened world. Without at least some aetherium in the air, any storage method would simply have its power drain away over time.


    "Calm down, Elora," Erik chuckled when he heard her ramblings. "We''ll find out the truth sooner orter. I''d rather you focus on the here and now. We are descending into unknown depths after our way back just closed itself up, you know."


    Hearing Erik''s unmistakably logical argument caused Elora to pause her thoughts. She released the hair from her mouth and sighed, "Ugh, I hate it when you''re right."


    "Yeah¡­ about those unknown depths and stuff, we are getting out of here again, right?" asked a suddenly slightly anxious Emily.


    Before Erik could answer, Astrid chuckled teasingly and patted Emily''s shoulder. "Come now, Emily. Aren''t you supposed to be all goth and loving darkness?"


    Emily rolled her ck eyes that still had the ruby-red break lines criss-crossing their surface, and grumbled, "That doesn''t mean I want to be locked up¡­"


    But before Erik couldfort anyone, something changed.


    The air around them became cooler, and charged with an ancient feeling. The tform''s descent slowed and began to reveal not just walls, but a short hallway, created from the same ancient stone blocks as everything else had been so far.


    From the elevator, it led up to a simr altar as stood on the tform, and behind that altar were some stairs that led up to¡­ nothing. They simply led up to a seemingly empty wall.


    Suddenly, the tform came to a rest with a final thunk and rumbling that echoed through their surroundings.


    A normal human would have certainly fallen on their ass but in their case, even Emma and Emily were able to use aetherium to keep their bnce.


    Emma and Astrid remained the only sources of light, until several softly glowing orbs sprang to life and illuminated the short hallway in front of them.


    "Where are we¡­" Emma mumbled as she dispelled her orb and was, surprisingly, the first to step off the tform and into their new surroundings.


    Erik was about to follow her, but first grabbed the medallion back from the altar. Never knew when that mighte in handy again. Plus, Elora also still wanted to study the mysterious metal it was made off.


    The rest of their group stepped off the tform in an awed daze.


    It wasn''t that this hallway was all that impressive in and off itself. The stone it was made from seemed unremarkable, and their current surroundings weren''t particrly grand, as the hallway was maybe twenty meters (~66 feet) long, and 10 meters (~33 feet) wide.


    No, the really impressive part was that this entire construction was at least a hundred meters below the ground, and yet it was not only here, but also seemed none the worse for wear.


    "Hard to believe this was all built such a long time ago," mumbled Emma, quickly gaining the approval from those around her.


    Erik had, by now, informed them all of everything he knew regarding his mother, the dream, and the suspicions he and Elora had over what it all might mean. It seemed only fair, considering they were following him into the unknown.


    Suddenly, his eyes fell on a small, rectangr white spot, ced on top of this new altar.


    It was a sealed letter.

 Chapter 231: Chapter 231 - Letter

    "That¡­" he mumbled softly as he stared at the unopened letter.


    He knew there was only one person who could have left that there, and so did all the others when they realized what Erik was staring at.


    Elora and Emma felt his turmoil through their link, and quickly sent himforting feelings through their link. Emma walked up to him and grabbed hisrge hand with a bright smile in a show of silent support.


    While Emily, Astrid, and Alice were not bonded to Erik in the same way, they could see theplicated feelings on his face and all felt for him in their own way.


    Emily, for example, still had some trouble acknowledging her own feelings, although she had, by now, fully epted that she cared for Erik. Meanwhile, Alice didn''t really feel that strongly about Erik yet, but the fact that it involved his mother was a trigger for her due to her own past. Finally, Astrid wasn''t soplicated: she loved Erik, and had no problem feeling that way.


    Seeing the various amounts and types of support he got from his surroundings made Erik softly chuckle. He couldn''t help but talk to Elora through his bond with her, "You know I love you, Elora, and I wouldn''t trade our time on S?l for anything, but¡­ having more people around feels nice."


    Elora sighed and rolled her eyes in response. "Yes, yes, you sappy, bleeding heart bastard. I love you too. Now get to it already. What are the chances it''s going to be bad news, right?"


    Erik grinned at Elora''s usual antics and walked up to the altar and the letter. He grabbed it, and read therge letters on the front: To my beloved and resurrected son.


    Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. ''Does she actually think I''m resurrected, or is that just a joke?'' he thought to himself.


    He couldn''t exclude the former, but he also wouldn''t be surprised by thetter.


    ''Well, either way, this is clear proof who it''s from and who it''s for,'' he nodded inwardly.


    So he opened the letter and started reading.


    ******


    Erik,


    Or, at least, you had better be my son. If you are standing in this ce and reading this letter but are not him, I suggest you simply turn around, leave, and prepare yourself for the unholy vengeance I will rain down upon you and your entire family for whatever harm you might have caused to Viljar, my son, or both.


    There is nothing in this ce for you.


    ******


    Erik chuckled when he read this part, as he could almost see the furious grimace and hard, cold eyes promising untold miseries that would have marred his mother''s face as she wrote this.


    ******


    However, if you are indeed my son¡­ you cannot imagine the relief that would wash over me at this moment, if only there were some way for me to truly know that you are here.


    But there''s not. By the time you read this, I will have left Finnmark in pursuit of that traitorous bitch.


    ******


    Erik had to smile sadly when he noticed that the next part of the letter was written in an obviously different color. He imagined Runa had broken the pen she was writing with when she thought of Edda.


    ******


    I''m sorry I don''t have the patience to wait for you, Erik, but I can''t stand it anymore. Sitting here in Finnmark doing innate things like struggling with fucking vampires fornd and resources, all while¡­ ''you know who'' could be anywhere, alive and well, despite what she did.


    My anger, sorrow, loneliness, and desire for vengeance are eating at me constantly.


    So I have to leave. But I will leave behind this letter and a way to reach this ce, in the hope that you will follow after me.


    Anyway, I''ll get back to thatter. First, you''re probably wondering why I continue to believe in your survival, despite the odds obviously being against it.


    Well, it''s actually got to do with the ce you are in now. You see, this was all built for you. Well, not specifically you, but the first-born of our bloodline to be alive during the awakening.


    To be honest, I don''t know all the details either. All I know is what my father and the spirit of this ce told me. And that is this: you are supposed to save vampires and werewolves from something. I don''t know how, why, or from what but I''m sure that the spirit can tell you more.


    All I really cared about was whether it would put you in any danger. Unfortunately, the spirit was a little cryptic about that, but she did say the ns did not involve harming you in any way.


    I wasn''t told any more, because my only duty was to bring you to this ce if the awakening happened while you remained the youngest member of our bloodline. That''s been the duty of our family since a countless number of years ago.


    Which is what lead to me to seeking the spirits help after your¡­ disappearance. You see, after it all went down, I spend a day searching for you in a panic while Viljar was still recovering. At the time, my mind was already drowning in sorrow over the loss of your father and the others, and I couldn''t ept that I''d lost you, too.


    I decided there was only one being that surely wanted to find you as much as I did. The spirit. So I went back here, hoping against hope that the spirit had some way to locate you, but she did not.


    She did, however, promise me that I would see you again. That her mistress wouldn''t just lie down and ept defeat after all this time.


    I don''t know what any of that meant, but I simply chose to have faith. To believe that you were still out there, and that this mistress or whoever would bring you back to me.


    Perhaps that was foolish but¡­ here you are, reading my letter. So who''s foolish now?!


    Anyway¡­ I wish I could have told you all this earlier, Erik¡­ I''m sorry about that. Unfortunately, I wasn''t supposed to share the secret until either the awakening, or your firstborn child, and I didn''t feel like pissing off however orchestrated and build all this without good reason.


    I''m running out of paper, and we can talk more when we meet each other again, so I need to start wrapping things up.


    I''m going to Africa to pursue Edda, and I hope you''ll follow me there!


    Why do I believe she''s in Africa? Well, I might have threatened the spirit with simply not telling you about this ce at all if she didn''t help me, which annoyed her, but did get her to help in the end.


    Onest thing¡­ I know you don''t like fighting, and I know there will probably be a lot of that in the future, but¡­ please don''t let that deter you from following your heart.


    I love you, Erik. More than anything.


    Yours forever,


    Runa


    ******

 Chapter 232: Chapter 232 - The spirit

    After finishing, Erik stared at the letter in his hand for a moment longer before he lowered his hand.


    He looked up at the ceiling helplessly and sighed. "So now I''m supposed to be some kind of savior? Who would ever want a thankless job like that?"


    Despite his words, he couldn''t help but be a little ufortable at the realization Earth''s two supernatural races needed a savior in the first ce. Particrly, at the idea of something happening to shapeshifters as a species. He may not care that much about the rtively small amount of shapeshifters here in Finnmark, but he still didn''t want his entire race to die out.


    Or disappear, or whatever they needed saving from exactly.


    Besides, there were his loved ones, and even among the vampires were at least two people he wanted to keep alive: Astrid and her mother.


    Suddenly, he felt Elora disappear from his shoulder, and merge with his body instead. At the same time, she responded to his technically rhetorical question with a giggle, "Only an idiot, of course."


    She knew what was in the letter, as she had simply read along with Erik from her previous perch on his shoulder.


    But Elora''s tone quickly became far more solemn. "Still, it might be an endeavor worth our effort. Depending on what is required of you exactly¡­ And either way, we need to learn more. After all, you, too, are a shapeshifter. If I have to be a goody goody to keep you alive, then by the spirits I''ll do it."


    Erik wasn''t sure why Elora decided to merge with his body and speak through their bond, but responded in kind by chuckling softly through their link. "My, such a heavy sacrifice you''re making, Elora. Are you sure you wouldn''t burst into mes the moment you perform a selfless act for a stranger?"


    "I just might," she chuckled back. "But it wouldn''t be selfless if it saves you too, so I think I''d be safe."


    Before their conversation could continue, a second, slightly indignant, voice entered Erik''s head. "Hey, hey! Don''t keep me out of your conversation! What did the letter say?"


    Immediately, Erik looked to his side at a slightly pouting Emma who looked at him usingly. He smiled apologetically at her. "Sorry, Emma. Force of habit."


    While Erik couldbine the links he had with Elora and Emma to have a three-way conversation, he just didn''t remember to do so. He was still getting getting used to having a second bond. Even if she wasn''t included, however, Emma could sense the conversation that was going on.


    "I forgive you!" she smiled brightly at him, while still answering him through their bond, which Erik had now linked together into a three-way conversation with Elora. "But ehm," she continued, a little unsure. "Why are we talking telepathically?"


    "Because there is someone else listening," Elora answered with a hint of caution. "Erik''s mother talked about a spirit of some kind. It could be a sigil construct, much like what you might call an ''artificial intelligence,'' and I''d just rather it didn''t ry every single word we said to whoever set this all up."


    Hearing her answer, Erik now also understood why she started talking to him through their link. He hadn''t even thought of the spirit yet.


    "Wait, so¡­ something is watching us right now?" Emma mumbled curiously as she looked around a little. She didn''t seem overly concerned. "What did the letter say exactly?"


    Erik responded out loud,"Here, you should read it too," and handed her the letter.


    This way, the others would also get a chance to read the letter, and he could act as if their mental conversation had never happened. After all, their conversation so far had happened at the speed of thought, so very little time had passed.


    When Erik spoke, all the others in the room, who had so far simply been watching Erik''s various changing expressions as he read the letter, now quickly swarmed around Emma to read along with her. Their curiosity was palpable, causing Erik to chuckle.


    When they were done, Astrid scratched her head as her mind went to all the vampires she knew and perhaps even considered herself on friendly terms with. Especially, of course, her mother. "Well, that sounds ominous¡­" she mumbled softly.


    The others, too, mostly focused on the part where Erik was apparently supposed to be the savior of two races. Emma and Emily may be humans, but they were understandably worried about Erik.


    Erik felt his heart warm at the worried faces around him and smiled at them. "Don''t look so dour, girls. We just need more information for now."


    Only Alice didn''t exactly look worried, her expression was moreplicated. ''Exactly what kind of person did my father make a deal with?'' she wondered inwardly.


    "Well, no matter what else is going on," Emma''s bright voice suddenly sounded in his head. "It sounds like your mother really loves you."


    "Hehe, yeah," Erik smiled warmly, as his desire to reunite with his mother had skyrocketed after reading that letter.


    Yet, his ruminations were interrupted by the others.


    "So, where do we get more information?" Astrid''s voice suddenly echoed in the hall with an eagerness born from concern.


    "Well¡­" Erik shrugged and started to look at his surroundings before speaking loudly. "I don''t suppose you''d be willing to tell us?"


    Hispanions looked between each other wondering who he was talking to, but it remained silent, and with every second that passed, Erik felt a little more awkward. "Well, that didn''t work¡­" he mumbled.


    Emily looked at him as he if he''d lost a few marbles somewhere. "You alright there, boss? Who are you talking to?"


    "You read that letter," Erik shrugged, despite continuing to look around cautiously. "My mother seemed to think there was some kind of spirit in this ce."


    Suddenly, everyone else also caught on, as they had all been overly focused on the savior part.


    Still, they were skeptical, as they didn''t know about sigil constructs, yet they didn''t want to insinuate anything since it involved Erik''s mother.


    "You know," Elora''s voice sounded in his head. "There''s another indent on this tform¡­"


    "Right¡­" Erik mumbled. "Perhaps this construct needs to be awoken?"


    As he said so, he pressed the medallion in this indent without hesitation. He needed answers.


    This time, there was no rumbling or moving. Instead, the opposite stone wall, which hosted the ascending, dead-end stairs, lit up like a Christmas tree.


    Brightly shining sigils appeared all over it''s surface, and everyone looked at them with wonder, expecting something to happen, but instead, they disappeared as quickly as came.


    Yet, before anyone could wonder what just happened, a long yawn echoed through the hallway.


    "Yaaawn, did you already return, Runa?"

 Chapter 233: Chapter 233 - Eira [1/2]

    As the voice''s question still echoed through the room, the slightly transparent figure of a young girl floated out of the wall that had been lit up just before.


    She looked perhaps sixteen years old, and wore a white and ck spotted sleeping onesie,plete with a long night cap. Her long hair was a light brown, as were her eyes.


    She was currently stretching with her eyes closed while covering her mouth with one hand as she yawned again.


    The most fascinating thing about this girl, however, were her looks. She looked mostly human, but there were some distinct animal features that set her apart from regr humans. Specifically, these features represented those of a cow.


    Tworge, slightly furry ears graced the sides of her head, two small horns sprouted from her forehead, and a long yet thin tail with a brush at the end of it was sweeping behind her. Combined with the clearly cow-themed ck and white spotted onesie, it painted quite a picture.


    "She''s a minotaur¡­" Elora immediately mumbled thoughtfully in Erik''s head, this time also including Emma. "Or at least, has taken the form of one. I am now sure she is a sigil construct, which means that, setting aside the debate of whether or not she can actually be considered alive, she wasn''t born in the traditional sense."


    Minotaurs were a type of beastling, which was a collective term for humanoid races that exhibit some form of beastly phenotype. These were very different from shapeshifters, as they only had one form, and that form usually looked more like this girl, rather than a full-on hybrid like Erik in his wolf form.


    "Which means she, and by extension all of this, is probably rted to that minotaur from my dream¡­ right?" Erik answered, equally thoughtfully.


    "We can''t be sure yet, but that would be a safe assumption, yeah," Elora nodded mentally. "Anyway, try not to mention me. Since she seems to have just woken up, there''s a chance she won''t know I''m here. Assuming she doesn''t have some method of detecting me."


    Erik could only agree with Elora. It was never a bad n to keep some knowledge to yourself. Thus he quickly rted that to Emily as well, and simply hoped Alice and Astrid wouldn''t spoil the surprise, since he hadn''t established a link of some kind with them yet.


    Their mental conversation only took a mere moment, so the newly appeared minotaur construct only now finished her second yawn and opened her eyes.


    When she did, she found that, rather than the woman she knew as Runa, there were five unknown people staring at her with various levels of curiosity and caution.


    She quickly froze upon noticing their gazes. "U¡ª uuh," she mumbled and blinked, lost in her utter surprise.


    The truth was, she simply had never been stared at by so many people at once. She was born here, and had remained here for countless years, only ever visited by one person at a time.


    This was an entirely new experience for the ancient sigil construct, and she needed a little time to adjust.


    Yet, she managed to recover remarkably quickly. Her transparent body shed, and the sleep wear disappeared, to be reced by heavy armor, arge round shield, and a one-handed hammer.


    Her gaze was full of determination and pride as she pointed her hammer in the direction of Erik the others. "You! Who are you, and how did you get here! Answer me before I use my overwhelming power to smite you!"


    The girl seemed to speak some kind of unknownnguage, yet surprisingly, all six of them were perfectly capable of understanding her. Erik suspected some sigil to be at y here.


    "Uhm, Elora? Threat assessment?" Erik immediately inquired mentally.


    "She has no corporeal body, so the getup is really just for show. This construct seems to have an interesting personality," Elora giggled in response. "Also¡­ it''s interesting to note that this girl doesn''t seem to recognize you or, for that matter, even expected your arrival. Is she not aware you were pulled back to Earth?"


    But she quickly transitioned to a more solemn tone. "But we can think about thatter. For now, I do notice power is umting in the walls. There might be shielded sigils of unknown power hidden there. I suggest we tread with caution."


    "Got it," Erik nodded in response through their link, before turning his attention to the floating minotaur girl.


    He decided to be a little vague for now, as he wanted to see how the girl would react. He also kept a casual stance, appearing not to be intimidated by the young minotaur''s threat.


    "My name is Erik," he shrugged, before thumbing behind him towards the tform they had rode down here. "And I guess we took the elevator?"


    He wasn''t sure if this girl could understand the meaning of the word elevator, but it seemed the most appropriate.


    "What about you?" Erik asked with a curious gaze.


    "W¡ª What do you mean, what about me?! I''m asking the questions here!" the floating girl stammered, a little taken aback by Erik''sck of fear. She waved her hammer in his direction when she continued, "A¡ª And why don''t you cower before me?! I really can smite you, you know!"


    Erik grinned with amusement. ''This girl really does feel like she''s alive,'' he thought to himself, but decided not to get to bogged down on philosophical semantics regarding the requirements for being considered ''alive.''


    "I''m sure you can," Erik nodded slightly. "But I''m also sure a benevolent and beautiful girl like you wouldn''t do that to five poor, innocent strangers."


    A small blush appeared on the girl''s cheeks, but she didn''t lower her aggressive stance. Although her voice took on even more of a stutter. "D¡ª Don''t think you can sway me with your pretty words, you r¡ª rascal! T¡ª Tell me what you''re doing here!"


    Erik chuckled, finding himself amused by this girl''s personality, deciding then and there that he would consider her alive, as he refused to believe this could all be programmed responses.


    "Alright, I''ll tell you why I''m here, but can I hear your name first? Assuming you have one?" Erik asked with a slight grin.


    "O¡ª Of course I have a name! M¡ª My name is Eira! Now answer my question, scoundrel!" came her impassioned response.


    Erik smiled slightly as he dropped what he suspected woulde as a surprise to this girl. "Alright, Eira. As I said before, my name is Erik. I came here at the request of my mother, Runa. I believe you''ve been waiting for me?"


    [A/N: the dream appeared in chapters 39 and 40.]

 Chapter 234: Chapter 234 - Eira [2/2]

    The moment he revealed his identity, Eira blinked and lowered her hammer with a dumbfounded expression. "You¡­ You''re actually here? Are you really him?"


    Her surprise really started to confuse both Erik and Elora. They had assumed all of this was connected to both the dream and whoever pulled them back to Earth, but perhaps things were moreplicated than that?


    Erik shrugged, a little unsure how to act towards this girl who had supposedly been waiting for him for a very long time. Or at least, someone like him. "Yeah, I suppose I am. At least, ording to this letter my mom left behind."


    Suddenly, the armaments in Eira''s hands disappeared and her armor was exchanged for a more casual outfit that still looked more martial than casual. It consisted of a metal bra that looked both protective and ornamental, leaving her toned stomach uncovered, before transitioning into what looked like brown leather pants.


    The entire outfit looked quite sensual, particrly because of her sizable breasts. Erik found himself admiring the sight, as Eira was quite a beautiful girl as well. ''She looks sixteen, but she should be way older than that¡­ plus she''s not exactly a normal person, so¡­ it''s fine to admire the sights at least, right?'' Erik chuckled inwardly.


    Unfortunately, Eira herself quickly broke the image her cloths were trying to project when she smiled brightly and pped her hands excitedly. "You''re actually here! Mistress must have seeded in¡­ well, whatever she did! I never doubted her! Things will be alright now!"


    She quickly flew closer to Erik and started flying around him, as if inspecting him closely, causing everyone in the room, aside from Erik, to tense up a little. Erik felt no danger harmful intentions from Eira, and Elora had informed him that power buildup in the walls had stopped, so he wasn''t worried.


    "So you''re the one I''ve been waiting 8000 years for, huh?" she mumbled as she kept flying around and inspecting him.


    She didn''t seem to realize the shock that passed through Erik''spanions when she mentioned how long she''d been waiting. Only Erik and Elora seemed less surprised, as they had already discussed how long ago aetherium was likely to have disappeared.


    Elora mumbled in Erik''s mind, "8000 years more or less fits with what we had in mind regarding the disappearance of magic on Earth. Her age only confirms that this mistress of her''s has been nning all this for an equally long time."


    Still, Erik felt the need to confirm as his eyes continued to follow the beautiful and voluptuous figure floating around him. "You''re¡­ 8000 years old?"


    "Hmm? Oh!" she mumbled as she softly pressed against Erik''s chest, surprising him with the fact that her slightly transparent form seemed to be solid.


    "Well, I was created 8000 years ago," she exined with a cheery voice. "But I''ve been asleep, a loooooot of that time. I guess if we measure time in terms of waking hours I''m probably only a few hundred years old. I haven''t kept count to be honest."


    "''Only,'' she says," Emily snorted and rolled her eyes.


    "I hope I still look that good at her age," Astrid chuckled.


    At the same time, Alice was still questioning what kind of freak show she had ended up with, Emma was pouting at the floating spirit taking up all of the space around Erik, and Elora was marveling at the fact that Eira was a solid form sigil construct.


    "I guess she has a corporeal form after all¡­" Elora had to admit to Erik.


    "So¡­ is she a danger after all? Even without those possible sigils in the walls?" Erik asked cautiously, as Eira now swapped to poking an prodding both him and his armor curiously.


    "Hard to say¡­" Elora mumbled. "To be honest, I can''t remember thest time I even heard of a solid form sigil construct. Whoever created her is likely far more powerful than anyone either you or I have ever met. Perhaps only someone on the level of the Obsidian Enve''s elder matriarch could match Eira''s mistress."


    "So don''t piss off the minotaur ghost, just to be on the safe side, got it¡­" Erik chuckled wryly to himself.


    Finally, Eira''s inspection seemed toe to an end as she ended up with narrowed eyes and her face right in front of his. "Hmmmmm," she seemed to think deeply, before finally nodding with a bright smile and extending two thumbs up. "I approve!"


    Despite just promising to be careful with Eira, Erik couldn''t stop a teasing grin from appearing on his face. "Oh? So what would have happened if you didn''t approve? You''d have turned me away?"


    Based on what he read in his mother''s letter and this Eira''s earlier words, he realized there was no way she would do that. In fact, she might not even let him leave if he wanted to. Not that that would have changed anything if he''d known beforeing down here.


    The fact was that he and Elora needed more information about what was going on here, and this Eira was a prime source of information.


    Erik''s questions seemed to startle Eira a little, causing her to retreat a few meters from him and show an aggrieved expression, before pouting and sadly poking her fingers together. "I¡ª I mean¡­ no? I just¡­ you know, I mean¡­ I waited so long for you, and¡­"


    And that was all it took for Emma to fall in love with the floating minotaur.


    "Masteeeeeer," she whined softly in Erik''s head as herrge, heterochromatic eyes were locked on Eira with pity and a desire tofort.


    Erik couldn''t help but chuckle as Emma''s plea and Eira''s disy cause his wariness towards the construct to plummet. He put on his most charming grin as he looked into Eira''s brown eyes, "I was just kidding, Eira. Having the approval of a beautiful girl like you is more than I could ask for."


    "R¡ª Really?" Eira mumbled as she looked at Erik with uncertainty. But seeing the sincerity in his piercing amber eyes caused her to quickly find her confidence again. "I¡ª I mean, of course it is!" she smiled brightly and pridefully. "You''re not so bad, you know! Good looking, and strong! And you have multiple bloodlines!


    Although I have no idea how you ended up with those, now that I think about it¡­"


    "But never mind that!" she quickly continued enthusiastically before anyone could respond. "Come,e," she beckoned Erik as she flew closer to the wall she hade out of. "Put your hand on here! You know, it''s not that I don''t trust you, but the mistress has put rules in ce, and I need to make sure you are the right person!"

 Chapter 235: Chapter 235 - Harbinger

    Before Erik followed after Eira to put his hand on the wall, or whatever she wanted exactly, Elora mumbled in his soul, "Well, since she knows about your bloodlines, I guess that means she does have ess to scanning methods."


    "So do you think she knows about you?" Erik asked, while absentmindedly swiping the medallion from the altar and preparing to follow Eira.


    "Impossible to say for sure," Elora answered thoughtfully. "But I think she would have said something if she did. Plus, it''s far harder to detect me than to find some bloodlines. After all, our physical and metaphysical essences are essentially blended together sopletely that it would be hard for anyone to tell them apart.


    Still, I''m keeping my omnisense turned off for now, since that would be far easier to detect."


    Erik was a little worried about losing Elora''s ability to scan the surroundings for possible dangers, but since Elora had already mentioned that many of the sigils in this ce seemed to be shielded from omnisense, perhaps there wasn''t much point anyway.


    So he simply agreed, and climbed the stone stairs at the end of the hallway. After a few moments, he stood in front of the naked wall, right next to a fidgeting Eira, who was looking at him with naked enthusiasm. "Come on,e on! Show me what I''ve been waiting all these years for!"


    He chuckled a little at her gaze, "Alright, alright. But what do I do, exactly?"


    "Just put your hand on the wall! The key sigil will check your bloodline, and confirm the presence of the affinity seed! If it all checks out¡­ the door will open! Finally!" she eximed with shining eyes.


    "Wait, affinity seed?" both Erik and Elora eximed at the same time, their voices tinted with surprise. But while Erik''s voice filled the air, Elora''s resonated only within the confines of his soul.


    "Yeah!" Eira nodded happily. "But we''ll get to that! Come on,e on!"


    While Elora was busy sweeping Erik''s body for anything she might have missed over thest seven years, Erik felt like Eira would explode if he waited any longer. Thus, he extended his right hand, and put it against the wall.


    Immediately, a sigil appeared to encircle his hand, and Eira''s eyes zed over a little.


    Her mouth opened, but rather than the bright voice Erik was already getting used to, it was a monotonous and robotic one.


    "Checking bloodline¡­ Descendant of Fenrir detected¡­ Checking affinity seed¡­ Affinity seed detected¡­ Checking Earth''s current stage of awakening¡­ First stage detected¡­ Wee, Harbinger."


    Erik slightly raised an eyebrow at the mentioning of his ancestry, but didn''t pay it much heed. Obviously he''d heard of Fenrir before, but he wasn''t really surprised that who he presumed was one of the first werewolves, would end up in Earth''s myths.


    Instead, he was far more taken aback by Eira''s sudden robotic manner. Still, he quickly reminded himself that she was much like an AI with certain hard-coded responses that she couldn''t resist, even if she could be considered alive.


    What truly surprised him, however, was the tittle by which she addressed him at the end. "Harbinger¡­? Harbinger of what?" he mumbled with a concerned eyebrow raised.


    He didn''t have time to think about it, however, as the wall in front of him suddenly began to shake and tremble, much like the tform had done earlier. He quickly pulled his hand away and took a step back.


    Next, the wall slowly started sinking into the ground, and as the wall receded, Erik suddenly found himself on the threshold of a grand, circr hall.


    This ce was clearly build from a far superior material to what they had seen so far. Rather than the rough looking yellow-gray color, this room was build from a dark, polished stone that acted almost as a mirror, causing the floor to look like the surface of a still, darkke.


    The ceiling arched above, and was held up by several majestic columns that were also ced in a circr fashion. Runes and sigils appeared carved in various locations around the hall, causing the ce to gently pulse with a sense of ancient power.


    In the middle of this circr hall was another altar, although different from the previous ones, as it was a square, rather than a rectangle, and a strange orb was ced on top of it. Small lights twinkled on the orb''s surface, as if they reflected the night''s sky.


    Several doors led from the circr hallway deeper into whatever structure this was, with Erik standing smack dab in the middle of one of these doorways.


    The doors were made of an unknown, dark wood and reinforced with bands of a silvery metal. Above each of these doors was a que that likely exined where the door would lead to, but when he tried to read them, he realized they were a little blurry.


    Before he could think about why that was, however, he was suddenly encased in an exuberant sideways hug. "It really is you! Aaah, I can''t believe the door finally opened and my wait is over! Now we can find her!"


    Before Erik could respond, Eira suddenly disappeared, and then reappeared in the middle of the circr room, just in front of the altar with the orb. "Come,e! I''ll show you around! It''s a great ce, I promise!"


    Strangely, however, Erik noticed that Eira too seemed a little blurry suddenly, while her voice reached him as if through ayer of water.


    Feeling his confusion, Elora''s thoughtful voice enlightened him. "It''s a separate dimension. There''s actually nothing behind this wall, except rock, dirt, and¡­ a portal."


    Now realizing what he was looking at, Erik''s eyes opened wide in surprise. He had heard of these things before, but never actually seen one. They were rtively cheap and easy to maintain, but very hard and expensive to create.


    The hardest part in this was finding an object rted to the space affinity that the dimension could be tethered to. ''And I suppose that should be the orb in the middle there,'' he immediately realized.


    Space was one of the rarest affinities that either Erik or Elora knew off, being even rarer than those of darkness and light. Naturally, it was also proportionally powerful.


    "Okay, so¡­ why do I feel like I''ll be stepping into the lion''s den here?" Erik asked Elora with aplicated expression.


    "Because we essentially would be," Elora chuckled softly. "I mean, we aren''t without our methods of resistance, but yeah, stepping into someone else''s dimension is not something to be done lightly.


    Still, what other choice do we have? We can''t remain ignorant of everything that''s happening, and¡­ if there really is an affinity seed within you¡­ Not only would that exin a few things, but we really can''t pass up the opportunity."


    "I suppose you''re right," Erik chuckled, with a tinge of greed and desire for power seeping into his voice.


    So he turned around to the four people behind him. "Will you girls follow me, no matter what the future holds?" he grinned softly, knowing their answer.


    And he wasn''t disappointed. Emma, Astrid, and Emily still had many questions about what was happening here, but none of them had any desire to stay behind.


    As for Alice, while she hadn''t been with these people for very long, she greatly admired Erik and felt a great affinity for Emma. Plus, she was never one to shy away from a challenge.


    Thus, all four of them nodded with determination, and followed Erik as he stepped into the circr hall.

 Chapter 236: Chapter 236 - Questions and answers [1/3]

    It was a strange feeling, stepping into another dimension like this. ''It feels kind of like what stepping through a soap bubble might feel like. Except it doesn''t pop, letting you walk through it instead,'' he thought to himself in wonder.


    When he finally stood inside the circr hallway, the atmosphere felt strangely familiar, yet also different. Most of all, however, it felt ancient. Like the weight of thousands of years pressing down on him.


    It was a strange feeling.


    "Fascinating¡­" Elora''s voice sounded in his head, full of wonder. "Whoever created this is a genius! I don''t know what this dimension was like before Earth awakened, but at the moment, it somehow seems to blend together the atmosphere of the world outside with a far more aetherium rich environment."


    "You mean¡­" Erik mumbled as he started to understand what she was talking about.


    "Right, right!" she mentally nodded with enthusiasm. "In here, not only do you still get the enhancing effects of cultivating in an awakening world, but you get to do it in an environment that is as saturated with aetherium as S?l, or any other fully awakened world! Even my advancement would get a serious boost here!"


    "So do you think they got the aetherium they needed to operate all those sigils and advance first rankers from this ce?" Erik wondered.


    "Maybe?" Elora shrugged without losing her sudden enthusiasm. "Add it to the list of things we have to ask that construct!"


    Erik chuckled at Elora''s sudden burst of passion for this ce, although he had to admit to feeling some of the same. While he was already over half-way to the third-rank, his advancement was going much too slow for his liking due to the fact he had to cultivate two systems at the same time.


    Perhaps this ce would offer a solution of sorts.


    First, however, he had to quickly make room for the women advancing from behind him.


    He took a step forward, allowing the four others with him to step inside and marvel at the feeling of being in a aetherium saturated environment.


    "Whoa," they all mumbled at the same time as aetherium nearly forced itself inside their bodies, improving their power. Even Alice and Astrid found their absorption rate increase despite not even training, as was usually the requirement for aetherium to permeate into Runebound bodies.


    Before they could marvel more at this feeling, however, Eira floated up to Erik and beckoned enthusiastically to one of the doors. "Come,e! Let me show you around!"


    It seemed Eira was barely acknowledging the other people in the room and focusing her attention on Erik. But perhaps that wasn''t strange, considering Erik was the person she had been waiting 8000 years for.


    Yet, Erik wasn''t ready to explore yet. He wanted answers first.


    So held up his hands and tried to temper Eira''s enthusiasm a little. "Hold up, hold up. I appreciate your eagerness, Eira, but I''d like to ask you some questions first."


    "I¡ª uh, questions?" Eira mumbled a little dejectedly as her slightly dimmed gaze panned between Erik and the door she was floating in front off. "But¡­ don''t you want to see the ce?"


    Erik chuckled at the constructs easily readable emotions. Clearly, this girl had been looking forward to showing what was presumably her home to him.


    Unfortunately for her, he remained adamant and stared into Eira''s bright brown eyes. "Of course I do, Eira. What could be better than being shown around by a pretty girl like you?"


    Immediately, Eira''s eyes lit up again. Erik had quickly discovered thatpliments were the way to this girl''s heart.


    "Hehehehe, I''m d you understand," she chuckled a little bashfully. "So then why don''t we¡­!" she began eagerly, but was quickly interrupted by a slightly smirking Erik. "It''s just that, with all these questions distracting me, I''m afraid I might not be able to give your tour my full attention."


    His interruption caused Eira to pout, but she did eventually sigh and approach Erik again. "Fine, fine¡­ I guess that does make sense," she mumbled and ate up Erik''s bullshit like a kid in a candy store. "What do you want to know?"


    "Well, let''s start with where exactly we are," he suggested.


    This question seemed to fire up Eira once again as she smiled brightly and spread her arms. "This is my home! And now yours as well! It''s a separate dimension that was created from a chunk of the world outside, back when it was still awakened! It is here to help the Harbinger in his mission!"


    "Well, if we needed any more confirmation that Earth was once awakened, then there we have it¡­" Erik mumbled softly to himself, before asking his next question. "Okay, next question. Why do you call me Harbinger?"


    Eira became a little ufortable as she poked her fingers together awkwardly. "Well, I¡­ I mean, my mistress always refers to you, the firstborn during the awakening, as Harbinger, so¡­"


    "So you do as well, but you have no idea why she calls me that?" Erik finished her sentence, slightly exasperated.


    Eira nodded sheepishly, seemingly sad she couldn''t provide him with a better answer.


    "Well, can''t you ask her? My mother''s letter seemed to suggest you were in contact with your mistress," Erik wondered curiously.


    This question only seemed to make her sadder, as small tears even appeared in her eyes. "N¡ª No, I¡­ When I woke up two years ago for my monthly check-in I couldn''t contact her anymore¡­ I¡ª I don''t know why¡­"


    Yet, her tears disappeared as quickly as they came when she looked at Erik again. Now, a bright and hopeful smile appeared on her slightly transparent face. "But I didn''t lose hope! And look! Everything will be alright now, because you''re here! Mistress has brought you back, and now you can find her, and free her!"


    Suddenly, her attitude towards him so far made a lot more sense to Erik and Elora. Sure, she was a bright and energetic girl whose sole objective for 8000 years had been to wait for his arrival, but now, he also somehow represented her best chance to reunite with her mistress?


    It was no wonder she felt so attached to him.

 Chapter 237: Chapter 237 - Questions and answers [2/3]

    Erik couldn''t help but feel a little intimidated by this girl''s clear expectation of him. Yet, he also felt like there was one important question to be asked: why should he care?


    Why should he go out to find this mistress of hers? He still didn''t know how this all rted to saving vampires and shapeshifters from some unknown threat, like his mother suggested in the letter.


    So he asked with a serious expression. "Eira, I can see you''ve put a lot of hope in my finding this mistress of yours, but why do you assume I will? I don''t know her, nor do I owe her anything."


    His question startled her, as if she had never expected something like this. She floated back a few meters while her face scrunched up a little in panic. "W¡ª What do you mean? Y¡ª You have to find her, free her, and then save the old man! That¡­ That''s your mission!"


    Elora''s voice sounded in Erik''s head. "Now there''s an old man, too¡­? The only one I can think off is that giant from your dream, but didn''t he die?"


    Erik wondered the same as Elora, but ignored those thoughts for now. Instead, he softly sighed and felt a little sorry for Eira and her simplistic, absolute loyalty to her mistress. The problem was that she simply didn''t understand how anyone could not followher mistress''s n.


    "Look, Eira, I¡­" he began, but this time it was her turn to interrupt him.


    "D¡ª Don''t you want to save the others of your kind?" she asked, with a pitiful look in her eyes. "Y¡ª You can''t save them without mistress and the old man¡­"


    "Right¡­" Erik nodded a little skeptically. "Mom mentioned something about that in her letter as well. But save them from what, exactly?"


    "I¡ª I don''t know¡­!" the young minotaur construct sobbed slightly, tears in her eyes, and panic in her voice. "M¡ª Mistress was supposed to e¡ª exin everything to you when you got here, but¡­"


    "I know, you can''t contact her¡­" Erik mumbled thoughtfully.


    Meanwhile, there was a conversation going on in his head between him, Elora and Emma.


    "This whole thing makes me wonder what the original n was, anyway," Erik pondered inwardly. "I mean, clearly everything got screwy due to my teleportation to S?l, but was there really nothing more to this whole thing than to talk to me and try to convince me to help? No attempts at controlling me somehow?"


    "It''s possible there were contingencies in ce that Eira simply doesn''t know about. It might be our good fortune that this mistress is unavable," Elora shrugged. "Still, it''s not impossible that the n really was to simply talk to you. A threat against your entire race is a powerful motivator for 99% of people. Even I would be moved if all fairies were in danger."


    "That''s fair¡­" Erik mumbled. "If she could convince me the threat is real, I probably would help. Assuming my chances of death are eptable, anyway. I''m no martyr."


    Sensing a lull in the conversation, Emma interjected. She had been looking at the pitiful Eira, and couldn''t stand it anymore. "Master¡­" she softly mumbled.


    Her clear implication caused Erik to sigh. "I know, Emma, but we can''t just give in to every cute, innocent face wee across. This mistress of hers is far more powerful than us, and that makes her dangerous. Especially because her exact goals are still unknown to us."


    Surprisingly, it was Elora who came to Emma''s rescue. Sort of. "While I wholeheartedly agree, it might be best to just give in. If only for show. This Eira probably still has a lot of information we need, as well as ways to quickly grow in power. I mean, we''re standing in one of them.


    As for actually finding and helping this woman¡­ we can decideter."


    Naturally, she referred to the dimension, which was clearly an amazing environment for advancement.


    Emma didn''t think deceiving Eira was much better than the alternative, but she kept quiet about it. She knew Erik was right, and at least it would stop Eira from looking so pitiful.


    Erik nodded in agreement with Elora''s n in a show of seeming pragmatism. Yet, both Emma and Elora could feel the tinge of relief blooming in his soul, causing Emma to smile, and Elora to roll her eyes.


    The truth was, that he didn''t really want to break this girl''s heart right now. Sure, he knew she was a construct of several thousands of years old, but it was hard not to be somewhat swayed by her cute expressions and eager enthusiasm.


    As for actually finding this mistress of hers¡­ only time would tell.


    With their conversation having happened at the speed of thought, only a few seconds had passed for the depressed Eira. So she was still looking at Erik with teary eyes full of hope, panic, and sorrow, when he smiled at her. "Alright, alright. Stop crying. I''ll find your mistress, you convinced me."


    "R¡ª Really?!" Eira stammered as her face lit up in a smile that could blind a sun. ''She''s actually a little simr to Emma,'' Erik suddenly thought as he looked at her smile. ''More naive for sure, and her brightness is more in your face than Emma''s, but still.''


    Erik sighed and felt a tinge of guilt about deceiving her, but nodded anyway. "Yeah, bu¡ª" yet before he could continue, Eira had encased him in a tight hug that actually made his armor creak a little. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she eximed happily.


    Meanwhile, Erik had to groan a little. ''Man, I just repaired this thing after my encounter with Frostfang! And how strong is she exactly!''


    Yet, he endured and petted Eira''s light brown hair, causing a light shiver to pass through the girl when he brushed past her cow ears. ''Damn, how realistic is this body of hers, anyway,'' Erik marveled when he noticed her reactions to his touch. At the same time, hemented the fact his armor ''protected'' him from those soft looking air bags on Eira''s chest that looked to be a match for Elora''s.


    Quickly freeing himself from inappropriate thoughts, he soothed Eira, who was still thanking him. "You''re wee, Eira. But if you want me to find her, you''ll have to listen to me from now on, okay? I''ll need your help."


    Since she was a construct, they couldn''t bind her with a covenant like usual, so just getting her promise would have to be good enough for now.


    "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" she eximed in quick session and nodded eagerly. "I''ll be good! I''ll listen! Just help me find her, and¡­ and don''t leave me here alone!"


    "Ugh, she really is too precious¡­" Erik mumbled inwardly, getting immediate agreement from Emma. Still, he realized he needed to remain cautious. He suspected Eira had at least the power of a second-ranker, plus any possible nasty sigils hiding around the ce.


    "Okay, so why don''t you start with telling me everything you know of your mistress and where I''m supposed to start looking?" he then asked as he continued to pet the girl''s hair.

 Chapter 238: Chapter 238 - Questions and answers [3/3]

    Hearing Erik''s question, Eira quickly separated herself from him and nodded again with a bright smile, having already regained much of her enthusiasm. "Okay! Uhm, well, mistress''s name is Audu," she started, clearly a little unsure on where to start. "And¡­ And she''s a minotaur, like me!"


    As soon as the name Audu rolled of her tongue, Elora sounded in Erik''s head. "Didn''t that name appear in your dream as well?"


    "It did," Erik nodded inwardly. "Do you think Audu is the one that talked to me in the dream? The voice I heard could have belonged to either a man or a woman."


    "Maybe, but I doubt it," Elora pondered while chewing on her metaphysical hair. "If it was, why would she tell you to go to Africa in pursuit of Edda, rather than here, where your power can grow a little first? No I think that dream was sent by someone else. Someone who is perhaps on the same side as Audu, but is unable tomunicate with her properly¡­"


    "Ymir¡­" Erik mumbled in response.


    "Possibly, yes," Elora, who had all of Erik''s memories, nodded.


    "Wait, who is Ymir?" Emma asked, slightly curious.


    "In Earth legends, the giant Ymir and the primordial cow Audu appear together," Erik exined. "They are actually part of the Norse creation myth, so it would stand to reason that the old man Eira wants me to save is the giant from my dream, and also Ymir from the legends."


    "Although that would mean he is somehow still alive, despite his clear death in that dream¡­" he finally mumbled thoughtfully. Only on m v|le|mp|yr


    Meanwhile, due the speed of their mental conversation, Eira was still wrecking her brain on anything else she knew about Audu.


    "Is that¡­ all you know about her?" Erik asked with a raised eyebrow. Just her name and race was a little meager.


    Eira grew a little panicky again and started to think even harder. "I, uhm¡­ she''s very pretty, and¡­ really kind as well? She was always so nice when she talked to me¡­" her expression became a little sorrowful again as she was reminded that she hadn''t been able to talk to Audu for two years, and also realized she knew awfully little about the woman.


    Erik decided to pull her out of her misery and held up his hands. "Alright, alright. You can just tell me if you think of something elseter. How about we focus on how I''m supposed to find her? Did she never simply tell you her location in the past¡ªhowever many years? I''m assuming she''s at least on Earth?"


    Seemingly d to move on from the previous topic, Eira quickly nodded. "Yeah, she''s on Earth!" But then shook her head, "Although she''s been unsure of her location for the past two thousand or so years."


    This caught Erik''s attention. "Hold on, this whole n of hers came into motion when aetherium somehow disappeared from Earth eight thousand years ago, but she knew her location for only six thousand of those years? So what happened two thousand years ago?"


    At the same time, he addressed the fairy in his soul as well. "And Elora, didn''t you say that the alterations to the gic makeup of Emma and Emily''s ancestors happened about two thousand years ago?"


    Erik had told Emma some time ago about what Elora discovered back in London, but she still shifted a little ufortably at the mentioning of those events.


    "I did," Elora nodded thoughtfully. "It has to be rted somehow."


    Surprisingly, anger red in Eira''s eyes when Erik asked about the events from two thousand years ago.


    ''So she can actually get angry,'' Erik chuckled to himself.


    "That''s when those bastards revolted!" she growled angrily, with eyes narrowed and nostrils red, inplete contrast to the expressive, and energetic girl she had been so far.


    "Okay, now were getting somewhere," Elora mumbled inwardly.


    "Who revolted, Eira?" Erik asked with furrowed brows. "And how could someone with Audu''s presumable power not stop them? Calm down a little, and tell me everything you know, alright?"


    Erik''s words pulled her out of her anger, and she actually seemed to be a little startled at her own emotions. "I¡ª I uh, yeah. I''ll tell you what I know," she quickly nodded.


    "Mistress actually created two separate dimensions, this one, and the one that she lives in. The only difference is, that this one currently can''t be moved, as it is tethered to the spatial orb over there," she exined while pointing to the orb in the middle of the circr hallway. "Our only link to the outside is that portal you came through."


    "But Mistress''s dimension can be moved, because it is tethered to an item outside the dimension. She did this on purpose so that the guardians could move her in case of emergency," she continued.


    "Okay, you can exin the guardianster, first tell me why she needed a dimension to live in?" Erik wondered.


    "I''m¡­ not sure," Eira mumbled doubtfully. "I just know she couldn''t leave it."


    Suddenly, Elora''s voice sounded in his head. "Actually, I think I can answer that one.


    As you know, there are almost no storage methods that can keep aetheriumpletely loss-free. Luckily, in an aetherium-rich environment, the loss is barely noticeable due to more or less equal pressure. Only in an unawakened environment, or aetherium vacuum, does it truly be a problem. Unfortunately, the same counts for Arcanists."


    Feeling that Erik and Emma were still a little unclear, she tried to exin more clearly. "Imagine¡­ Imagine a tank of air with a minuscule hole in it, justrge enough to let out a single molecule of air at a time. This is basically any Arcanists body. You don''t really notice it, because even the unconscious intake of aetherium isrge enough topensate for this tiny hole."


    "But!" she continued, "The more aetherium you have in your body, or in other words, the higher your rank, the higher the pressure, and thus, the faster aetherium escapes through that tiny hole. In an aetherium-rich environment this makes no difference, regardless of your rank, because unconscious intake also increase with power.


    Yet, it''s a whole other story in a vacuum."


    Having fully entered teacher mode, she continued. "In a vacuum, a high ranking Arcanist like this Audu would lose aetherium so quickly, that she would actually start losing ranks as her aetherium storage shrivels up to almost nothing. In contrast, a mere first-ranker would still lose aetherium, but due to the lower pressure, it would be far slower."


    Now grasping what Elora was saying, Erik continued where she left of. "So Audu protects herself by living in the separate dimension, while the first-rankers that existed before the awakening were able to keep their ranks despite the vacuum because they were weak enough, and couldpensate with whatever method they used to reach rank one in the first ce."


    "A method we still need to ask Eira about, by the way," Elora quickly reminded him. "But otherwise, yeah. Exactly."


    "You also have to remember," Elora quickly added. "That no Arcanist species besides humans is able to survive without aetherium, including minotaurs. Thus, for Audu, losing her ranks would not only mean a loss in power, but a potential threat to her life as well."

 Chapter 239: Chapter 239 - The guardians

    Having gotten his answer from Elora, Erik refocused on Eira, who was still searching her memories for any mention of the reason Audu couldn''t leave her dimension. Her expression wasplicated, as she didn''t want to fail Erik and give him a reason to reconsider his decision to find Audu.


    Seeing that, Erik held up his hand soothingly, "It''s okay, Eira. You don''t need to try so hard, alright? Just tell me everything you know right now, and you can tell me anything elseter if you think of it."


    His words made Eira sigh a little in relief, before nodding. "A¡ª Alright, thank you. So what else do you want to know?"


    "Well," Erik began. "You mentioned guardians. Are they the ones that rebelled two thousand years ago? What can you tell me about them?"


    "Right!" Eira eximed animately as she waved her fist somewhat cutely. "Those bastards dared to go against the mistress! I''ll tell you all I know!"


    So she started telling them the history of the guardians, and what they eventually became. Her story went apanied by a lot of animated movements, shadowboxing, expletives, and a clear bias towards Audu, but the gist of it was this:


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Over eight thousand years ago, when Earth lost its connection to thearywork, aetherium began to seep away, and all the species that relied on it for their survival started gradually dying out.


    This is when Audu made her ns for the future, and started a sect of humans, vampires, and shapeshifters, dedicated to preserving the peace between the three races, and aiding her ns for Earth''s future.


    The guardians became a secretive organization who watched as humans recovered from the loss of aetherium and build new civilizations. Eventually, knowledge of aetherium was lost, while the many other races they once lived alongside, including the supernaturals, slowly became attributed to myth.


    For six thousand years everything went fine, as the guardians served Audu and waited for Earth''s reawakening to happen. But then, something changed. Radical factions among the shapeshifters and vampires started to ignore her teachings and decided that, because of their superior bodies, they deserved to rule over the humans.


    This led to a brutal subjugation war.


    The humans weren''t so easily defeated, however. With some help from sympathetic elements among the shapeshifters and vampires, their generally superior numbers, and by exploiting the supernatural''s weaknesses, the humans just barely held on against the two physically superior races.


    The conflictsted many years and was fought on several fronts. In modern Earth''s history, these conflicts were believed to be several different rebellions within the Roman Empire, the outward face of the guardians.


    At first, Audu tried to reconcile the two factions, but the supernaturals proved too dogged in their pursuits. Eventually, she was forced to make a choice: sit back and let the guardians destroy themselves, or support either of the two factions. The problem was that both factions still imed a desire to help Audu with her future ns.


    Yet, eventually, she chose the human faction.


    The reasons for this were multiple. First of all, the human faction still imed to want peace between the races, rather than any one ruling over the other. And second of all, the human faction possessed two important resources she needed for her future ns, while Erik''s ancestors lived far in the North and were not involved in this conflict.


    With her support, the humans began increasing their number of first-rankers, and finally managed to beat back the uprising, scattering the supernaturals across the globe.


    But, it didn''t end there.


    While the human leader at the time, a man by the name of Merlin, was a devout follower of Audu, the war had fostered a deep seated hatred for supernaturals amongst the guardians.


    So, emboldened by their newfound power and hatred, a second uprising began.


    Unfortunately, the rebels, fueled their desire to take vengeance on the remaining vampires and shapeshifters, far outnumbered the loyalists.


    Thus, this rebellion was over before it even really began.


    Afterwards, the guardians renamed themselves the hunters, ignored their original goals, and dedicated themselves solely to the preservation of human life¡­ by eradicating the supernaturals.


    As the de facto rulers of Rome, they then subverted and adopted the Christian faith for their own ends, and began their hunt for supernaturals.


    Luckily, there was one speck of light in this drama: Merlin had escaped with Audu''s dimensional anchor.


    From that moment forth, Audu and Merlin traveled the globe, putting things in motion to try and salvage as much as possible of Audu''s original ns.


    Unfortunately, Merlin did not have an unlimited lifespan. By the time he fled with Audu, he had already been a hundred years old. Naturally, his status as a first-ranker,bined with Audu''s support, allowed him to keep going for a very long time but, eventually, time caught up to him.


    After that, it wasn''t long before the anchor point was recaptured by the hunters, and Audu started a life of solitude. The onlyfort being that, despite their best attempts, the hunters failed to gain any benefits from Audu''s dimension, as any time they tried to enter, they were simply killed instantly.


    So instead, the anchor point became a symbol of their power, and over the years that followed, most hunters and supernaturals forgot Audu even existed.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After Eira''s story was done, silence fell over the people gathered in front of her.


    "So that''s why the voice in that dream wanted me to go after Edda¡­" Erik mumbled inwardly towards his two wives. "Audu is with the hunters, and so, presumably, is Edda. The voice wanted to use my desire for revenge to steer me in the direction it wants me to go¡­. Not that that realization matters, I suppose."


    It wasn''t like knowing this was going to stop him from going after Edda, after all.


    Elora could only agree wit his assessment, and nodded. "You''re probably right, although it still doesn''t exin why it didn''t sent you here first."


    "Well, it doesn''t matter." Erik shrugged. "Although I''m thankful for the hint at Edda''s location, I wasn''t going to let myself be guided by whoever sent that dream anyway."


    With that cleared up, Erik looked at Eira and mentioned something he had been wondering about during her story. His tone was skeptical. "To be honest, I''m just surprised it took a whole six thousand years for those guardians to fall apart. I would have expected it to happen far sooner. Why didn''t Audu take some more precautions?"

 Chapter 240 : 240 - A reason to conquer

    "W¡ª What could she do?" Eira pouted sadly in response to Erik''s question. "In the end, she was all alone. She only had me, and the asional guardian she took a liking to, like Merlin. She had no real way to affect the outside."


    Since Eira seemed unable to grasp what he was getting at, Erik instead addressed Elora through their link. "I''m sure Eira thinks her Mistress would never stoop to such a level, but what do you think the actual reason is that Audu didn''t use some more¡­ direct control over the guardians?"


    Elora chewed her hair in thought before she answered. "Well¡­ first of all, direct envement or brainwashing is locked behind very specific affinities, like Emily''s darkness, or my Seidr magic. It''s very likely Audu simply doesn''t have the ability, no matter her power or skill in various other departments."


    "Second of all," she continued. "There are sigils, but any sigils she directly crafted onto people would either lose their effect, or kill the target, as soon as they stepped outside her dimension and into the aetherium vacuum of unawakened Earth.


    Naturally there are also some wide area of effect brainwashing sigils withsting effect, but that would be difficult to pull off with the limited aetherium she had to work with, as they all require exorbitant amounts of energy."


    Erik nodded in understanding, but before he could respond, Elora said something else. "So I understand why she didn''t have more direct control over the guardians. What I don''t understand, however, is why she hasn''t simply left her dimension, now that Earth is awakening."


    "Good question¡­" Erik mumbled inwardly. "Unfortunately, there''s no point in asking Eira, since she already said she doesn''t know why Audu even needed her dimension. Any other possible reasons she might stay in her dimension you can think of, Elora?"


    Elora remained quiet for moment while she kept chewing her metaphysical crimson hair in thought. "She might be recovering from heavy wounds¡­" she finally suggested. "Near the end of your dream, Audu was hit by some sort of energy st, wasn''t she? It''s possible the dimension is helping her recover."


    "For eight thousand years?" Erik wondered skeptically.


    To which Elora simply shrugged. "It''s not impossible. Her wounds might be as much physical as metaphysical. The higher the rank, the more brutal fighting and wounds be. Some wounds never recover."


    "Still, another possibility is that she''s hiding," she suggested instead. "Aside from hiding your physical presence, separate dimensions are also immensely useful for concealing your metaphysical presence. We have no idea how powerful Audu is exactly, but the more power she has, the more she would shine like a beacon to anyone trying to find her¡­"


    "Right, she and the giant were attacked by those three figures in gold¡­" Erik nodded in response as he recalled his dream. Then, he sighed. "Well, that''s not ominous at all then. This whole thing is sounding more and more like something we should stay far away from."


    Suddenly, the third participant in their mental conversation, who had just been quietly listening so far, spoke up. "I''ll follow you wherever you go, Master," Emma said with love and conviction. "Your ideals are mine. Your desires are mine. And your goals are mine."


    "But¡­" she continued softly. "You told me about that dream where golden figures came to hunt down the minotaur, the giant, and their army full of shapeshifters and vampires. You also told me that supernaturals don''t exist outside of Earth, so¡­ what if this danger to supernaturals that they keep talking about, is that¡­ the supernaturals will be hunted down by something or someone."


    "Even if you could ept the fact that not helping this Audu''s ns might doom the supernaturals to be hunted to extinction, would you really want to spend the rest of your life on the run?" she finally finished with a poignant question. "I''ll dly run with you, Master. But is that what you want?"


    Her speech caused both Elora and Erik to fall silent. After a moment, Elora sighed. "You''re wiser than I give you credit for, Emma."


    "Hehehehe," Emma chuckled in response while smiling brightly.


    Erik was still eerily quiet however, but suddenly turned his attention to Elora with guilt and sorrow clear in his tone. "Elora¡­ if what she says is true, then¡­"


    "Shut up, you idiot," Elora rolled her eyes at him. "Don''t even say it. It''s you and I against the world, remember? No matter the odds."


    "And me!" Emma interjected brightly.


    "Yes, and her, and probably the other three behind us as well," Elora chuckled. "Besides, so what if the whole universe is against us? It''ll just give us ample opportunity and reason to conquer all that stand before us. You know that''s what I want, anyway. Plus, y our cards right, and we''ll have a whole army of Runebounds at our beck and call!"


    Seeing their conviction warmed Erik''s heart and forced a warm smile on his face. "Fine, have it your way then," he chuckled as love overflowed through his link towards his two wives. "But we still need to actually find out the truth about everything."


    Having gained some new perspective and reaffirmation from Elora and Emma, Erik now turned his attention back to Eira.


    As always, their mental conversation was extremely fast, so to Eira, she had still only just finished her story.


    "Thank you for telling me all that, Eira," he smiled at her. "Don''t worry, though. Together, we''ll find your mistress soon enough."


    At this point, he wasn''t even really lying anymore. He was going after Edda anyway, so the two goals likely intersected somewhere. And if Emma''s suspicion was correct, then perhaps it was best to at least hear Audu out, anyway.


    Hopefully, Audu''s current silence, and the fact she apparently couldn''t leave her dimension, would mitigate some of the danger that was involved in dealing with an entity far more powerful than them.


    "I know we will!" Eira answered enthusiastically, losing all the sadness from before. "The bad guys won''t know what hit them!" she eximed while shadowboxing a little.


    Then, she quickly turned to face the doors again. "So ready for that tour now?!" she happily suggested.


    "Almost," Erik chuckled at her enthusiasm. "There are still a few things I''d like to know some more about."

 Chapter 241: Chapter 241 - Final questions

    "Uuuuugh," Eira groaned exaggeratedly and mumbled, "We''ll never find the mistress like this¡­"


    Yet, she still turned back to face Erik while pouting at him with resentful eyes, while quietly waiting for him to ask his questions.


    Erik chuckled at her attitude before asking an important question that he didn''t really believe Eira would have an answer to. "First of all, do you actually know why Earth lost its connection to thearywork?"


    This was still one of thergest unknowns for them. Elora didn''t even know it was possible for a to break away from thework.


    Unfortunately, as expected, Eira shook her head. "I don''t know," she pouted with disinterest and impatience. "It happened before my time, and I never asked."


    "And I guess that means you also don''t know why Audu was so sure that a reawakening woulde?" he asked, ignoring her attitude for now.


    "You guessed right," she snorted while still pouting.


    "Are you going to keep acting like this with the rest of my questions, Eira?" Erik grinned mischievously while raising an eyebrow. "What if I had the same attitude during my search for Audu?"


    That seemed to quickly scare the sigil construct straight, as a panicked look appeared in her eyes. "N¡ª No! S¡ª Sorry! I''ll be good! Please ask away!"


    Erik chuckled again. Despite being the oldest person in the room, this Eira seemed less mature than the ten-year-old Alice. Luckily, she was easy to control so long as he appeared to be going after Audu.


    Erik removed the gauntlet from his right hand, took a step closer to Eira, and petted her hair with a smile. "Good girl. Here''s my next question: how and why did Audu create so many first-rankers across the globe, even before the awakening started? Doing it for my ancestors was obvious, but why so many others?"


    A smile appeared on Eira face as she greatly enjoyed his hand on her head and even began to chuckle a little, "hehehehe". Most of her grievances were quickly forgotten and she began to answer his question with the same enthusiasm as before.


    "I don''t really know the specifics of the how," she began, "but basically, she would give someone a medallion, and they could charge it with aetherium at any altar across the world. Then they could simply siphon aetherium from the medallion to increase their power."


    "What?!" Elora eximed loudly in Erik''s head. "That''s impossible! That medallion didn''t have any aetherium storage sigils! You can''t directly store aetherium in metal! And where did the aetherium evene from?! No, wait, I can guess that one.


    The Altars must be connected to her dimension somehow¡­ Erik, take out the medallion!"


    Erik chuckled at Elora''s shock and didn''t mind what sounded like an order. He couldn''t deny to being curious as well.


    So he took out the medallion, and Erik immediately felt even more shock pass through his link with Elora. "It''s¡­ It''s filled to the brim with aetherium! I didn''t notice before because Eira had just appeared, but it must have happened while you pushed it into that second altar!"


    Erik raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "You mentioned before you didn''t recognize the metalposition, right? So I guess we discovered its special property¡­"


    "I''ll say!" Elora eximed while she wildly extended her senses through Erik''s hand and into the medallion. "Where the hell did they get this stuff!"


    Erik decided to ask Eira, his eyebrow still raised. "Do you know where Audu got these things, Eira?"


    Eira scrunched up her face in thought, but quickly shook her head sadly. "I don''t. S¡ª Sorry," she pouted.


    "It''s alright, Eira," Erik smiled, while taking off his other gauntlet and petting the minotaur girl with one hand, while holding the medallion with the other. "Why don''t you tell me why she did this, instead?"


    "Mistress did it to create a power bnce," she exined while enjoying Erik''s caresses. "After the guardians transitioned into the hunters, most of the medallions were in their hands, so Mistress realized that they would quickly start growing out of control if she didn''t do anything.


    So, while traveling with Merlin, she handed medallions to several vampires, shapeshifters, and even some humans, who she deemed wise and peaceful enough to use that power well. Mistress also created a bunch more altars at the same time," Eira finally finished.


    Erik nodded thoughtfully, "And then, over the years, those medallions must have passed on into various other hands, either through violence or inheritance."


    "Yeah," Elora answered in his head absentmindedly, as she was still focused on the medallion. "Which might also mean that some of those third-rankers out there have heard stories about Audu, and might even feel indebted to her. We might be able to use that in the future¡­"


    "Alright," Erik nodded at Eira. "Next question: how did you discover Edda''s location when my mother asked for it?"


    "Hmpf, right, Runa was very annoying that day¡­" Eira tried to look frustrated, but she couldn''t stop the happy smile from appearing due to Erik''s petting. Still when she continued, even his petting didn''t stop sadness from seeping in. "I just asked Mistress¡­ that was back when I could still contact her. But I don''t know how she knew."


    ''That''s not unexpected I suppose,'' Erik shrugged inwardly, before continuing.


    "Alright, Eira, second tost question, I promise, but it''s a big one: Why only me? Why let this whole thing ride on only a single person? So many things could have gone wrong over the ungodly amount of years since her ns were set in motion, so why no redundancies? The whole n almost failed due to what happened to me."


    Eira shrugged, as if the answer was obvious. "Simple, the harbinger needed a spatial affinity seed, and mistress only had one of those. It was a matter of necessity."


    "It''s a spatial affinity seed?!" Elora nearly screamed in Erik''s mind. "No fucking wonder I can''t find the damn thing! Erik, you need to get this woman to do whatever she needs to do to activate that seed! No matter what it takes!"


    Fighting the urge to scratch his ear from the ringing in his head due to Elora''s volume, Erik''s eyes also shed with some greed and desire.


    "Yeah, about that affinity seed," he began, while softly chuckling at Elora''s behavior. "That was going to be my final question. What can you tell me about that?"

 Chapter 242: Chapter 242 - Tour [1/3]

    Eira, in a surprising show of intuitiveness and guile, could clearly see Erik''s strong interest in this matter, and decided to make use of it.


    "Actually," she grinned slyly, "the affinity seed is part of the tour."


    Erik raised an eyebrow and locked his amber eyes with her brown ones in a show of calm confidence. Eira, meanwhile, quickly started getting nervous. Her eyes darted, trying to avoid Erik''s gaze, and her lips were pursed, yet she didn''t give in.


    Finally, Erik rxed his gaze and chuckled. "Alright, Eira, have it your way. I suppose I''m quite curious to see this ce, anyway."


    "Yay!" the transparent minotaur girl floated up a little and pped her hands, a bright smile on her lips.


    Erik shook his head with a small smile. ''She really doesn''t act her age, does she,'' he thought to himself.


    He looked behind him at Emily, Astrid, and Alice. "You guysing?" he asked, while noticing the various emotions that appeared on their faces after the many revtions from thest few hours.


    ''I''ll need to have some individuals talks with themter, I guess,'' he realized.


    Yet, when he asked if they wereing, they all nodded with determination. Whatever they were thinking about, it clearly hadn''t affected their decision to stick with him.


    Naturally, Emma had been beside him the whole time, had talked with him through their bond, and they had felt each others emotions.


    Thus, he simply gave her a kiss and smiled. "Come on, let''s go." To which she responded with a happy nod.


    He turned to the happy Eira, "Well? Show us the way."


    "Yes!" she beamed, and quickly floated towards one of the six doors that led out into the circr hallway they found themselves in. The que above the door read: ''Living space''


    "Living space, huh?" Erik mumbled. "I guess Audu really did intend for this to be my home¡­"


    ''It''s nice to have a home, assuming I even want to consider it as such,'' he thought to himself, ''but I probably won''t use it much, considering I''ll be leaving this area within a year¡­''


    "Of course!" Eira nodded excitedly. "I''ve been living here alone for so long, but now I''ll havepany!"


    "I imagine you''ve been feeling lonely," Emma mentioned, while looking at Eira with parts pity and parts sympathy. "I can rte. Even just a month ago, I was miserable and lonely. But then I met Erik, and now I''m none of those things! In fact, I couldn''t be happier! I hope you''ll feel the same soon!"


    Eira blinked in confusion as her gaze panned to Emma. So far, her entire focus had been on Erik, the Harbinger, the one she had been waiting for, and only now did the presence of others in the room actually register for her.


    "U¡ª Uh¡­ Y¡ª Yeah. I mean, Yeah!" shaking off her previous confusion, she now looked at Emma with a bright smile to math the girl''s own. "I like you, girl with white hair and funny eyes!"


    Emma giggled, "You can just call me Emma."


    "Alright, Emma," Eira nodded happily, before beckoning them towards the door again. "Now,e on,e on!"


    She flung open the door, and floated inside, quickly followed by Erik and the others.


    On the other side was a short passageway ending in an open arch before opening up into anotherrge, circr hall.


    This hall looked very simr to the previous one, but the colors it consisted off were far warmer. The entire floor was covered with a rug, several pieces of furniture like tables, chairs, and sofas were set up around the room, and there were even some paintings hanging on the wall.


    Naturally, there was nothing that belonged to modern Earth, as none of the art or furniture were in any kind of style known on modern Earth, but they looked beautiful, andfortable.


    "Damn," some of Erik''spanions eximed as they looked around in wonder, while the man himself whistled approvingly.


    "Your mistress certainly went out of her way to make mefortable," Erik mumbled with some surprise. He hadn''t expected this much.


    Eira, became giddy due to their reactions, but quickly lost some of her confidence when she heard Erik''sment. She started to poke her fingers together awkwardly. "Actually¡­ this living space of the dimension was simply ripped away from some noble''s residence when Mistress created this dimension."


    Hearing her admit that made Erik chuckle. ''She''s surprising honest.''


    He turned to the slightly embarrassed Eira and smiled, "Well, it doesn''t matter. It''s yours now, and your home is beautiful, Eira."


    The girl''s sizable chest swelled in pride. "Hehehe, you think so?" she grinned happily. "But it''s not just my home, it''s ours now!"


    Herment made him mumble inwardly, "Does she even realize I can''t stay here if she wants me to find Audu?"


    To which Elora responded, "Actually, I''ve been thinking, and¡­ based on what I know of the spatial affinity, perhaps it''s moreplicated than that. I''m sure we''ll find outter, though, but if it is as I suspect, then we''ll need to have a serious talk about how to proceed."


    Erik was curious what she was thinking about, but simply nodded for now, and focused back on Eira''s tour.


    Simr to the previous circr hall, this one, too, had several doors leading deeper into the dimension. Ten of them, in fact. Currently, Eira was quickly flying past them all and throwing them open one by one, before floating before the tenth andst door. She opened her arms wide, with a bright smile on her face.


    "These are all bedrooms you can use!" she eximed while smiling happily. Clearly, she was enjoying the exposition, happy to finally have people she could show her home to.


    Then she thumbed behind her at the final door. "And that is the master bedroom, intended for the Harbinger!"


    Feeling like three pairs of eyes were boring into him from behind, Erik turned around and could see Alice, Emily, and Astrid looking at him intensely. Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You all seem¡­ strangely excited?"


    "You know how long its been since I had my own bedroom and bed?!" they all nearly shouted at him at the same time.


    Erik chuckled a little surprised, but couldn''t deny they were right, so he waved his hand. "Alright, alright. Go pick a room then while I check out my own. But be careful and don''t get too excited¡­!" He shot them all a warning re, hoping his intentions came across.


    He didn''t want to outright say they might not be staying there with Eira within earshot, but they seemed to get the message when they all tempered their enthusiasm somewhat. Still, they quickly ran off to look at the rooms behind those nine open doors, and pick their own.


    In the meantime, he walked up to the tenth door, with Eira and Emma right besides him. Emma, of course, had no intention of sleeping in any room other than Erik''s.


    Before he opened the door, however, he questioned inwardly. "Elora? Our bond prevents anyone from affecting our mind, no matter the difference in power, correct?"


    By now, he was convinced that neither Eira nor Audu meant him any harm for now, but if Eira''s Mistress had any intention of brainwashing him in some way using a sigil, then the perfect ce for that sigil would be his bedroom.


    Elora couldn''t currently detect sigils, but she should still be able to detect when something was trying to influence Erik''s mind, and stop it.


    Luckily, her response was positive. "Yes, don''t worry. Even someone of Audu''s presumable power would have to break our bond first."


    Reassured, Erik opened the door and stepped inside.

 Chapter 243: Chapter 243 - Tour [2/3]

    On the other side was arge, opulent bedroom with a massive bed that could easily fit six people.


    Once again, Erik felt the urge to whistle in amazement. "That noble whose residence was gouged to make this dimension sure knew how to live," he mumbled to himself, as visions of him and his wives upying that bed swam across his mind.


    Emma giggled and quickly walked up to the bed. While running her hand over the linen, she smiled softly at Erik. "I can''t wait for the day you put my naked body next to Emily''s, right here on this bed, Master."


    Erik was a little taken aback by her sudden deration, but not too surprised. Not only had she been getting boldertely, but she''d been advocating for adding Emily to their little family from the start. Although, perhaps her interest went a little beyond just that.


    Grinning, Erik walked up to the white-haired girl in a maid dress and took her by the waist, causing her to giggle again. "Is that so, my perverted little glimmer," he whispered in her ear. "And what do you imagine I''ll do to you both when I have you there?"


    Lust and devotion glimmered in Emma''s mismatched eyes as she looked at Erik. Her voice was a little hoarse when she whispered back, "First you''ll tie me up so I can''t interfere, and than you''ll punish Emily for being a rebellious brat while I watch, helpless to do anything. Finally, when she''s properly subdued, you''ll have your way with both of us, right next to each other."


    Erik thought back to that night in the cabin when he first punished Emily, while Emma masturbated herself into fainting. ''I guess that had some effect on her,'' he softlyughed inwardly.


    "Is that so, huh?" Erik chuckled lustfully. "Well maybe we can make something work!"


    Suddenly, behind them, an uncertain voice spoke up. "U¡ª Uhm, w¡ª what are you two talking about?"


    "Oh?" they both mumbled curiously when they panned their gazes towards Eira, having almost forgotten she was there.


    Suddenly, Emma turned and looked at Erik with a gentle smile. "Perhaps Eira would be to your liking, Master? I''m sure you could make her as happy as I am."


    Erik had to struggle to keep fromughing at the way Emma seemed tobine purity, pervertedness, and devotion to him, all in one sentence.


    Instead, he simply bend forward and kissed her, before whispering, "Perhaps someday, but it''s a littleplicated, considering what she is."


    Even if she was a solid form sigil construct, any sexual organs existed solely on the outside, and only for anatomical correctness. Her insides would be not much more than a cloud of aetherium.


    "S¡ª Seriously!" a frustrated shout came from behind. "W¡ª What are you two talking about! I¡ª I know you just mentioned me!"


    "Plus, she''d have to actually understand what''s happening, otherwise it would just feel wrong," he chuckled, before turning around to face Eira. "Are you sure you want to know?" he asked, while slowly walking up to her with an amused glint in his eyes.


    Seeing the way he looked at her, Eira suddenly had to gulp as her curiosity was dimmed a little. Still, she quickly gathered herself together and nodded seriously.


    "Okay then," Erik grinned, before moving next to her and whispering in her ear.


    With every word he whispered, Eira''s face became a little paler, while panic seeped into her eyes.


    Before he was even entirely finished, she eximed a high pitched noise in disgust, and pushed against Erik''s chest while quickly floating backward.


    Erik was actually forced to take a step back due to the force of the push while he chuckled.


    "P¡ª P¡ª Pervert!" Eira yelled while extending an using finger at Erik, panic etched on her face.


    "It seems you know more than I expected," Erik teased while heughed.


    "O¡ª Of course I do! B¡ª But that''s not¡­! I¡ª I mean, you¡­!" finally, she made another strange noise, and fled through the door.


    While Erik watched her go with a smirk on his face, Emma walked up next to him and grabbed his arm. "I''m sure she''lle around, Master," she smiled brightly.


    In response, Erik turned to Emma and grabbed her chin, before nted a heavy kiss on her lips. When he pulled back, he whispered, "I love you, little Glimmer."


    Immediately, a shy blush appeared on the girl''s face as she quickly looked to the side. "L¡ª Love you too, Master."


    So, with a content smile, and a pretty maid on his arm, Erik walked out of the room, in pursuit of Eira.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few minutester, Erik walked out of the living area with hispanions in tow, who all looked excited about their new rooms.


    They found themselves back in the original circr hall, where Eira was floating in front of the next door, her face graced with a cute pout, a frustrated re, while her thin tail was anxiously sweeping back and forth.


    "I''m sorry if I upset you, Eira," he smirked slightly, while walking closer to her. Eira quickly panicked and tried to create distance between them, but lightning shed and suddenly, Eira found herself locked in ce with her chin in Erik''s hand.


    "But can you really me me for having impure thoughts about a cute girl like you?" his lips were curled up into a charming smile while he talked.


    Behind him, only Emma had a gentle smile on her face, while the other three, even Alice, couldn''t help but roll their eyes at Erik''s behavior.


    "U¡ª uuh," Eira stammered with a blush on her cheeks as his amber eyes bored into hers.


    She quickly recovered, however, and pushed him away again while floating backwards. "D¡ª Don''t try to sweet talk me, you s¡ª scoundrel!"


    Still, she quickly turned around to hide her blush, and floated towards the next door. "A¡ª Although I suppose you can be f¡ª forgiven this time. But you''re still a pervert!"


    "Yes, yes, of course. Thank you, oh benevolent Eira," he chuckled, his tone clearly full of amusement.


    Yet, Eira didn''t seem to pick up on that, as she actually puffed up her chest a little while a proud smile appeared on her face, "It''s good you understand! Now,e,e. The library awaits!" she beckoned with an excited smile while flinging open the next door.


    "Library, eh?" Elora''s curiously excited voice echoed in Erik''s head.

 Chapter 244: Chapter 244 - Tour [3/3]

    So, Eira guided them through the next door, where another short passageway ending in a third,rge, circr hall. Only this one was full of massive bookshelves instead, and even had somefortable seating areas.


    "Wee to the library!" Eira happily eximed. Yet her bright smile dimmed a little when she noticed the lukewarm reaction from her audience.


    Unfortunately for her, three of them preferred training and fighting over reading, while only Erik and Emma had any interest in the books, but even that didn''t go beyond mild.


    Only one person among them had an ever-insatiable thirst for knowledge, as did most fairies, but she was currently unwilling to reveal herself.


    "Uuuugh," Elora groaned in Erik''s mind as she watched those many books through his eyes. "I''m almost tempted to just go for it¡­" she mumbled with greed and desire.


    "Patience, Elora," Erik chuckled. "I''m sure Emma would be happy to lend you her bodyter, assuming we''re continuing the ruse for now."


    "Of course!" Emma''s chipper voice immediately interjected.


    Elora rolled her eyes. "To think that the day woulde were you preach patience to me, instead of the other way around! But yes, yes, you''re right of course. Thank you, Emma."


    Happy emotions flowed from Emma to them, who just wanted to be helpful.


    Finally epting that the library just wasn''t going to be the highlight of her tour, Eira sighed. "I see Mistress''s efforts to pass on useful knowledge for you people was wasted, but it is what it is."


    Still, she quickly regained her enthusiasm and floated back towards the first circr hall, "Next up, the crafting hall!"


    This time, it was only Erik''s eyes that lit up. ''Could it be¡­?'' he wondered to himself.


    Erik''s eyes shone with excitement when they moved through the next door, which led to a T-shaped corridor. Eira quickly took a left turn, and they once again ended up in a circr hall.


    "Somebody likes circles a little bit too much, I think," Emily mumbled to herself.


    "Circles are nice¡­" Eira pouted, but quickly refocused on what was in front of her with a bright smile. "Wee to the alchemy room!"


    Therge hall was littered with strange equipment, sigils, pots, kettles, and many, many shelves full of various ingredients.


    ''Not exactly what I was hoping for¡­'' Erik thought with disappointment.


    "Wow¡­" Elora mumbled in Erik''s mind. "I''m no good at alchemy, but even I can see that this ce would be any beginning alchemists dream. A skilled alchemist could probably create even up to fourth rank pills here. Not that we have such an alchemist¡­"


    As if reading her mind, Eira shrugged and said, "Mistress realized, of course, that none whoe here are likely to know how to use any of this stuff, especially since this ce was intended toe into use directly after the awakening, but the library has a whole section on alchemy techniques just for that reason."


    "Perhaps we can convince someone to take up the craft," Elora suggested in Erik''s mind.


    "I might like to give it a shot," Emma immediately responded. "Big Em is already busy with learning sigils, Master has many other things on his mind, I don''t think Astrid has the patience for it, and Alice is still too young. Plus, I think it might be fun¡­"


    Elora immediately added her own support behind that idea. "From what I know, both light and nature are exceptionally useful in alchemy, I think she should give it a try."


    "Okay, Emma," Erik nodded inwardly. "But don''t start straight away. Your first priority should be to reach the second rank."


    "Of course!" Emma immediately nodded. "I can''t wait to fully cure big Em!"


    When they were done, Eira was already on her way out the door again. "Next stop, the forge!" she eximed enthusiastically.


    "Now we''re getting somewhere!" Erik eximed enthusiastically in his mind, before quickly moving after Eira.


    Elora and Emma both smiled inwardly at his enthusiasm.


    When you''re in love, it was nice to see the object of your affection be excited.


    They crossed the T-shaped corridor again, but this time, they went the other way.


    Soon, they entered another circr hall, and Eira spread her arms wide. "Wee to the fo¡ª" she began, but was interrupted by a tall, handsome, and armored whirlwind passing by her, chuckling excitedly.


    "U¡ª Uhh," Eira mumbled, a little surprised.


    This hall was filled with clearly different, but equally strange devices as the alchemy room, along with various sigils, an anvil and a forge.


    Erik had a wide, excited smile on his face as he began touching and inspecting the various pieces of equipment, like a kid in a candy store. "Amazing!" he eximed, his excitement palpable. "I didn''t think I''d find a real forge on the current Earth!"


    Back on S?l, Erik had developed a real passion for forging. Although he had been able to somewhat satisfy this passion back in Frostvik, using the minimalistic, outdated, and entirely non-magical forge in his childhood home''s basement, it was far from enough for him.


    Seeing him run around like that quickly started making Eira nervous. "H¡ª Harbinger!" she blurted out. "P¡ª Please be careful!"


    She didn''t want her harbinger to somehow hurt himself. After all, some of this equipment was meant to reshape third or fourth rank metals into various forms, which meant they could just as easily reshape Erik''s second-rank Runebound body.


    "Don''t worry, little Eira," Erik chuckled with a wide smile as he put his head into the currently cold forge. "I know what I''m doing."


    Suddenly, he made a surprised yelp, and quickly retracted his head from the forge, causing Eira to panic and fly up to him. "Are you alright?!" she asked, worried.


    None of the others were particrly worried, but that was mostly because they simply had no idea how hot that forge could get. They knew Erik''s power and figured Eira was just over reacting.


    Luckily, it wasn''t a bad yelp, as Erik''s grin had possibly be even wider, while he stared at a certain protrusion attached to the forge that seemed to have a sigil on it. "It''s even build with a forgeme sigil in mind!"


    Suddenly, his eyes shone even more, as he turned an excited gaze towards Astrid. "Astrid! Come here a second!" he beckoned.


    Feeling herself getting swept up in his enthusiasm, Astrid stammered, "O¡ª Okay," and rushed up to him.


    "Affinity''s should work the same between Arcanists and Runebound, but I still really hope this works," he mumbled a little crazily, before directing Astrid to the outcropping he was looking at before. "Quickly, put your hand on that sigil, and channel your affinity through it!"


    Putting her full trust in Erik, she simply nodded and did as he said while Erik went to the opposite side to observe the changes.


    The moment her affinity circted through the sigil, the forge lit up, and before long, a small sun was shining brightly in its depths.


    "Hahahaha," Erikughed loudly as he observed, "This is amazing! Now I''ll be able to forge with the sun affinity!"


    Then he turned towards the confused, yet excited Astrid, and grind widely. "How would you like to be my assistant and learn to forge?"

 Chapter 245: Chapter 245 - Training room

    A few momentster, their group was once again on the move, with Erik sporting a wide grin. If it wasn''t for the fact that several other matters needed to be resolved first, he likely would have started experimenting with his new toys straight away.


    Four doors were now explored¡ªwith one leading to the portal they came in from, one to the living space, one to the library, and one to the crafting rooms. Now, they stood before the fifth door, which housed a que above it, informing them that it lead to the training room.


    Naturally, this held great interest for all of them.


    "Mistress spend a lot of time and effort on making this one just right," Eira smiled pridefully as she floated through the passageway leading to the next area.


    "Whoever would be the harbinger was, originally, supposed to take control of the guardians and work to stabilize Earth until they were ready to enact Mistress''s final n," Eira continued. "So obviously they needed to be as strong as possible. Now, the n may have changed a little, but strength and power is more important than ever! So I hope you''ll spend a lot of time here, Harbinger!"


    Her chest was puffed out in a show of pride and authority, while she did her utmost to sound wise and sagely.


    Erik couldn''t help but softly chortle at her behavior. Having seen the way she behaved, it was hard to take her seriously now.


    That wasn''t to say that he didn''t like her, or that he didn''t respect her. In fact, he did both. She was bright, innocent, and energetic, while her loyalty and endurance were impressive. Naturally, some of that was simply because she was a sigil construct, but that didn''t make her any less likable to him.


    Plus, it was possible that Eira was unique in some way, as Elora mentioned that Eira seemed different from what she thought she knew of sigil constructs. That said, her knowledge in this area was a little spotty, so it was hard to say if there actually was something strange about Eira.


    Either way, Erik intended to find out.


    "Do you have to keep calling me Harbinger?" Erik asked after he stopped chortling. "It sounds so ominous."


    She pouted, "I''ve gotten used to calling you that for eight thousand years¡­ but I''ll consider it."


    "Thank you," Erik chuckled.


    A few momentster, they now stood on the threshold of yet another circr hall.


    This time, everyone apart from Emma looked on with shining eyes.


    The room was divided into multiple sections that all seemed to cater to a different style of training. There was even a section located for training in sigil craft, which particrly interested Emily and Elora.


    Other sections included one that seemed focused on quiet meditation, presumably for Arcanists, and one that seemed to be geared towards physical training, presumably for Runebound.


    Erik was pleasantly surprised to see that the room had both, as he was afraid it would only be geared towards Runebound, considering that the Harbinger was always supposed toe from his family of werewolves.


    Naturally, it was no surprise Audu knew what a Runebound needed for advancement, although Erik continued to wonder what exactly her role was in the fate, and perhaps even existence, of Runebounds and supernaturals.


    Elora, however, was far more surprised by the sigils surrounding the Runebound training section. "I don''t recognize any of those¡­" she mumbled in Erik''s mind. "Could those actually be sigils primarily focused on Runebound training? I need to study those!"


    "Calm down, Elora," Erik chuckled. "Perhaps there will be a book on them in the library."


    "There''s already so much I want to read in there, though," Elora groaned.


    While Erikughed at Elora''s misfortune, Alice and Astrid were looking with excitement at another section of the room: the sparring section.


    It was arge area, fully surrounded by protective sigils, allowing those inside to go crazy as much as they liked.


    Astrid immediately turned to Erik with sparkling eyes and an excited grin. "Erik? Wanna spar?!"


    Alice also looked excitedly at him. She may not yet be strong enough to fight either of them, but she loved watching.


    Erik immediately had shbacks to their youth, where Astrid would have that same look in her eyes and tone in her voice. He was always reluctant, but Astrid would wear him down eventually, and it was clear she intended to do the same once again.


    "Later, Astrid," Erik smiled. "I believe Eira is almost done with her tour."


    Astrid narrowed her eyes and stared at him with suspicion, "Is that the old Erik creeping back in? Because mark my words, I will drag you into that ring if I have to!"


    "I''d like to see you try," Erik grinned, while sparks began to fly between them, both gearing up forbat.


    Seemingly oblivious to the flying sparks, Eira floated back to the passageway, seemingly even more excited than before. "It''s time for thest part of my tour! Which includes the affinity seed! This is also the moment where you truly take this ce as your home, Harbinger!"


    The mentioning of the affinity seed that was supposed to be inside of him quickly tore Erik away from his iing confrontation with Astrid.


    "Later, Astrid. I promise," he winked, before quickly following Eira out of the room, intending to find out if he really had a spatial affinity seed inside of him.


    When they entered the original circr hallway again, however, Erik was surprised to find that Eira was floating towards the orb in the middle, rather than thest remaining door.


    "Eira? Aren''t you missing a door?" he wondered, as he looked at the closed door, and noticed that there was no que detailing what was behind it.


    "Ah," Eira yelped when she heard Erik''s question. She poked her fingers together and looked a little embarrassed. "Behind that door is¡­ is me¡­ my core, so to say. I''m¡­ not supposed to let you in there."


    "Oh?" Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. "And why''s that?" he asked, even though he could very well imagine why that was so.


    "It''s¡­ it''s just for my safety, I promise," she mumbled with embarrassment. "P¡ª Please don''t ask me to disobey Mistress."


    It wasn''t that she cared so much about what Erik wanted, but rather, that she was afraid he would abandon both her, and the search for Audu, if she didn''t. Originally, Audu herself was supposed to convince him to follow the n, but now, with her mistress''s silence¡­ Eira had be desperate.


    If Erik refused to follow the n, her entire existence would be meaningless and she would be alone again, while her Mistress''s fate would remain uncertain.


    She couldn''t allow that to happen, even if she had to disobey Audu, no matter how much she hated that thought.

 Chapter 246: Chapter 246 - Affinity seed

    Taking his eyes of the final door, Erik panned his gaze towards Eira. Her face was quite pitiful, and he couldn''t help but summon some pity for her.


    Luckily for her, he wasn''t nning on insisting. He still wanted to see exactly what was behind that door, but there were other things that took priority.


    So he nodded, "Alright, Eira, I wont ask you to open that door."


    Relief flooded Eira''s expression as her body sagged a little from released tension. "T¡ª Thank you!" she smiled.


    She also quickly recovered her enthusiasm and floated up to the spatial orb in the middle of the room. "So, uhm," she started a little unsure. "I don''t know¡­ what exactly happened to you since the awakening, or why you only arrived now, but you seemed interested in the affinity seed earlier. Does that mean you already know what it is?"


    Erik smiled slightly. Elora knew quite a lot about the subject, but he wanted to hear if Audu, or at least Eira, knew something they didn''t. Or if Eira would lie to him about the specifics.


    After all, there was one thing that Elora was particrly worried about regarding all this.


    So he nodded slowly, "I have a general idea, but why don''t you pretend like I have none and give me your exnation."


    "Alright," Eira nodded, taking on a surprisingly serious expression. "Affinity seeds are rare treasures formed after being nurtured by a primordial source of one such affinity for thousands or tens of thousands of years."


    Naturally, those among them who were still used to pre-awakening periods of time were unable to properly imagine anything taking that long to form apart from actuals.


    Eira held up her hand and conjured a visual aide in the form of a small nt seed floating above her hand. "After it is formed, such a seed supposedly has a great many uses, but personally, I only know of the one Mistress used it for: inducing an affinity in a newborn."


    As she continued, she changed the projection on her to match her words. "When merged with a newborn soon after birth, the affinity seed will suppress whatever affinity the newborn was originally supposed to have, and reces it with its own.


    But, this only works if the newborn actually lives in an aetherium-rich environment. If this requirement is not met, the seed will simply lie dormant until activated by aetherium."


    Her face lit up with pride when she continued, "Mistress figured out a way for these dormant affinity seeds to be passed on to a carrier''s firstborn child, which is how this particr affinity seed ended up with you, Harbinger."


    Returning to a serious tone, she exined further, "However, since it has the spatial affinity, your seed works slightly differently.


    Anyone with the spatial affinity has a personal dimension within themselves from which they actually draw their power, but this dimension simply appears naturally when someone is born with that affinity. Unfortunately, with a spatial seed, a catalyst is needed to form that dimension, before you can ess the affinity."


    At this point, she squashed the projection in her hand, and a wide smile appeared on her face as she spread her arms to indicate the space around her. "And, well, ta-da!" she giggled. "Guess what we''re standing in!"


    Eira looked like she had been practicing this particr speech for quite a long time, just like she likely had with her entire tour. Having finished it, she looked quite proud of herself, making Erik chuckle.


    So far, Eira hadn''t said anything he and Elora didn''t know already. That said, this did finally offer an exnation about why Erik didn''t have an affinity before he met Elora. A problem that was solved by Elora giving him the Raiju and winter wolf bloodlines, but one that had confused them to this day.


    Erik''s original affinity, whatever it was, had simply been suppressed by the spatial affinity seed. At the same time, a spatial affinity seed was usually only marginally connected to its host, as it existed in what could only be described as therval form of a separate dimension.


    Arval form that should sprout into something real with the help of a catalyst like, for example, the spatial orb in front of him.


    Yet, there was a problem. Something that Eira hadn''t mentioned so far, either because she didn''t realize, or because Audu had ordered her not to.


    "So,e on,e on," Eira almost bounced up and down in excitement with a wide smile on her face. "Touch the orb, and we can start merging it with you, so that you can make this dimension yours and start using the spatial affinity!"


    She puffed up her sizable chest in pride and looked at Erik with confidence as she continued, "You''ll have me as apanion to help you manage our dimension and home while you find Mistress!"


    Erik looked at her with aplicated gaze, before sighing. Eira was confused about his apparent reluctance, so her pride deted a little and she used herrge, innocent eyes to look at him with a slightly worried gaze.


    His brows furrowed, "Eira¡­ do you realize what you''re asking of me?"


    Eira''s eyes shifted back and forth, a mix of genuine confusion and worry evident on her face. "I¡ª Y¡ª Yes? I thought you liked my home? And... don''t you want to unlock your affinity?"


    "I do, and I do," Erik replied, nodding. "But it''s not that simple. This ce relies on essentially two things: the structure and the dimension. They''re not the same; your home exists within the dimension but isn''t part of it. If I absorb the dimension, yes, it will be mine, but the structure will still essentially be yours."


    While Elora had severely limited her use of omnisense, she''d still been able to pick up on the massive amount of sigils encapsting the entire structure by the sheer power they gave off.


    Many of those sigils were unfamiliar to Elora, leaving her unsure of their purpose. And that didn''t even consider the sigils missed or those shielded against conventional detection methods.


    The main issue was that all those sigils, and the entire structure, were under Eira''s control.


    And that, unfortunately, wouldn''t change if Erik absorbed the dimension¡­

 Chapter 247: Chapter 247 - A sobbing construct

    Surprisingly, Erik''s words seemed to have only reassured Eira, who quickly lost her worried expression, to be reced with a bright smile. "Oh, but I don''t mind!" she eximed happily. "My home is your home!"


    Despite her chipper attitude, her words had the clear undertone of someone who had been alone for far too long.


    Erik chuckled, albeit a little sadly, as he couldn''t figure out if Eira really was this immature and naive, or if it was all an act so he would lower his guard.


    Seeing his reaction made doubt return to Eira''s expression, while she anxiously poked her fingers together. "W¡ª What''s wrong? I¡ª I thought you liked me," she stammered.


    She''d been alone for so long as she waited for the harbinger''s arrival, and now that he was here, he was¡­ rejecting her? Rejecting the home she had been keeping safe all this time?


    Small tears began to appear in the corners of her eyes as she was on the verge of crying.


    Erik smiled wryly, as he didn''t really enjoy causing this girl distress, assuming her reactions were real. Emma''s emotions of pity and sadness that streamed towards him through their link didn''t really help either.


    Yet, he had no choice but to shake his head. "I like you, Eira. But let me ask you this. If you ever had to choose between me and Audu, who would you pick? Or better yet, how much freedom do you even have? If your mistress ordered you to bring harm to me, would you?"


    Because there was the crux of the matter. Neither Erik nor Elora relished the idea of something so powerful existing inside Erik, especially if it remained under theplete control of an entity whose loyalty to them was questionable.


    Who knew what those sigils were meant to do exactly? Where they just there to keep the structure anchored inside this separate dimension, or was there something more?


    Even if Eira and those sigils were unable to actually affect Erik''s dimension and cause him harm in some way, would he feel safe leaving the people he cared about in there? What if Audu ordered Eira to threaten a loved one living in this ce?


    "W¡ª What do you mean?" Eira mumbled sadly. "Aren''t we on the same side? Why would Mistress ask me to harm you?"


    "Are we on the same side?" Erik shrugged doubtfully. "I don''t even know what Audu has nned for me exactly. This whole thing about saving the two supernatural races sounds good and all, but how do I know if it''s actually true? And, for that matter, is my survival a part of her ns?


    What if we find Audu, and I don''t like her ns for me? Will I still have a choice in the matter with you and this ce inside of me?"


    "I¡­ I¡ª I don''t¡­" Eira stammered, now truly on the verge of crying. "I don''t know anything about all that!" she finally eximed desperately.


    Tears had now started streaming down her face as she continued. "I just.. I just want to be helpful to you! I¡ª I want to find Mistress, and then I really want to travel the world with you! I want to have adventures together, and see more than just this one ce, day after day, year after year!"


    "I don''t want to be alone anymore!" she finally sobbed. "Please don''t reject me now! I swear I just want to help!"


    Among Erik''spanions, only Emily, and of course Elora, had indifferent reactions to Eira''s outburst, while Alice, Astrid, and especially Emma all looked ufortable and sad.


    Yet, they didn''t interfere, as choosing between Erik''s safety and thefort of this still unknown, if pitiable, construct was an easy choice.


    Unfortunately for Eira, there was simply no way Erik would take a potential time bomb like this into his own body.


    So he shook his head again, "You haven''t actually answered my question, Eira. If Audu ordered you to harm me, would you?"


    "I¡­" she began, but fell silent again as she seemed to be at a loss for words. Despite her slightly transparent, sigil construct body, tears continued to stream from her eyes, while her mouth opened and closed a few times as if trying to say something, but being unsure of what.


    ''I''m just surprised she''s even struggling with it this much,'' Erik thought to himself. ''I guess the harbinger she''s been waiting for has an even more important presence in her mind than I thought, even if she never met me before today. Or it could all be an act, of course¡­''


    He was quick to put Eira out of her misery, however. He wasn''t really interested in her answer anyway.


    Either she picked Audu and confirm what he and Elora already assumed, or she picked him and he''d be unable to believe her. And even if he did believe her, Audu might have some kind of override in ce to make her choice not matter in the end.


    So he held up his hand, and sighed. "Stop, Eira. You don''t have to answer that. But I hope you can see a part of the problem now. I don''t trust Audu yet, and by extension, I can''t trust you, notpletely, regardless of whether or not I like you."


    "I¡ª B¡ª But¡­ Y¡ª You need the spatial affinity for Mistress''s ns, a¡ª and I don''t want to be left alone again¡­!" Despite some relief for not having to answer his question anymore, her tears kept flowing, disappearing into sparkles of light as soon as they rolled of her body.


    If Eira was a little less innocent she might have tried to force the matter, despite knowing it was not only pointless, but also counter-intuitive.


    Erik took a step closer to Eira and took her transparent chin in his hand. He softly lifted her head and looked into her eyes. "There is a way for us both to get what we want¡­ but it depends on how much you''re willing and able to disobey your mistress."


    Eira''s eyes went wide, and clear struggle appeared in them as Erik''s words registered inside her. "I¡ª" she began, but Erik interrupted her. "Don''t answer yet," he said, smiling softly. "Just think about it for now."


    Than he turned to hispanions and silently beckoned them to follow him to the living space they had visited earlier.


    In doing so, they left behind a softly sobbing minotaur girl.

 Chapter 248: Chapter 248 - More answers means more questions

    As soon as they entered the circr hall that held the various bedrooms, Erik sighed. He wasn''t particrly happy with how he left Eira, even while knowing it was necessary.


    He turned around and looked at hispanions. Their faces showing a mixture of confusion and curiosity, since only Emma had been able to follow his conversation with Elora this entire time.


    "So¡­ what are we doing, Erik?" Astrid questioned as she scratched her head, and looked around the luxurious living room. "That Eira seems like a nice girl, and I feel for her, but she also feels a little unstable. Is it safe to stay here?"


    "More like bat-shit crazy," Emily rolled her eyes, although she quickly coughed and retracted a little when she noticed Emma ring at her. "But¡­ not harmful?"


    Meanwhile, Alice kept quiet. Erik suspected she was still processing everything that happened to hertely.


    "I don''t think she''s deceiving us, or dangerous¡­" Emma mumbled sadly while poking her fingers together¡ªa gesture that seemed to transcend space and time as it was exactly the same as Eira''s version.


    "I know you don''t, Emma," Erik smiled at her. "And your intuition is usually spot on, but the problem is that we''re not just dealing with Eira here. She''s intricately connected to this Audu, who is still an unknown entity. That means that, unless we can ensure this entire space is under our control, we can''t trust it¡­"


    He fell silent with a thoughtful expression on his face, before addressing them again while rubbing his own white-gray hair in a slightly frustrated gesture. "The thing is, we could really use this ce. We need a safe space to train and grow stronger before we confront Frostfang again, rescue Astrid''s mother, and put Sigurd into the ground."


    Finally, he sighed and came to a decision. "Alright, I don''t want us to split up just yet, but I know we can all use a little rest, so for tonight, we''ll all sleep in my bedroom. Tomorrow, I''ll try to figure something out with Eira, but if I can''t¡­ then tonight will be our first andst night here. At least for the foreseeable future."


    While none of them wanted to leave here, Erik included, they all understood the stakes, and went to get some rest with dismayed expressions.


    Not long after, the five of them had put themselves down on Erik''s bed, where most of them fell asleep almost immediately. Erik was in the middle, with Emma hugging Erik, and Alice hugging Emma, while Astrid and Emily took plenty of personal space on Erik''s other side.


    Only Erik and Elora remained awake now, with Erik reaching inward to ask Elora what she thought of Eira. "So what do you think of Eira? And I don''t mean as an¡­ arguably sentient being, but as a construct?"


    Elora remained quiet for a moment before responding. "I met a few sigil constructs before I met you, but it''s not my area of expertise. That said, I think there''s something strange about her. She seems far more¡­ alive than I thought a sigil construct should be. But again, that could simply be due to my limited knowledge on the subject."


    "Yeah," Erik nodded thoughtfully. "She seems so naive, energetic, immature, and¡­ autonomous? Not at all what I''d expect something like her to be like."


    "For what its worth," Elora shrugged. "I detected no signs of deceit, but since she''s not an actual person¡­"


    "Yeah¡­" Erik nodded again. Then changed the subject. "So what about the dimension? Anything we can do, should Eira be unwilling to cooperate? Even if we have to leave this structure behind, I''d still very much like to activate my spatial affinity."


    Elora started chewing her hair as she searched through her knowledge on the subject of spatial affinity and affinity seeds. Finally, she spoke up, "It really depends on how intricately this ce is woven into the dimension''s foundation, and there''s just no way to know without ess to knowledge about how this ce was built."


    Erik sighed, "So we need Eira to at least somewhat cooperate."


    "Yeah¡­" Elora nodded. "Although, the good news is that the affinity seed is not going anywhere. So even if we''re forced to pass on this opportunity, all we need is to find something else that can serve as a catalyst for forming your own dimension."


    "Sure, but what are the chances we find anything like that here on Earth?" Erik chuckled without much hope.


    "Which means you''d better put on your most charming smile tomorrow," Elora giggled.


    "Suppose I should," Erikughed softly.


    Quiet descended again, as Elora and Erik both sorted through their own thoughts. Until Erik spoke up again, "So why do you think me having the space affinity is so important to Audu''s ns?"


    "Absolutely no idea," came Elora''s near immediate response. Clearly, she had also been thinking about this. Unsessfully. "Just like I have no idea why the light and darkness affinities are required as well."


    With all they knew now, they would have been foolish not to realize that Audu had used the same method on Emma and Emily, as she had used on him. Only, the light and darkness affinities didn''t need a catalyst to be activated.


    "Right¡­" Erik mumbled but fell silent. Then continued, "You know, I''ve been thinking. Obviously, Emma and Emily were first supposed to be born among the guardians, but after they rebelled, Audu had to improvise and imnted the affinity seeds into the Ashcroft family instead. But why didn''t she give them a medallion? Did they even know what was done to them?"


    Elora shrugged in response. "Who knows? Perhaps they lost the medallion somehow, or perhaps she didn''t give them one so as not to draw attention to them. The hunters would have surely been looking for any medallions they could, after all. Or¡­ perhaps Seraphina''s family was originally tasked with guardian the Ashcrofts from the shadows.


    They lived near them, and it''s not unlikely that that was by design. Perhaps the Nightshade family simply forgot, or decided not to care. We do know that Emma found that book on sigils in the Ashcroft library, so her family likely had some contact with magical elements on Earth at some point in time."


    Erik sighed and chuckled in response. "Even when questions get answered, more questions arise as well. Perhaps only Audu herself could lift all the veils¡­"


    With hisstment made, Erik started drifted of to sleep, while Elora stayed awake to keep watch. After all, she was the only one Eira shouldn''t know about.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few hourster, Erik''s eyes shot open to be confronted by Eira''s face, floating mere inches from his.

 Chapter 249: Chapter 249 - Another option

    Her eyes were still wet with unshed tears, while her expression was one of sorrow and misery. Yet, there was no struggle. Instead, her eyes showed determination. Clearly, she made a decision of some sort.


    "That was faster than expected," Erik said softly, aware that the others were still sleeping. He remained calm, as he felt no threat from Eira. Not to mention that Elora would have warned him if that were the case.


    She didn''t seem surprised at his sudden awakening, and kept looking at him sadly. "I don''t like¡­ how you''re forcing me in this position." Lost hopes were breaking her voice a little. "I¡ª I hoped we would get along, work together, and¡­ trust each other."


    "That''s what I want as well, Eira," he nodded slowly. "But trust isn''t so easily earned. It takes time that I don''t believe we have. And even if I did trust you, I still wouldn''t trust Audu."


    Eira nodded with downcast eyes and remained quiet for a moment, as if thinking about how her next words. She looked up again, "I think Mistress would want me to prioritize getting you to search for her, and ept the space affinity over any other things she may have told me."


    "So¡­" she continued, drawing out the word as if attempting to cautiously approach her next words, poking and prodding them before actually give them a voice. "I''ll do whatever you want, even¡ª even disobey Mistress in other ways so long as those two things remain true."


    Erik stared at her for a moment, contemting the fact that she seemed to havee to this decision faster than he expected. It couldn''t have been more than a few hours since he went to sleep. He realized that she was either more desperate, or more autonomous than he had expected.


    But he needed her to be sure. He couldn''t have her change her mind along the way. So he asked her calmly, "Are you sure? I understand this is a big decision for you."


    She stared at him with all the determination her floating body could conjure up, and then nodded. "I don''t like it, and I¡ª I don''t like you very much for making me do it, but¡­ I''m sure. Although I don''t know how exactly you want to solve this?"


    "Let''s talk somewhere else," he smiled softly at her. Then he carefully woke up Emily, and told her to keep an eye on the others, because she could stay in contact with him through the Bond of Service. The chance that this was all a ruse to get him away from the others wasn''t lost on him, however small that chance was.


    After getting Emily''s agreement, he carefully slipped out of bed, and made his way into the living room, followed by Eira. He was currently wearing some simple,fortable clothing that were, for once, not conjured by Elora, as she was still trying to stay hidden.


    He took a seat on one of the luxurious sofa''s and turned his gaze to Eira, who still looked devastatingly seductive, cute, and formidable, all at once, by wearing a martial outfit in the form of short brown pants and a gold-metal bra.


    With Eira simply continuing to stare at him with part sorrow and part frustration, Erik decided to simply start talking. "I currently see two ways for us to continue.


    One, you help me dislodge this structure from the dimension. We''ll ce it above ground where the elevator is, there''s plenty of empty space, and no one actuallyes there. With the structure gone, my concerns will be as well, so I''ll absorb the dimension, we''ll train here as your guests for a while, and then we''ll leave in search of Audu."


    Thatst part wasn''t exactly true, but it was close enough.


    "Two," he continued, "you hand over control of this ce to someone else. Someone I know won''t be influenced by Audu, if it everes to that. Afterwards, the rest happens the same as before."


    Halfway through his first proposal, Eira had already hung her head low while crystal tears fell from her eyes and shattered into specks of light. When he was done, she softly sobbed. "I¡ª I am a part of this ce, I¡­ need a medium to exist in. Giving up control would be the same as death. You''re¡­ asking me to choose between abandonment and death."


    Erik didn''t say, nor indicate anything. He simply looked at her hanging head and falling tears calmly. He wanted to see the choice she would make.


    Not hearing any response from Erik, Eira trembled softly. She lifted her head to look at Erik with the gaze of someone who had lost all hope. "Fine¡­ it''s not like I hadn''t expected something like this. Let it be death, then," she said with the calm tone of someone who just didn''t care anymore.


    Erik was actually a little shocked to see the level of despair and anguish he saw in her eyes.


    But this was good. It would make her more likely to ept his next proposal. After all, he didn''t really want her to die.


    "As I understand it," he began slowly, "you currently exist in a sigil core, correct? Removing the core from the structure would not kill you, it would merely render you unconscious inside the core."


    To Erik''s surprise, some anger now started seeping into Eira''s gaze.


    He wasn''t surprised by her anger, just that it had taken so long for her to get angry at him. He liked her anger, however. I was more proof that she was a sentient being.


    "And so what?!" she eximed. "Without another medium to bond with, the core will quickly start to degrade, and then I''ll die anyway! It will just take a little longer! There''s no way you''ll get me to Mistress before it degradespletely!"


    "Probably not," Erik nodded slightly, before transitioning into a sly grin. "So then we just need to find you a new medium right here."


    "You don''t think I would have told you if such a thing where here?!" she red at him, her anger rising by the second. "Stop trying to find ways to ease your guilt over asking for my death! I''ve already epted it, now deal with it!"


    Her current expression was a far cry from anything Erik had seen her make before. It intrigued him, but had to admit to preferring the way she was before.


    "I don''t want you dead, Eira," Erik said while shaking his head. "In fact, in return for giving up control of this ce, I want to fulfill your wish. If there is no medium here, then we simply have to create one."


    His words seemed to shock Eira partly back to her previous self, as she blinked and anger left her gaze. "M¡ª My wish? Create¡­ a medium¡­? B¡ª But how? Y¡ª You''d need at least a third-tier artisan of some kind to create the medium, and at least a third-tier sigil crafter to safely transfer my core into a new setting. W¡ª Where could we possibly find those here?"


    Erik broke into a wide grin as he looked at the shocked Eira. "Actually¡­"

 Chapter 250: Chapter 250 - A third tier runesmith

    "That''s impossible!" Eira eximed. "You can''t be a third-tier runesmith! You''re only a second-ranker!"


    "It''s hardly impossible," Erik shrugged with a sly grin, enjoying her astonishment, "just umon. But such is the benefit of hard work, talent, and a capable teacher."


    Back on S?l, Erik had spent one entire year learning to smith from an old man in a remote vige that he and Elora had traveled through once.


    The man himself wasn''t anything particrly interesting, being just a third-rank Arcanist and a third-tier runesmith, which was far from an umon sight on a world like S?l that had awakened long ago.


    Yet, Erik had enjoyed smithing even before he came to S?l, as he had helped his father operate the forge in the basement of their house in Frostvik, and he wanted to continue to learn.


    While this man had not been the first smith Erik had seen on S?l, this was just after he had be a second-ranker and Elora had suggested he let his advancement settle a little to form a stronger foundation. Thus, he had taken the chance to see if he had any talent for the more fantastical version of cksmithing they practiced in S?l: runesmithing.


    The old man was a harsh teacher and Erik never actually learned his name, only ever calling him old man, but that year was one of the best he had spent on S?l. It was a time in which he managed to put many of the things from his past behind him. Enjoy exclusive chapters froNovelBin


    In the end, they ended up staying there far longer than they originally intended, but Erik left with a new passion for forging, and a skill level that exceeded what someone of the second rank should be capable of.


    With the current situation bringing back memories of that time, fondness and a bit of mncholy slipped into his gaze, as he promised himself to visit that vige again, when he returned to S?l.


    Eira looked at him with some skepticism, but also a burgeoning sliver of hope. "E¡ª Even if that''s true, what about the sigil expert? I refuse to believe you''re both!"


    "I''m not, don''t worry," Erik chuckled. "But one of mypanions is. We also have an advanced forge right here, plus I saw plenty of materials lying around there. Lastly, any knowledge we might be missing to aplish all this is sure to be found in that extensive library."


    "So you see," he continued as he watched a softly trembling Eira purge her expression form sorrow and hopelessness, "we have everything we need to put you into a new medium. All we need now is your consent and cooperation."


    "You¡ª You''re not deceiving me are you?" she asked with trembling voice. It seemed her naivety only went so far, and after today''s emotional roller coaster, she had learned a little skepticism.


    Erik smiled softly at her suspicion. "We wont disconnect you until the new medium is created, and after that¡­ while you can''t be absolutely sure we''ll actually put you into it, what point would there be in not doing so? Besides, this is where trust starts, with someone taking the first step."


    A slight smile appeared on Eira''s face, and she began floating back and forth, seemingly somewhat excited again. "T¡ª That''s true! O¡ª Okay, so¡ª so what medium do you n to make for me? Can¡ª Can I choose?"


    "Well¡­" Erik began as he stood up from the sofa and slowly approached Eira. "I did have an idea that I think you''ll like, at least based on the short time I''ve known you."


    He stopped in front of her, and bend over to whisper his idea into her ear.


    Eira''s eyes went wide when she heard his idea, and when he pulled back, she looked at him with shock. "You¡­ You''d trust me with that? Despite not trusting me with this ce?"


    Erik smiled slightly and nodded. "Trust is a two way street, right? Just because I''m asking you to take the first step, doesn''t mean I''m unwilling to take any myself."


    "Besides," he shrugged. "If you betrayed me in your current form that would create a massive problem, but in your new form it would be a setback at worst."


    Her new form would still be a slight risk to him, but he decided it was worth it. Not because he liked her a little, as that was far from enough to put himself and his loved ones at risk, but because a solid form sigil construct was a powerful asset that neither he nor Elora wanted to give up on.


    Excitement and happiness sparkled in Eira''s eyes, all previous despair forgotten as Erik had essentially just promised to make her dreamse alive. "Can¡ª Can I help in the design?!" she asked while nearly jumping up and down in excitement.


    "Sure," Erik chuckled and stuck out his hand, "but the final say lies with me, deal?"


    Eira ignored his hand and tackled him into a hug instead. "Deal! Thank you, thank you! It''ll be strange living in a new medium, but I''m excited! I''ve always wanted to leave and see new ces!"


    Erik chuckled as he hugged her back. No matter what else, he did enjoy seeing Eira happy far more than seeing her sad.


    He also enjoyed that there was no armor between him and herrge breasts this time. Just because she was a sigil construct didn''t make them any less soft, squishy, and yet firm.


    Eira separated herself from him again and floated up while smiling brightly and eagerly. "So when do we begin?!"


    "We''ll need to start with doing some more research in that library," Erik chuckled at her enthusiasm. "We could use your help, however, as I''m sure you have at least some idea of whats in there."


    "Yes, yes! Absolutely!" she quickly nodded, before starting to pull on Erik''s arm in an effort to get started straight away.


    To her dismay, however, Erik resisted and stayed in ce, while his expression took on a more serious tone.


    "However, there is one more thing I need from you," he said solemnly.


    "Real trust between us wille, but it''s not here yet. It''s going to take at least a week to create this thing, and if we''re going to stay in this ce for that long, I need you to disable any sigils that might be used against us, and remove any shielding against omnisense. In return, I will also give you a show of trust."

 Chapter 251: Chapter 251 - The beginnings of trust

    Eira lost a little of her momentum with Erik''s demand. She looked a little sad and unsure about what to do. If she did as he asked, she would essentially be defenseless against him. Her face showed some struggle, as she simply never had to deal with this kind of distrust before.


    She had always thought the harbinger would automatically be a friend, and she hade to realize it wasn''t that simple.


    "Trust wille, huh¡­" she mumbled softly. "Do you promise? Because I¡­ want a friend I can trust, and who trusts me¡­"


    Erik nodded slowly and seriously. "I also want that, Eira."


    Yes, perhaps he wouldn''t go so far if he wasn''t mainly interested in her capabilities as a solid state sigil construct, but if she could also be a true friend, than all the better.


    "Alright, prove it," Eira suddenly demanded. "You say you''ll give me a proof of trust in return for me shutting down the sigils, then I want yours first."


    "Ha!" Elora eximed from Erik''s soul. "She learns fast."


    Erik chuckled at both Elora''s outburst and Eira''s progress.


    His chuckling caused Eira to pout at him. "Y¡ª You don''t have tough at me¡­" she mumbled in frustration.


    "I wasn''tughing at you, Eira," Erik shook his head with a smile. "I was marveling at your progress."


    "I''m not stupid¡­" Eira continued to pout. "I just had¡­ different expectation. "


    "Hehe, fair enough, Eira. I''ll show you mine first," he grinned.


    In the next moment, a cloud of light specks left his body and reformed into a small humanoid sitting on his shoulder and looking at Eira with a curious grin.


    "Ah!" Eira eximed as she floated back a little, startled by Elora''s sudden appearance. "You¡­ You''re a fairy! A- And you''re third-rank!" She turned her attention to Erik, "No wonder you asked about lifting the omnisense shielding."


    "Oh?" Elora raised an eyebrow and blinked. "Did you read about my kind in your library?"


    Just as quick as she retreated, Eira came floating back again, this time with curiosity and fascination.


    The minotaur shook her head while floating around Erik and inspecting Elora from every side. "No, Mistress mentioned you. I only know your magic has almost no offensive presence, and your kind focuses most of your attention on research.


    I think she had a lot of dealings with fairies in the past, actually. Although I never thought I would meet one on Earth. Not yet, anyway. How did youe to be here?"


    While watching the enthusiastic Eira with amusement, Erik spoke to Elora through their link. "Good thing she doesn''t seem to know a lot about fairies. If she suspected me of being enved this might have be awkward," Erik chuckled inwardly. "I also wonder which faction of fairies Audu had dealings with¡­"


    "No way to know for now," Elora shrugged in response while watching the curious Eira with amusement as well. "It was certainly long before my time, anyway."


    "We''ll tell you our story one day, Eira," Erik then smiled slightly at the minotaur girl. "But for now, revealing Elora''s existence will have to do as our show of trust."


    Eira pouted in response, but nodded anyway. "F¡ª Fine. But I''ll hold you to that!" A moment of conflict still passed across Eira''s face, but finally, she sighed and waved her hand.


    A number of sigils they had only suspected were there before, suddenly shed around the room before disappearing again.


    "T¡ª There,"Eira mumbled cautiously and a little anxiously. "All sigils are disabled and omnisense shielding is lifted. I¡ª I''d need at least a few minutes to be any kind of danger to you now, and you''ll have plenty of warning before then."


    Erik and Eira stared at each other for a moment while Elora''s omnisense swept through the structure to check the truth of Eira''s words.


    Eira, meanwhile, poked her fingers together a little anxiously. She wanted desperately to trust Erik, but this was a very vulnerable moment for her. If it had turned out to be the wrong choice, she would soon find out.


    Perhaps she wouldn''t have made this choice if she hadn''t already resolved to die a little earlier.


    After Elora was done, she smiled mischievously. "Seems like we''re good to go, Erik. All sigils are in an inactive state, and I can find no more dead spots that would imply shielding."


    She immediately followed her assessment with an evil grin and turned to Erik. "I guess we can kill her now, my love!"


    "No!" Eira eximed in horror as despair filled her face and her body shed. When the sh was over, she was once again d in te armor, while wielding a hammer andrge round shield.


    But only when she was done and took a fighting stance did she notice that Erik just smiled wryly while shaking his head and not moving a finger. She looked at his shoulder and now noticed the fairy was snickering wildly.


    "Please don''t mind Elora," Erik sighed. "She can be a little mischievous. Our deal stands."


    "Y¡ª Y¡ª You!!" Eira eximed in frustration and anger while pointing her hammer at Elora, even while her eyes showed immense relief. When she realized she couldn''t find the right words to voice her displeasure, she stomped the air she was floating on and cried out, "Argh!" before disappearing.


    Naturally, she could have disappeared when she thought Erik and Elora were attacking, but then there would be nothing to protect the door leading to her core.


    Dealing damage to her humanoid form would have little effect on Eira''s life or death, after all.


    "Now look what you''ve done, you mischievous little Ember," Erik sighed and shook his head in exasperation while starting to walk towards the living space''s exit. "You''ve gone and upset her."


    At the same time asining to Elora, he send a message to Emily, telling her she could go back to sleep if she wanted.


    "I just couldn''t help it," the fairy giggled. "She''s so precious!"


    "Yes well, without her we don''t know where the books we need are, so I hope you''re prepared for a lot of checking and reading," Erik rolled his eyes as he moved towards the library.


    "Oh please," Elora smiled confidently. "Fairies like me are made for this stuff. No one is as good as we are at absorbing massive amounts of information in a short time. I can even read multiple books at once with my omnisense."


    "Oh well, you just have an answer to everything don''t you?" Erik asked as a small grin showed his clear enjoyment of the situation.


    "Of course I do, and that''s why you love me!" the fairy smiled proudly and puffed out her chest.


    "Yes, it''s my unfortunate curse," Erik sighed, as he opened the door to the library while preparing himself for a long reading session.

 Chapter 252: Chapter 252 - Frostvolt Forging

    When they entered the library, rather than start searching the various library shelves, Erik went to take a seat in one of the reading areas instead.


    At the same time, Elora flew of his shoulder and started zooming past the many shelves while her omnisense swept over the various books she encountered. An excited, almost hungry grin hung on her lips.


    For a little while, Erik simply watched Elora enjoy herself, until the fairy suddenly returned with five books floating beside her. She dumped the books on the small table next to Erik with a wide grin.


    "Here, start with these! I''m going back in!" she said before quickly flying of again.


    This was their division ofbor. Elora was far quicker in identifying books that might be of interest to Erik, after all.


    Erik chuckled and shook his head before taking the first book of the pile. It was a work detailing the steps required to readying an object for housing a spirit or sigil construct.


    So he opened the book and started reading.


    The next few hours were spend divided between reading, discussing, and absorbing information. Luckily, Erik''s status as a second-rank Runebound allowed him to read and absorb information at a far quicker pace than regr humans.


    Of course, even than his pace was nothingpared to his third-rank fairypanion. Elora was devouring multiple books at the same time, and at a far quicker pace. But that was only to be expected from a fairy.


    At same point, a pouting Eira had rejoined them and started helping to identify important books.


    Later, Emma woke up and was a little concerned when she couldn''t find Erik anywhere, but her concerns were quicklyid to rest when she talked to him through their link.


    When the others woke up, she exined to them what happened, and that Erik told them they should do as they wish. He suggested taking a rest day in the luxurious living spaces, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, Emily, Astrid, and Alice, all quickly decided to head for the training room with excited grins stered on their faces.


    Ever since they had seen that ce, they wished for nothing but to go there and train.


    Astrid was simply a fighting fanatic, who also wanted to gain the power to stomp Sigurd into the ground, so there was little surprise there.


    Emily wanted power, partly for the sake of power, and partly to protect Emily with. Of course, there was also her desire to help Erik, but she would never admit that.


    Finally, Alice was perhaps a little more enigmatic. Emma''s concerned gaze followed the young girl as she left with Astrid and Emily. Alice had been very quiet since they left Frostvik, and she couldn''t help but wonder what was going on in the young child''s head.


    "Master¡­" she signaled Erik through their bond. "Can you talk to Aliceter? I think she could use it."


    His response was immediate, "Yeah, I thought so too. Don''t worry, I was nning on talking to everyone aler, including Alice."


    "Thank you!" she smiled brightly through their link, but her emotions quickly turned to something slightly more perverted. "Although I don''t really think we need to talk, Master, s¡ª so perhaps we can find something more fun to do?"


    Despite bing a little bolderter, she couldn''t help but stammer and blush a little.


    "Perhaps we can," Erik chuckled. "But for now, please see if you can find something to make tea in over there and bring me some."


    "Yes, Master!" she eagerly responded as her desire to serve kicked in.


    After finding a tea set and brining him some, however, she wanted to stay with Erik. She wanted to spend time with him and enjoyed the idea of serving him as a maid while he read.


    Unfortunately, Erik reminded her that she needed to work on reaching second rank as quickly as possible, so she left for the training room with a slight pout on her face, despite her own desire to reach the next rank.


    Erik watched the beautiful Emma in her barely decent maid outfit walk off with lust in his eyes, but quickly shook his head and refocused on the task ahead.


    Before he could pick up the next book, however, Elora flew over to him with a ornate book floating next to her. "Before you go on, read this first!" she eximed excitedly. "I may be no good as a runesmith, but I believe this is not only a high quality technique, but also perfect for you!"


    "Alright¡­" Erik mumbled curiously as he picked up the floating in the air. When he noticed the books title, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    ''Frostvolt Forging''


    "This is¡­" he eximed in excitement as he stood up. "This is a runesmith technique!"


    Crafting techniques were rare and the best ones were jealously guarded by their owners. Even the old man who taught Erik back on S?l took nearly the entire year Erik was there before sharing his rather basic lighting affinity smithing technique.


    Better yet, this technique was based on the fused affinity of ice-lightning. Something that Erik was close to achieving, but hadn''t quite reached yet.


    He had already worked onbining them in the past month, but still needed to get his ice affinity to the same rank as his lightning before he could make serious strides in fusing them.


    ''I suppose I''ve barely had any time to train sinceing to Earth,'' Erik sighed inwardly. ''Even our travel from London to Finnmark wasn''t exactly prime training opportunity due to the fragile nature of that ship.''


    He looked at the book in his hand with a slight frown. If he wanted to use this technique in making the medium for Eira, he would have to wait until he reached second rank with his ice affinity and achieved at least some level of fusion between the ice and lightning affinities.


    He sighed and mumble to himself, "Well, whatever. I wanted to spend at least eleven months training here anyway. Might as well do some of that first before creating the medium."


    "Assuming Eira doesn''t make a stink," he chuckled.


    "But first," he continued while opening the book. "I should check if I even want this technique."

 Chapter 253: Chapter 253 - Rank two

    It took him half a day to read through the entire technique and absorb all its intricacies. When he was done, he put the book down and sighed.


    "Having this technique will not only greatly ease the difficulty of what I want to do, but also increase the quality of the end result," he mumbled while scratching the stubble on his chin. "It''s far better than the technique I had before."


    "Sorry, old man," he chuckled fondly as he remembered the teacher he got this technique from.


    "Anyway," he said while standing up from the chair he''d been sitting in. "That means I''ll need to fuse my ice an lightning before I get started on the forging."


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    Suddenly, something shed before him, and Eira appeared. She pouted a little and poked her fingers together. "D¡ª Does that mean its going to take longer?"


    "I''m afraid so," Erik chuckled, not surprised that Eira had been listening. It was amusing to see Eira be so eager now, when she was despairing about giving up control over this ce not too long ago.


    "But its good news!" he continued with a small grin. "The better technique I can use, the stronger your new medium will be."


    Eira immediately cheered up, now sported a bright smile, and happily eximed, "That''s true!" Than she began to shoo him towards the door, "Well what are you waiting for then?! Get started!"


    Erik shook his head with a small smile and made his way towards the training room.


    At the same time, Elora''s voice sounded in his head. "I figured you''d want to use that technique, so I''ve already started switching my research from sigil constructs to ice-lightning fusion. I''ll join you after you''ve broken through to second rank in your ice affinity, alright?"


    Erik nodded inwardly. "That''s great, Elora. Thank you."


    No response came, as Elora had already dived back into her research with enthusiasm.


    When he reached the training room, he noticed four ck domes existing close to each other, and he quickly realized what was going on.


    Advancement in the Runebound and Arcanist systems was somewhat simr in that both needed a degree of meditation in order to explore their runes and glyphs, respectively.


    Where they diverted was that Arcanists needed more meditation to absorb aetherium and expand their reservoirs, while Runebound needed to physically train in order to increase the aetherium intake and subsequent improvement of their bodies.


    This was why the Arcanist and Runebound sections in the training room had an ovepping section specifically designated for exploring runes and glyphs. This section was filled with seating areas that were in the middle of a collection of sigils, all intended to increase focus and understanding of one''s affinity.


    These sigils included one that formed a sound and vision blocking dome around the Runebound or Arcanist, much like the one Elora had formed around Emily, back during Erik and Emma''s first night together.


    Clearly, Emily, Astrid, Emma, and Alice were all currently working on improving their runes or glyphs. He could understand, somewhat, as this was, in the end, what brought about breakthroughs in rank.


    Still, he hoped they didn''t ignore the other aspect of their advancement. In order toy a good foundation, it was usually best for Arcanists and Runebound to keep their reservoir or body slightly ahead of their runes or glyphs.


    Although with Emma, of course, he fully approved, as her aetherium storage had already been expanded far enough, thanks to Elora''s efforts inbination with the enchantments in her maid outfit.


    ''I might have to mention this to themter, since I decided to talk with them all anyway,'' he thought to himself. ''Butter. I don''t intend to disturb their training.''


    So he took a seat on one of the designated spots, and activated the sigils surrounding him.


    Immediately, a dome formed around him, while a cooling sensation enveloped his mind, causing an increase to his focus.


    He closed his eyes and sighed. He''d barely had any time to focus on his own improvement in the past month, and he was d to finally have a moment to do so.


    He emptied himself of useless thoughts, trusting Elora to warn him if Eira decided to pull anything. They both had a high confidence that she wouldn''t, but it was better to be safe than sorry.


    With his mind in the right state, he pulled the ice rune and ice glyph in front of his mind''s eye and started tracing their lines simultaneously.


    Exploring one''s runes or glyphs involved searching for yet undrawn lines by tracing the existing lines and trying to find connections or entirely new forms. This process was aided by an increased understanding of the associated affinity itself.


    Most people believed this was because the symbols were merely the core principles of an affinity expressed in the primordialnguage of the universe.


    But whatever the case, a breakthrough to the next rank was gained when one found a line that connected to a whole new glyph or rune, which is what Erik was trying to do now.


    Unfortunately, he had to do both his rune and glyph at the same time, as he didn''t relish the thought of getting his two systems out of bnce again.


    He could still vividly remember the pain he sufferedst time that happened.


    Luckily, Erik had gained the ability to do two things at once back on S?l with a little help of his beloved helper, who had provided him a technique to achieve this.


    Thus, he could explore both his rune''s and glyphs at the same time, even if at a slightly slower pace than if he would focus on just one.


    At this time, he had already made quite a lot of progress towards the second rank, despite having had this affinity for merely a month, due to the fact that he was already second rank through his lightning affinity.


    Even if two affinities had nothing to do with each other, merely being of a higher rank already boosted his basic understanding of all other affinities, allowing for quicker progress of secondary affinities.


    As he traced the lines, he realized it wouldn''t take more than a few days for him to find the second rune and glyph for his ice affinity, and progress to the second rank.


    It was not unusual for a meditation session tost several days in a row for second rankers, and for higher rankers these sessions wouldst even longer.


    Erik knew that, eventually, even years, or centuries of continuous mediation was not a strange thing.


    Although, at this point, Erik could scarcely imagine such a thing.


    So time passed in this separate dimension as most of them trained, Elora researched, and Eira busied herself thinking of ideas for the design of her new medium.


    Finally, after two days, Erik''s eyes jumped open and an icy blue light shed in them.

 Chapter 254 : 254 - New abilities

    After he opened his eyes, Erik extended both hands and began drawing two different, icy blue symbols in the air. One, a rune, the other, a glyph.


    He drew them simultaneously and without skipping a beat, despite having never seen their full form.


    When he drew thest lines, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, while the symbols shed and dove into his body, quickly followed by his skin being covered in the rune he just drew. At the same time, inside his body, the magic core on which an Arcanist''s glyphs were printed did the same thing.


    When it was done, he sighed and opened his eyes again with a confident smile. "Good. Rank two with my ice affinity. Man it feels good to progress again."


    He disabled the sigils around him and stood up from his seated position. Looking around, he noticed that he was now the only person in the training room.


    He decided to go look for them, but before he could, a minotaur girl shed into existence in front of him with a bright smile on her face. "Hey! You finished! So can you learn that technique now?! Can we get started?!"


    Erik chuckled and shook his head. "Sorry, Eira. I only reached the second rank in my ice affinity. I''ll need a little more time to begin the fusion. But that shouldn''t take too long, alright? I just need a little rest before I continue."


    While fusing affinities was by no means easy, Erik had several advantages that would make it much easier when the time came.


    "Fine." Eira pouted with disappointment.


    Ignoring her pout, Erik asked, "Do you know where the others are?"


    "Resting in their rooms," Eira shrugged. "They stopped not long before you, although the white haired one and the smaller one worked in two sessions."


    "You know, since you''re going to be spending a lot of time with us, it might be a good idea to start using our names," Erik suggested with a roll of his eyes, fully aware Eira was still calling him Harbinger.


    "I''ll think about it," Eira stuck out her tongue while disappearing. Clearly, she was still a little unhappy about how her first meeting with the harbinger went.


    Erik chuckled and moved towards the exit. At the same time, Elora suddenly showed up and sat down on his shoulder. Naturally, she was aware he broke through.


    "Took you long enough!" she smiled teasingly. "I''m almost donepiling all the information I could find about fusing lightning and ice."


    "Well, I didn''t want to out pace and embarrass you," Erik shrugged nonchntly, while continuing to walk towards the living chamber.


    "Such a gentleman," Elora scoffed. "Now show me your second-rank spell and skill!"


    Erik chuckled and brought one of his fingers up to Elora, who looked curiously at what he was doing. A small magic circle appeared at the top of his finger, and before Elora could react, she was suddenly encased in an icy sphere.


    "Hmpf, very funny," came her muffled and slightly irate voice from inside, before a cloud of light specks seeped through the sphere and reformed into Elora''s form just outside of it, where she was greeted with Erik''s smirking face.


    It wasn''t so easy to capture a third-rank fairy.


    Elora ignored his prank, however, and turned her attention the sphere. "So I guess that''s your new Arcanist spell? What is it exactly? Is this all it does?" she wondered with a curious, albeit slightly disappointed, tone.


    "Hehe, no it''s not," Erik chuckled. "It seems to be a spell that allows me to create any physical object from ice almost instantly, and very easily."


    While anyone with the ice affinity could create simple objects from ice, it would be harder, more time consuming, and more draining therger or moreplex the object. But with this new spell, it would be far easier and faster.


    Although he could still only create an object''s physical form. For example, he could create something that looked like a car, but it wouldn''t actually be able to drive.


    "Oooh, versatile, strategic, I like it!" Elora eximed with sparkling eyes while her impressive brain was already thinking of strategies to use this new ability with.


    "What about the second one?" she then asked.


    "I''ll show you, but you should get into my soul first," Erik suggested.


    Elora didn''t doubt his words and quickly disappeared into a cloud that was absorbed into Erik''s body. Next, icy blue runes appeared all over his skin and the temperature around him started to drop significantly.


    Both Erik and Elora watched with fascination as small dust particles in the air seemed to suddenly move a little slower.


    "I know I''m not, but it almost like I''m slowing time¡­" Erik mumbled in fascination.


    "Yeah, but instead you''re just increasing the density of air by making it approach its freezing point," Elora answered curiously. "It won''t actually slow anyone down, but the extreme cold will certainly be a hindrance to anyone you''re fighting."


    "As it would be to my allies, I guess." Erik answered with a wry smirk. "I''ll have to figure out how to make it behave a little more selectively before I use it in group fights."


    During his conversation and demonstration, he had now made his way to the living quarters and stood before one of the bedrooms that hispanions had imed.


    "I suppose I should knock, huh?" he chuckled to himself before knocking on the door.


    "Yeah¡­?" came a hesitant and slightly surprised response.


    "It''s me, Alice. Can Ie in?" he asked her through the door.


    He felt he might be acting a little too formal, but the fact was that, now that thing had calmed down, he realized he wasn''t really sure how to act around a kid who had been thrust into his care.


    Before he could think anymore, however, the door swung open and ten-year-old Alice stood in the opening. She wore the simple clothing usually conjured by Elora. There was a hesitant expression on her face and she seemed to be fidgeting a little.


    "H¡ª Hi," she mumbled, seemingly a little unsure.


    Clearly, there was something on her mind, but before Erik could ask what it was, she stood aside and invited him inside.

 Chapter 255 : 255 - A student

    Erik entered the room and looked around. It seemed like any of the other rooms in this ce. But that made sense. Not only did Alice not have much time to personalize it yet, but she also simply didn''t anything to personalize it with.


    And that gave him an idea. Since he had resolved to care for this girl, he also wanted her to befortable.


    "Alice, I was thinking. It will likely be a while before we leave here, but when we do, would you like to pay a visit to your old home? And perhaps wherever your father spend a lot of time as well? Perhaps there are things there you might want."


    Alice continued to fidget a little, but still nodded gratefully. "I¡ª I''d really like that, thank you."


    Seeing her behavior, caused Erik to sigh. "Alright, just spit it out, Alice. You clearly want to talk to me about something. What, do the ferocity and determination I''ve seen in you before not extend to social interactions?"


    Alice quickly stopped her fidgeting and send him an angry re instead. "Emma is a lot nicer, you know," she pouted at him.


    "I know," Erik grinned confidently. "Now are you going to tell me, or what?"


    Alice red for a moment longer, but then sighed and, under Erik''s surprised gaze, started getting on her knees.


    He didn''t stop her, however, and was curious to see how this would y out.


    After she knelt down, she rested her hands on her knees and bowed her head. "I want to be as strong as you. Please teach me¡­ Master."


    When he finally found out the reason she wanted to talk to him, his lips curled up into an amused smirk. "Oh? You know, I was afraid you might loose your drive and be uncertain about what you wanted from your future, considering everything that happened, but that doesn''t seem to be the case. No, you have a goal."


    Erik could think of several things that might have be her new goal, but he wanted to hear it from her.


    "So tell me," he continued, not telling Alice to stand up just yet. "Why do you want to learn from me? And more importantly, why do you believe you''re worthy?"


    On his second question, Alice trembled a little, clearly afraid that he might reject her.


    "I¡ª" she began, but was interrupted by Erik, "Lift your head, I want to look into your eyes."


    She did as he asked, and Erik could see some doubt and fear there, but mostly buckets full of determination and a desire to fight for her desires.


    Her young and immature voice did nothing to undermine the maturity and determination in her words. "I avenged my father thanks to you, but¡­ there is still one more parent I need to avenge! I know you are already going after them, but I don''t want to ride on your coattails again this time. I want to help!"


    "I see," Erik nodded, now having reced his smirk with a serious, and unreadable expression. "You do realize that the timetable here is very unclear, correct? Taking down the hunters might take two years, or it might take six. It all depends on what we find in Africa.


    But it will be hard for you to reach second rank, even just in two years. In the meantime, most hunters have already had the full seven years, or in some cases even more, to grow stronger, and they won''t sit on their asses while you start your journey from scratch.


    Your youth will also work against you in the development of your body and runes. So do you really believe you can grow enough to be any real help against the hunters?"


    Her gaze remained unflinching in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. "I will work harder than anyone''s ever worked before! With or without your help, I will grow strong enough to make them pay!" her voice was ferocious and full of hatred.


    Erik understood that hatred. Yet, he also understood that you couldn''t, or perhaps rather shouldn''t, live your life solely for the purpose of that feeling.


    But he parked that thought for a moment.


    "Alright," he nodded, "you''re determined at least, even against all the odds. So now you''ve told me the why, I still haven''t heard why you believe yourself to be worthy of my time?"


    This time, her gaze grew a little anxious for a moment, before her confidence reasserted itself. "I¡ª I won''t stop. I will never stop. From here on out, you and your training will be my life. I refuse to be a disappointment to you, or anyone. I refuse to let my parent''s sacrifice be in vain!" her voice grew more passionate by the word, until small tears appeared in her eyes.


    After she finished, her icy blue eyes kept meeting Erik''s amber gaze without flinching.


    They both remained silent for a moment while they stared at each other, until finally, a small smile appeared on Erik''s face. "I have rules."


    A victorious smile spread appeared on Alice''s face, and she quickly jumped up while nodding vigorously. "Of course, Master! Anything!"


    "First of all, don''t call me Master," Erik rolled his eyes with some exasperation. "I already have two different types of people calling me that for two different reasons, and I don''t want to add a third. Call me teacher, or sir."


    "Yes, Teacher!" Alice eagerly nodded.


    Seeing her agreement, he nodded and continued, "Second of all, I set the pace, and the schedule. Deviate from that schedule even once because you think you know better or that I''m not going fast enough, and you''re on your own. I don''t need a student that doesn''t trust me to know what''s best."


    "I understand, Teacher. I won''t disappoint you," Alice nodded seriously.


    "Good," Erik slightly grinned. "Because I will be adding times of rest, and I expect you to follow them diligently. They are there for a reason. Furthermore, I''ll ask you to spend that time with Emma."


    Alice blinked a little in surprise, "Emma, Teacher? I mean, I like her, so I don''t mind, but why?"


    Erik once again raised a disappointed eyebrow, "I have my reasons. Are you going to question every decision I make, Alice?"


    "N¡ª No!" she quickly shook her head. "I''ll do it!"


    "Good," Erik smiled softly, before putting a reassuring hand on Alice''s shoulder. "You''re a good girl, Alice. I didn''t know your parents well, or at all, but if you were my daughter, I would be proud."


    "T¡ª Thank you," Alice mumbled softly.


    While Erik didn''te here expecting this, it did somewhat address everything he wanted to talk about, so he turned towards the door and prepared to leave. "Your training starts tomorrow. I suggest you get a good nights rest."


    "Yes!" Alice nodded with determination towards his back and watched him leave.

 Chapter 256: Chapter 256 - Comforting Astrid [1/2]*

    As soon as he stepped outside Alice''s room, he heard Elora chuckle in his mind. "Guess you got yourself a student, huh? Sure you want to take on the responsibility? You know the covenant only forces us to keep her safe, right?"


    "What?" Erik eximed defensively while shrugging. "I like her! I mean, she clearly heard all that stuff about Audu and what not, but she''s still brave enough to take me as her teacher!"


    Elora smirked skeptically, "Or she''s smarter than you think, and realizes that, since Runebound like her are supposed to be in danger anyway, sticking with the guy that''s supposed to save them is her best bet."


    A sigh passed Erik''s lips, "Sometimes you need to have a little faith in people, Elora, and in my intuition."


    The fairy chuckled again, "I have faith in you, you know that. Just not in other people. Anyway, you can''t deny that my skepticism has saved us before!"


    Thinking back on many of their close calls back in S?l, Erik could only regretfully nod.


    In the meantime, he had reached Astrid''s door, but this time, he didn''t knock, and simply walked in instead. With Alice he was afraid of walking into an awkward situation, but with Astrid he was hoping for it.


    Inside, he found Astrid on her bed, hugging her knees, and wrapped in her nket, as she stared at nothing.


    Erik tilted his head and looked at her with surprise. He hadn''t known Astrid to be this introspective. Still, he could guess what she was thinking about.


    Seeing how she hadn''t noticed him, he smiled slightly and slowly snuck closer. In the corner, he could see a heap of clothes, suggesting that she was currently naked.


    Naturally, a sly grin appeared on his face as he thought of a way to take her mind off whatever was troubling her. He knew Astrid processed emotions better with some physical release, and while that usually turned into a spar, that wasn''t the only type of physical release.


    So, with Astrid clearly a little distracted, she was toote to react when he jumped behind her on the bed, snaked his arms passed the nket, wrapped them around her exposed, toned stomach, and pulled her against his chest.


    "Y¡ª You¡­!" she eximed, startled and raising her fist to hit him in the face out of reflex. Unfortunately, she was not in a good position to exert her real strength, and Erik was currently receiving the support of Elora''s physical essence.


    Thus, he managed to catch her fist with a chuckle, before taking both her arms and hugging them against her own stomach and restraining her.


    She quickly realized it was Erik, and started ring at him angrily


    "Ugh!" she eximed in frustration while struggling against his grip. "Let me go!" Unfortunately for her, while their strength was simr when Erik was not in wolf form, his current positional advantage meant that she wasn''t going anywhere.


    Than again, she also wasn''t trying very hard.


    Finally, she continued ring at him over her shoulder, but did stop struggling. Instead, she rxed against his chest with a small pout. "Asshole¡­" she mumbled, more embarrassed and frustrated than angry. It''s not like she actually believed he would harm her.


    Erik was intent on embarrassing her a little more, however, by looking down at her perky breasts that became exposed during her struggle. "You look beautiful, Astrid," he whispered in her ear, his short stubble tickling her cheek, and her short, strawberry blond hair tickling his nose.


    Her breasts were on the medium side, but bigger than Emma''s, and Erik loved watching them rise and fall as she panted slightly.


    Only when Astrid panned her gaze to what Erik was looking did she actually realize that her breasts had gotten exposed.


    Her cheeks quickly became flushed, and she started to struggle again. "W¡ª Where do you think you''re looking?!"


    "At a beautiful woman, who I love, who is in love with me, and who needs a little physical release¡­" he whispered softly in her ear.


    "W¡ª What does that me¡ª ah!" she eximed, when Erik suddenly released one of her arms to snake his hand down into the still covered depths that hid her lower body.


    Her newly free arm tried to grab his, but she lost all strength in her extremities when Erik brushed past the pot of gold between her legs. Your journey continues at m v|l-e''-NovelBin


    "A¡ª Aaaaah," she softly moaned while her eyelids fluttered and her only free arm shot up to cover her mouth instead.


    Erik could feel she was already a little wet, probably due to her close proximity to him while naked, and he quickly capitalized on that by slowly stroking the gap between her puffy pussy lips, without actually intruding inside.


    Meanwhile, Astrid didn''t know what to do with herself. She had touched herself plenty of times, but this felt far more intense.


    Her back attempted to straighten, but that just pushed her harder against both Erik''s chest, and his hand, causing her to moan louder.


    "Hnnnghhh, n¡ª noooooooo," she moaned and mumbled incoherently, while Erik softly chuckled.


    "You seem to be very sensitive, Astrid. I think you''ve been wanting this for a while now," he said while pressing his finger a little harder, softly pushing her lower lips apart. "But tell me to stop and I will, you know that."


    "Gaah! B¡ª Bastard! D¡ª Don''t tease me!" she half cried, half moaned, while her one free hand still covered her mouth, rather than try to remove his.


    "Okay, guess I''ll keep going then," Erik grinned victoriously while finally pushing his finger inside her snatch.


    "A¡ª aaaaaaah~" she moaned loudly while her eyes shot open and her back arched a little more, pushing her breasts outward.


    Erik took the opportunity, and released her other arm, before snaking his hand upward and cupping one of her firm breasts.


    "Just rx, Astrid," he whispered in her ear. "Don''t think about your worries right now."


    "I¡ª I''m pretty, gaaaah, worried about this, though!" she half moaned, halfined.


    "Why would you be?" Erik softly chuckled, while his finger explored her insides. "Don''t you want this?"


    "I¡ª I don''t know! It¡ª It feels good, but¡­!" she mumbled incoherently.


    "Shhh," Erik soothed. "You trust me, don''t you? Just enjoy it."


    Finally, Astrid seemed to give in, as she slightly rxed, while one of her hands grabbed Erik''s hand between her legs. Yet, instead of trying to pull him out, she seemed to be trying to push him deeper.


    Meanwhile, the hand that was previously blocking her mouth now found its way behind Erik''s head and tangled itself in his white-gray hair.

 Chapter 257: Chapter 257 - Comforting Astrid [2/2]*

    "M¡ª More¡­!" she moaned, as she continued trying to press Erik''s finger deeper inside her, now fully invested in reaching the fast-approaching climax produced by Erik''s skilled hands.


    "As you wish, mydy," Erik chuckled, and added a second finger in her pussy, slowly exploring her folds to find the most sensitive spots.


    Meanwhile, his other hand had started to softly massage one her breasts while tweaking the nipple atop it.


    Astrid now started moaning louder, and even panting Erik''s name. "E¡ª Erik¡­! I¡­ I¡­"


    "Yes, Astrid, I love you to," Erik chuckled yfully, despite being unsure if that was even what she was trying to say.


    Though, to be fair, not even Astrid really knew.


    They both knew they loved each other, but some time was needed to break through the barriers of the past. At least for Astrid.


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    Erik grinned, and while continuing to explore her sopping snatch, his other hand released her breast and snaked up to grab her chin. Then, he forced her head to turn towards him, and his warm, but piercing amber eyes looked into her hazy crimson ones.


    He nted a deep kiss on her lips. One she hungrily responded to.


    Meanwhile, Erik had found most of her sensitive spots and was actively working them, causing Astrid to rapidly approach her orgasm. Her body trembled against Erik''s chest as she moaned loudly into his mouth.


    When she was about to reach her peak, Astrid broke the kiss and looked at him longingly, lovingly, and hungrily. "I¡ª I want to drink¡­! Please let me drink!"


    Erik was surprised, as he had given her plenty of his blood stored in vials for when he was busy with something else, so she shouldn''t be hungry.


    Still, he wasn''t going to deny her, so he smiled and presented his neck to her. Astrid''s hand fell from his head, and her arm snaked around his neck instead.


    Then, she opened her mouth and bit down, while Erik''s hand grabbed her breast again.


    He felt a small sting, but really it felt like nothing at this point.


    Erik then tweaked her nipple and pressed on the most sensitive spots he had found in her pussy.


    At the same time, blood streamed down Astrid''s throat, satisfying multiple of her most basic urges all at once, while his delicious, lust inducing taste filled her.


    All these sensations came together at once, and culminated into an explosive orgasm the likes of which she hadn''t experienced before.


    Her eyes shot open, her jaw tightened, her body spasmed, she screamed into Erik''s neck, and clear liquid squired all over his hand.


    Meanwhile, Erik held her tightly while he grinned slightly and used his fingers to extend her orgasm as long as possible.


    For five minutes, Astrid kept softly trembling and moaning into his neck. Then, finally, Erik removed his fingers from her cunt, and Astrid took her fangs out of his neck. Still trembling a little, she licked the puncture wounds, as she always did.


    When it was done, she kept leaning against his chest while resting her head in his neck and panting heavily. Erik softly smiled. He waited for her to recover.


    "That was¡­ pretty good¡­" she panted, finally. "But you''re still¡­ an asshole¡­"


    "Pretty good?" Erik asked, with an eyebrow raised in amusement. "I just rocked your world."


    Meanwhile, he looked Astrid straight in her eyes, and presented her the two fingers that brought her so much pleasure, and where now covered in her juices.


    Then, he stuck them in his mouth.


    Astrid just looked him with a deadpan gaze while he sucked his fingers clean with an amused grin.


    When he was done and took them out, she finally reacted.


    "I knew you were a pervert¡­" she rolled her eyes.


    "Of course you did," Erik chuckled. "You''ve watched me often enough, after all. You taste delicious, by the way."


    Astrid''s cheeks immediately flushed, although it was unsure which of his statements embarrassed her more. What was certain, is that if she wasn''t still so tired, she likely would have punched him as hard as she could.


    "Asshole¡­" she mumbled. "You understand you''re going to make this up to me with a spar tomorrow? I''ll kick your ass and have you call me big sister."


    "dly," Erik chuckled.


    By now, Astrid had lifted her head of his shoulder, and properly nestled into his chest, while his arms were wrapped around her.


    They remained quiet for a while. Erik waited for her to speak.


    "I''m worried about my mother¡­" she finally said, quietly. "I know we can''t confront Sigurd yet, but the longer we wait¡­ Technically I''m not even sure if she actually is alive."


    "There''s no reason for Sigurd to kill her, Astrid," Erik answered soothingly, while stroking her strawberry blond hair. "In fact, he has more reason to keep her alive than not. Not to mention that it would be hard for him to do so, even while she''s locked up."


    "I know¡­" Astrid mumbled. "But just suspecting is not the same as knowing."


    "That''s true," Erik nodded softly.


    After another moment of silence, he suddenly started talking with the clear assumption that Liv Frost was still alive. "Elora calcted the likely time it will take for your mother to change into a ghoul, based on the several weeks for a first rank, and the several months for a second rank to do so."


    Rather than making unproven ims or hopeful assumptions, it was better to simply proceed as if Liv was alive. They both knew there was a possibility she wasn''t, but he believed this would soothe Astrid.


    Astrid softly smiled, while her eyes were slowly closing from exhaustion. "Oh? How long is that¡­?"


    "A year, give or take," he answered. "She was already captured for three months when we saved you, so she has nine months left. We''ll likely stay here for nine to eleven months to gain the power we need to take Sigurd down and save your mother, so she''ll likely have to spend up to two months as a ghoul."


    "She''ll hate that¡­" a sleepy Astrid mumbled. "Perhaps we should keep Sigurd alive, so that¡­ Mom can kill him¡­ herself¡­" she yawned.


    "We can certainly do that," Erik smiled and nodded.


    "That''s¡­ good¡­" and with those words she finally fell asleep.


    Erik softly smiled and waited another few minutes, before carefully disentangling himself and tucking the vampire woman in.


    He kissed her softly on her lips and then went out the door.


    Once there, a mysterious grin appeared on his face while he turned towards another door.


    "I think Emily still has a few punishments saved up¡­" he chuckled expectantly.

 Chapter 258: Chapter 258 - Emilys furstration

    ''I still need to talk to Astrid about building a better foundation before focusing on her runes so much, but I can do that tomorrow,'' Erik thought to himself while making his way to Emily''s room.


    With Emily, too, he didn''t stand on ceremony and simply walked right in.


    Inside, he found Emily pacing circles in the middle of the room. Her ck hair swayed, and the eyes that formed her intense gaze still looked like broken pieces of onyx withva flowing through them.


    Her brow was furrowed in a clear sign of frustration, and her arms were crossed in front of her chest.


    Seeing her state, Erik grinned slyly, as he suspected what was going on with her.


    When Emily noticed him standing in the doorway with a grin on his face, she stopped pacing and red at him. "Don''t you knock?!" she cried out angrily.


    "No, I don''t" Erik chuckled, the grin never falling from his lips.


    Emily rolled her eyes, but knew it was pointless to argue with him about this, so she simply snorted. "Fine, what do you want then?"


    Before responding, Erik started walking towards her bed. "We''ll get to that, but why don''t you tell me why you''re looking so frustrated? Shouldn''t you be getting some rest?"


    Despite her annoyance at Erik''s behavior, she did trust him, and had long since lost her antagonism towards him.


    So, she grumbled a little, but still answered. "Thest two days have been the first moment of quiet and rest since Frostvik, but I find myself unable to focus¡­ I barely made any progress on my glyphs, despite the focus enhancing sigils in that room."


    Erik gave a slight smile as he sat on Emily''s bed, sprawling his legs and resting his face on his right fist propped by his knee. "I see," he nodded.


    That smile,bined with the way he acted like he owned the room, and the fact that he kind of did, immediately irritated Emily.She grumbled, "What the hell are you smiling about? It''s probably that damn very thing you did to me, anyway."


    "Oh?" Erik raised an eyebrow, still smiling confidently. "Well, I can always remove the bond. You know I won''t force it on you."


    The moment he said that, however, Emily remembered why she epted his offer in the first ce, and gulped, before quickly shaking her head. "N¡ª No! No¡­ I don''t ever want to feel that way again."


    "Just as well," Erik shrugged. "Your frustration doesn''t stem from that anyway."


    "How would you know?" she narrowed her eyes angrily.


    "Don''t you remember that night in the cabin after we came to Finnmark?" Erik grinned teasingly. "You have an unconscious desire to be punished for what you did to Emma, and it''s been almost two weeks since thest time that happened. Plus, by my calctions, you owe me two punishments at this point."


    Immediately, Emily eyes opened wide, and she jumped into defensive mode while taking a step back and shaking her head. "W¡ª What are you talking about?! That is¡­ shut up! A¡ª And where are you getting those two punishments from, anyway?!"


    Still grinning, Erik held up one finger. "First of all, you lost that bet against Elora back in Frostvik" Then he held up a second finger. "Second of all, you lost control of yourself in Frostvik near the end, and almost got yourself killed or captured."


    She gulped when she remembered the pleasure she felt during that particr bet, but quickly shook her head again. "That¡­ That thing at the end was the corruption! Not my fault!"


    "Well, than whose fault is it that you lost control of yourself?" Erik asked with a curiously raised eyebrow.


    "That¡­! I¡­!" she almost wanted to say it was his fault for making her feel these things about him, but quickly bit her tongue and fell silent instead. She would only make it worse for herself if she did that.


    Seeing her struggle, caused Erik tough softly. "Alright, well how about a deal then?" he proposed, channeling Elora''s mischievousness as he did. "If you manage to endure your first punishment silently, I''ll forget about the second one. But if you make a sound, I''ll add a third."


    Emily snorted, but with far less conviction than before. "I¡ª I know better than to ept any of your or Elora''s perverted deals by now!" her body held a defensive pose, with her arms crossed in front of her chest, while her eyes red at Erik defiantly, albeit unsteadily.


    Elora chuckled inside Erik''s mind. "Finally wising up, is she?"


    Erik shrugged, "Oh well, as you wish than." Next, he beckoned her closer with a sly grin, "Now,e closer, and ept your punishment."


    Emily didn''t move, however, and kept ring at him, as if waiting for something.


    Erik quickly realized what she was waiting for, and his grin only widened. "I''m not going to order you through the bond, Emily. If you tell me to leave, I will."


    Then he stopped leaning on his fist and leaned back, freeing up the space on hisp. "But I know you won''t do that," he smirked confidently. "Instead, you''ll put yourself over my knees, because every cell in your body is screaming with the desire to do so."


    He realized that she wanted to me whatever happened next on the bond, rather than her own desires. But he wouldn''t make it that easy for her.


    Emily''s eyes finally wavered, as they panned between Erik''s face, the door, and hisp, as if contemting simply running away herself, rather than tell Erik to leave or give in to what she wanted deep down.


    "D¡ª Damn you¡­" she finally muttered while taking a hesitant step closer to Erik.


    Erik didn''t say anything, and simply watched her slowly, hesitantly, but steadily approach.


    Finally, she stood next to Erik. Her eyes were closed, her fists were balled, and she slightly trembled, but it seemed she had epted her fate.


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    "Good girl," Erik smiled, causing Emily to tremble more, and open her eyes to re at him.


    Yet, when she met his domineering gaze, she actually felt herself heat up and start to pant a little, her re wavering.


    "Ready to get started?" he smiled confidently.

 Chapter 259: Chapter 259 - Emilys punishment [1/2]*

    Emily took a deep breath and nodded. "Let''s just get this over with¡­" she muttered, despite the barely suppressed excitement in her voice.


    When she, somewhat mechanically, tried to bend over his knees however, Erik stopped her.


    "Wait! Take your clothes of first," he ordered with a slight grin.


    "You¡­!" she eximed while ring at him.


    But Erik just shrugged with an amused twinkle in his eyes. "It''s part of the punishment."


    The two were momentarily stuck in a stalemate, until Emily finally sighed, "Fine,". It wasn''t like he hadn''t seen her naked before. She just wished he wasn''t enjoying this so much.


    It''s not that she didn''t believe him when he told her this would help her focus. She also couldn''t deny the intensity of her desire to be punished, despite her attempts to do so. In fact, it was particrly overwhelming because it involved Erik.


    She harbored possessive and romantic feelings for him, feelings she also tried to suppress, and because of those feelings his involvement only intensified her desires.


    However, if that were all, then perhaps she could live with it. But the fact that he enjoyed it made it infinitely more embarrassing for her. Now, it felt as though she was putting on a show for him¡ªa notion that pre-awakening Emily would never have tolerated.


    There was a small voice in the back of her head that wondered if he didn''t perhaps deserve to enjoy it. If, perhaps, putting on a show for him was good way to show him her appreciation for all he had done for her and Emma.


    Yet, she regarded that little voice as a slippery slope that would soon have her dancing to Erik''s tune if she let it win. Wasn''t she already helping him achieve his goals, after all?


    Regardless, she had made her decision, and so, she started undressing.


    She still wore the same clothing, kept clean through the application of aetherium, because she simply didn''t have anything else.


    Under Erik''s appreciative gaze, she first removed her crop top, freeing her bountiful and perky breasts. They were D cups, albeit on the smaller side. Not as big as Elora''s, but certainly bigger than either Emma''s or Astrid''s.


    She didn''t wear a bra. After all, even Arcanists enjoyed improvements to their body, so her back was fine and her second-rank breasts were perfectly capable of defying gravity all on their own.


    Her cheeks heated up when she saw Erik devouring her with his gaze, yet she also felt a certain happiness.


    Next, she removed her baggy cargo pants and the ck panties with a white skull underneath.


    Finally, Emily''s body stood before Erik in all its naked glory.


    Her pussy was shaved, pink, and unused. Her skin was pale but smooth, providing a beautiful contrast to her long, raven hair. A small number of ck tattoos were etched onto her skin, giving her a somewhat dangerous look that inmed Erik''s desire to conquer.


    A healthy blush made her look all the more desirable. She trembled a little as she muttered with a slight edge to her voice, "Happy now? C¡ª Can we¡­? Ugh!" she groaned at the end.


    Erik could see she was about to turn around and give up, so he chuckled and quickly grabbed her arm, before tossing her over his knees.


    In one fluid motion, he lightly grabbed her throat, not enough to choke, but enough to show he was in control, andnded the first light p against her buttocks.


    She released a strange yelp mixed with a moan, as her body trembled harder. "D¡ª Dammit!" she cursed.


    She was now lying across his legs, her knees on the floor, and her head propped up by Erik''s hand around her throat.


    "Almost came from that, didn''t you?" Erik grinned mischievously. "You are even more pent up than I expected."


    "F¡ª Fuck you!" she groaned, trying to keep the lust and desire in her voice to a minimum.


    "We''ll get to that another day, little Emily," Erik chuckled happily, beforending the next p.


    "Aaah," Emily moaned while her eyelids fluttered. A strange pleasure was coursing through her body.


    She had felt this only once before, back in that cottage in the woods. It was like physical pain, blending with a pleasure that was both physical and mental. Like a primal desire getting satisfied.


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    Meanwhile, Erik enjoyed seeing the usually so rebellious Emily, moaning in hisp.


    Just when Emily was calming down again, he continued spanking her.


    Three times.


    Four times.


    Five times.


    Every time, Emily screamed and moaned again. After the third p she had already started panting with lust, and her gaze had be a little delirious.


    Seeing her expression, Erik grinned deviously and, after caressing her ass for a moment, suddenly slipped his hand down to her dripping cunt and pushed a finger in.


    "N¡ª NooOOOooo! N¡ª Not there!" Emily screamed and moaned. She tried to push herself up, but her arms had no strength in them, and her throat was still held by Erik''s other hand.


    Erik quickly started fingering her snatch, and it took only a moment, before Emily was pushed to the very brink. So he quickly pulled out his finger and spanked her again, hard.


    "Gaaaaah," Emily screamed as she came wildly, while her body shook and her eyes fluttered around the room.


    At the same time, Erik grinned and kept spanking her ass while she was cumming, making sure that pleasure and pain kept blending in her mind until the difference was negligible.


    When she was finally done, she panted heavily, while her tongue lolled a little. Her muscles had lost all their strength, and the only thing keeping her upright now where Erik''s legs and his hand around her throat.


    The fact she was now sagging entirely, essentially made her choke herself against his hand, which made her panting a littlebored.


    "T¡ª T¡ª That w¡ª was¡­" she began, but was interrupted by Erik who was softly caressing her already reddening ass. "Like nothing you''ve ever felt before, right?" he smiled, warmly.


    "You''re a masochist, Emily," he softly exined while rubbing her ass. "I''m not sure if you started out that way, or if your actions with Emma made you this way, but it is what it is. You also have feelings for me, and the sooner you ept both those things, the better it will be. Both for your mental health, as well as your focus during training."


    "H¡ª How¡­?" Emily''s delirious mind was too preupied with the pleasure coursing through her body to bother denying anything right now.


    "By continuing, of course," Erik grinned deviously.

 Chapter 260: Chapter 260 - Emilys punishment [2/2]*

    A slightly delirious Emily remained naked, held up by her throat, and bend over Erik''sp, while his hand hovered over her slightly reddening ass.


    Pats! His hand came down, and the goth girl moaned.


    "What are you, Emily?" an amused Erik asked, as he now softly rubbed the affected area.


    "W¡ª What?" Emily mumbled, needing time to recognize his question.


    Pats! "Hnnngh!" His hand came down again.


    "What are you, Emily?" he asked again while rubbing her ass, enjoying the dominance in his situation.


    "E¡ª Emma''s sister?" she mumbled a quick response, hoping to avoid the answer she knew he wanted.


    But, obviously, that wasn''t going to work.


    Pats! "Hnnnnngh!"


    Another five bullshit answers and spanks, along with some soft rubbing of ass and pussy, Emily was once again on the brink of orgasm, but Erik wouldn''t push her over the edge.


    "What are you, Emily?" he asked again, while softly brushing past her quivering folds. Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "S¡ª Stop t¡­ teasing me, you¡­ asshole!" she panted, desperate for release, but unable to find the strength or desire to resist Erik.


    "Not until you tell me what I want to hear," Erik chuckled, and spanked her again when she was far enough from the edge.


    "F¡ª Fine! I¡ª I''m a m¡­ masochist pervert! Now l¡ª" before she could even finish, Erik had plunged three fingers into her pussy at once, and instantly brought her to explosive orgasm as a reward for her honesty.


    "G¡ª Gaaaah! T¡ª Thank you¡­!" she screamed, barely even realizing what she was saying.


    As she came, Erik once again spanked her several times, extending her orgasm, and reinforcing the blending of pain and pleasure.


    When it was done, he slowly rubbed her ass again with a small smile. "That''s a good girl¡­ But you''re not a pervert. Many people enjoy pain in some way."


    Emily took a moment to respond as she slowly regained her senses, but finally, she panted and snorted, "B¡ª Bullshit. W¡­ What ab¡­ bout you¡­ huh?"


    "I don''t like pain during sex, nor do I want to be punished, but I have my own form of masochism," Erik shrugged, unembarrassed. " I enjoy pain during training, or a tough fight. It''s my proof of growing stronger."


    "T¡ª That''s different¡­!" she panted with a slight frown.


    "Hehe, well, maybe it is¡­" Erik chuckled. "But I won''t judge you for what you enjoy, and neither will Emma. Nor Astrid, for that matter, assuming you care what she thinks."


    "Hmpf¡­ maybe so¡­" Emily grumbled. "So we¡­ done here¡­?" she still panted, even while having recovered a little.


    Pats! "Hnnnngh!"


    "Of course not," Erik chuckled. "There''s still one more thing you have to admit before you can truly focus on your training."


    "I¡ª I don''t¡­" she began, but was quickly interrupted. "Yes, you do."


    Pats! "Hnnnngh!"


    "S¡ª Screw you¡­! Y¡ª You can''t be¡­ sure¡­!"


    "Yes, I can," Erik chuckled.


    Pats! "Hnnngh!"


    So they continued for another few minutes, until Emily was once again brought to a delirious state, drowned in masochistic pleasure and floating on the edge of orgasm.


    Finally, she didn''t say what Erik wanted to hear, but they came closer to the truth.


    "I don''t¡­ not sure¡­ marry you¡­" she panted deliriously, causing Erik to raise an eyebrow and chuckle. "I''m not asking you to marry me, Emily. Not yet, at least. I''m just asking you to admit your feelings. What harm could there be?"


    "I¡ª" she began, but Erik immediately noticed the hesitation on her face, so he spanked her again.


    Pats! "Aaaaah! Fine, I want you! I want you to be my d¡­!" she screamed in a mixture of pain and pleasure, but quickly muffled her own mouth before she could finish her sentence. Her eyes widened in panic as she realized herself what she wanted to say.


    Erik raised an eyebrow in curiosity at what she was going to say next, but either way, she deserved her reward, so Erik to grinned and immediately brought her a third mind-blowing orgasm.


    After this one had passed as well, Emily was surprisingly quick to recover, as she turned her head and looked at Erik with slight panic, "I¡ª"


    But Erik interrupted her while shaking his head and smiling slightly. "I won''t ask what you were going to say," he said reassuringly while slowly rubbing her glowing red bubble but.


    Luckily, her second-rank Arcanist body, and a little bit of Elora''s magic, would prevent her from bruising.


    "You can tell me on your own time. Either way, you should be able to focus better now," he continued, while still smiling softly and rubbing her ass soothingly.


    Emily quickly rxed, and sagged back into the strangelyforting grip around her throat. "T¡ª Thank you¡­" she mumbled. "Also, fuck you for making me admit all that!"


    "Hehehe," Erik chuckled, a little pervertedly. "You had fun, didn''t you?"


    "Maybe¡­" she panted, as exhaustion was catching up to her.


    Since he was done, and Emily was clearly tired, he pulled her up to make her sit upright on hisp, while her head rested on his shoulder.


    Emily was far to tired to react, and simply let herself be handled like a doll.


    "I still owe you a second punishment, but that can wait for next time you feel unfocused or frustrated," Erik chuckled.


    "Perverted¡­. Asshole¡­." Emily panted, with a slightly expectant smile on her full lips.


    "Right you are, but so are you" Erikughed, while slowly stroking her hair.


    A content smile appeared on Emily''s lips as she enjoyed his caress. Soon, her panting became slower and slower, until eventually it stopped, and she drifted off to sleep.


    "Must be exhausting, being a bleeding heart with so many people," Elora giggled in his mind, while Erik carefully put Emily to bed.


    "You call what I just did being a bleeding heart?" Erik chuckled in response. "I think Emily would disagree."


    "Regardless, between Emily and Astrid, I''ve gotten quite frustrated myself. I think its time my two beautiful wives tend to their husbands urges¡­" a teasing and lustful glint appeared in his eyes as he walked out of Emily''s room and turned towards his own, where Emma was waiting.


    "Oh, I see," Elora yfully scoffed. "You''re done ying with your sluts so now its our duty to pick up the ck?"


    "Well, if you don''t want to¡­" Erik lightly smiled.


    "Shut up and walk faster¡­!" her voice now heavy with barely suppressed lust. Clearly, Erik''s adventures with Astrid and Emily had not left her unaffected either.

 Chapter 261: Chapter 261 - Loose ends [1/2]**

    Slurp Slurp


    The next morning, Erik woke up to a sound and feeling he quickly recognized, causing his mouth to split into a wide grin.


    He slightly lifted his head, and saw a scene that was partially expected, and partially surprising.


    Emma was encased in the same harness she had on when she lost her innocence to him, meaning she only had her legs free while her head was bobbing up and down on his rock-hard morning wood.


    That was the expected part, the surprising part was the fact that Elora was lying on Emma''s head in her fairy form, being lifted up and down with Emma''s movements and clearly watching closely with a perverted grin on her face.


    His mind went back to the night before, where he had thoroughly devoured both his wives after his adventures with Astrid and Emily had gotten him all worked up.


    Luckily, after another two days of her physical essence being nourished by Erik''s body, Elora was back to fully functioning order, and thus able to erger herself and join in the fun.


    In the end, all three of them had fallen asleep in each other''s arms, with Emma properly restrained, just like she wanted it.


    "Good morning, Master!" Emma''s bright voice sounded in his head, as her mouth was currently busy.


    "Good morning, Emma," Erik chuckled and spoke out loud. "I appreciate the wakeup."


    Then he turned his attention to Elora, who was still watching with both rapt and perverted attention. "Enjoying the show, Elora?"


    "Best seat in the house," she giggled without looking away.


    "Oh, I''m not so sure about that," Erik smirked. He leaned back on the bed and closed his eyes again while enjoying Emma''s attentions.


    He simply rxed while he let Emma do her thing, and soon enough, he exploded inside her throat with a short grunt and a smile on his face.


    With a pop she released his cock and showed him her empty mouth. "All done!" her chirpy voice sounded in his head while she licked her lips, savoring the taste of his Elora-modified load.


    "You''re amazing, Emma," he smiled at her, before pulling her up and into his arms.


    At the same time, Elora erged and joined him on his other side.


    "I like doing it," the unbearably cute, white-haired girl giggled.


    "Good girl," Erik chuckled and softly kissed her lips, knowing she had already scoured her mouth and lips with aetherium.


    He turned to do the same to Elora, and than stared at the ceiling.


    They were in no hurry to do anything, so they simply remained quiet for a moment, until Erik spoke up.


    "Emma, did I tell you about Alice yet?" he suddenly asked, out loud.


    "Uh uh" Emma denied while keeping her head buried in Erik''s chest, her arms still restrained behind her back.


    He quickly exined how Alice asked him to train her, and that he thought the girl might be a little too focused on the desire to avenge her mother right now.


    He could only wonder how Alice would have turned out if he hadn''t done what he could to temper Alice''s revenge against Victor.


    "So anyway," he finished, "I agreed to train her, but only if she agreed to some things as well, one of which was mandatory breaks, and I told her to spend those breaks with you."


    "With me?" Emma blinked and lifted her head from his chest, a little surprised. She was worried about Alice, but unsure how she could help.


    "Yeah," Erik nodded. "One thing Elora and I have neglected to mention to you, is that your nature affinity, besides giving you supernatural instincts about people''s intentions, also gives you a kind of motherly aura. You must have noticed Alice attaching herself to you rather quickly?"


    "She¡­ see''s me as her mother?" Emma muttered in a confused tone.


    "Hmmm sort of, but more like in a general and conceptual sense, and only subconsciously at that¡­ its hard to exin." Erik said while pondering a little. "Regardless, I don''t want you to rece Alice''s mother, or have her give up on revenge, just¡­ give her the family she doesn''t have anymore. Allow her to have something to hold on to besides anger and revenge."


    Still unsure what this aura of hers was, she now at least understood what Erik was asking of her. Luckily, since she liked Alice and wanted to help, she quickly nodded with a bright smile, "Sure!"


    Then, she looked at him a little yfully, "But you know she likes you too, right? Plus, most families have a mother ''and'' a father."


    Erik chuckled, "Yeah, but she likes you more. She may like me a little, but she mostly respects me, and perhaps idolizes my strength a little."


    "Sounds like we would be a family of perfectly traditional gender roles if Alice was a boy," Emma giggled, full of amusement at the thought. "Big Em would hate it!"


    Erik, too, had to chuckle at the thought. Only Elora rolled her eyes. She may understand the joke from context provided by both Erik and Emily''s memories, but only someone who grew up in modern Earth could possibly find it funny.


    "Anyway, we''ll see how things go," Erik finished with a shrug. "For now, let''s just see how the girl adapts to my training and your¡­ therapy? Which reminds me, Elora will teach you a little about controlling that aura as uncontrolled exposure to someone as susceptible to it as Alice would have irreversible consequences."


    "Eh?!" Emma looked shocked. "Well why haven''t I heard of this before then?!" She mostly looked usingly at Elora, since she was usually the one to teach her about Arcanist rted things.


    The fairy chuckled and shrugged. "It slipped our minds. It wasn''t actually going to affect any of us, so we didn''t think it was relevant until you reached at least rank two, which is what we wanted you to focus on."


    "Well start teaching me quickly than!" Emma demanded with a pout, afraid she would do something to Alice.


    Taking that as his que to leave, Erik entangled himself from the twodies and jumped out of bed. "Good! I''ll leave you girls to it then, as I still have two loose ends to tie up before I can devote the next month to the fusion."


    Today, after Erik had handed Alice her training schedule, and gave Astrid her promised spar, Erik would retreat for at least a month while he worked to create the foundation of ice-lightning, officially called the thundersnow affinity, which was required to use the Frostvolt technique.

 Chapter 262: Chapter 262 - Loose ends [2/2]

    Before Erik left, Elora waved her hand and a dark green sh of light conjured some clothes onto him. "I''ll join you in a bit," she smiled.


    At the same time, Erik passed his armor in the corner, and pulled something out of its storage space.


    When he stood outside the room, he held a memory stone in his hand. This one was yellow, a different color from the one that delivered Bj?rn''s message to his daughter. The color didn''t actually mean anything, Erik simply didn''t want her to get them confused.


    He walked towards Alice''s room while squeezing the stone in his wrist and closing his eyes in concentration. A sh of yellow passed through his fingers, and when he reached Alice''s door, he opened his eyes again and knocked on it.


    The door almost flew open, and an excited Alice was on the other side, ready to go. "Teacher! Is it time to get started?!"


    "Yes, Alice, it is," Erik chuckled. "But remember, advancing is a marathon, not a sprint, alright?"


    "Yes, teacher!" she quickly curbed her excited expression, furrowed her brows, and pursed her lips. Yet, her eyes still sparkled with impatience.


    ''Cute,'' Erik inwardlyughed softly while grinning slightly.


    "Alright, take this," he said while handing her the yellow memory stone. "I''ve put your schedule on there, as well as several tips, tricks, and exercises. Now follow me!"


    Alice eagerly took the stone, knowing what it was, albeit a little surprised it could be used in this manner as well.


    Erik than took off towards the training room, and Alice quickly followed, allowing her excitement to slip back into her expression now that Erik''s back was turned.


    When they reached the training room, Erik began teaching Alice all the basics from his experience as a Runebound. He also told her about his intentions to focus on his fusion for a while, which would mean minimal breaks or time for anything else.


    That dismayed her a little, of course, but luckily, the memory stone was packed to the brim with information and her schedule was clear, so she didn''t mind too much.


    Besides, Astrid would still be able to answer some of her questions as well.


    Speaking of Astrid, the strawberry blond vampire entered the training room about an hourter, pointing at Erik with part excitement and part fury. "It''s time to pay for your misdeeds fromst night, Erik! Prepare to call me big sister!"


    After waking up with the memories fromst night, her embarrassment was high and she intended to vent her frustrations on Erik.


    "Misdeeds?" Alice wondered out loud while tilting her head curiously. She was currently sitting on the ground and resting a little.


    Erik almost choked, beforeughing sheepishly. "It''s nothing, Alice. Keep going, alright? I''ll have a quick spar with your big sister Astrid before beginning my fusion."


    Alice may be far more mature than others her age in some matters, but she still had her gaps. So she simply nodded and stood up again, before continuing her exercises.


    Erik wanted her to focus on her foundation for a while, especially due to her younger body, and thus had forbidden her from exploring her rune for now.


    Not to mention that she still didn''t even know what her first ability was.


    Seeing her simple eptance, Erik sighed in relief and turned around to look at Astrid usingly. The vampire, however, didn''t care, and could barely contain herughter.


    Rolling his eyes and mumbling something under his breath, Erik beckoned for Astrid to follow him to the area in the middle, designed as a heavily protected fighting stage. Several sigils and other measures were in ce to ensure the survival of allbatants, the stage itself, and the surrounding room. Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    When they stood opposite each other on the stage, Erik tauntingly beckoned Astrid forward. "Come on then, Astrid," he grinned malevolently. "Show me how you''re going to make me call you big sister."


    "dly!" Astrid growled with excitement. The ring on her finger shed, and two swords suddenly appeared in her hands. The same swords Erik had created for her.


    At the same time, Erik transformed into his wolf form and brandished his ws. Luckily, Elora''s conjured clothing quickly adjusting to his new shape.


    His hammer was still in his armor, and his ws were arguably better against an agile dual wielder like Astrid anyway.


    So they charged each other, both wearing excited grins full of fighting intent. Erik howled, Astrid roared. Swords shed against w, but a groaning Astrid was quickly pushed back.


    Despite currently missing Elora''s physical essence Erik still easily won in a contest of strength. At least while in his wolf form.


    The main problem was hiscking speed and agility. A werewolf originally was sort of a jack-of-all-trades when it came to physical stats, but while the raiju bloodline leaned more towards strength, the winter wolf bloodline leaned more towards endurance.


    So, an agility and speed focused vampire like Astrid was still faster than him.


    A fact that Astrid quickly started using to her advantage by starting to dance around him.


    Their fight raged on for a while. Many small wounds appeared on Erik''s body, but they were shallow and barely slowed him down. Meanwhile, Astrid received heavy blows each time Erik actually managed to hit her.


    She never stopped, however, and the smile never left her lips.


    This is what she loved. Fighting for the fun of it, without any real stakes or danger.


    After an hour of fighting, Erik panted a little, and some blood caked to his fur. His body hurt, but he stood upright, seemingly none the worse for wear.


    Meanwhile, Astrid was panting heavily, and down on one knee. Her body was marred with many cuts, bruises, and dried blood while she stared defiantly at Erik with a wide, bloody grin.


    "F¡ª Fine¡­! Yo¡ª You win again! Bu¡ª But I''ll g¡ª get yo¡­" before she could finish, she started keeling over, and Erik quickly caught her with a chuckle.


    "Alright, Astrid. Let''s get you back into bed for some rest," he said while leaving the stage. Astrid was still awake, and smiled a little as she snuggled into Erik''s chest.


    At the same time, a white light shed, and both Erik and Astrid had their wounds restored by the sigils encircling that ce.


    Or, at least, their external wounds. Internal wounds would take longer to heal, and exhaustion stayed as well.


    Meanwhile, Erik directed a stern gaze at Alice, who had abandoned her training to watch the fight long ago. Sheepishly, the girl quickly went back to training.


    After putting Astrid in her bed with a soft kiss, Erik went to his own bed as well, to grab Elora and get a few hours of rest before starting his fusion.

 Chapter 263: Chapter 263 - Affnity ranking

    A few hourster, Erik was once again sitting inside a ck dome with only Elora as hispany.


    Just before, he had given a training schedule to Emma as well, before impressing upon Emily and Astrid the need to focus on their foundation before they continued pushing for the next rank.


    There was no need to create a schedule for them, as they were both second rankers who had created a routine that worked for them. So long as they didn''t get lost in the push for third rank, they would be fine.


    His meeting with Emily was a little strange, however. She clearly needed some time to settle into the revtions she had admitted tost night.


    Luckily, she would have that time, now that Erik would stay secluded for a while. In the next month, he would likely onlye out once a week to stretch his legs and give his mind some rest.


    "Ready?" Elora''s voice sounded in his head.


    "As I''ll ever be," Erik answered with a sigh and closed his eyes in preparation for what was toe.


    Suddenly, he cried out and grabbed his head. A splitting headache crashed through his brain as if every single brain cell was screaming in terror while they were getting ripped apart and put back together again. But with that headache came an immense amount of information, burning itself into his brain.


    When the flow of information stopped, he stayed still for a moment as the headache slowly ebbed away. He remained hunched over and grabbing his head while softly groaning. "Ugh, that never gets old¡­"


    "Sorry," Elora chuckled sympathetically. "But it''s over now! I''ve given you everything I know and read about affinity fusion in general, and of thundersnow fusion specifically."


    Their bond allowed for many things, and this was one of them. Elora could essentially ''upload'' anything she knew into Erik''s brain. This was far faster and easier than exining it.


    The only danger, or benefit, depending on the situation, was that at least some of her understanding of these concepts would also transfer over unconsciously, and since it was far better for Erik toe to his own conclusions about affinities, she couldn''t share her own insights on actual affinities.


    But when transferring technical information like she did this time, it was definitely a benefit, as it removed the need for exnations.


    Luckily, the focus increasing sigils helped alleviate the strain. Soon, thest of the pain disappeared and he sat back up again.


    He took a deep breath, stretched his back, and found his focus again. "Alright, let me just go through all that," he mumbled to Elora and himself, before beginning the process of sifting through everything that his partner had sent him.


    Among the information were some things that he already knew. For example, affinities were divided in ranks, much like most other things were. Usually, the higher an affinity''s rank, the rarer and more powerful it was.


    Rank one affinities were all those that could be considered basic, like water, fire, earth, rock, wind, etc. The pair had encountered these plenty of times, both on Earth and on S?l.


    Rank two affinities are all fusions of those in rank one, like steam (water + fire), scorch (fire + air), etc. While slightly rarer, these also urred in nature; Erik and Elora had seen them rtively often.


    Rank three affinities were slightly rarer and more powerful, These included ice, lightning, nature, magma, shadow, etc.


    Third rank affinities could also be formed from fusing second rank affinities. For example, mist (water + air) and frost (water + rock) would create ice. In the same way, Alice''s frostfire was created bybining the scorch and frost affinities.


    Next up, rank four affinities were, naturally, the fusion of rank three affinities. Among these was the thundersnow affinity that Erik was currently trying to create, by fusing lightning and ice. Astrid''s sun affinity is also a rank four affinity, being a fusion of the rank three affinities, sma and radiance.


    Rank five affinities were very rare and usually extremely powerful. These included darkness, light, and space. The chances for one of these affinities to appear in nature were astronomical, but not unheard of.


    Of course, it became easier if some powerful being tossed affinity seeds into the mix, but the chances of that happening were perhaps even smaller.


    Rank five was different, however in that many of its affinities could not be fused from rank four. Or at least, no one had figured out which affinities could be fused to create them. But that didn''t mean fusing rank four affinities was impossible.


    Finally, we reach the theoretical ranks. Most everyone assumed rank six affinities existed. After all, all other ranks could be fused, so why not rank five into rank six? Unfortunately, finding someone who had two rank five affinities was hard enough, let alone someone with the ability to fuse them.


    Rank seven, on the other hand, was entirely theoretical. Many people didn''t even believe these existed. In fact, ording to Elora, even the research oriented race of fairies didn''t dare specte on rank seven affinities. And those that did, would usually spent their entire life trying to either prove or disprove their existence.


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    If they did exist, however, they would likely begin to transcend affinities and be more like existence defining concepts like time. Either way, Elora knew nothing of anyone even rumored to possess a rank seven affinity, either on S?l or outside of it.


    Having reviewed his knowledge on affinities in general, Erik now moved on to the fusion part.


    Fusions were only possible between affinities of the same rank, and they could only ever create an affinity that was one rank higher. Furthermore, some affinities simply couldn''t be fused at all, while others were only harder to do, and some were easier.


    Of course, the process also became exponentially harder as the ranks climbed up.


    Luckily, rank three affinities were still considered to be rtively easy to fuse. In fact, one could even say that it was far harder to actually end up with two third-rank affinities, than it was to fuse them.


    After all, while absorbing bloodlines to improve one''s physique orpatibility with an affinity were not unheard of, actually gaining an affinity from it was extremely rare, though not impossible.


    Elora''s ability to so perfectlybine bloodlines that even the bloodline''s affinity is consistently transfered, was a previously unheard of mutation caused by her mother''s experimenting on her father''s blood dragon genes.


    Of course, currently, Elora could still only apply the practice to Erik, who was strangelypatible with her ability. A fact that once again raised the question of coincidence vs nning of Erik''s teleportation to S?l, even though Eira seemed to suggest that Audu was surprised by his disappearance.


    Erik felt his thoughts stray from the goal. Such was another consequence of Elora''s information sharing: Erik would quickly lose track of his thoughts while he sifted through the data.


    He quickly refocused on the actual process of affinity fusion.

 Chapter 264: Chapter 264 - Affinity fusion

    The actual process of fusion happened by taking one ability of each base affinity, andbining their symbols into one. This would effectively create the first rank thundersnow ability while also providing Erik with insights into the basic understanding of thundersnow.


    Since this was the first time Erik was attempting to fuse affinities, he didn''t actually know if he had to do this for both his Runebound system and his Arcanist system to gain ess to the affinity, but he wasn''t about to test it out.


    After all, he did know for sure that it would surely count as brining his systems out of bnce, and he didn''t ever want to suffer through that again.


    Luckily, his ability to do two things at once would help out here as well. Naturally, it would slow his progress down a little, but it wouldn''t be too bad. He still expected to finish within a month, even though most people would take far longer to fuse third-rank affinities, if they even seeded at all.


    Some would call it hubris, others would call it arrogance. Erik called it confidence. After all, he had Elora. While his beloved fairy could not give him her direct insights into affinities, lest Erik''s foundation was affected, there was after another way she could help¡­


    There where two methods of creating a fused symbol, insightful and brute force. Insightful essentially meant using knowledge of the base affinities to guide you on the best way to fuse them. Unfortunately, it could take months or even years of meditation to get a useful insight.


    Brute force, meanwhile, meant taking the two base symbols, imagining differentbinations of the two, and then simply drawing them until something stuck.


    The problem with that second method was that the number ofbinations for two third rank-symbols ran into the thousands, and most peoplecked the imagination to even think of them all.


    Erik intended to use abination of the two, and that was where Elora and her fairy poweredputational brain came in.


    By having Elora present him with possiblebinations at a speed that most races were unable to match, while he used his own insights into ice and lightning to pick out the most likely candidates, he could have the best of both worlds.


    The only reason this worked was because he and Elora shared such a close connection that Elora could see his runes and glyphs as if they were her own. Something that was usually impossible.


    With the ns made, and Erik having fully recovered from the information transfer, the next step was to pick the abilities.


    This was another important factor in creating a fusion,patibility of the spell or skill.


    For example, in fusing an ice and lighting rune, he had four possibilities: ice armor + lightning enhancement, ice armor + lightning sh, sub zero aura + lightning enhancement, and sub zero aura + lightning sh.


    Obviously, ice armor and lightning sh didn''t make for the bestbination, since the skills werepletely different. Thus, trying to fuse them would make the process all the more difficult.


    Erik decided it was probably best to fuse the enhancement skill with either of the ice skills.


    It didn''t take him long to choose the armor.


    He wasn''t yet confident in using the aura in a group fight, after all, so binding his lightning enhancement to that would be a bad idea.


    Ice armor and lightning enhancement, on the other hand, not only fit well together, but he also pretty much used them both constantly in any fight.


    Next he had to choose spells for the Arcanist side of things. His choices were: ice shrapnel st + lightning w, ice shrapnel st + concussive lightning st, ice maker + lightning w, and ice maker + concussive lightning st.


    He immediately tossed the ice makerbinations out, the results were too unpredictable, even if he did seed.


    He consideredbining ice shrapnel with lightning w, which would likely result in a simple, electrified ice shrapnel st, but he went for the other option instead.


    Ice shrapnel and concussive lightning st were his most destructive abilities, and he had to admit to being curious about theirbined power.


    Finally, with ns made and abilities chosen, it was time to get started.


    "I think we''re ready. You?" Erik asked his beloved partner.


    "All good," came her distracted response. "I''ve already got a handful ofbinations for you to look at!"


    Clearly, she''d already gotten started.


    Erik chuckled, before nodding and readying himself. "Alright, send them through."


    He divided his mind in two, as he always did when working on his advancement, and each of them quickly received one of the many possibilities in fusing these symbols.


    One a rune, the other a glyph.


    Immediately, Erik tossed one of them out as his insights into the ice affinity told him it wouldn''t work, and he instantly received a new one. At the same time, he started drawing the other symbol to see how it would feel, as his insights told him it might work.


    So they continued working, as minutes turned into hours, and hours turned into days.


    Every day, hundreds of different symbols flew past, and his fingers never stopped.


    Nor did Elora''s brain.


    Finally, six dayster, they stopped.


    "Pfffff," Erik released arge breath of air as he shook his painful hands. His brain felt heavy, as did his eyelids. "How are you doing, Elora?"


    "Uuuuuugh," came her groaning response. "Head¡­ hurts¡­ need sleep¡­ than sex¡­ than more sleep."


    "I think that can be arranged," Erik chuckled with exhaustion, before dispelling the sigils around him and stumbling to his feet.


    Immediately, a chirpy voice sounded next to him. "Master! I''ve prepared a bath, some tea, the bed, and myself!"


    Erik smiled with affection as he looked to his side, to see a brightly smiling Emma.


    He had given Emma the schedule he and Elora hade up with, so he wasn''t particrly surprised she had neglected her own schedule to care for him at this moment. Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    Especially not considering who she was.


    If he had to be honest, however, he might have been hoping she''d do this, so he didn''t feel the right to be angry at her for neglecting her own schedule.


    He leaned over to her, and kissed her. "Thank you, Emma. You''re a treasure."


    Emma giggled happily, and then led the way.


    Soon, Erik was washed, satisfied, and sound asleep.


    Then, after nearly a full day of sleep, he and Elora went right back at it.


    In the middle of their third week, however, he opened his eyes, stopped drawing, and sighed, "I''m missing something¡­"

 Chapter 265: Chapter 265 - An obstacle

    "You''re missing something?" Elora halted her calctions to do the mental equivalent of staring at him quizzically. "What''s wrong?"


    He scratched his chin and furrowed his brows. "I think my insights into the ice affinity are too shallow¡­" he pondered. "I can still recognize the symbols that wouldn''t work, but I think I may have simply failed to draw one that would have, due to the missing insights into ice."


    While their current method was far less reliant on deep knowledge of an affinity than the alternatives, he still needed to have reached a certain threshold in order to actually draw the sigil.


    So far, he had assumed any symbols he had failed to draw were because they simply weren''t stable enough to be the foundation of thundersnow.


    But now, after three weeks of not evening close to finishing a rune or glyph, he decided it had to be something else. And what else could it be, besides his rtively low understanding of ice?


    After all, he had only had the ice affinity for a month. The winter wolf bloodline did give him some insights into ice, and while Earth''s current development stage also helped with gaining insights, it seemed that even theirbination wasn''t enough¡­


    Perhaps they should have realized this as a problem sooner, but the fact was that neither of them had ever fused affinities before, and it was hard to determine the exact insight requirements from mere research.


    "Well, I suppose that''s not too big of a surprise," Elora mumbled thoughtfully. "So what do you want to do?"


    "Not sure¡­" Erik slowly shook his head. "We need a way to rapidly increase my understanding of the ice affinity, otherwise we''ll loose too much time."


    Elora agreed, and sank into thought together with Erik. Finally, she seemed to get an idea. "How about we check out that alchemyb? None of us knows alchemy, and Emma hasn''t started yet, but I should be able to recognize ingredients. Perhaps there''s something there that will help with understanding the ice element?"


    "You''re a genius, Elora!" Erik quickly eximed. He dispelled the sigils, and quickly stood up. No one noticed his unscheduled break, as everyone was busy with their own things right now.


    Of course, there was one who noticed.


    As he made his way towards the alchemyb, a floating minotaur girl appeared. True to her bright and yful nature, she was floating upside down and looking at him with big, expectant eyes.


    Seeing her gaze, Erik chuckled. "Sorry, Eira. Not yet."


    Eira immediately pouted, but his response caused her to be puzzled by his appearance. "Then why have youe out?" she asked, a little confused.


    "Well," Erik shrugged with a slight smirk. "I just didn''t feel like it anymore. I think I''ll give up on the whole thing."


    Immediately, Eira''s pout disappeared and she righted herself while her eyes widened with panic. "W¡ª What?!"


    But seeing Erik immediately start to chuckle, caused her pout to return, and a re to slip into her gaze. In thest three weeks she had quickly learned that both Elora and Erik liked to tease her. And yet, she still fell for it every time.


    Her indignant and frustrated expression didn''tst long, however.


    Her re was more yful than frustrated, and her pout quickly turned into a smile.


    The fact was, that she couldn''t be happier.


    Finally, she had so many people to interact and joke around with.


    "You''re mean!" she eximed, although any and all force behind that statement was lost due to the smile on her lips.


    "Yes, I am," Erik chuckled as he moved into the crafting section of the structure.


    "But you still haven''t said where you''re going!" she beamed yfully while floating circles around him. "Can I help?!" she asked, excitedly.


    "Sure," Erik smiled softly. "I need to increase my understanding of the ice affinity. Do you know if there are any special treasures in the alchemy room that could help me?"


    Eira quickly pursed her lips and looked a little ufortable. "U¡ª Uhm¡­ m¡ª maybe," she mumbled as she poked her fingers together. "B¡ª But those are supposed to be saved for actual alchemy. You won''t be able to find those again on this anytime soon, you know!"


    Erik paused a moment and a frown appeared on his face. "She''s not wrong," Elora shrugged inside his mind. "If we use that kind of resource now, we might regret itter. I mean, we don''t have an alchemist now, but after Emma reaches second rank she''ll start learning."


    "Yeah," Erik mumbled thoughtfully through their bond. "But time is an issue for us right now. We need to get as strong as possible, as fast as possible. And only when I have created a new medium for Eira and absorbed this dimension can we really get focused on growing. Which means that, right now, I''m inclined to say that tomorrow''s problem is tomorrow''s problem."


    In the meantime, they had reached the alchemy room, but with therge amount of omnisense resistant wooden boxes and vials around this ce, it would take at least a few days to sift through it all in search of what they needed.


    "I don''t disagree with you," Elora shrugged. "I''m just saying we might regret itter."


    Erik nodded in agreement, but still turned to Eira, who was hopping from one foot to the other in an ufortable disy. She hadn''t heard anything Elora and Erik had said to each other, after all.


    "You''re not wrong, Eira, but I''d still like you to show me," he told her, sympathetically.


    "I¡­" Eira began with struggle in her eyes. Doing this would mean disobeying another of her mistress''s orders.


    Erik quickly realized her struggle. "I appreciate your loyalty, Eira. But after we transfer you to a new medium, we''d be able to ess these resources with or without your help anyway."


    A sad glint passed through Eira''s eyes. She may be excited to start her adventures in a new medium, but she still didn''t like the fact that she would soon be unable to follow most of her mistress''s directions.


    The argument was still effective, however. She sighed, and nodded, before suddenly disappearing.


    While she was gone, Elora''s voice sounded in his head again. "It really is surprisingly easy for Eira to disobey Audu, despite being a sigil construct created by her¡­ I wonder why that is."


    Her thought would continue to go unanswered for a while longer, however, as before Erik could respond, Eira was already back again.

 Chapter 266: Chapter 266 - Solving the problem

    In her hands was a beautiful wooden box. But rather than hand it to him, she pouted a little sadly. "You know, I''d almost think you were trying to raid this ce before disappearing on me."


    After being disillusioned of the harbinger being an automatic ally, she now still harbored some fears and anxiety''s about being abandoned again. Especially after she had disabled her defensive sigils.


    Perhaps that was also the reason she continued to fall for their teasing to easily.


    Erik smiled slightly with a charming sparkle in his eyes. Then, before Eira could react, he took a step closer, put a hand behind her neck, and pulled the solid form constructs mouth against his.


    Her lips felt surprisingly soft and realistic, although they were missing a biological person''s body heat.


    Eira''s eyes opened wide in a mixture of surprise and panic. She was dumbstruck due to Erik''s actions. Her mind was unable to process her next best course of action, so she simply stood there as she felt a soft and pleasant warmth on her lips.


    To Eira, the moment seemed tost far to long, but in reality, it was no more than a few seconds before Erik pulled back. He grinned slightly at her. "I''d never abandon a beautiful and loyal girl like you, Eira."


    When stepped back, the box she was holding was already in his hands, something that Eira didn''t seem to realize. Her shocked expression remains as her hand slowly traveled to her lips and touched them softly.


    Suddenly, her mind seemed to catch up to events again, when a heavy blush appeared on her cheeks.


    "S¡ª Scoundrel!" she eximed in a mixture of confusion and anger, before disappearing.


    "I think you might have caused a short circuit," Elora giggled through their bond. "I apud your efforts to seduce a sigil construct, by the way. That dirty mind is part of why I love you. What did it feel like?"


    "Surprisingly realistic!" Erik chuckled. "I wonder what her tongue feels like¡­" he pondered while walking back towards the training room.


    "Just remember that her insides are basically just raging strands of aetherium," Elora smirked. "I don''t want to have to find ways to regrow that monster between your legs."


    Erik stopped in his tracks while a shudder passed through his body. When it was gone, he continued walking. "Did you have to put that image in my mind?" he grumbled.


    "Just being realistic!" Elora giggled mischievously. "Besides, even if you can''t have sex with her, I''m sure there''s still people that would be jealous of your AI hologram cow-girl girlfriend."


    While Erikughed at Elora''sment, he had reached the training room, and taken a seat on one of the training area.


    Soon, he was once again sitting cross legged in a dark dome, but this time, with a wooden box of unknown treasure on hisp.


    "Let''s see what we''re dealing with," he mumbled while opening the box.


    Inside was a breathtaking spectacle in the form of tiny ice crystals twinkling around an icy white lotus flower giving of a freezing aura.


    "Well, it looks beautiful at least," Erik mumbled. Even in his seven years on S?l he didn''t remember seeing anything like this.


    "I think that''s a frost lotus," Elora pondered. "While it will still take many years for something like this to appear on Earth, it''s actually not that rare, and only a third-rank ingredient. Not to mention that it is more rted to the frost affinity than ice. Still, you should be able to get plenty of insights into ice from it. I think its perfect for our purposes."


    Erik nodded and prepared to get started. This wasn''t his first time using something like this to aid in his understanding of an affinity, although it was the first time using a third-rank ingredient for it.


    Not wanting to screw this up, Erik quickly breathed out and calmed down before taking the lotus in both hands. It looked small and fragile in hisrge hands, and despite his thick Runebound skin, it still felt a little cold.


    Next, he closed his eyes and started circting his ice affinity through the flower. Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    Immediately, insights and understanding began to flood his mind, while the flower quickly started losing its shine.


    As his understanding of ice deepened, an idea finally jumped into his mind. Something which he realized he really should have thought of before. ''Ice isn''t conductive to lightning! I could never fuse ice and lightning without a solution to that!''


    He wanted to hit himself for needing this flower to think of such a basic scientific concept, considering his parents had covered basic physics in his education.


    But he quickly tossed away all distracting thoughts and started thinking of a solution.


    He couldn''t ask Elora, as he needed to think of these things himself for the good of his foundation. If he got all the answers from someone else, his foundation would always be shaky.


    ''Okay, think, think¡­ How can I make ice be conductive to lightning¡­ If ice isn''t conductive in and off itself, perhaps I could introduce something that is?''


    Luckily, his understanding of lightning went far deeper than that of ice, so he quickly realized two things: one, metal could conduct electricity, and two, lightning was part metal.


    Lightning was fused from the second rank affinities maism and storm. Going further down, storm was build up from the basic affinities of electric and wind, while maism was fused from metal and electric


    ''That means that lightning is one fourth metal,'' Erik continued to ponder. ''So what if there is only a single way to integrate ice and lightning? By integrating lightning into ice, and starting with the metal part of lightning, I could make the ice conductive, before adding the rest of the lightning affinity!''


    Erik''s eyes flew open, and Elora smiled curiously in his head, knowing he had thought of something.


    "I know what to do! Let''s pick it back up!" he eximed with excitement.


    Elora quickly did as he asked, and started sending him possible symbolbinations again, starting with the ones that he had previously failed to draw.


    This time, however, Erik tossed out many of the sigils he previous thought might work, as he only wanted those that followed his earlier realization.


    Because he now had a clear framework to what he wanted, the process went far quicker, and no more than a few dayster, his eyes flew open again.


    This time, icy white sparks flew around him, and a wide grin appeared on his face.

 Chapter 267: Chapter 267 - Coming out [1/2]

    Both Erik and Elora were incredibly tired as they had already gone past their originally nned break, so they were pretty burned out. They obviously couldn''t quit when they were so close to the goal.


    But, their efforts payed off. And with that realization came a surge of adrenaline that temporarily wiped out any and all exhaustion.


    Still holding his big grin, Erik held up his hands, a few inches apart, and palms facing each other. Power flowed through his hands, and an icy-cold orb, crackling with lightning appeared between his hands.


    It was like there was a tiny thunderstorm with snow instead of rain, raging inside that orb, and Erik couldn''t help butugh. Experience more tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin


    Not only did he now have ess to a fourth tier affinity, but he had fused it himself!


    Pride swelled within him as he continued to stare into the depths of the orb between his hands, reveling in the power and possibilities that came with this.


    An exhausted looking Elora materialized next to him and looked at the orb as well. She a proud and loving smile on her face. "Good job, love. Now if we can get that space affinity, you''re advantage will only grow."


    Erik nodded happily, but than adopted a thoughtful expression. "It''s just a shame that this pushes back my advancement to third-rank by a bit."


    Originally, his advancement to third rank should have been through the lightning affinity, but that wasn''t possible anymore. He still had his lightning affinity, but only in so much as he previously had the affinities that lightning and ice were fused from.


    In fact, currently, Erik was technically a first-rank again, although his power hadn''t actually been affected.


    After all, his abilities remained, as did the power of his body, and the size of his aetherium storage. The only problem was that his primary affinity was now at the first-rank.


    It wouldn''tst long, however. It''s not like his advancements in ice and lightning had gone to waste. He just needed a little time to convert those advancements into the thundersnow affinity. In at most another month he would be right back at the second-rank, and with quite some progress towards the third-rank to boot.


    Although, not as much as when lightning was still his primary affinity.


    However, before he worked on getting back to the second rank, he had resolved to create Eira''s medium. In the end, that was still the priority, for the sake of Elora''s sanity.


    In response to hisment, Elora nodded casually. "Yeah, but we expected that. It doesn''t actually change any of our ns. In at most ten months, you''ll be able to defeat both Sigurd and Frostfang."


    "I know," Erik sighed. "But it still feels bad. Although the thundersnow is worth it, obviously."


    "Alright, well¡­" their little dome suddenly echoed with a long drawn out yawn by Elora. "I think we need some rest."


    "Right," Erik chuckled, as he felt his exhaustion creeping back in now that the adrenaline was fading.


    He stood up, and dispelled the sigils surrounding them with a wave of his hand.


    However, he was surprised by what he saw.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few moments earlier, all the residents of this dimension were gathered in front of Erik''s ck dome and arguing with each other.


    Alice, Astrid, and Emily were standing on one side, while Eira and Emma were standing on the other, trying to keep the first three from Erik''s dome.


    For the first two weeks, Erik had taken a break after six days of training, but now it had already been eight days since hisst break


    Suffice it to say: the girls were getting worried. Unfortunately, they couldn''t use their connections to Erik to find out what was happening, as the ck dome was blocking them out.


    Emily looked furious. Her suspicious, somewhat impulsive nature and burgeoning feelings for Erik were on clear disy.


    Astrid was calmer, but there was clear concern and suspicion in her expression. She may not be as naturally aggressive as Emily, despite some evidence to the contrary, but she was far more inclined to taking action than waiting around. Thus, she took Emily''s side in this.


    Alice was clearly angry. Her expression was equal parts fearful and ferocious. Clearly, she was afraid of losing another person she had begun to care about. She did, however, somewhat stay out of this. She realized her weak powerpared to Astrid and Emily. Plus, Emma was on the other side, and she didn''t really want to go against her.


    "H¡ª He''s fine, I promise!" Eira anxiously stammered while waving her hands around. "I¡ª I can see inside the dome, and he''s still meditating! He''s probably just close to finishing!"


    "And we''re supposed to just believe that?!" Emily spat angrily. "What if that damn mistress of yours suddenly contacted you again, and ordered you to do something to him, huh?!"


    "N¡ª No! I¡­ Mistress wouldn''t ask that of me!" Eira desperately eximed. "And even if she did, that fairy is constantly monitoring the sigils in this ce! Even from in there! She and Harbinger would have plenty of time to react!"


    While calmer than Emily, Astrid narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Yeah? Well I can''t help but notice you haven''t denied you would do something to him if that Audu ordered you to."


    Eira grew more anxious by the second. Emma even noticed some sadness seeping into Eira''s expression. The poor minotaur girl only wanted to get along with these people, but it seemed so hard to gain their trust.


    Far harder than Eira had expected.


    Meanwhile, Emma''s eyes sparkled with nervous energy, but she still kept a calm smile on her face. Ever the peacemaker and beacon of bright innocence, she tried to calm everyone down a little.


    "Girls, please calm down!" she soothed while raising her arms in a calming gesture. "I think Eira is speaking the truth! I get you''re all worried, so am I, but I trust Master! He''s probably just close to finishing!"


    Alice, Emily, and even Astrid all felt ufortable upon hearing Emma''s speech. The fact was, if Emma hadn''t been on the other side of this, they would have long since ignored Eira and broken down that dome to see if Erik was alright.


    Emily and Alice seemed entirely unwilling to speak up against Emma, so it was Astrid who sighed and took the lead. "Look, Emma. We all love you, and none of us doubt your loyalty to Erik, but¡­ he is also a bit of a blind spot for you. No one is perfect, he might be in trouble right now!"


    Emma''s eyes took on a stubborn quality, and she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, she felt arge hand on her shoulder, and heard an exhausted chuckle to her side. "I appreciate the worry, girls, but I''m fine."

 Chapter 268: Chapter 268 - Coming out [2/2]

    "Master!" a happy and excited Emma eximed, before turning around and glomping Erik into a hug. Despite her previous confidence, the observant under them still noticed a hint of relief in her actions.


    It was no different for the others, however. They all looked relieved. Even Emily. Although her relief looked a little more hesitant, as she was still getting used to this whole ''having admitted her feelings'' thing.


    Alice even jumped in and hugged both Emma and Erik with a content smile. The young girl had been growing much closer to Emma over thest few weeks, and she had also started missing Erik due to his long absences.


    Eira also looked happy, but mostly because things didn''te to blows. She already knew Erik was fine. In fact, rather than celebrate, she was sticking out her tongue towards Emily and Astrid, as if to taunt them with the fact that she had been speaking the truth after all.


    Emily and Astrid ignored her, though, and focused on Erik, which actually made the construct a little sad. Yet, determination also appeared. Erik and Emma were kind to her, and she would make the others ept her as well!


    While Erik was busy consoling Emma and Alice, Elora had already disappeared back into his soul, as she was far to tired to deal with all this emotional stuff.


    After Emma and Alice had let go of him, Emily remained back a little with a hesitant expression, while Astrid walked up to Erik with a smile of camaraderie and softly punched his shoulder. "d you''re alright, Erik."


    Then her eyes sparkled with excitement. "So since you took an extra few days, can I assume you seeded already? I''m looking forward to pitching this thundersnow of yours against my sun power!"


    Eira was immediately roused from her inner thoughts and also looked at Erik with curiosity and eager expectation. In fact, everyone did.


    Seeing their gazes, Erik chuckled. He may be tired, but he was never too tired to show off for the women he already considered his.


    So, as an answer to Astrid''s question, he held up a single hand with a confident grin and once again conjured an orb with a thunderous and crackling snowstorm inside it.


    Several exmations of surprise and awe sounded across the room as all eyes were drawn to the spectacle on his hand.


    Naturally, Erik basked happily in their expressions.


    Especially Eira was excited as she quickly approached Erik, "You did it! Does that mean you can learn that technique now, and we can get started on designing the medium?! I''ve spent thest few weeks thinking of design ideas!"


    "Oh?" Erik looked at the excited construct with an eyebrow raised in amusement. "Are you talking to me again, Eira? You disappeared a little abruptlyst time."


    "Y¡ª You¡­! That was y¡ª your fault!" she quickly defended herself while stammering heavily. "Y¡ª You did a v¡ª very weird thing! N¡ª Now, just a¡ª answer the questions, a¡ª and maybe I''ll forgive you for what you did!"


    Erik chuckled with amusement at her embarrassment. "Thank you, oh benevolent Eira. In answer to your question, I need a little rest first, but when my brain stops feeling so heavy I''ll quickly start learning the Frostvolt technique."


    All previous embarrassment was forgotten as excitement and happiness sparkled in her eyes and she flew up while pping her hands. "Yes!" Without skipping a beat, she flew behind Erik and started pushing him towards the living spaces. "What are you waiting for then! Go rest!"


    "Alright, alright, I''m going!" Erikughed, actually quite happy that Eira was so pushy in getting him away from the others, as he was just about to crash.


    Emma, dressed in her maid clothes as always, quickly followed after them, "Wait for me! I''ll prepare a bath!"


    Meanwhile, Astridughed boisterously at the scene, before pointing after Erik and yelling, "You owe me a spar again, Erik! Thundersnow versus Sun!" Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin


    On the way out, Erik''s eyes also passed over Emily, who was currently standing in the back, trying not to look at him. The goth girl had remained remarkably quiet this whole time, considering she wasn''t usually hesitant to let her voice be heard.


    Although Erik wasn''t actually that surprised.


    In fact, Erik and Emily had had very little contact in thest few weeks, even during his breaks. Despite having admitted her feelings for him, she seemed to still have some trouble showing it in public. Or, perhaps, she was simply feeling embarrassed about the other thing she had admitted that night.


    To be fair, though. Erik also hadn''t tried to seek her out. Something he did on purpose.


    Last time they were together, he got her to admit her feelings for him, and her desire to be punished.which meant she now knew where to get that subconscious itch scratched whenever she wanted.


    But first, she would have toe to him. Erik would wait patiently until her desire for punishment overwrote her embarrassment and desire for independence.


    Still, he would have hoped her feelings for him at this point would be strong enough to at least say a few words to him.


    In fact, he knew that Emily was the one who pushed the hardest for forcing that dome toe down, as Elora had filled him in on everything that happened during that altercation.


    Ever the paranoid one, she kept a constant eye on the entire dimension using her omnisense. She simply hadn''t warned Erik of it before, as that would have defeated the purpose of Eira and Emma trying to keep the others from disturbing him out of worry.


    Erik sighed inwardly a little, but kept on letting himself get pushed towards the living spaces.


    As soon as he passed the door, however, Emily voice sounded in his head, "I''m d you''re okay¡­"


    She had used the Bond of Service link in order not to say the words out loud.


    Immediately, Erik smirked victoriously. ''You''ll be mine soon enough, Emily. I''ll have you admit your darkest desires and bind you to me in pleasure and love.''


    His own feelings for Emily were slightly conflicted. One one hand, he enjoyed her feisty nature, on the other, she awakened his deepest impulses for domination, something none of the other women in his life were able to do.


    ''I hope I can find some kind of middle ground,'' he chuckled to himself, while making his way to his bedroom for some well deserved rest.

 Chapter 269: Chapter 269 - thundersnow vs sun

    After an entire day of sleeping and recovering, Erik slowly opened his eyes while in the arms of his two beautiful wives.


    He started the day with a smile. He was excited to test out the power of his new affinity, both inbat with Astrid, and as a tool for smithing after learning the Frostvolt technique.


    ''Previously, Astrid and I mostly fought using our physical prowess, but I''m excited to see how thundersnow will hold up against sun, since they''re both rank four affinities,'' he thought to himself curiously.


    He was in no hurry, however, and decided to wait a little longer until Emma and Elora had both woken up.


    Luckily, it didn''t take long for the two to stir.


    In fact, Elora likely was never truly asleep in the first ce. She needed to keep an eye on Eira and the sigils in this ce, after all. She did get her rest, of course, but never truly enough to recover. Her predicament was part of the reason why Erik was pushing hard to make Eira''s medium as fast as possible.


    "Good morning, Master!" eximed the ever chipper Emma while kissing his cheek.


    Meanwhile, on the other side, Erik just heard a tired and grumpy groan. "Not so loud! I''m going to continue resting¡­" after saying so, she quickly disappeared into a cloud of lights, and was absorbed into Erik''s body.


    While sending soothing feelings towards Elora through their bond, he turned to Emma and kissed her forehead. "Good morning, Emma."


    Emma first giggled due to his kiss, but suddenly eximed joyfully, "Can you show me again?!"


    Erik rolled his eyes, but also chuckled and raised his hand. In mere moments, that same orb with a raging and thundering snowstorm once again took shape.


    "It''s so beautiful¡­" Emma mumbled as she stared at the orb in awe. "So this is what a fourth tier affinity looks like¡­"


    Erik raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You do know your light affinity is fifth tier, right? Plus, Astrid''s sun affinity is fourth tier as well."


    Without taking her eyes of the orb, Emma shrugged uncaringly. "Yeah, well, the light affinity looks boring and emotionless, while I see the sun every day. This looks beautiful, though!"


    "Guess I can''t argue with that," Erik chuckled. "But if you''ve had your fill, I do believe we both have things to do today."


    "Okay then," Emma pouted sadly and took onest look at the orb, before Erik closed his fist and the orb disappeared.


    Erik smiled at her sad face and gave her aforting peck on the lips, before jumping out of bed.


    Before he could take a step, dark green energy shed, and clothes draped themselves over his naked body.


    Over thest seven years, conjuring clothes for Erik at the appropriate times had be more of a reflex than conscious effort on Elora''s part.


    Emma put on her own maid clothes, and soon, they made their way to the training room together.


    There, they split up, with Emma going back to training and advancing her light affinity towards the second rank, and Erik walking towards the fighting stage in the middle.


    Perhaps unsurprisingly, Astrid was already waiting for him there. An excited grin hung on her lips.


    Erik grinned back at her and jumped on top of the stage while saying, "So since this fight obviously won''t count for making me call you big sister, do you want to bet on something else?"


    Since he still needed time to consolidate his thundersnow affinity, there was a good chance Astrid''s sun affinity would beat him for the simple reason that his affinity was still technically at rank one. Something he knew Astrid would never truly ept.


    She would only want him to call her big sister if she beat him while they were both at full power.


    "Of course!" Astrid nodded excitedly. "Any suggestions?"


    She knew Erik, and realized he already had something in mind.


    "How about the loser pleasures the winnerter?" Erik suggested while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.


    Immediately, Astrid lost some of her momentum as a small blush appeared on her cheeks. Still, she coughed a little and nodded, "F¡ª Fine¡­" Despite her clear embarrassment, there was a flicker of expectation, as well as an increased desire to win.


    Over thest few weeks, during Erik''s rare breaks, he and Astrid had met up a few times, during which they continued the physical rtionship Erik had started not long after they came here.


    It hadn''te very far yet, but Erik had used his hands to make her cum a few more times, and Astrid had even done the same to him once.


    Remembering the embarrassed look on Astrid''s face she had that day instantly made his dick stir a little.


    Experience tales at m v|l e''-NovelBin


    And he really wanted to see it again.


    Still, he was fully prepared to lose this match, and had an interesting idea in mind if he did.


    With the bet agreed upon, Astrid quickly found her confidence and fighting intent again.


    "So I guess we''ll just pit our strongest abilities against each other?" she asked excitedly.


    Naturally, for Astrid, that currently meant her sun beam ability. For Erik, on the other hand, that meant the ability he had fused from the concussive lightning and ice shrapnel sts.


    An ability he hadn''t used before, but didn''t doubt had the highest destructive power amongst those he had ess to.


    Of course, this wasn''t exactly a scientific method, or in any real way an indication of the power difference between thundersnow and sun. But that was fine. This was just for fun anyway.


    "Sounds good," Erik grinned, while the two of them moved to a distance of about thirty meters (~100 feet) between them.


    At the same time, Erik quickly changed to his werewolf form, as he might need to defend himself against Astrid''s attack.


    Not that this would be particrly dangerous. The sigils surrounding this ce would intervene if anyone''s life was actually in danger.


    They stared at each other for a moment longer, brimming with fighting intent, before Astrid''s grin widened and her crimson eyes suddenly began dissolving into burning orange orbs.


    At the same time, Erik raised his chin and opened his wolfish maw wide. A raging white orb, with lightning flickering over its surface, slowly formed within the cavernous depths of his werewolf form''s mouth.


    The original ice shrapnel st was a breath attack, and this new spell seemed to have taken that same approach. Unfortunately, he did not have the proficiency required tounch it in a different way just yet.


    Not that he minded this way, but versatility was important.


    When he and Astrid were done charging their abilities, they both roared. Erik''s thundersnow st left his mouth and, with a thundering sound, flew towards the vampire girl on the other side.


    At the same time, two short beams left Astrid''s eyes, and traveled in the opposite direction, straight at Erik''s attack.


    With no more control over the situation, the two of them could now only look at the result with excitement while inwardly cheering for their own attack.


    It took less than a second for the two attacks to meet in the middle. Here, they stalled for a moment.


    Ice cold lightning crackled. Orange beams fizzled.


    Then, an explosion.


    *Boom*

 Chapter 270: Chapter 270 - A draw

    A few hourster, Erik and Astrid were standing next to Astrid''s bed. Astrid looked embarrassed and a little frustrated, while Erik looked amused and excited.


    "I can''t believe I let you talk me into this¡­" Astrid mumbled as she palmed her own face. As a result of their earlier bet, she was now about to do something extremely embarrassing that she had never done before.


    "You''re the one who agreed to the bet, and then insisted our sh ended in a draw," Erik chuckled and decided to start things of by getting undressed.


    "Ugh," Astrid groaned, "don''t remind me. What was I thinking?"


    Having lost his clothing and with his impressive body now being on full disy, Eriky down on his side casually and propped up his head using one of his arms while looking at Astrid teasingly. "You simply can''t ept a victory without it being wless. It''s both a good and bad quality. Although, in this case, I definitely would consider it good."


    Next he beckoned Astrid while grinning eagerly at her, "Now how about you lose those clothes and join me?"


    Astrid sighed and resisted the urge to hit him. Despite her frustration, however, she slowly started undressing. There was a healthy blush on her cheeks, as she thought back to how she ended up in this situation.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    *boom*


    The sh between Erik''s thundersnow st and Astrid''s sun beams ended in a loud explosion that generated a thick dust cloud, obscuring both of their visions of the tform''s other half.


    Unfortunately for Erik, the winner of that sh was quickly determined when the orange beams left the dust cloud and continued on their way towards him.


    Erik cursed under his breath, and quickly reacted.


    He activated his second thundersnow ability, the thundersnow armor rune. In less than the blink of an eye, his body was encased in a snow white armor, crackling with icy lightning. At the same time, Erik felt his body be lighter and more powerful as the enhancement part of this ability boosted his physical stats.


    His muscles screamed and he barely managed to move a few inches to the side when the beams struck his right shoulder.


    He roared as the right side of his body jerked back and pain shot through his nerves. Luckily, the previous sh had reduced much of the beam''s power, while Erik''s thundersnow armor and Runebound body also got in the way. In the end, the beams only created two deep, but rtively nonthreatening wounds.


    At the same time, a female scream was heard from the other side of the cloud.


    Erik wasn''t too worried since the sigils were working, but he still frowned and ignored the pain to sprint through the dust cloud.


    "Astrid?!" he roared.


    "Ugh, over here," groaned Astrid''s voice, sounding more annoyed than pained.


    Soon, the dust settled and Erik found Astrid. She had been pushed back a little, and many small cuts had appeared on her body, but she looked fine otherwise.


    They both noticed the other''s wounds and seemed surprised. "What happened?" they both asked in confusion and at the same time, previously thinking they had lost.


    As an answer to their question, Elora appeared on Erik shoulder with amused smirk, "I can answer that!" Naturally, she had watched the whole thing with omnisense and knew exactly what happened.


    Seeing she had their attention, Elora continued with a shrug. "The actual sh of power was, perhaps unsurprisingly, won by Astrid. Her ability has a higher prative power and her understanding of the sun affinity is far more profound than Erik''s current understanding of thundersnow."


    Despite her wounds, that naturally caused Astrid to look smug, while Erik sighed in defeat.


    Elora wasn''t done, however. "But Erik''s ability clearly has a high potential for destruction, as even after exploding it wasn''t done yet. Itunched a massive amount of small, electrified grains of snow at Astrid, peppering her in small wounds.


    If her defensive power wasn''t so high, or the power behind Erik''s attack was higher, the sigils might have needed to step in to prevent her from dying due to the massive amount of tiny holes they would have created."


    "I can vouch for that," Astrid grumbled, losing her smug look, but now looking impressed instead. "That ability is very powerful."


    Now it was Erik''s turn to look smug and chuckle a little. ''Guess I made the right choice inbining ice shrapnel and lightning st.''


    It wasn''t umon for a fused ability to be particrly powerful, as they usually had multiple characteristics, while naturally urring abilities were generally simpler.


    In this case, his new ability hadbined the shrapnel part, and the concussive st part, of the previously separate abilities.


    Unfortunately, Erik did feel pretty drained, as this was clearly a powerful, but also energy heavy ability.


    Before he could think more on this, however, there was an important decision to be made.


    Erik looked at Astrid with an amused eyebrow raised. "So who won?"


    "I''ll leave that up to you two," Elora shrugged, before disappearing into Erik''s body again.


    Astrid sighed, "Well, even though I won the sh, I refuse to take this as a victory. Call it a draw?"


    "Well, if you insist," Erik grinned, as a very interesting idea suddenly entered his mind. "But than what about our bet?"


    Astrid didn''t like the look in his eyes, and nervously suggested a solution, "We could just call it of?"


    "We could," Erik nodded, despite the grin on his face suggesting something very different. "But I believe I have a far better idea!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Now, a few hourster, after sigils and time had healed their rtively superficial wounds, Astrid was undressing next to an excited Erik who watched Astrid''s wless body being slowly exposed to open air.


    He was growing harder by the second.


    When she was done, she didn''t hide any part of her body, despite the heavy blush on her face. Instead, she hid her embarrassment by ring at Erik, despite the carefully hidden lust in her eyes. "Now what?"


    "Now you lie on top of me," Erik grinned suggestively. "Put your pretty little pussy above my face, and lets see what happens."


    It was time to take his rtionship with Astrid to the next level with a ssic 69 maneuver.

 Chapter 271: Chapter 271 - 69 [1/2]**

    Driven by part lust, part frustration, and part unwillingness to back down, Astrid snorted, "Fine, then!" But despite her bravado, she remained a little hesitant to approached Erik.


    ''I''m surprised by her hesitance,'' Erik chuckled inwardly. ''Guess I''ll have to pour a little oil on the fire.''


    "Don''t tell me you''re scared, Astrid?" Erik taunted with a challenging smirk on his face. "How about we make it a challenge? First one to cum looses? No prizes, though. Except for bragging rights, of course."


    That did the trick.


    "I''ll make you eat those words!" she growled and, as if wanting to wipe that smirk of his face, jumped on the bed, before sitting down on his face in one smooth motion.


    "How about you do something more useful with that mouth besides smirking and taunting me?!" she said while rubbing her pussy on his face, desperately trying not to let the moans she felt bubbling up seep into her voice.


    "Oh you shouldn''t have said that," Erik''s muffled voice came from between her thighs.


    Erik generally liked to be the dominant party, so he naturally wouldn''t just sit back and let her rub herself on him. Instead, he chuckled and hooked his arms around her thighs to make sure she wasn''t going anywhere, and then stuck his tongue inside her snatch as deep as he could before slowly exploring her depths.


    ''Oh yeah, vampire tastes pretty good,'' he thought to himself while slurping up Astrid''s juices.


    The unexpected stimtion caused Astrid to yelp and fall forward. Exactly ording to Erik''s n. Shended right in front of his erect cock, which wafted its powerful Elora-certified pheromones straight into her face.


    Astrid''s eyes opened wide in shock. Suddenly, she was face to face with a Erik''s rock hard, nine inch member.


    To say she hadn''t thought of this moment would have been an outright lie. And not just since she had reunited with Erik, either. No, she fantasized plenty of times about this before the awakening.


    She had already been twenty-years-old by that time, after all, and with zero interest in guys other than Erik.


    Now, not only was she right in front of his cock, but her senses were also being overwhelmed with his musky, and heavy smell. It was a smell that really shouldn''t be so amazing, and yet was.


    Erik quickly realized she was lost in thought, but he certainly wasn''t going to let that slide.


    He quickly redoubled his efforts.


    Astrid was quickly shocked back to reality. Now unable to keep her moans contained, she screamed out instead. "Aaaah, E¡ª Eriiiiiik! W¡ª W¡ª What are yooouuu doiiiing!"


    In response, Erik paused his work and slightly lifted Astrid''s hips of his face. Then, with a challenging tone, he chuckled, "Trying to win the challenge, of course. I can see you don''t mind losing since you''re just sitting there, but that''s okay. I don''t mind an easy win once in a while."


    He lowered Astrid back down and continued his work, causing Astrid to moan again.


    Yet, his words had lit a fire in her belly. Well, another one, anyway.


    With a determined gaze, she fought through the pleasure she felt and grabbed his cock with both hands.


    There was no hesitation or embarrassment this time, only determination not to be outdone by Erik.


    Feeling Astrid finally got started, Erik decided to tone down his efforts a little. He did want to give Astrid a chance, after all. ''Plus, she should get the chance to get used to this,'' he thought to himself.


    If she became unable to continue before he even came once, that would have just been a shame.


    So he returned to running his tongue over her smooth folds slowly, enjoying her unique taste while barely prating inside.


    Astrid barely noticed the slower pace, however. Pleasure radiated through her body and her mind was foggy, but a challenge had been made and she wouldn''t back down.


    With inexperienced and slightly trembling, yet determined hands, she began stroking Erik''s pole.


    ''I suppose that feels nice,'' Erik thought. ''But if she actually wants to win this challenge, she''ll have to do a little more. Something I''m sure she realizes,'' he chuckled at the end of his thought. ''But perhaps I need to remind her.''


    "Fuuuuuck you, you asssshollleeeee, why are you so good at this?!" Astrid screamed when Erik decided to explore a little deeper.


    ''I¡ª I''m already getting closer¡­! Ugh, I can''t let him win!'' she eximed in her mind.


    At that point, her determination to win and the delicious smell in front of herpelled her to lean forward, until her mouth was right in front of Erik''s tip.


    She trembled, and than yelled in her mind, ''Aaaaaaaahhh!'' before opening her mouth and taking Erik as far down as she could in one gulp.


    Erik paused his efforts for a moment and widened his eyes in surprise. Suddenly, the first few inches of his dick were engulfed in Astrid''s warm, wet, mouth and it felt amazing.


    ''Suppose I shouldn''t be surprised she just went for it,'' Erikughed inwardly.


    He slightly lifted Astrid up again, and looked down at the strawberry blond vampire swallowing his cock. "Just be careful with those teeth, alright? My dick is only for drinking the white stuff," he quipped.


    Astrid snorted, or as best as she could considering her situation, and deliberately poked the hot staff stuffed between her lips with one of her fangs.


    Erik immediately narrowed his eyes. ''Alright, Astrid. ytime is over!''


    He wrapped his arms around Astrid''s waist and pressed her closer to him. Before leveraging that to continue as he was, however, he wanted to pay her back for threatening his most precious part.


    He angled his chin up and carefully took a certain little pearl between his teeth.


    Feeling that, Astrid quickly panicked and was about to pull back, but it was tote.


    Erik lightly bit down, and even sent a small electric shock to Astrid''s clit.


    Astrid screamed out loud as pleasure and pain shot through her body. Than, in a strange muscle spasm, she shot forward, causing Erik''s cock to slip slightly further into her throat.


    Erik slightly groaned from the sudden sensation, but quickly went back to dining on the main course.

 Chapter 272: Chapter 272 - 69 [2/2]**

    Now with Erik''s cock lodged slightly in her throat, and him no longer holding back, Astrid began to panic.


    Pleasure was building quickly, she could see the edge on the horizon, and her mind was getting hazier and hazier due to the sweet and slightly addictive pre-cum drizzling down her throat.


    She quickly pulled herself together, however. ''I''m not going down without a fight!'' she thought, managing to string together an entire sentence despite her somewhat loopy brain.


    She quickly grabbed the lower half of Erik''s shaft with both hands, while stuffing as much of his it into her throat as she could.


    A whole five of Erik''s nine inches were now lodged in her spasming, and inexperienced throat. She was gagging, but with her status as a second-rank Runebound, she had remarkable control over her body, and her need for oxygen was lessened.


    Unsurprisingly, Erik was enjoying himself immensely. ''It''s far from the best blowjob I''ve ever received,'' he thought to himself. ''But inexperience has its own charm,'' he chuckled. ''Plus its Astrid doing it, so that makes it even better.''


    The pleasure he felt was far from enough to distract him from his current goal, however. His tongue dug deeper and deeper into Astrid''s depths, almostdling out her overflowing juices.


    Astrid could feel that she had already lost, as her orgasm was fast approaching and Erik didn''t seem anywhere close. Nevertheless, she wouldn''t back down.


    She kept him stuffed down her throat, tried to contract her muscles, and even used as much of her tongue as she could, considering her mouth was filled to the brim.


    Her heavy moaning and panting was also helping her cause.


    Unfortunately, it wouldn''t be enough.


    Soon, Astrid lost all reason. She stopped moving, stopped trying, stopped doing anything except moaning loudly with her lips wrapped around her lover''s cock and her hands gripping his base.


    Than, for a moment, everything was still¡­ before her mind exploded in orgasm.


    She shook wildly, her legs spasmed, and Erik grinned victoriously while happily quenching his thirst on the fluids exploding out of her.


    With victory assured, he decided to take his reward.


    He lifted his legs, and wrapped them around Astrid''s neck and back. Normally, he would never be able to use his legs from this position to push down Astrid''s upper body, as she was not much weaker than he was.


    But of course, in the current situation, with Astrid having lost all control of her body, it was easy enough.


    So he used his legs to shove himself deeper into her throat. Her spasming muscles offered very little resistance to him, while at the same time, he continued extending his childhood friend''s orgasm for as long as he could.


    With the increased stimtion, he released a satisfied sigh before suddenly exploding inside her. Cum overflowed in Astrid''s throat. Some of it disappeared into her stomach, the rest traveled back up to her mouth.


    Since she didn''t currently have the ability to swallow it, she gagged and sputtered with tears in her eyes, even while continuing to cum.


    Finally, after at least a minute, it was over.


    Erik stopped licking the vampire''s pussy, he released the hold his legs had on her head, and Astrid finally regained enough mental rity to dislodge the intruder in her throat before she choked.


    She rolled off of Erik while coughing, panting, and leaking white cream.


    Erik was panting a little as well, but mostly he was simply grinning. "That was fun, don''t you think?"


    "Fuuuckss yousssusss¡­" Astrid slurred after having given up on coughing out a lung. Her eyes were still unfocused, but she was clearly frustrated with her loss.


    They were now lying next to each other, while looking up at the ceiling. Parallel to each other, but with each other''s heads next to the other''s hip.


    Erik''s newlyid cock was draped on his leg right next to Astrid''s head, but she didn''t seem to notice.


    "Don''t me yourself," Erik chuckled. "I have far more experience than you, after all. You honestly did admirably. You just have to practice more!"


    Having recovered a little more now, Astrid was able to answer in normal sentences. "You''re just trying to trick me into doing this again!" she eximed in fake outrage.


    "You have objections?" Erik grinned.


    "Hmpf," Astrid snorted nomittally, yet Erik was certain he detected a hint of yfulness. "First of all, what was that crap at the end there? I almost choked! And second of all, is it really a good idea to be bragging about your experience to the girl you''re trying to rope into your harem deal?"


    "Just grabbing a little reward for winning," Erik chuckled. "Besides, are you saying the mighty Astrid couldn''t endure that?" Erik taunted, knowing exactly how to push Astrid''s buttons.


    In response, he got a light kick to the head from one of the feet beneath him, which only caused him to chuckle louder.


    "As for your second question," he continued, unperturbed. "You know what my deal is. It would be pointless and counterproductive to try and dance around the issue. Yes, I have a harem. But unfortunately, we love each other, and neither of us is good at backing down. The oue of this is already predetermined, the only question is how much of a fight you''ll put up."


    After Erik had finished his answer, it remained quiet for a moment. Finally, Astrid spoke up again, her voice full of amusement. "You''ve be a cocky little shit, haven''t you. Man, if only your old self could see you now."


    "Ha!" Erikughed. "He''d probably run out of the room and find a corner to die from embarrassment in!"


    "Well, then I think we can both be happy you''ve changed," Astrid chuckled.


    "Agreed," Erik nodded with a smirk.


    After another moment of silence and recovery, Erik jumped out of bed. "Anyway, I should get started on Eira''s medium. Poor Elora is getting worn out constantly having to keep an eye on things."


    "Oh, I see," Astrid rolled her eyes. "Pump your load and you''re gone again, huh?" Post-coital bliss had apparently burned away much of Astrid''s embarrassment.


    "Unfortunately, yeah," Erik grinned while walking up to Astrid''s head who was following his movement with twinkling eyes. He crouched next to the still prone Astrid and waved his hand. A dark green wave of aetherium scoured Astrid clean of any remaining essence.


    Than, he leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "Next time, I''ll stay, alright?"


    "I haven''t agreed to a next time, yet!" Astrid grinned back at him.


    "Who are you kidding, exactly?" Erik chuckled, before heading out the door.


    When he stepped outside into the living hall, the neighboring door just so happened to close at the same time.


    Looking that way, Erik chuckled. "She must be getting frustrated¡­"

 Chapter 273: Chapter 273 - Confrontation

    ''She''ll still need toe to me, though,'' Erik chuckled to himself. He ignored the door he was staring at, and turned towards the exit.


    It was time to start learning the Frostvolt technique.


    As he walked towards the entrance, the door behind him cracked open a little, and two crimson-lined ck eyes poked out, watching him leave with a frustrated re.


    Struggle appeared in Emily''s eyes, but before long she snorted angrily and mmed the door closed again.


    Meanwhile, Erik just grinned and kept walking.


    Not muchter, he found himself inside the library, holding the Frostvolt technique with an excited smile. ''This is the best smithing technique I''ve ever held in my hands¡­ and now I can learn it.''


    Eagerly, he turned towards the exit with book in hand, intending to head to the forge and start practicing straight away. Aside from being excited to learn it, it was also a good idea to have some experience with exactly what this technique was capable off, before he went into the designing phase.


    When he walked into the passageway connecting the library hall with the main hall, however, he was surprised to find Emily there. Her arms were crossed in front of her chest and she red at him angrily.


    Inwardly, Erik groaned. ''Uuuugh, I guess I feel strangely proud that she couldn''t wait any longer, but damn. I was looking forward to getting started on my smithing.''


    Still, he didn''t show any of that on the outside, and simply smiled calmly at Emily. "Hey, Emily. Getting some reading done? I''m sure there''s plenty of books here on dealing with corruption and maybe even techniques involving the affinity of darkness."


    "Shut up!" she eximed, his words having only made her angrier. She knew he was ying with her, there was no other reason why he would ignore her obviously distressed expression.


    "Something wrong, Emily?" Erik asked, putting on the most innocent expression he could muster.


    Emily took some frustrated strides forward and stood right in front of Erik before poking him in the chest with her finger. "Of course there''s something wrong! And you know exactly what you''re doing! Do you like doing this to me, huh?!"


    ''Actually¡­ yeah, kinda,'' Erik thought inwardly, but naturally didn''t voice that thought. Explore more stories with m,v l''e-NovelBin


    "I don''t know what you mean, Emily," Erik forewent his innocent expression and now simply smiled calmly at her.


    "You¡­!" Emily began but the words got stuck in her throat. She took a moment to force them out through the power of frustration. "You owe me¡­!" Unfortunately, the she still wasn''t able to say thest part of that sentence.


    "Oh?" Erik kept smiling calmly, only infuriating the angry girl more. "What do I owe you, exactly, Emily? You need to be clear. And if you need my help with something, it wouldn''t hurt to ask nicely."


    Emily remained quiet and kept staring at him angrily. Yet, surprisingly, her anger suddenly began to fade, and she hung her head low. Her trembling hand found it''s way to gripping his shirt at chest height, while she softly muttered a question, "Why¡­ Why are you doing this?"


    Her previous emotions had made way for sadness while she continued, "I know you have¡­ fond feelings about me, and you made me admit I had them too, but why are you making this so hard for me¡­? You don''t make Astrid work for it, so why me?"


    Erik''s gaze softened, and he carefully lifted Emily''s head with a finger under her chin. When he looked into her eyes, he could see her hurt and sadness.


    "Because Astrid is honest with her feelings," Erik softly exined. "But you aren''t. I had to make you admit your feelings and desires. But that isn''t a one-time deal and done. You may have voiced your feelings out loud in a particrly charged moment, but now I need you to confront them right here, and with a clear mind. So tell me, Emily.


    Tell me what you want me to do."


    That was all true, of course, but he greatly enjoyed this as well.


    Struggle appeared in Emily''s eyes. "I¡­" she stammered while Erik''s piercing amber eyes bore into her soul. She tried to look away, but felt herself unable to.


    Finally, she couldn''t hold it in anymore. "I¡­ Back in Frostvik I nearly got myself killed and screwed up the n, because I couldn''t control myself. I let the corruption take a deeper hold, and if it weren''t for you I would have fallen right back into my old ways of abusing Emma. I¡ª I deserve to be punished. Please punish me¡­"


    Her words made Erik''s excitement for smithing take a back seat as his his lower brain started taking over. He smiled softly, and kissed her on the lips, before releasing her. "Good girl, Emily. Shall we go then?"


    But Emily kept standing there and holding his shirt, forcing Erik to either wait or drag Emily with him. "Before we go anywhere¡­" Emily mumbled. "I need you to admit something too¡­"


    Erik raised an eyebrow and slightly smirked. ''I think I know where this is heading,'' he chuckled to himself. "I guess that''s only fair," he nodded. "You''ll need to be more specific, though."


    Emily looked him in the eyes, here sadness and fury gone, but some frustration remained. "You enjoy this, right? I don''t doubt that this is good for me¡­ in a way, at least. Nor do I doubt that you care for me, but you enjoy doing this to me, right?"


    Erik chuckled, and could only nod. "Absolutely, I do. Does that disturb you?"


    Emily sighed, as if some burden was lifted of her shoulders. "No, it doesn''t¡­ In fact, it makes me like you more. It may even turn me on a little¡­"


    Erik smiled and got an idea. He lifted his hand and started petting Emily''s head. "Good girl."


    A shudder went through Emily''s body and struggle appeared in her eyes, but she didn''t move.


    Finally, he let her go, and walked towards the main hall. "Come on than, Emily. Let''s scratch that itch of yours."

 Chapter 274: Chapter 274 - Hesitation

    Not muchter, the two of them were back in Emily''s room, where Erik put the Frostvolt technique down on a table close to the door.


    ''I''ll get back to you in a moment, my new friend. Just need to satisfy one of the women in my life first,'' he inwardly chuckled.


    After the door closed, Emily looked at him with parts hesitation and parts anxiety. She was sure before, but now that the moment was here again, she suddenly hesitated. She wanted this, but she didn''t really want to want it yet.


    Erik was just about to start suggesting next steps when he noticed her hesitation.


    So he took a step closer and wrapped his left arm around her waist. He pulled her close enough for their chests to touch, and than used his right hand to lift her chin and made her look at him.


    He expected her to look at him withfort and affection, since that was what he usually got at this point, but instead he only saw annoyance.


    ''Right, forgot who she was for a second¡­'' he chuckled inwardly and let her go.


    "I''m not some fragile maiden who''s going to swoon with a little charm and masculinity, Boss," she grumbled, a little unhappily.


    ''Still feels like I got you this far pretty easily, though,'' he grinned inwardly, but didn''t voice those thoughts.


    "Alright, alright," he chuckled. "But what''s the problem? Don''t you want this?"


    "I do¡­. I have a desire to be¡­ you know, and especially by you. But that''s the problem," she sighed and frowned, trying to find the right words. "I feel like I''m loosing myself. I used to hate the idea of losing control and being dependent on others. The same with excessive masculinity and men sleeping with multiple women."


    "Sounds like you''re describing me," Erik chuckled. "No wonder we got off on the wrong foot."


    "Oh yeah, you''d be like the poster boy of Emily repellent," Emily chuckled. Than she sighed again. "And yet, every time we do," she indicated the space between them by waving her arm, "this, I feel my control and independence being chipped away by that same poster boy. And yet I still hate those things!" she eximed, almost desperately.


    "Well, why do you hate the thought of losing control and giving up your independence?" Erik wondered curiously.


    Emily looked a little confused and shrugged, "Just for¡­ normal reasons I guess? I mean, why does anyone? Isn''t that more about a person''s inherent nature than anything else?"


    "Perhaps," Erik shrugged. "Or perhaps you just never knew a man you could be truly vulnerable with. Someone you could trust to show your true self, and have them ept you for all that you are. I mean, I don''t think I even need to mention Liam, but your father also didn''t ept your lifestyle, right? Were you close with him at all? What about other men in your life, pre-awakening?"


    Emily blinked, and looked a little ufortable. "I¡­ I guess not? I was only sixteen and went to an expensive private school. Most guys were either afraid or weirded out by my style choices. And my father¡­ I mean, he was a little cold and distant at times, but he was a good man. I know he loved me, Emma, and Mom."


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    Erik smiled slightly, "So you never met a guy you trusted to ept you as you are. No wonder you gained an unwillingness to give up control or independence to one."


    Than he shrugged, "But so what? I''m not asking you for your independence or to control you. In fact, you know I haven''t used the Bond of Service to force you into anything, and Elora has left you alone as well, just like I promised. You have simply given me ten years of service in exchange for saving Emma from you, and you from the council."


    "What we''re doing here is¡­ just for fun," he chuckled. "Also¡­ I''m pretty sure I''ve seen you at your worst and your best, and I''d still love to marry you."


    "Yeah, as your third wife," Emily scoffed while rolling her eyes.


    A confidentughed escaped Erik''s lips, "Assuming you''re fast enough, you might be the fourth if Astrid makes up her mind before you!"


    Emily palmed her face, "Way to make my case for me!"


    With an uncaring and confident grin, Erik answered, "There''s no point in not being clear about things, Emily."


    ''Ugh, why''s that confidence so damn attractive,'' Emily groaned inwardly.


    Silence descended on the two of them. Erik simply watched Emily curiously, while the girl herself was obviously still conflicted.


    "You¡­ You may be right about most of what you said¡­" Emily finally mumbled. "But what we''re doing here isn''t just fun¡­ and you know it. Every time you make me cum, or punish me, or make me bend to your will¡ªlike how you actually convinced me to put myself over yourp¡ªit makes me a little more bound to you.


    Soon, I won''t be able to imagine life without you, and maybe I''ll even happily dance to your tune."


    "Maybe so," Erik nodded while smiling softly. "But you''re the one that asked me toe here. You love what I do to you in these moments. Do you want to give that up? Do you believe you''d be unhappy if you stayed with me? Married me?"


    "Maybe¡­ Maybe not¡­" Emily mumbled. "But it''s not what I envisioned for myself¡­"


    During the conversation Erik had slowly moved closer to Emily again, and now stood close enough for his hot breath to tickle her nose. Emily breathed a little louder as well as memories from herst punishment appeared to her.


    Erik slowly leaned over and whispered in her ear. "If you married me, I might just decide to punish you every day. Maybe you''d deserve it, maybe you wouldn''t. But I''d definitely make you enjoy it."


    "T¡ª That s¡ª sounds like you''d have all the control¡­" Emily mumbled while trembling, clearly turned on, at least by the prospect of being punished.


    "Are you saying you wouldn''t want me to punish you?" Erik continued to whisper. "Besides, I want my wives to be free to do whatever they wish. You were there when I married Emma. I ask again, do you think you''d be unhappy in that life?"


    He could hear Emily gulp next to his ear. "N¡ª No¡­"


    A smile appeared on Erik''s face. ''Got you¡­''


    "So do you still want to be punished?" he asked, already knowing the answer.


    She gulped again as desire and Erik''s arguments started to overwrite her previous objections. "Y¡ª Yes¡­"


    "Yes, what?" Erik grinned deviously.


    "Yes, please," she mumbled hoarsely.


    "Good girl."

 Chapter 275: Chapter 275 - Third punishment [1/3]**

    After finally clearing thest of Emily''s doubt and hesitation, it wasn''t long before they were both naked, and Erik was standing in front of Emily. He quickly approached her wless, pale, lightly tattooed body andrge breasts once again.


    "You really are beautiful, Emily," he smiled slightly. "I feel privileged."


    "Don''t be an idiot¡­" Emily pouted a little nervously, despite the slight blush on her face. Now that Erik had taken a step back and she had a moment to calm down while undressing, the lust from before was making way for embarrassment.


    Naturally, Erik couldn''t have that, so he quickly closed the distance and spanked her ass with a grin. Emily tensed, but also moaned and trembled. "Aaah, hnghhh. Whyyy does that feel so good¡­" she cursed under her breath.


    "Because you''re a bad girl who needs to be punished," Erik smirked. "Now get on top of the bed!" he ordered, dominantly.


    Emily trembled. A struggle was going on inside her. she knew she should be hating this, but she loved it instead. Normally she disliked his controlling behavior, but when it was time for her to be punished it was like all the switches in her brain flipped.


    So her pussy drooled, and she slightly staggered towards the bed to sit down. "Aren''t you¡­ going to spank me?" she wondered, partially hesitant, partially hopeful.


    "Of course not," Erik grinned while getting closer to the trembling woman. "Doing the same punishment every time would be boring! No, I have something else in mind today."


    When Erik stood in front of the sitting Emily, his hands resting on his sides, and looked down on her with his piercing amber eyes, Emily trembled and gulped. She angled her eyes down, and couldn''t help but notice Erik''s erect member hovering in front of her face. "O¡ª Oh?" she asked. "A¡ª And what''s that?"


    A musky yet sweet scent was wafting of off Erik''s cock and traveling from her nose to her brain, causing her to be slightly light headed, affecting her with it''s pheromones. Her pussy began to gush even harder.


    Despite her situation, however, she suddenly had a thought. It was a thought she probably should have had earlier, but she quickly uttered it now, before Erik could answer her previous question. "You uh¡ª you won''t take my¡­ you know¡­ right?"


    Erik''s face took on a serious note as he crouched down to put his face in front of hers. "I''m a little insulted you have to ask, to be honest." But than his face cracked a perverted grin. "But don''t worry, I''ll just add it to your tally for tonight."


    Both relieved and aroused by his words, Emily gulped and nodded. Erik stood up again and Emily looked up at him, expectant and submissive. Something neither she, nor anyone that knew her would ever have expected of her.


    Erik, however, couldn''t help but grow even harder. To see this rebellious, bloodthirsty, power-hungry woman, act so meek before him excited him to no end.


    He grabbed her chin, and bent down to kiss her. It was a long, sloppy kiss, where Erik''s tongue was running circles around Emily''s.


    Finally, he released her and give his next orders. "Alright, now lie down across the width of the bed, and on your back, making sure your head sticks out the side."


    Considering her inexperience, Emily was unsure what his ns were, but she had alreadye this far and thus quickly followed his orders. Soon, she was looking up at Erik from below with confused arousal. Her breasts were pointing upwards, staring Erik in the face and defying gravity with the power of aetherium.


    Erik looked between her magnificent tits and his erect cock, seemingly getting another idea, but then shook his head. ''One thing at a time.''


    "So¡­ what now?" Emily asked softly.


    Erik grinned at the woman under him. "You remember what we did in that cabin right? Well, it''s something simr. But you''ll find out soon enough."


    "There is one think I should tell, however," he chuckled, while kneeling down. He grabbed Emily''s chin roughly and dragged her ear up to his mouth, causing Emily to yelp and moan from a mixture of surprise and arousal.


    He whispered pin her ear, "Until I say so, you are not allowed to cum. Understood?" For the first time since enving her with the Bond of Service, he actually used it to give her an order.


    And Emily felt it. Something within her was chained, and she instinctively knew it was no longer possible for her to cum.


    Her eyes flew open in surprise, but before she couldin, Erik had lowered her head back to the bed, and flopped his cock and balls onto her face, causing it to bend down until it formed a 90 degree angle with the rest of her body on the bed.


    Straight away, Emily was sted in the face with a heavy dose of Erik''s modified pheromones, and she couldn''t help but breath in deeply, sniffing at his genitals like a dog while her mind began to be filled with a pink fog. Meanwhile, she had started moaning softly.


    Erik grinned at the slightly dazed Emily, and bend forward to put only his left index finger into her already squirming pussy. He wasn''t doing anything else with his dick yet, simply letting Emily take a few whiffs for now.


    While his pheromones weren''t any kind of brainwashing, mind control, or overwhelming aphrodisiac, it certainly could grease the wheels, as it were.


    With his finger still in her pussy and his genitals pressed against her face, Erik smirked and said, "Now then, since you''re not good at being honest with your feelings, let''s just see if your body is better at that. I can already feel your cunt spasming, so I know you''re already very happy, but let''s do a few experiments."


    He raised his right hand, and lightly smacked her left breast. His action caused Emily to moan louder as pleasure and pain rocker her trembling body. At the same time, Erik could feel her pussy spasm wildly around his finger.


    "Oh man," he said through his bond with Emily, making sure that she could hear and understand him, despite the arousal filling her brain. "If my dick was in your pussy right now, it might just be crushed by those spasms of yours! You definitely liked that!"


    "Fuuuuck, youuuuuu," came a dazed, barely coherent response from Emily.


    ''Oh yeah, this is gonna be fun,'' Erik chuckled with amusement.

 Chapter 276: Chapter 276 - Third punishment [2/3]**

    While the room echoed with Emily''s soft moaning, Erik''s genitals were still pressed against her upside down face, and a single finger was pressed inside her folds.


    Erik looked at her current state and smirked while intending to keep tormenting her for a little while.


    After having lightly smacked her breast, he now softly stroked her trembling body.


    "I really can''t get over how much I love that you''re letting me torment you like this, Emily," he softly chuckled, still talking through their bond to make sure she heard him. "I really lucked out with you and Emma. One loves to serve, and the other loves being punished."


    Slowly, his hand moved back to the breast he smacked earlier, and grasped the rock hard nipple. He gave her a moment to wonder what he might do there, before suddenly pulling on it harshly. "And what''s even better is that you''re both mine!"


    Emily moaned louder, muffled by the cock and balls in her face, and tried desperately to arch her back and relieve the pain a little, despite the pleasure it was giving her.


    Erik could feel her insides spasm heavily again, "Ooooh, you liked that even better than what I did before. Is this even really a punishment?"


    "J¡ª Just, ge¡ª get on with it!" she responded through their bond, barely coherent, and trying hard not to let her lust and pleasure seep through.


    Erik chuckled and raised his hand, before spanking her thigh, "Bad girl! I thought we were over this? I definitely won''t move on to the next phase until you admit how much you love this and beg me to keep going."


    Erik waited a moment to see if she would respond, but with the line remaining silent, he grinned. "Seems I need to continue tormenting you for a little longer."


    His next move was to try out his newest affinity in a way he wondered if anyone else had ever tried. He charged his free hand with ice cold electric static by using thundersnow, and smacked her other breast this time.


    Emily felt like her breast was smacked, dumped in an ice bath, and tingling from electricity, all at the same time. She cried out in pain and pleasure while her eyes shot open and some rity was returned to her mind.


    She tried to arch her back again, but Erik quickly pushed her back, while shoving his genitals harder against her face. "Stay still now, little Emily. We''re far from done here," he chuckled. "Ooh, and your pussy is spasming like crazy. I wonder if you would have cum from that if I had given you permission."


    "L¡ª Let me cum¡­! Aaasshole" came an angry, yet loopy, and slightly pleading voice through their connection.


    "Oh I''m afraid not, Emily," Erik responded, while softly caressing her body with the thundersnow charged hand, making it feel to Emily like was tracing electro-static ice cubes across her body, heightening the sensitivity of her body. "If you''re a good girl, I might let you cum at the end, but¡­ I''d have to continue to the next phase first¡­ Or we can just stop here, that''s fine too."


    He didn''t really want to stop, of course, but he did mean that. He enjoyed doing this, but only because he knew Emily enjoyed, and he didn''t want to go too far.


    The other side of their bond remained silent again, but Erik waited patiently while continuing to torment her with the thundersnow affinity. Her moaning and panting echoed through the room.


    At some point, whether consciously or unconsciously, Emily stuck out her tongue and started to softly lick the cock in front of her face, wanting to get more of his taste.


    Finally, when he grasped her nipple again, she regained some rity again and her voice came through. "W¡ª Wait!"


    "Yes?" Erik grinned, while lightly holding on her nipple, bathing it in ice-cold electro-static energy.


    "I¡ª I like it¡­ P¡ª Please keep going¡­" came her pleading, defeated voice. Then, Erik felt something through that their connection that could only be described as a mental gulp, as if stepping over arge hurdle, before continuing softly. "I''ll be a good girl¡­"


    A wide grin spread over Erik''s face. ''That''s what I wanted to hear,'' heughed to himself.


    He pulled back his hips and lined up the tip of his cock with Emily''s mouth, all while she used her tongue to continue softly licking his cock.


    "Is that so?" he said, while shuddering slightly from the soft tongue that was now lightly licking the pre-cum dripping from his tip. "Because good girls will open their mouths wide, so that their boss can stick his cock in their throat."


    He had to grin slightly, because Emily''s cunt had not stopped trying to suck his finger in deeper from the moment she had called herself a good girl, and it only got worse now.


    Unexpectedly, however, she didn''t immediately do as he said, causing Erik to wonder if she was still hesitating about this. Their Bond of Service didn''t include sharing any feelings, unlike his bonds with Emma and Elora, so he wasn''t sure what she was feeling right now.


    Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    "We can still call this of, if you¡ª" he began, but before he could finish, Emily answered. "N¡ª No! It''s just¡­" her voice was loopy, but there was rity in there as well. "Not¡­ Not Boss¡­"


    "Oh?" Erik wondered. "You can just call me by my name if you like, or anything else really."


    As if her body and mind had be two separate entities, her mind seemed to struggle to get out the words she wanted to say, despite the fact her tongue kept licking his tip while her eyes were dazed and unfocused.


    Erik noticed another mental gulp just before he heard Emily''s voice in his mind again. "Daddy¡­"


    Astonished, Erik paused for a moment and blinked. Inside his mind, even Elora was stunned, before her loudughing echoed through Erik''s skull, "Maybe having her call me Mommy isn''t so far away!" she cried out while doing the mental equivalent of rolling on the ground and clutching her stomach.


    When he finally got rid of his surprise, Erik wondered if this was a heat of the moment thing, or if she intended to call him this forever from now on.


    ''Either way, even if this is just for today, I guess I''m gonna have to make sure my future kids never call me that¡­'' Erik thought to himself with some amusement, before refocusing on Emily.


    "Alright, Emily. Daddy it is. Now open up, it''s time to continue your punishment," he grinned through their link.

 Chapter 277: Chapter 277- Third punishment [3/3]**

    With Emily''s admittance of her desires, it seemed all hesitation disappeared as well. Her crimson-lined ck eyes shone with lust. ''I can''t believe I admitted that¡­'' she thought to herself. ''But now that I have, there''s nothing I want more.'' Continue your adventure at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    She quickly opened her mouth wide, even while continuing to lick the underside of his cock head, essentially beckoning him inside."Punish me, Daddy," she whispered through their bond with a seductive tone. Her total admittance of her desires seemed to have awakened something insider her: a desire to submit.


    Perhaps not in the same way that Emma did, but in a way where she wanted validation from someone who could give her a discipline and consequences that perhaps she had beencking in her life. Not just after the awakening, but before as well.


    Erik couldn''t help but shudder a little from the feeling of her soft tongue tickling his cock. But Emily''s inviting mouth didn''t allow him to wait, so he grinned and began pushing inside. Emily shook with lust and anticipation.


    Erik closed his eyes and enjoyed the feeling of slowly sliding past Emily''s full, and velvety soft lips until he lodged himself inside as far as he could.


    Which, for the moment, was not very far. He barely reached the opening of her throat, which was perfectly lined up for him due to her position, when she started coughing and gagging.


    But that was no surprise. Emily had only given a blowjob once before, and she didn''t even know about it. After all, this was back when Elora first took possession of Emily''s body, back in the Ashcroft manner''s basement.


    Her inexperience was once again proven by the sloppy, yet eager tongue work she was doing on the shaft in her mouth.


    Despite her initial hesitation, she was now working hard to bring Erik as much pleasure as possible, causing slurping sounds to echo through the room. After all, that was part of her ''punishment''.


    Of course, the fact that she also immensely enjoying his addictive taste was a nice bonus.


    ''Gotta give that bitch of a fairy props for doing good on his taste¡­.'' Was a thought that barely made it passed her lust-addled brain as she moaned around his cock.


    Despite her inexperience, Erik still immensely enjoyed the experience, but it wasn''t good enough.


    This was barely a punishment, after all, even though he did still continue to torment her body with his thundersnow static.


    Luckily, Emma had given him an idea, back when she had her first time with him.


    "I like your enthusiasm, Emily," he told her through their link. "But for this to be a real punishment, we need to take it a step further. I want you to use your body enhancement sigil to remove your gag reflex."


    He didn''t use the Bond of Service this time, as he didn''t want to use it too often, and he only really used it to stop her from cumming because that would have been nearly impossible for her to control otherwise.


    He waited a moment, but received no reply. It seemed that Emily had bepletely lost in her own world of desire, and even using their bond tomunicate wasn''t working anymore.


    ''Guess I need to get her attention,'' Erik chuckled, before raising his static filled hand, and bringing it down on the poor girls bare pussy.


    "Aaaaahhnnnnggg," came the muffledbination of a pained cry and a pleasured moan from Emily''s mouth as her eyes shot open wide.


    "I gave you an order, Emily," he told her in a dominant tone through their bond.


    "Ssssorryyy, Daddyyy!" came the almost immediate reply through their bond, even while her tongue never stopped. "What¡ª What do you want me to do?!" she eximed, almost desperately.


    He repeated his order, and Emily gulped a little nervously, before doing as he said. Before now, she had never realized it could be used this way, but with her brain currently flipped to submissive mode, she wasn''t going to disappoint him.


    "It¡ª It''s done, Daddy¡­ Please be gentle," he got her hesitant confirmation.


    "We''ll see," Erik chuckled, before slowly starting to push forward.


    Without her gag reflex, there was nothing to obstruct him from advancing apart from her tight throat muscles. But those were no obstacle for him.


    Emily''s eyes opened wide in panic. She could feel the intruder slowly expanding her throat and cutting of her airway, while Erik''s balls approached her nose. It still hurt, even with no gag reflex, but that was only increasing the pleasure she felt.


    With Erik''s previous actions,bined with her current state, and the fact that he had started actively using the finger in her pussy to pleasure her, she had long since reached the edge of a mind-blowing orgasm.


    Unfortunately, she was still not allowed to cum.


    Meanwhile, despite her willingness to go through with this, her instincts stillpelled her to raise her arms and try to push Erik away. It was useless, obviously, but seeing that, and knowing that if she actually wanted him to stop she could tell him through their bond at any time, Erik grinned.


    He quickly grabbed her hands, bend them behind her back, and restrained her with a quick application of ice maker. This, too, she could easily break free from with her darkness affinity.


    Emily''s panic increased, but so did the immense pleasure, and overwhelming desire to cum from being punished and humiliated.


    "P¡ª Please¡­ Daddy¡­ N¡ª Need to cum¡­" she pleaded through their connection.


    "You can cum when I do, but not before," Erik answered with a devious grin. "So try your best, okay?"


    Finally, the entire length of his cock was lodged in her throat, his balls hit her nose, and the entirety of her oxygen supply was cut off. "C¡ª Can''t breathe¡­" she muttered through their bond.


    Luckily, her power as a second-rank Arcanist ensured she had a little more time than normal humans.


    "It''s part of your punishment, Emily. Try to endure it," Erik answered dominantly. "Trust me to give you enough air."


    Emily squirmed on the bed with wide eyes, but she didn''t try to remove him from her throat. Trusting him to care for her.


    The fact that her mind was screaming with the desire to cum did manage to help distract her from the need to breathe, however.


    Erik had now switched to using three fingers in Emily''s snatch, making sure that she constantly remained on the edge of cumming without being able to.


    After remaining inside her for an entire minute as her tight throat muscles massaged his cock, Erik finally pulled back and allowed Emily to take in some quick, panicked, gulping breaths, before he showed himself back in again.


    Erik loved seeing the bulge in her throat expand and shrink and he started fucking her throat like it was her pussy. Slurping, sucking, and moaning filled the room, until finally, he reached his own edge.


    "Here ites, Emily," he finally said the words that sounded like a divine decree, filing Emily with ecstatic joy.


    She didn''t actually mind the pain, or the loss of oxygen. In fact, she found she loved those. But the inability to cum that Erik had forced on her had been the true torture for the girl.


    With a satisfied grunt, Erik shoved his cock in as far as it would go, before exploding inside her throat. Considering how far he was at this point, it simply went straight into her stomach.


    At the same time, Erik pulled his fingers from Emily''s cunt, and said through their link, "Now cum for me," while spanking her pussy for the second time.


    It was too much for her.


    She screamed, moaned, cried, and struggled, all while Erik''s cum pumped into her stomach and a mind-shattering orgasm rocked her body.


    Seeing that, Erik quickly pulled out to let the girl breathe, afraid she might faint from the pleasure and oxygen deprivation.


    With wide eyes, Emily coughed, and gulped deep breaths of air while her body continued to shake. And finally, she fainted anyway.

 Chapter 278: Chapter 278 - Aftercare

    A few hourster, Emily groggily opened her eyes, and found herself sitting up on the bed. Her back was resting against Erik''s chest and his arms were wrapped around her. They were both still naked.


    Erik noticed she woke up, but didn''t say anything, and neither did Emily, who grabbed her head and thought, ''Ugh, what happened?''


    She had to take a moment to remember everything that happened earlier now that her mind was clear again.


    When she finally remembered everything, she pulled up her knees and wrapped her arms around them. Her face was red from shame and anger, although who the anger was directed at was unsure.


    "Are you¡­ gonna tell anyone?" she suddenly asked.


    "Wasn''t nning on it," Erik shrugged nonchntly, knowing exactly what she referred to.


    Emily nodded softly. Then mumbled quietly, "Thank you for going along with it... You could haveughed in my face. I''m sure Elora had the time of her life¡­ she''s in there, right?"


    She realized she didn''t actually mind that much, having shown Erik that side of her earlier, but the fact that Elora was likely watching everything as it happened was the real cause of her shame.


    Erik slowly caressed Emily''s hair as he talked. "Don''t worry about Elora. She promised to leave you alone for a while, and this is part of that."


    Emily did feel relieved to hear that. She had long since epted that Elora would always be a part of anything Erik did, but if she wouldn''t be taunted about it, it wasn''t so bad.


    Than he shrugged, "As for me, I''ve seen weirder. Besides, its not that much of a surprise. Your father was always distant and didn''t give you the attention and discipline that you secretly wanted.


    And I imagine your time as the witch of London only exacerbated those feelings. It was a time where you needed someone to stop you more than ever, and you subconsciously wanted your father toe and do so, despite knowing it was impossible. And then I showed up¡­


    I don''t think you want or wanted to have sex with him, but since someone you are actually sexually attracted to is providing you with both affection and discipline, things get a little mixed up in your head."


    While Erik was far from an expert at psychology, he did pick up the asional little thing from the fairy in his head, who just so happened to be an expert at that. After all, having intimate knowledge of psychology is a must have for a natural maniptor like Elora.


    "So I''m a clich¨¦ now," Emily rolled her eyes, feeling more annoyed than anything else at Erik''s psychoanalysis, "That''s just great¡­"


    "I wouldn''t call it that," Erik chuckled. "And anyway, the important thing is whether or not you enjoyed yourself."


    "It was humiliating and painful¡­" Emily scoffed, but than continued in an aggrieved tone. "And yeah, I enjoyed it. I''m more messed up than I thought¡­ is this part of the corruption, too?"


    "It''s not unlikely for it to be abination of your natural personality, your past, and the corrupting effects," Erik nodded. He realized Emily was hoping to shift some of the me onto the corruption, and he didn''t mind providing some help there. It''s not like he was lying either, there was just no way to be sure.


    Emily seemed a little relieved to hear that as she ked a small sigh. They stayed quiet for a moment again, until Emily mumbled, "I did hate the no-cumming part, though."


    "Well, it was still supposed to be a punishment," Erik chuckled.


    "Asshole¡­" she responded with a slight grin.


    "Yeah, I like you a lot, too, Emily," Erik chuckled.


    "Shut up!" she immediately eximed with a pout.


    Then they fell quiet again, with Emily nestlingfortable in his arms. She felt happy and safe that he had remained here with her until she woke up. It was things like this that made her trust him more than all the other things they had gone through.


    "So¡­" Emily suddenly spoke up, her voice a strange mix of disappointment and relief. "No more punishments¡­ right?"


    "Not until you do something to deserve one again," Erik chuckled. "Although¡­ I have been thinking about punishing you for almost disturbing my meditation earlier," he then mumbled thoughtfully while stroking the stubble on his chin. "I''m just not sure if it actually warrants a punishment¡­"


    A sly grin appeared on his face as he asked his next questions, "What do you think¡­?"


    Emily trembled slightly and closed her eyes. She knew exactly what he was doing.


    "I hate you so much right now¡­" she mumbled aggrievedly.


    "No you don''t," Erik chuckled. "Now answer the question, will you?"


    "Uuuugh," Emily groaned while rolling her eyes. She pursed her lips and tried to keep quiet, but she could feel Erik''s amber eyes boring into the back of her head until she finally mumbled, "I¡­ I think it deserves punishment¡­"


    A wide grin appeared on Erik''s face. "Oh really¡­?" he said in a teasing tone. "Well since that''s the case, I guess I''ll have to punish you again in the near future."


    As he talked, he also brought up his hand from her stomach, and lightly pinched one of her exposed nipples.


    Emily closed her eyes and trembled, trying desperately not to moan, causing Erik to chuckle, and Emily to curse under her breath.


    After a few moments, he finally let her go, and whispered in her ear. "This was fun, but I really need to get going now. That medium isn''t going to create itself."


    Emily nodded, and quickly stood up, somewhat d Erik wouldn''t be teasing her anymore. She could use a little time to herself to get her own thoughts in order.


    Naturally, Erik took the chance to provide Emily''s naked butt with a beautiful red hand print.


    As the sound of Erik spanking her echoed through the room, Emily trembled again, but said nothing, and simply went to put on her clothes while Erik chuckled.


    Soon, they were both dressed, and Erik was about to leave, but not before he took Emily in his arms and kissed her deeply on the lips.


    Emily was surprised and tried to resist for a moment. They may have done many other things, and Erik may have asionally kissed her before, but this felt different.


    This felt passionate.


    Still, it didn''t take long for Emily to melt into his embrace and wrestle with his tongue for dominance. Five minutester, Erik took the smithing technique from the table, and left a breathless and softly cursing Emily behind.


    ''Time to do this, finally,'' he smiled while gripping his book.

 Chapter 279: Chapter 279 - Picking a material

    "That was¡­ interesting," mumbled an amused Elora through their bond, as Erik walked out of the living area and towards the crafting room.


    "Enjoyable as well," Erik answer with a subtle smirk.


    "I''ll bet it was!" Eloraughed loudly. "You won''t let me sit on the sidelines forever with her, though, right? I mean I promised you I''d leave her alone, and I will, but not forever, right? I''m sure you can convince her to let me join at this point!"


    Erik could hear the sadistic excitement in the fairy''s voice. Clearly, she was itching to get her hands on poor Emily now that a crack in her independence had appeared.


    He chuckled, "How about we wait until she finally agrees to marry me? That way, you''ll at least be inhibited by the fact that she''s family."


    "Fine," Elora sighed. "But you''re almost making me wish she doesn''t marry you so I don''t have to hold back!" sheughed loudly at her own joke.


    Erik rolled his eyes at her behavior, but his next words wereced with a little concern, as he could hear the exhaustion in her voice. "Why don''t you get some more rest, Elora? I''m sorry about all these distractions. I promise the new medium will be done in at most a week, so you can finally sleep for real."


    "It''s fine," Elora giggled. "I fully support your efforts with Astrid and Emily." Before she continued, she yawned, and her next words were said as if she was slowly falling asleep. "But I suppose I will get some more rest¡­ Between helping you with the fusion and keeping an eye on Eira and her sigils this whole time, I''m starting to get worn out¡­"


    By the end, Elora had slipped back into her hibernation mode, where she was subconsciously keeping an eye on their surroundings, but wasn''t actually getting all the rest she required.


    Luckily she was a third rank, but after a month of no real sleep and constant usage of omnisense, even her mind was starting to fray at the edges.


    With Elora taking a rest, Erik moved on to the forge with his new technique in hand.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Now in the runesmithing hall, Erik looked around. ''I should have a look at the avable materials first,'' he thought to himself. ''Luckily, there is someone I can ask for help¡­''


    "Eira?" he said out loud while looking around, hoping the construct would show herself.


    The construct almost immediately made her appearance. Surprisingly, she was pouting. "So, are you finally ready to get started? You''ve already been awake for hours!"


    "Sorry, sorry," Erik chuckled at her attitude. "I had some¡­ important matters to handle."


    Eira narrowed her eyes at him. "You know I can see everything that goes on in this ce, right?"


    A small smile appeared on Erik''s face. "Oh? And did you enjoy the show?"


    It was no surprise she could see what he was getting up when he was having sex with hispanions. In fact, he considered it a bonus.


    As hoped, Eira''s face quickly started heating up. "T¡ª That''s n¡ª not¡­ That doesn''t¡­ That''s beside the point!"


    "If you say so," Erik chuckled. "Just know that you''re free to join in anytime, alright?"


    Naturally, her face became even redder. "S¡ª Shut up! J¡ª Just tell me what you want already?!"


    ''Aah, she''s fun to tease,'' Erik thought while smiling at Eira. "Right. I want to start practicing the Frostvolt technique, but I''d like to use the same material as for the medium, so I can get familiar with their interactions. Can you show me the best alloys or metals that are stored here?"


    "Sure!" Eira quickly nodded enthusiastically with a bright smile, any embarrassment from before quickly wiped out due Erik''s clear intentions of getting started on the medium.


    Eira immediately disappeared, and returned almost instantly with a single, light-brown ingot in her hands and that same bright smile still gracing her face. Although Erik couldn''t help but notice a small, deceptive twinkle in her eyes.


    As a third tier Runesmith, Erik had extensive knowledge on the truly enormous amount of different types of metal there were in the universe. And so, he quickly recognized this one as being the third-rank metal bogiron.


    ''That''s bogiron¡­'' he thought to himself. ''It''s a fine metal, but not particrly rare or interesting. Worse, it''s rted to the mud affinity, which would severely hamper my ability to channel electricity through anything I create with it. There''s no way I can use this¡­''


    "Eira¡­" he began, with a raised eyebrow and a suspicious tone. "Are you really telling me that this is the only third tier metal you have avable?"


    "Y¡ª Yeah¡­?" Eira mumbled, while continuing to hold out the metal towards Erik, but being unable to look directly at him.


    "Eira¡­ this is not how trust growths, you know?" Erik continued, now in a slightly more amused tone, as he realized why Eira was presenting him with only this metal.


    His argument quickly caused Eira''s expression to crumble as she pouted. "But the color is so pretty! It''s the same as my hair and eyes. In fact, it''s the same as Mistress''s hair and eyes, too! Can''t you just use this?" she pleaded at the end.


    Unfortunately, Erik had to shake his head. "Sorry, Eira. You can absolutely help with the design, but the metal is actually very important."


    As a demonstration, he took the bogiron from Eira''s hands and charged his hand with thundersnow lightning before attempting to channel the lightning through the ingot. Unfortunately, it just sizzled on the surface and began to slowly freeze the ingot.


    "See?" he asked the slightly despondent Eira. "If I can''t channel my main affinity through this, there''s no way I could use it in the future. You still wouldn''t be able to travel with me."


    "Okay¡­" the floating minotaur girl pouted sadly while poking her fingers together. She did understand, but she''d been hoping to be able to live in her favorite color in the future.


    "That doesn''t mean we can''t use this color in the final design, however¡­" Erik grinned slightly. "But that''s part of the design phase. We can discuss thatter, alright?"


    ''There''s no way I''m going to walk around with this thing coloredpletely light-brown, but I certainly wouldn''t mind creating some decorations of this color,'' he softlyughed inwardly. Although he didn''t voice that part out loud for now.


    "Really?!" Eira eximed happily while pping her hands.


    "Yeah," Erik chuckled and nodded. "Butter. For now, can you please get all the third rank metals avable, instead of just the ones you like?"


    With his promise given, Eira enthusiastically nodded and disappeared again. This time, she took a little longer, but soon reappeared with a rainbow of several ingots floating around her.


    ''Now we''re talking¡­'' Erik thought to himself while his eyes shone with interest.

 Chapter 280: Chapter 280 - Mysterious alloy [1/2]

    Eira floated patiently in front of Erik. An array of variously colored ingots floated in front of her. She still had a few favorites among the colors provided here, which she was not shy about showing by subtly pushing them forward using her tail, but unfortunately for her, Erik just chuckled and ignored her preferences.


    The choice of material was far too important to be determined based on color.


    Noticing that, Eira sighed, but decided to devote her attention to thinking more about her design ns instead.


    Meanwhile, Erik carefully inspected every ingot. He touched them, weighed them, tested how thundersnow flowed through them, and simply tried to identify the different metals while attempting to recall everything he knew about them.


    Every ingot he passed, he put in one of three categories: probably, maybe, and ''I''d rather call this whole thing off.''


    He also considered a few options for creating an alloy tobine several affinities and characteristics, although that would also somewhat increase the time he would need.


    Unfortunately, there was no metal that aligned perfectly with his thundersnow affinity, which wasn''t much of a surprise, perhaps. After all, while not necessarily one of the most powerful among fourth rank affinities, it was certainly one of the rarest.


    Eventually, however, he ran across an ingot that particrly interested him.


    "Uuuh," he mumbled, a little dumbfounded when he inspected this particr metal. Eventually, he decided this warranted waking Elora up.


    "Elora," he spoke softly through their bond, so as not to make it too rude of an awakening. "Can you take a look at this?" Find your next adventure on m_v l|e-NovelBin


    Erik immediately felt her metaphysical essence in his soul stir, while grumpy emotions began to transmit through their link.


    "Uuuugh," came a groaning response. "This better be good¡­"


    She may have been constantly checking her surroundings through omnisense, even while hibernating, but only to monitor changes in the sigils surrounding this ce. She wasn''t actually paying attention to what Erik was doing.


    Her attitude and exhaustion quickly disappeared when she noticed what was in Erik''s hands, however. "That is¡­ Where did you find that?" she mumbled with extreme curiosity.


    Erik quickly shared his most recent memories with her, causing the fairy to get excited. "Well, what are you waiting for?! Ask the construct about this!"


    Erik rolled his eyes at that, "I was going to, but I wanted your input first. Is this actually the same metal those medallions are made from? The stuff that has the inherent characteristic of storing aetherium?"


    "Yes, yes, it is!" she answered impatiently, ever hungry for more knowledge. "Now ask her already!"


    If the fairy wasn''t trying to conserve energy by remaining in Erik''s soul, she would have already jumped out and asked the question herself.


    Erik chuckled at her impatience and directed his attention to Eira. "Eira," he began, causing the floating girl to blink as her thoughts regarding the design were interrupted. "How much of this metal do you have?"


    Eira looked at the ingot in Erik''s hands for a moment and than shrugged, "There''s a whole bunch of them. That one is in a different category, though."


    "Category?" Erik wondered with a curiously raised eyebrow.


    Eira nodded in response, seemingly a little confused about Erik''s interest in this. "Yeah, the spatial storage is divided in category''s, but while most of the metals are put in the appropriate category and divided into ranks, this one is the only material in the alloy category, and does not have a listed rank."


    "No rank, huh¡­ and it''s an alloy?" Erik mumbled to himself and to Elora, who also sank into thought.


    After a few moments, Elora voiced her thoughts. "So now we know that its not a naturally urring metal, and since, to my knowledge, it''s not known in the universe as a whole, it might have been created by either the minotaur or the giant."


    "Right¡­ but does that help us in any way?" Erik wondered.


    "Not directly, perhaps," Elora shrugged mentally. "But more information is always good. Are you going to try and use it for the medium? It might provide some interesting effects."


    "I was thinking about it¡­" Erik nodded thoughtfully. "Although the fact it''s not been given a rank worries me a little. I do need to actually be able to melt it, after all."


    "Alright, well¡­" Elora suddenly yawned. "Let me know how it works out, I''m going back to hibernate."


    And just like that, she was gone again. Normally, her interest would perhaps be a little higher, but she was just too tired right now. Not to mention that she had to keep this up for at least another week.


    Erik slightly scratched the stubble on his chin while looking thoughtfully at the ingot in his hand, until, finally, he decided to simply test it.


    Grasping the ingot, he walked passed Eira, who had once again sunk into thought about her ideas for the design, and walked up to the actual forge.


    Since he had already tested this forge when Eira first showed this ce to him, he was quick to turn it on, and soon, a sweltering fire was zing at its core.


    With this being just a third-rank forge, however, the question was if this would actually be able to heat the ingot enough for it to be reshaped into different forms. After all, it was unclear what rank this alloy actually possessed.


    Quickly cing the ingot inside, Erik watched with interest to see if the metal would give any indication of being heated to a point where he might be able to work with it.


    Unfortunately, even after thirty minutes of waiting and even providing more power to the forge in order to get the metal to heat up, it was still not getting anywhere.


    Finally, while staring regretfully at the unchanged ingot in the middle of the forge, Erik sighed. "Well, I guess that''s not happening."


    But than he frowned and thought, ''Although¡­ there is one more thing I could try.''


    He turned the forge off and turned around, leaving the ingot in there, only to see Eira staring at him curiously. ''How long has she been doing that?'' he wondered.


    When she notice him looking at her, she smiled brightly. "I like how your face gets all serious when you work!"


    "Thank you, Eira," Erik chuckled. "Can you tell me where Astrid is, and what she''s doing?"


    "Sure!" she nodded happily. "She''s in the training room, exercising."


    "Thank you," Erik nodded, then grinned. "Let''s go get me a better fire."

 Chapter 281: Chapter 281 - Mysterious alloy [2/2]

    Erik barged into the training room with a happy Eira on his tail. With how little actual progress there had been on her medium since the idea was presented to her, she was now especially d to see him working on it with so much energy.


    Here, Erik quickly noticed Astrid and Alice were both exercising, while there was a single ck dome in the meditation area, likely belonging to Emma.


    He didn''t think Emily would already be out and training again so soon after the way he left her.


    "Teacher!" Alice eximed excitedly while running up to him. "Are you here to train with me?!"


    Unfortunately, Erik could only shake his head regretfully. "Sorry, Alice," he said while crouching down a little to look her in the eyes. "I need to finish this medium for Eira first. Can you train on your own for a little while longer? I promise I will spent an entire week training with you after I''m finished."


    Alice pouted a little and impatience shed across her eyes. For a moment, Erik thought she wouldsh out, but then she nodded. "Fine, but you''d better keep your promise! I¡ª I need help discovering my Runebound skill, and your schedule says I''m not allowed to continue meditating on my rune until I have, so¡­"


    It wasmon knowledge back on S?l and beyond that even though children at the age of ten would awaken their aetherial storage and first glyph, they didn''t instinctively know how to activate and use the spell associated with that glyph.


    Instinctive knowledge of ones spells would, usually, only starting from the age of sixteen, likely because the brain needed to develop to a certain point before a spell could be interpreted on an instinctive level.


    Luckily, there were ways around that restriction, like good old fashioned hard work. With hard work and usually the help of an experienced parent, a child could find the usage of their first spell before the natural age.


    Another way around it was to simply be extremely talented, but such talent was rare.


    And, as it turned out, it worked the same for Runebound.


    "I know, Alice," Erik said with a warm smile while caressing her head. "And don''t worry, if you haven''t discovered it on your own by next week, I promise we''ll find it together, alright?"


    Between himself and Elora, he was perfectly confident they could help her discover her ability, even if her talent was the lowest of the low, which he doubted.


    Before Alice could respond, however, he frowned and turned serious. "Just don''t be impatient, understood? You know you could endanger your foundation by exploring your glyph without fully understanding your skill. Don''t disappoint me!"


    ''At least, that''s how it works with Arcanists,'' he pondered thoughtfully. ''I can only assume it''s the same here, since Alice is the first Runebound of sixteen or less that I''ve met.''


    Perhaps it was a good thing Erik came here today, as the impatient sh in Alice''s eyes quickly disappeared to be reced with determination and a serious nod. "Yes, teacher!"


    "Good girl," Erik chuckled, and sent her off to continue training, before turning his attention to Astrid, who had been looking at them with amusement.


    "Mind helping me out with something, Astrid?" he asked, while beckoning her towards the door.


    Astrid''s eyebrows raised with a little surprise, but still nodded as she started walking in his direction, "Sure, Erik. What''s up?"


    "Remember what I said about bing my forging assistant?" he asked while smiling slyly.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few minutester, he and the beautiful, somewhat muscr, vampire found themselves in the smithing hall.


    At this point, Astrid continued to wear the clothes that Elora had conjured for her back in Frostvik, consisting of a somewhat rugged tunic and pants,plete with a fur cor. Combined with her wild strawberry blond hair, pale vampire skin, and the body of a fighter, she looked like the very personification of an ancient Viking warrior woman.


    Something that Erik could certainly appreciate.


    Being ever a girl of action, Astrid quickly got to the point. "So I guess you want me to do the same thing asst time?" she asked, while scratching her head.


    "Yeah," Erik nodded eagerly while making his way to the forge. "Currently, the ingot inside doesn''t heat up enough with merely the me of this third rank forge, and while you are only in the second rank, your sun affinity is a fourth rank affinity, so it should still burn hotter than the regr first rank fire affinity this forge is using."


    Astrid just nodded along, not really understanding the mechanics of everything Erik was talking about, but perfectly willing to help.


    Erik just chuckled at her clueless expression. "You know, if you''re interested, I''d be happy to actually teach you the art of runesmithing, rather than just have you provide fire for the forge. Perhaps there''s even a sun-focused smithing technique in that massive library."


    Astrid paused, and looked thoughtfully, and curiously at the forge, "I''ve never really thought about it¡­ but maybe?" Then she turned to Erik with shrug, "But we should think about thatter. I think we have plenty of other things to keep us busy for now."


    With that done, they quickly got to why they were there.


    Soon enough, Erik was once again staring curiously at the ingot of a mysterious alloy in the forge''s core. Only now, it was surrounded by a tiny sun that gave of a far stronger heat than before.


    Meanwhile, Astrid seemed perfectlyfortable simply leaning against the forge while circting her sun affinity and looking at Erik work as he asionally took the ingot out of the forge to try molding it different shapes.


    Unfortunately, after another half an hour, Erik sighed. "Alright, Astrid, you can stop now. I don''t think its going to work."


    Astrid stopped what she was doing, and took her hand of the forge. She looked at her own hand, and couldn''t help but feel a little disappointed in her own affinity, causing her to frown. "Is it really that tough?" she asked.


    Seeing her expression, Erik smiled a little. "I know you don''t like to lose, but for all we know this stuff could be ssified as rank six or even higher. In fact, it might not even be possible to ssify it in the standard ranking system at all.


    We know nothing about this stuff, aside from the fact that it can contain aetherium without the need for sigils, is an alloy that someone created, and now, that it apparently has a higher melting point than we can currently produce.


    "Alright, I get it." Astrid sighed with a nod, seemingly still feeling frustrated and annoyed at her inability to melt this thing.


    "Don''t worry," Erik chuckled. "You''ll get another chance, you just need to continue growing in ranks."


    A determined grind appeared on Astrid''s face, "In that case, I better get back to the training room so I can prepare for my rematch with this thing."


    Since Erik didn''t need any more help for now, Astrid returned to her training, while Erik remained behind in the smithing hall.


    "Guess that was a dead end¡­" Erik mumbled while inspecting the ingot from all sides with a frown.Finally, however, he just shrugged. "Well, no matter. Let''s get back to those ingots."

 Chapter 282: Chapter 282 - Design

    Having failed to discover anything new about the mysterious alloy, and havinge to conclusion that there was no way for him to reshape the metal, Erik had decided to move on.


    "Eira?" he called out in the empty room. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin


    Soon, the floating minotaur construct appeared, with a slightly relieved expression. ''I really didn''t want my medium to be that ugly copper color,'' she sighed inwardly.


    Having already anticipated what Erik would ask of her, the same colorful array of metal ingots was floating in front of her.


    Luckily, Erik had already decided what to pick while waiting for the alloy to heat.


    It took him only a few seconds to swap the mysterious but useless ingot for the three metals he had decided on earlier and move on to the next part.


    ''Still need to go through the designing phase to be sure, but I think these three should do fine,'' he thought himself. ''I''ll create an alloy from the stormsilver and wintercrystal, while using the aquaferrous for the frame and lining¡­''


    His thoughts quickly sank deeper and deeper into the mechanics of runesmithing and what he wanted to create, but he still managed to give a quick thanks to Eira.


    "Thank you, Eira¡­" said the already distracted Erik. "You can return the other metals to storage. Give me a few hours to get familiar with these metals and the runesmithing technique, and then we can start designing, alright?"


    Eira happily nodded, but Erik was already lost in his own world. He walked up to the forge, ced the ingots in the fire, and took out the Frostvolt technique book to start reading while he waited for the ingots to heat up.


    Soon, Icy-white sparks danced around his fingers as he practiced the techniques described in the book.


    When the ingots were hot enough, Erik grabbed a hammer from the rack of tools next to the forge. ''Time to test the first technique described in that book,'' he thought curiously to himself, before the hammer suddenly started glowing a dark blue.


    This sight caused him to grin, before quickly taking one of the ingots out of the forge, and starting to hammer it into a different shape. The curious thing, however, was that his actions were not creating any sound. In fact, the hammer didn''t seem to be touching the metal at all.


    This was because Erik was using the electrical and maicponents of thundersnow, to create a powerful electromaic field around his hammer, allowing him to shape the metal without direct contact. This was great for reducing imperfections in the eventual product, and allowed for enhanced precision during the hammering.


    Throughout the next few hours, the smithing hall became a tropical hotbed, interspersed with bursts of cold and shes of lightning as Erik became familiar with the materials, and tested many of the Frostvolt techniques described in the simrly named book.


    Finally, after five hours of nonstop smithing, he put down his hammer and sighed from contentment while stretching his slightly aching muscles. "Aaaah, that feels good¡­" he mumbled. "It''s been too long since I had the opportunity of simply working on shaping metal for a few hours..."


    "I''m d you enjoyed yourself, Master!" a chirpy voice suddenly sounded from the side.


    Erik raised his eyebrows in surprise when he finally noticed Emma standing a little behind him. ''Was I really so absorbed in work?'' he wondered.


    Then he looked at the tray full of tea and food Emma was carrying and smiled. "You''re too good to me, Emma. How long have you been waiting there?"


    "Not too long!" she answered with a bright smile hanging on her lips.


    Erik looked at her with a suspicious gaze, ''Somehow, I doubt that¡­'' he thought to himself. He fully suspected her to be capable of simply having stood there watching him for an hour. Noticing his gaze, Emma yfully pursed her lips, and said nothing.


    Unfortunately, since Elora was still in hibernation and thus no help to him here, Erik was forced to simply sigh and let it go.


    "Well, I suppose I have no choice but to believe you," hemented, before taking some food from the tray.


    He spend a little time together with Emma as they ate, drank, and talked. Although the talking was mostly Erik regaling Emma with more stories from his time on S?l.


    After an hour, Erik finally spoke up. "Alright, Emma. I love you, and this was fun, but we both need to get back to it. The faster you reach second rank, the faster Emily''s situation can be stabilized."


    Despite her desire to help her sister, Emma also enjoyed her time with Erik, so she could only pout a little. "Alright, Master¡­ but if you don''te to bed tonight, I''ll be be back!"


    ''She almost manages to make that sound like a threat,'' Erik chuckled inwardly, before finally shooing Emma out of his workce.


    When she was gone, he once again called out to Eira in the empty hall, "Eira? I''m ready to start talking design now!"


    "Finally!" a happily pping Eira wearing a big smile appeared while holding arge stack of papers. "I''ve prepared some proposals!"


    Erik was a little shocked to see the amount of papers she was carrying, and finally couldn''t help but smile. "I like your enthusiasm, Eira, but you do remember the most important thing is feasibility, right? I''m happy to let you weigh in on the design, but in the end it needs to work, not look good, alright?"


    "I know, I know," Eira pouted slightly, before smiling again and quickly pushing the papers towards him. "Now don''t be a party pooper and just take a look!"


    Chuckling, but perfectly willing to indulge her designs and even incorporate some of them, so long as they don''t harm the effectiveness of the end result, he grabbed her papers and started looking through them.


    Interestingly enough, he was pleasantly surprised by many of her designs. While some were clearly just made in a surge of childlike wonder and imagination, there were many that actually had some merit.


    So he turned to Eira with an impressed gaze, "These are pretty good, Eira!"


    Naturally, the minotaur construct was quick to puff out her chest in pride, "Of course they are! I made them myself!" she beamed happily.


    "Alright, alright, don''t get too full of yourself," Erik chuckled. "We still need to actually create the design."


    He quickly woke up Elora, who was an important member of the design team as well, and not long after, they were all sitting or standing around a 3D projection of Erik''s body.


    It was time to create a new armor.

 Chapter 283: Chapter 283 - Making a new armor [1/3]

    [A/N: Mental dialog through a bond or link will from now on be written in italics for rity :)]


    Erik and Eira were currently standing around a 3D projection of Erik''s body created by a sigil on the ground, courtesy of Elora. Speaking of whom, the fairy was currently sitting on Erik''s shoulder. Her expression was one of exhaustion, but she knew her input here was very important.


    After all, among the three of them, she knew the most of how to prepare this armor as a medium for Eira to exist in.


    Erik and Elora were staring at the projection while thinking of where to start, but meanwhile, Eira was looking at Erik with an expression of embarrassed happiness.


    She poked her fingers together while stuttering slightly, "I¡ª think I said this before, b¡ª but¡­" Her lips curled up into a wide smile while she talked, "but I''m so happy you trust me enough to put me in your armor!"


    Erik smiled slightly at her happiness, "It''s fine, Eira. I''m wary of leaving you in charge of this ce, simply because, if my trust in you was misced, that would put the people I care about in danger. But this way, it''s just me, and I trust you enough for that."


    Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Eira, Elora was giggling in Erik''s head. "So I guess we''re not telling her about the many failsafes we''re putting in ce? I wonder if she even considers the fact that your argument makes little sense when you realize that the people in your dimension would be in just as much danger when you die due to her betrayal as they would otherwise."


    Erik inwardly sighed a little regretfully while continuing to talk through their bond. "She''s too innocent and naive to even consider it. It''s honestly a shame we have to deceive her¡­ I like Eira. Let''s just hope we never have to use those failsafes. In fact, lets assume it. I''d hate to have her discover we never trusted her to begin with."


    Elora rolled her eyes at him, "Would you stop being a bleeding heart for once? Who cares about her feelings after she betrays us!"


    "Obviously I meant only if she is forced to betray us by Audu," Erik shrugged, before his tone suddenly hardened considerably. "If she betrays us of her own free will, than fuck her."


    "Hmpf," Elora snorted grumpily. "That''s a little better at least. But the chances of a forced betrayal would be low after the transfer. Changes are higher she''d betray us willingly!"


    "Alright, alright," Erik chuckled. "Let''s get this finished so you can get some sleep, before you get even more grumpy."


    While Elora stuck out her tongue at him in both the real world and through their bond, their mental conversation had ended. Erik then refocused on the projection.


    Since their mental conversation was as fast as thought, Eira hadn''t noticed anything.


    With everyone ready, Erik started talking about the dimensions and proportions of the armor, when Eira suddenly seemed to think of something.


    "Wait¡­" she mumbled with a frown. "I''ve seen your armor change shape. Can''t you just do that with this armor as well? Why are the dimensions important?"


    A small smile appeared on Erik''s face when he heard her question. He was always happy to talk about anything rted to runesmithing. "We will also incorporate the shape-changing feature in this armor, but it doesn''t work like some kind of flowing water, as that would impact the sturdiness of the armor."


    While no species existed on S?l or beyond, at least to Elora''s knowledge, that could shapeshift in as fundamental a way as Earth''s shapeshifters, there were still a small number of techniques, spells, or species that had some kind of shapeshifting potential.


    Thus, shapeshifting armor was rare, but not unheard of. There are techniques, smithing runes, and sigils rted to it, even outside of Earth.


    Erik continued to exin to Eira how his armor''s shapeshifting worked, "Instead, the armor is first created in one form,plete with the appropriate runes for shape-changing. Then, the runes memorize that shape before I take the armor apart again, reshape it into the second form, and then have the runes save that form as well."


    "It''s a lot of work," he finished exining. "But by the end, the runes will allow the armor to shift between those two shapes, and only those shapes. This is the sturdiest and most effective option I''ve found, even if it takes a little more work, and requires the dimensions to be correct."


    Eira''s eyes twinkled with awe after his exnation. "That''s awesome!" she eximed. "What else will it be able to do?! A¡ª And where do Ie in?!" Herst question was asked with a hint of anxiety, as if afraid that she wouldn''t be allowed to do anything.


    "You are what will tie it all together," Erik said, smiling softly at her obvious feelings. "Your core has the potential to power various extra features of the armor, including one very important feature I''ll exinter. But you''ll have two main options for how to use that power.


    You can either fight by my side in the same solid sigil construct form you inhabit now, where the power from your core would focus on maintaining your physical form. Alternatively, you can inhabit the armor itself. This would allow the core to dedicate all its power to the sigils and runes inside the armor, enhancing my fighting capabilities even further as you help control those sigils and runes."


    Erik watched while he talked as Eira''s face slowly light up with the happiness of an 8000 year old being that was finally getting its wishes fulfilled. "Which means," he continued, still smiling, "we''ll need to build up some serious trust to keep each other safe in battle."


    Eira was basically dancing around the room at this point, apparently ecstatic that she''d actually be able to help in battle as well, rather than just watch from inside the armor.


    When Erik finished talking, she quickly stopped flying around and put herself in front of him. On her face was a surprisingly serious expression. "I swear you can trust me. And if you don''t yet, I will work day and night until you do."


    "Same to you, Eira," Erik smiled softly. Meanwhile, inwardly, he could only think to himself, ''I really hope you''re right.''

 Chapter 284: Chapter 284 - Making a new armor [2/3]

    "So what was this very important feature you mentioned?!" an excited Eira eximed after they voiced their desire to trust each other.


    "It''s a surprise," Erik teased with a small smile, knowing Eira would like this feature. "Suffice it to say for now, that this feature will allow me to create the armor like this."


    When he finished speaking he snapped his fingers, and the sigil projecting his image shed.


    The projection began to change. First, soft, yet sturdy leather covered his entire projected body, even his feet and hands weren''t spared, only the head was. Next, metal bands seemed to be winding themselves around Erik''s projected body.


    Finally, after a few seconds, the projection was covered in leather and tightly bound in metal bands, forming what was clearly a framework of some kind.


    "Instead of my current armor, which consists of several loose pieces, this armor will be a single piece," he exined with a voice that showed his excitement for runesmithing. "After building the framework, I will build all the separate pieces like the chest te, gauntlets, graves, and so forth. Then, finally, I just have to fasten them to the framework!"


    A proud smile had appeared on Erik''s face as he talked, clearly happy with his idea. "This way, the armor can be seamlessly integrated, and will have far fewer weaknesses. I can also focus the separate pieces on being sturdy, while the framework will provide all the mobility. Experience tales at mvl


    Meanwhile, the framework will be made from materials with the water affinity, to keep flexibility high, and help keep me cool."


    "That''s¡­ really cool," Eira muttered, seemingly a little confused. "But how are you going to put it on?"


    "That''s where the special feature I mentioned earlieres in," Erik smiled mysteriously. "But as I said, that''s still a surprise for now. First, let''s design this thing."


    So, they started a grueling and slow process of incorporating everything they wanted into the armor design.


    Erik focused his attention on the practicality of the armor. The most important requirements for him was that it didn''t be too bulky. He wanted a lean armor that wouldn''t impact his speed or agility too much, even if that meant sacrificing some defense.


    Elora, meanwhile, was tasked with ensuring the armor would be a proper medium for Eira, which meant that there had to be a spot to ce her core.


    At the same time, Erik and Elora also had to work together on cement for sigils and runes. Runes, in this case, were ancient symbols that a smith could brand into their creations.


    The fact that these smithing runes looked awfully simr to the runes that appeared on a Runebound''s skin was not lost on them. But this was something he and Elora had realized long ago, back on S?l, and while this was certainly interesting information, it also didn''t exin anything for now.


    Lastly, Eira was most concerned with the aesthetics of the armor, since it was essentially going to be her body and home all in one. Although Erik naturally had a lot of input on his one as well. ''No way am I walking around as some kind of bull-robot,'' he chuckled to himself as he looked at one of Eira''s more fantastical designs.


    After a few hours of work, they were interrupted by the arrival of Emma, who was making good on her earlier threat if he didn''te to bed. Turns out, she preferred to spend the night watching Erik work while serving him food and drinks, rather than sleep.


    Of course, Erik didn''t have the heart to send her away. ''She''s still a first-rank Arcanist,'' he sighed while justifying himself. ''She can manage just fine without sleep for one night. Plus¡­ I like having her here.''


    After the the night was over and they still weren''t done, however, he sent Emily back to her training. Which, albeit begrudgingly and with a pout, she epted.


    Finally, a full fifteen hours after they had started, the design waspleted.


    Elora had already retreated back to Erik''s soul and returned to hibernation by this point, however. After her sigil and medium designs were done, she had little else to do, but still needed to rest.


    Despite the fact that Eira had not been entirely happy with many of the design choices she had been forced to ept, now that the armor design was actually finished, she looked at the projection with awe.


    "So that will be my new home¡­" she mumbled and looked at the projection with bright eyes. As a construct, exhaustion was a foreign concept to her.


    "Assuming you don''t back out in the end, yeah," Erik nodded with a tired smile. "I know it isn''t everything you wanted it to be, but I hope its still eptable."


    She turned to Erik a small pout. "I''m not going to back out¡­" she said with a slightly aggrieved tone. "I''m not saying I''m not a little apprehensive about leaving the ce mistress ordered me to manage, but¡­" she turned back to the armor with bright eyes. "I''m excited to see the world with you!"


    ''Besides¡­ the alternative is being left behind,'' Eira thought sadly to herself, but didn''t voice those thoughts. She really was looking forward to this, but the fact that she also didn''t really have a choice, did put a damper on it all.


    So instead, she sighed, "And I knew from the start you would prioritize function over form, I''m honestly pretty happy with how much you''ve been willing to listen to my ideas."


    Eira hovered near the glowing projection, her usual vibrancy shadowed by a flicker of doubt. "It''s just... leaving everything I''ve known, even for this, it''s a lot," she confessed quietly, her gaze fixed on the shining armor that promised so many dreams yet demanded significant changes.


    Erik, noticing her hesitation, stepped closer, his voice softening. "I know it''s a big step, Eira. But remember, you''re not just leaving something behind¡ªyou''re heading towards something new. And you won''t be doing it alone."


    "I know!" she eximed, as she turned to Erik with a bright smile, showing him she was fine.


    "Good," Erik smiled slightly, before suddenly yawning. "Anyway, I''m going to get some sleep. Tomorrow I''ll first create an alloy from the stormsilver and wintercrystal, and than I''ll get to work on forging the armor. In a few days, you''ll have your new home."


    With those words, he left Eira behind to go find his bed and get a few hours of rest in. While his body could go without sleep for a very long time, his mind still needed some rest after almost two days of constant work.


    Besides, he wanted to be clear-headed for the actual forging.


    Meanwhile, Eira stayed and watched the projection of her new home for a little while longer. Her mind filled with the prospect of the action and adventure she would find out in the world.

 Chapter 285: Chapter 285 - Making a new armor [3/3]

    Several hourster, Erik once again found himself in the smithing hall. He was not alone, but it was neither Eira, nor Elora who was with him. Instead, it was Astrid.


    "So¡­" Astrid chuckled with a light smirk. "It''s finally time to start forging, and now you need me to be your little power source, right?"


    "Basically" Erik grinned unapologetically.


    "Which means you want me to just stand there with my metaphorical dick in my hand, while you spend the next few days creating something that only you and Eira can use, right?" she continuedconically.


    "Well, I also need you to constantly circte your sun affinity to fuel the forge," he shrugged casually in response.


    "¡­" Astrid stared at him with narrowed eyes.


    "¡­" Erik stared back with a casual smile.


    They stared silently at each other before Erik grinned again. "I''ll make it up to you?"


    "You better," Astrid rolled her eyes before taking her position next to the forge and sighing, preparing herself for a few days of grueling boredom.


    Of course, their interaction was just for fun, as Astrid was more than happy to help him, but Erik was fully prepared to spend some time sparring with Astrid, either on the fighting stage or in bed, to make it up to her anyway.


    "By the way," she wondered curiously after a small sun was burning away in the forge. "Are you going to be creating an armor for me one of these days as well?"


    Astrid was a direct woman, and did not see the need in waiting for Erik to offer instead. She wanted it, so she would simply ask.


    "Well¡­" Erik chuckled as he ced stacks of both the light-blue wintercrystal and the cloudy-white stormsilver in the forge. "I have some ns for a wedding armor, in lieu of a wedding ring¡­ But you''d have to marry me first."


    Astrid narrowed her eyes at him, "Now you''re just ying unfair¡­"


    "Am I?" Erik grinned while watching the ingots heat up. "We both know its just a matter of time before you agree anyway, armor or no."


    Astrid mumbled some curses under her breath, but turned her gaze away from Erik, as she couldn''t find it in her to refute his words.


    "But if you do decide not to marry me, I''ll make the armor as a farewell present," he suddenly mumbled softly, and a little sadly. His words caused her eyebrows to twitch. Despite her hesitance to marry him, she didn''t want to say goodbye either.


    For the next few hours, Erik worked while asionally engaging in small talk with Astrid.


    Currently, he was experimenting to find the best alloyposition for the two metals he had chosen: the ice affinity metal wintercrystal, and the lightning affinity metal stormsilver. With thetter having a slightly misleading name due to the affinity of storm.


    Unfortunately, the alloy would not exactly be a fusion between ice and lightning, meaning it would be inferior to a metal with the thundersnow affinity. But that was fine for now. This alloy would still have many of the properties Erik needed and would allow his thundersnow affinity to easily travel through it.


    He expertly used some of the Frostvolt techniques he had learned only yesterday, first allowing two molten metals to blend and mix together, than cooling it with thundersnow, ensuring the alloy remained as strong as possible by using the lightningponent to smooth out the internal structure.


    As he worked, the small sun at the forge''s heart cast a pale, intense glow, stark against the dark stone walls. Its light did not flicker like fire but burned steady and unwavering.


    After almost half a day, he finally had arge stack of the alloy he dubbed, stormcrystal. Now, it was time to create the framework.


    For this, he needed Elora, however.


    After waking her up, the fairy appeared in her smaller form with a yawn, her face looking ever more exhausted. "Time for the framework?" she asked in a tired tone of voice.


    "Yeah," Erik nodded while looking at her exhaustion with a little concern. "Everything you need is stacked up over there," he said while pointing at a stack of gray colored ingots and blue leather.


    The ingots were simple iron, while the blue leather was leftover hunting spoils from their time on S?l, and they once belonged to a water-affinity beast. It was only a second-rank material, but that was fine. The leather was just intended forfort and cooling purposes.


    Not wanting to waste any time, as she wished to return to her hibernation, Elora quickly flew up to the stack of materials and began to draw a sigil around them. Find your next read on mvl


    Meanwhile, Erik started working on the third rank, water affinity metal: aquaferrous. Because of its affinity, this metal was not only a little more flexible than others, making it perfect for serving as the framework, but also very good at conducting most other affinities, especially ice and lightning.


    After the metal was heated to a point where it could be shaped, he took it out, and used the same electromaic hammering technique as before to shape it into the form he required, while ensuring that the hammer didn''t touch the metal. At the same time, he used thundersnow to engrave various runes into the metal.


    He could feel the fine vibrations of the hammer''s field, while shadows danced quietly across the room, thrown by the silent hammering of the technique.


    As he worked, his mind briefly wandered to the battles ahead. Taking down Sigurd, rescuing Astrid''s mother, punishing Frostfang, rescuing Katya''s brother, finding Edda, his mother, and perhaps Audu. Plus whatever else was waiting for them along the way.


    He realized this armor was going to see a lot of use¡­


    At some point, he felt Elora merging with his body and returning to hibernation, meaning she had finished her task.


    Erik remained focused on what he was doing, however. He created the framework as various round and straight metal bands with special fittings that he could use to bind the bands to each other through the use of a Frostvolt technique called thermal shock bonding.


    Some of the fittings were simple, while other were meant to act as very low-friction hinges, where the metals were smoothed out through the use of lightning.


    When a piece of the framework was done, he would temper it by using the same thundersnow technique he used before during the alloy creation.


    He became so absorbed in his work, that he barely noticed as time passed. He didn''t feel tired, or worn out. He enjoyed himself. This was a joy that managed to empty his mind of all other thoughts, and one that he only found through fighting, smithing, or sex.


    He worked with no rest, and it wasn''t until a full eighteen hourster that he finally put down his hammer and sighed heavily with a wide smile on his face. ''Man, that was fun¡­'' he thought to himself. ''Exhausting, too, but I finally managed toplete all of the pieces of the armor''s skeleton framework.''


    He looked up, and noticed someone had brought Astrid a pillow and table, as she was now sitting on top of the table and pillow, using this time to meditate and advance her ranking, while still providing Erik with sun fire.


    He smiled slightly, ''I really was an idiot back then, huh¡­ ignoring a woman like this¡­ if I could meet my younger self now, I would give him the beating of his life,'' he chuckled softly.


    ''Anyway, let''s not disturb her. It''s time to assemble the framework¡­''

 Chapter 286: Chapter 286 - Home stretch

    Erik walked over to where Elora had been working before, and found a metal puppet in his likeness, covered in blue leather.


    Clearly, Elora had used a sigil to shape the simple iron into a puppet that Erik could use to fit the armor on. Naturally, this only worked because the metal she used couldn''t even really be considered rank one.


    She also used the same sigil to cover the puppet in leather, in the same way as was done to the projection that showed the final product and detailed design of Erik''s armor.


    He took the many pieces of the skeleton framework he had been working on earlier to the puppet, and began assembling them together by using the puppet to make sure everything was in the right ce.


    To keep them in ce, he used the frostvolt technique of thermal shock bonding by first heating the fittings with traditional lightning, causing them to contract, and than rapidly cooling them with ice to make them expand and create a mechanical lock.


    He worked another few hours on this, sometimes going back and forth to the forge to slightly adjust the various pieces he was working with until, finally, the entire skeleton was in ce.


    Next he used another Frostvolt technique to melt the blue leather securely to the various pieces of the skeleton.


    When that was done as well, he finally decided he was done for the day. He sighed, and mumbled, "Alright, that should do for today¡­"


    As soon as he mentioned that, he looked around suspiciously, ''I wonder if Emma is hiding anywhere¡­''


    Yet, despite being unreasonable, he couldn''t but feel slightly disappointed when he couldn''t find her anywhere. Her bright smiles and prepared snacks were the perfect ending to any long day of work.


    He sighed, ''I guess I should be happy she''s focusing on her advancement.''


    Just as he thought that, a happily smiling Emma strolled into the hall waring her maid dress and carrying a te of food and tea in her hands.


    "Hello, Master!" she chirped and, seeing his expression, quickly exined with a sly grin how she was here at the exact right time. "Since you don''t want me to interrupt my training for my maid duties, I asked Eira to let me know when you were about to finish! It''s apromise!"


    Erik watched her approach, and could only grin stupidly. "You really are amazing, Emma."


    "I simply want to be the best maid-wife I can be for you!" she giggled happily.


    "Hence my earlier statement," Erik chuckled. "Just remember that this is not why I married you, alright?"


    "Do I not seem happy, Master?" Emma smiled softly as she handed him a cup of tea.


    Erik sighed and sipped the tea, "Never mind¡­" Even if some might suspect her happiness to be faked in an effort to please him, Erik could clearly feel her emotions through their bond and knew her feelings to be genuine.


    Still, he couldn''t help but wonder if her happiness in this role was permanent, or temporary. After all, to someone who had been tormented as much as Emma had, even just a few months ago, anything else would seem like heaven.


    He understood how she had grasped his hand in desperation, and settled herself in a role of servitude because it brought a level of certainty, safety, and protection that she had been denied for seven years. Yet, in time, she might decide that this is not how she wanted to live the rest of her life.


    He wasn''t exactly worried, however. Elora''s test had proven her love for him to be real andsting, and if Emma ever wanted a different role in life, he would dly support her.


    "Come on," Erik beckoned while munching on some of the food she brought him and putting aside his thoughts about Emma''s future. "I''ll let Astrid know she can take a rest if she likes, and than I need some sleep. Will you join me?"


    "Is that even a question, Master?" Emma giggled as she followed after him.


    "It would have been rude to assume¡­" Erik smiled softly, as he walked towards Astrid.


    He gently whispered in Astrid''s ear that he would take a break for a while, as he didn''t want to wake her in case she was just in the middle of something important, and this way, she would still get the message without being interrupted.


    Seeing her remain seated and with her eyes closed, however, Erik realized she was in the middle of something and quickly left together with Emma to get some rest and have a little fun with his submissive and lustful maid-wife.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    After a good night''s rest, and leaving Emma in a state of pleasured exhaustion, Erik went right back at it. Astrid, too, was ready to go back to being fuel, after taking a break a little while ago as well.


    The next step was to use the stormcrystal alloy he had created the day before, and start making the armor pieces that he would fit onto the skeletal framework.


    He charged his hammer with electromaic energy, tossed the alloy ingots into the fire, and started on thest stretch of this exhaustive effort.


    First he made the easier pieces, like the gauntlets, the graves, the shoulder pads¡­ it took another two days, but finally, the only thing left to do was the chest piece. This part of the armor would hold the most runes and sigils, while also housing Eira''s core.


    It would be the linchpin of the whole thing.


    Thus, he woke up Elora to help him with the fitting for the core, and start applying all the necessary sigils to both the armor and the framework.


    Another dayter, he finally put the chest piece in ce, and sighed¡­ before starting to take the whole thing apart again.


    The form changing runes had saved this configuration of the armor, and now he needed to reshape the armor to fit his werewolf form, before he was truly finished.


    Luckily, slightly reshaping everything was far less work than creating everything from scratch. Thus, after the metal puppet was changed to resemble his werewolf form, it took him another day or so before the armor had taken a new shape, and the runes had saved the second configuration.


    This time, Erik truly ked a deep sigh when it was done and he looked at the finished product. "Man¡­" he groaned. "I love forging, but that¡­ that was a lot of effort."


    Before he could truly consider himself finished, however, he raised a hand, causing a small cloud of electrified grains of snow to twirl in his hand.


    "Now for the final Frostvolt technique¡­"

 Chapter 287: Chapter 287 - The Taurus Runeguard

    The cloud of electrified snow grains exploded outward and enveloped the armor like a swarm of raging insects. The tiny pieces of snow soon found ever tiny gap or seam that should be closed but wasn''t and welded it close.


    When it was done, the cloud exploded outward, and dissolved into the air. What was left was a sparkling new armor, currently in its human form, ready to carry Erik into an awakened Earth.


    He slowly walked up to it, stroked the metal with his hand while sending small charges of thundersnow through it, and smiled softly when he noticed the perfect conduction.


    The armor hugged the iron puppet Erik''s form tightly, maintaining a sleek silhouette that allowed only a few centimeters (~1-2 inches) of space between his skin and the shimmering onyx tes.


    Each piece was masterfully crafted to enhance mobility without sacrificing protection, the surface was cool and almost liquid under the touch, with subtle runes etched beneath its glossy exterior, pulsing faintly withtent energy.


    Erik abhorred any armor that was too bulky, so he made sure to keep everything as close to his skin as he could, despite the usage of a skeletal framework.


    It''s surface was slightly shimmering, but the onyx ck color wasrgely the same as his original armor. The shoulder pads nted downwards, hugging the framework, which closely hugged the skin. The gauntlets looked to be mirrored after his werewolf ws, even in human form, and even the feet looked dangerous.


    The two biggest differences between the old and new armor, besides the various inner workings and improved durability, were the chest piece, and the helmet, thetter of which didn''t even exist with the previous armor.


    The helmet presented in the shape of a wolf mask that fully covered his head, with the only difference to a regr wolf being the bull hornsing out the side of them. Naturally, this was an aesthetic choice that Eira had pushed for and Erik had begrudgingly epted.


    Meanwhile, the chest had arge fitting in the middle, behind a see-through barrier. This was where Eira''s core would go.


    The barrier and fittings in this area were all light-brown, to satisfy Eira''s desire for her favorite color, while the armor also had several thin, light-brown lines extending from this fitting, that acted both as decorations and to guide the core''s power to the various area''s of the armor.


    Currently, there were not many others with him in the room. Astrid was still there, but she was meditating and not really paying attention. The only ones there to witness this moment were the three that had worked the hardest on finishing it: Erik, Elora, and Eira.


    Elora sat on Erik''s shoulder and had significant bags under her eyes. She looked grumpy, but was otherwise still able to function. That said, she was very ready to get some sleep. "I''m going to sleep for a week when this is over¡­ Don''t you dare wake me before then, Erik!" she growled.


    "I promise, little Ember," Erik smiled softly. "I''m sorry it took so long."


    "You could have just trusted me, you know," Eira pouted a little.


    "What has ever given you the idea that I''m a trusting person," Elora scoffed in an annoyed tone.


    Eira muttered something under her breath, but herints quickly disappeared when she looked at the armor again and became excited. "Anyway, I love it! It looks just like the projection!" she eximed happily.


    "Good," Erik grinned. "Now, I promised you coulde up with the name. Did you think of anything?"


    Eira nodded enthusiastically. "What do you think of ''The Taurus Runeguard''? With me as the Taurus, and you as the Runeguard!"


    Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise and thought, ''I expected her toe up with something more¡­ simple, or perhaps childlike. But Taurus Runeguard is surprisingly apt and it sounds good, too.''


    So he nodded slowly, "I like it. I suppose it''s got a name, then."


    With that settled, he wanted to spent a little more time admiring his handy work, but he could feel Elora''s growing impatience to get some sleep, so he decided to move on.


    "Now, let me show you how I''m going to put this armor on," he grinned, before turning to Elora. "Or, rather, let Elora show you."


    Elora nodded and extended her hands, causing dark green energies to start swirling between them.


    With Elora too tired, and also focused on her work, Erik decided to exin. "The armor has apression sigil, which uses the space affinity topress the armor into a smaller form. Unfortunately, the sigil costs arge amount of power, and thus only works when it has a working core, or if I''m providing the energy myself while wearing it."


    "For now, Elora will use her power to act as its core, so I can put it on and move it to your core room," he continued, while Elora''s magic began to condense into a fist-sized, round, dark-green jewel.


    "She¡­ She can act as a core?" Eira mumbled, surprised, and with a hint of anxiety.


    "Of course," Erik smiled lightly, as he suspected were her anxiety wasing from. "How else were we going to rece your core in this structure?"


    "I¡ª I see," Eira continued. "Can she¡­ do that to two things at the same time?" she asked, in a tone that attempted to be both curious and casual, but failed miserably.


    "Eira¡­ are you suddenly worried we''ll let you die, while Elora simply takes on both tasks?" Erik turned to her with a soft, reassuring smile.


    "N¡ª No?" Eira stammered slightly, as she poked her fingers together and avoided Erik''s gaze.


    "There''s no reason to be worried, Eira," Erik walked up to her, took her chin in his hand, and forced her to look at him. "I won''t break my word to you. Do you remember what we talked about when I proposed this n? Someone has to take the first step towards trust and in this case, that can only be you."


    "Just think, though," he continued with a smile. "If it turns out that you can trust me with this, then what can''t you trust me with? Isn''t that what you wanted? Real trust?"


    His words quickly made the doubt in Eira''s eyes disappear. She frowned slightly, and than nodded with determination. "You''re right¡­ I trust you!"


    "Good, because you can," Erik nodded seriously.


    At the same time, Elora had flown up from Erik''s shoulder, and pressed the dark green jewel into the appropriate slot on the armor, causing a whole mess of runes and sigils to shortly light up, before bing invisible again. Next, the fairy waved her hand, and used her connection to that core to activate thepression sigil.


    In response, tes and segments seemed to be getting sucked into a single point. The motion made it seem like the metal flowed like liquid, condensing and wrapping itself around the metal puppet''s wrist, gradually taking the form of a metal arm guard. At its center, the small green jewel¡ªnow acting as the miniature core¡ªpulsated softly, anchoring the transformed armor.

 Chapter 288: Chapter 288 - A new home [1/2]

    "What the¡­" Eira mumbled in shock when she realized that previously powerful looking armor had nowpressed itself into a single arm guard.


    Meanwhile, Erik looked smugly at her shock. Even Elora fought her exhaustion to chuckle at Eira''s expression.


    "Wait a second," Eira frowned as confusion filled her gaze. "Didn''t you say that making the armor fluid like that would weaken it? And that''s why you went with the two-forms reshaping runes or whatever it was?"


    "This and that are two different things," Erik shrugged, before looking thoughtful as he considered how best to exin this. "Currently, the armor is beingpressed by a sigil, which isn''t so much affecting the armor it self, as it is affecting the space around it, thus leaving the armor unchanged.


    This method is energy costly and not very versatile, as it can onlypress something into a smaller form."


    "Fluidity runes, on the other hand," he continued, "would allow the armor to flow like a fluid when activated. This is far more versatile and energy efficient, but also passively reduces the metal''s strength."


    Eira nodded along with his exnation, but it was clear from her expression that she barely understood and, frankly, barely cared. ''Why did I even ask¡­'' she rolled her eyes inwardly.


    However, suddenly, something else urred to her. "Wait a second!" she eximed excitedly. "Does that mean you never even need to separate from your armor? Or from me?!"


    If there was one thing she felt the most apprehension about regarding this whole thing, it was that Erik had barely touched his armor since he came to this ce. She had wondered if she would be abandoned for long stretches of time as well.


    Sure, she knew he would still wear the armor when traveling, and even it was simply sitting in a corner, Eira could still move around in her construct form, but it wouldn''t be the same.


    "That''s right," Erik chuckled and nodded while walking over the iron puppet. Once there, he casually crushed the puppet''s arm wearing the arm guard. Naturally, regr iron was no match for his second-rank Runebound strength.


    He quickly fished the arm guard out of the remains and fit it snugly around his own wrist, before turning towards Eira with a sly grin. "There, as soon as Eira''s fake core is reced with your real one, you and I will likely never separate again. It''ll be just like we''re married!"


    During the first half of his sentence, Eira''s smile was bing brighter by the word, as she was ecstatic to find out that the future looked even better than she had previously hoped. Unfortunately, hisst words made her smile crumble, and turn into a pout while a blush appeared on her cheeks. "You just had to make it weird¡­"


    "If you think its weird now," Erik chuckled, "you should know there''s a good chance I won''t even take this thing off when I have sex with someone. You''ll have a front row seat to it every time!"


    "Ack!" Eira recoiled with a strange expression on her face while pointing at him usingly. "P¡ª Pervert!"


    Naturally, her words only caused Erik tough harder, while he activated thepression sigil again. Before their very eyes, thepression from before was happening in reverse and, within seconds, Erik was finally wearing his new armor for the first time.


    He did leave the helmet off, however. He never liked helmets. He just recognized that having one mighte in handy asionally.


    He smiled proudly as he felt himself encased in the fruits of his own work. The cool, water attribute leather felt soft and pleasant on his skin while the metal''s weight filled him with confidence.


    He bend and stretched his fingers, punched and kicked the air a few times, and rotated his shoulders as far as he could. Finally, the armor''s reach satisfied him, so he smiled and nodded. "I''ll still need to do a few battles to be sure, bu¡ª"


    "Uuuuuugh," a heavy groan suddenly interrupted him, before Elora''s voice echoed through the room. "Can we get to the next part already?! I need sleep!"


    "Sorry, love," Erik chuckled, before turning to Eira. "Come on then, let''s transfer your core to your new home so my grumpy little Ember can get some real sleep."


    Elora red at him for the way he referred to her and decided to sit on his head, rather than his shoulder, as punishment.


    Naturally, Erik simply chuckled. Elora could get a little immature when she was grumpy. He thought it was cute, but woe be to him if he dared mention that to her.


    They walked into the main hallway, and soon stood in front of the only door that hadn''t been opened yet: the door to Eira''s core.


    Eira gulped a little, but than opened the door with seemingly no hesitation.


    The time for considerations and hesitation was passed. She had chosen her path, and with that, a chapter in her life would soon be closed.


    Only time would tell what the next chapter would hold.


    As she opened the door, several sigils shed, before dimming. Likely, they all had been designed to keep others out, but with Eira allowing them in, the sigils could do nothing.


    "Wee to, well, me, I guess?" Eira chuckled, a little nervously. She never imagined she would be willingly letting people in her. No one except her mistress, of course.


    On the other side of the door, they found a surprisingly small, circr room. Or, perhaps not so surprising, as it really only needed to house one thing: Eira''s core.


    In the middle of the room was an altar, on top of which sat a fitting that held a beautiful, lustrous, light brown orb. From this orb, led many simrly colored lines to the surroundings, giving energy to the sigils in the structure, while giving control over them to the sigil core''s owner.


    Eira looked around the room for a moment and sighed. In thest few weeks she had thought about this extensively, and spoken about it with Erik. Now, all that was left was simply¡­ going through with it.


    She turned around to look at the pair behind her, before awkwardly scratching her head. "Well¡­" she mumbled, a little anxiously. "I guess everything''s already been said, huh¡­? See you on the other side I suppose¡­"


    With the moment of truth approaching Eira had clearly lost much of her determination.


    Not all of it, however. After saying herst words, she disappeared, leaving her fate up to Erik and Elora to decide.


    She could only hope they would keep their word.

 Chapter 289: Chapter 289 - A new home [2/2]

    Erik, wearing his new armor, walked up to the core in the middle with a calm expression. Elora, having switched from his head, back to his shoulder, looked around the room with tired curiosity.


    Erik understood this was a big moment for the construct, but to him, it just meant that this ce could be a true home, while Elora could finally get some rest.


    "You''re up, little ember," he smiled an said to Elora when they stood in front of the core.


    Elora, too tired to properly respond, simply flew down to Eira''s core and frowned, before taking a short pause. This would require a lot of concentration, so she had to fight to focus her exhausted mind.


    Finally, she put her tiny hands on the core, before using her skill and knowledge as a third-tier sigil crafter to carefully start dislodging it.


    Dark green energy shed, and one by one, the light brown lines leading to the core started to be disconnected. At the same time, inside the core, Eira trembled and shivered as it felt like Elora was severing her limbs one by one. It didn''t hurt, but she could feel herself losing connections that she had known all her life.


    She was slowly bing blind, deaf, and dumb.


    Previously, she had resolved herself to simply closing her eyes and waiting to wake up in Erik''s armor¡­ or, as a tiny voice in her mind had been constantly whispering in her ear for thest few weeks, not wake up at all.


    But now, her resolve wavered.


    Suddenly, she couldn''t take it anymore, and her, now slightly flickering, construct form appeared in the core room once again. Find your next read at mvl


    Erik looked surprised at her appearance, but became even more surprised when the shivering construct dove into his arms and sobbed softly.


    "It¡­ It doesn''t feel good¡­ I¡ª I didn''t think it would feel like this¡­" she mumbled with fear in her voice.


    Erik felt pity when he looked at her like this, but didn''t tell Elora to stop. Instead, he simply wrapped his arms around the construct, soothing her quietly.


    Her slightly transparent form started flickering more while she could clearly feel her connection to the structure she had been guarding for 8000 years being slowly severed. Her expression showed clear fear.


    Even if she was 99% sure Erik would keep his word and transfer her to his armor, she could only imagine that what she currently felt was the equivalent of dying. And she was scared.


    "Please¡­" she whispered while clutching Erik''s body with her shivering arms. "Promise me again, that this isn''t all for nothing¡­ Promise me you''ll put me in your armor and take me to see the world¡­ to follow you in your adventures¡­"


    "I promise, Eira¡­" he whispered back, which seemed to calm Eira down a little, even though she was still shivering.


    Seeing that Elora still had a little ways to go before severing the core, he decided to distract Eira a little. "You know, I never asked why you want to go exploring so badly. Why don''t you tell me?" he asked, realizing he didn''t know how a construct who shouldn''t know any better than the task she was assigned could long for the outside world.


    A distant look appeared in Eira''s eyes as she mumbled her answer in a distracted tone, "I¡ª I remember¡­ when I was little¡­ mom and the old man talked about all the things they did¡­ the hidden worlds they explored¡­ bad guys they defeated¡­ and ever since I''ve dreamed of leading a live like that¡­"


    Immediately, Erik frowned, "Wait¡­ mom? When you were little? And wasn''t Ymir already dead when you were created?"


    Eira blinked a few times, before trying to answer, "W¡ª Wha¡ª" but before she could finish, her form disappeared.


    Suddenly, Erik found his arms to be empty, while Elora was proudly smiling while holding a light brown core in her hands. "Look!" she eximed, some of her exhaustion having disappeared from pure excitement. "First time handling a sigil core, but it went wlessly, despite my exhaustion!"


    Erik groaned as he looked at her, "Couldn''t you have waited a second longer?"


    "What? Why?" Elora asked in utter confusion. Clearly, she had been far to preupied to hear anything of Eira and Eira''s conversation.


    "Never mind, we can talk about itter," he answered while shaking his head. He realized Elora was far to exhausted to deal with this new information right now. Plus, he wanted to try and ask Eira some more about this first.


    "If you say so¡­" Elora mumbled with strange look in her eyes.


    "Anyway," she continued while holding the core up and looking at it with a hint of greed, "I think I know your answer to this, but I wouldn''t be the voice of pragmatism in our little family if I didn''t at least propose it, so here goes: while I can''t create a sigil construct from scratch, because I can''t create a sigil core, I could scrub Eira from this core, and then create a new sigil construct, entirely loyal to us."


    Hearing her proposal, Erik smiled slightly at the fairy. He knew Elora was a cold hearted bitch when it came to these things, and he liked that about her. Her pragmatism had saved them plenty of times in the passed. Still, he had to reign her in sometimes, for the good of his own principles.


    So he shook his head. "Sorry, Elora. I think your initial instincts were correct on that one. I don''t want to break my word to Eira¡­" Before he continued, a thoughtful look appeared on his face, "Plus, the things she just told me make her all the more interesting¡­"


    "Oh?" Elora raised an eyebrow, curious what he was talking about, but the exhaustion she was fighting of convinced her to let it go for now. Still, she had to argue her point at least a little, "Interesting also means moreplicated¡­ are you sure you want to deal with it?"


    "I know you just want to keep me safe, Elora," he chuckled at her. "But the failsafes we put in ce will take care of that. Let''s just do as we promised."


    "Fine, fine," Elora sighed. "I won''t argue with you."


    With that said, Elora carefully removed the green core in Erik''s armor, and reced it with Eira''s. At the same time, she put the green core where Eira''s was before, causing the entire room to light up with a dark green glow.

 Chapter 290: Chapter 290 - A connection

    Simultaneously, in another dimension, a womany on a bed, her eyes closed in apparent sleep. Long, light brown hair cascaded down her back, nked by two prominent horns. Beneath these, long, furry ears protruded, twitching asionally.


    Suddenly, her eyes¡ªa striking light brown¡ªsnapped open. "Eira!" she eximed, shooting upright in bed, her eyes wide with a dawning panic.


    She clutched her head and groaned, her eyes clouded with confusion. "Argh, my head... Why did I wake up? It''s too soon; I haven''t fully recovered yet!"


    Yet, as soon as she uttered the words, she remembered her exmation from when she had woken up. "Wait¡­! Eira! Something''s wrong!" she eximed again, in a panic.


    She leapt from the bed, her towering height of over 2.2 meters (~7''2.5") lending her an imposing presence. As she moved, her disheveled attire hinted at the powerful physique beneath, each movement marked by an urgent grace. Herrge horns and alert ears framed a face marked by determination and panic.


    Her long, thin tail whipped behind her as she staggered to a console-like structure, its surface alive with glowing sigils.


    Frantically manipting the sigils, she soon cried out in frustration, "No! Why can''t I make contact with Eira anymore? What happened at the harbinger''s base?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    At the same time, back in Eira''s core room, the previously light brown connections were quickly being reformed, except this time, they were dark green.


    At the same time, Erik''s armor was flickering with light as Eira''s core was slowly familiarizing itself with the new environment.


    Erik looked a little confused at the difference in speed. Elora had previously put that green core into the armor and made it work within seconds, after all. "Why does it seem so slowpared to before?" he wondered curiously.


    Elora eyed the flickering core, weariness etching her features. "Eira isn''t merely a machine; she houses a mind, which is currently struggling to synchronize with a new home," she muttered, more to herself than to Erik. "Unlike my artificial core, which is merely an interface, devoid of such struggles."


    A few momentster, Eira''s core was still busy bonding with his armor but the core room they were in was already shing a dark green, indicating that Elora''s fake core had taken control of the structure they were in.


    Now in full control of the structure, Elora and Erik both heaved sighs of relief


    Elora''s sigh was interrupted by a heavy yawn, however. After it was done, she blinked slowly, and mumbled, "Okay¡­ I''ll worry about all the functions of this ceter¡­ I need sleep."


    But just as she prepared to merge with Erik''s body for some well-deserved rest, a ripple coursed through the room, causing Elora''s eyes to snap open in rm.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Back in the other dimension, the woman''s cry was still echoing through her room, when contact with the harbinger''s base was suddenly restored.


    "W¡ª What?" she blinked. "She''s back!"


    However, when she looked closer, she quickly noticed that everything had changed. "That¡­ That''s not Eira''s mind, that''s¡­ an artificial core?!" she cried out, before activating another sigil and screaming into it, "Who the hell are you?! Where''s my Eira?! And how did you get past the defenses?! "


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Elora cried out, clutching her head as a loud female voice boomed through her mind, igniting a splitting headache that felt as though it would tear her skull apart. Even Erik, connected by their link, heard a muffled version of that voice.


    "Crap!" he eximed, "Is that Audu?!" He quickly took Elora''s small body in his hands and looked around cautiously for any changes.


    Meanwhile, Elora quickly noticed that the owner of that voice possessed a soul vastly more powerful than her own, and it was quickly worming its way inside her. This caused her to continue screaming as pain wracked her mind, but she was too exhausted and in pain to do anything.


    Erik noticed what was happening and quickly sat down in a lotus position before concentrating on his bond with Elora to help her resist whatever was happening. Stay tuned for updates on mvl


    In less than a second he managed to force his own mind between that of Elora and the source of whatever this was, causing him to take on all the pain, but also allowing Elora to clear her mind.


    Erik roared as pain now wracked his mind, but thanks to his protection, no more than a second after the voice first sounded, Elora managed to leverage her control of the structure into permanently severing any and all connections to the outside.


    But, immediately after, she fainted from a mixture of exhaustion and pain.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    As the connection severed, Audu''s cry of rage echoed through the room. "Dammit! Who the hell is doing this? Who on Earth even has this capability?"


    Audu felt a surge of panic clutch her heart, memories of past losses shing through her mind. Steeling herself, she muttered, ''No, not again. I won''t let it end this way,'' channeling her fear into a fierce resolve to rescue Eira.


    She closed her eyes and focused on whatever information she was able to gather from the other side before the connection was closed. Almost immediately, her eyes flew open again as she growled, "A fairy?! Here?! How?!"


    Quickly activating another sigil, a map of Earth was suddenly projected in front of her, with several glowing points of interest on it. She was only interested in one, however, and quickly zoomed in on the one far in the north, at the edge of Scandinavia.


    As she zoomed closer, several much smaller lights started appearing all around the map,until she zoomed in close enough that only the far northern light and its empty surroundings were shown. "Nothing there now¡­" she mumbled furiously, "but that makes sense, what about thest few months?"


    She manipted the sigil again, and this time, six small lights suddenly appeared on the screen. Audu opened her eyes wide, "There! And that is¡­ the Harbinger?!" For a moment, she was stunned into silence, momentarily forgetting everything that happened, before a wide smile appeared on her face.


    "It worked! He''s back! That cranky old bastard did it!" she eximed, but quickly lost her enthusiasm and smile when she noticed one of the other lights, "And there''s the fairy¡­ Fuck! Don''t tell me my harbinger has been enved?! What else can go wrong?!"


    "Well, whatever!" she eximed, her fury undiminished, "I must save Eira and that fool of a harbinger! I may not know my exact location, but it''s irrelevant. This world is small enough for me to reach my destination and return in less than a minute... surely they won''t detect me so quickly?"


    Despite her words, her voice was unsure. She knew it didn''t work that way. Even a second outside would alert her enemies of her location. So a conflicted expression appeared on her face.


    But in the end, she decided she didn''t care. She shook her head, and mumbled, "No! It doesn''t matter. I won''t let Eira die! Not again! Even if I have to give up on Earth and the old man!"


    She stormed off to the entrance of her dimension, but before she could leave, one of the sigils on the console made a noise, and she halted in her steps.

 Chapter 291: Chapter 291 - Eira wakes up

    Audu whirled around and hastened back to the console. Her fingers brushed over one of the sigils, channeling information directly into her mind.


    A relieved smile appeared on her face when she realized what she was looking at. "That¡­ that''s Eira''s core! Thank the spirits I had sigils in ce to detect powerful treasures¡­" Then she frowned, "But that must mean they put Eira in another medium¡­"


    "Ugh¡­" Audu groaned, resting her forehead on the console, her arms dangling at her sides in a gesture of defeat. "I wish I could see inside the harbinger''s base¡­ Are you safe, Eira? Are they treating you well?"


    She fell silent and waited a moment before sighing. "Well¡­ so long as she''s been put in a medium, she''ll stay alive. If I leave this ce and those peoplee for me, it would put her in danger as well, so... I suppose I have no choice but to wait and hope for the best. At least the harbinger is back now.


    Even if he is enved, I don''t actually need his free will, so maybe I can discuss terms with that fairy. Besides, I still need some more time to fully recover¡­"


    Before retreating to rest, her eyes zed with fury. "But I swear to the spirits, if that cursed fairy harms my Eira in any way, I will tear off her wings and drown her in her own anguish!"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few moments earlier, back in Eira''s core, Erik was sitting on the floor and clutching his head. At the same time, the other inhabitants of this ce, Alice, Emma, Emily, and Astrid, all came running in after hearing Elora''s screams and Erik''s roars just a few seconds ago.


    Each reacted differently to the sight of Erik clutching his head and Elora lying motionless before him.


    Like the experienced fighter she was, Astrid remained calm, drew her swords, and took position next to him while cautiously looking around to what might have caused this situation.


    Emily was much the same, but she looked less calm and more furious, as orbs of darkness started floating around her and she took up position on Erik''s other side.


    Even Alice transformed to her wereverine form, despite the difort, and took up position to add her meager strength to the group.


    Emma dashed up to Erik and Elora, voicing the group''s collective concern. "Master, are you okay?" Emma''s voice wasced with anxiety as she enveloped Erik and Elora in the soothing glow from her light affinity spell, in an attempt to hasten their recovery.


    The echoes of pain were still rampaging through Erik''s mind, but Emma''s question managed to pierce through the noise, while her spell managed to soothe him a little.


    So, they heaved a collective sigh of relief when he raised his head from his hands and nodded slowly, "Yeah, I''m fine¡­ I think we made first contact with Audu, but we got through it alright."


    In front of him, he noticed the unconscious fairy. He got worried for a second, but checking through their bond reassured him that she was just sleeping. ''Well, she certainly deserves it¡­'' he mumbled inwardly.


    He picked the fairy up and used their bond to absorb her back into his soul, before standing up and looking at the people around him.


    Seeing that they still looked concerned and ready for action, he slightly smiled before opening his mouth to try and reassure them some more, but before he could, the core in the chest of his armor shed, and Eira appeared next to him.


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    She appeared unchanged, still d in her strikingly martial yet undeniably alluring outfit¡ªa gold metal bra paired with leather pants.


    All eyes immediately turned to her, some of them hostile and suspicious, as the sigil construct looked around with slight confusion on her face. She blinked a few times, and slowly looked at her hands, before turning to Erik.


    Seeing him look at her caused small tears to appear in her eyes while the corners of her lips curled up into a bright smile. "I''m¡­ I''m back! I feel weird, and¡ª and this is going to take some getting used to, but I''m alive! You kept your word!"


    Without waiting for his response, Eira threw her arms around him, her body trembling as tears streamed down her face. The others around them became highly alert, but Erik quickly held up a hand to calm them down, before wrapping his arms around Eira.


    "Of course I did, Eira," he smiled while stroking her hair. "How did the transfer go? Did you notice anything?"


    They separated, and Eira wiped her tears away, which disappeared into sparkles of light, before shaking her head and still smiling brightly. "Nope, nothing! One moment I was inside my core waiting to be disconnected, then everything went ck for a moment, and before I knew it I was in an entirely different environment!"


    She seemed to have no clue of the suspicious looks she was getting from the others around her. Still, they kept quiet and let Erik handle it, mostly because he was the only one who actually knew what happened here.


    Erik nodded slowly, "I see¡­" At the same time, he prodded one of the failsafes he and Elora had installed in the armor, and received a flood of chaotic emotions in return. Eira''s emotions. After quickly sifting through them, he noticed nothing that would indicate lies or betrayal.


    ''So not only does she not know about Audu''s appearance, but neither does she remember what we talked about while Elora was disconnecting her¡­'' he thought to himself.


    "Say, Eira," he asked the construct, who stopped exploring the inner working of Erik''s armor to focus on him instead. "You don''t have a mother, right?"


    Eira blinked in surprise, but than simply shook her head, "No? Well, I suppose mistress is my creator, but she''s already my mistress, not my mother. I don''t have a mother in the way that you do!" She smiled brightly at the end, as if not minding the fact she didn''t have a mother.


    ''The truth again¡­'' Erik quickly realized. ''So what was that before then? Just a slip of the tongue? A secret desire¡­? Or something more¡­''

 Chapter 292: Chapter 292 - Denied

    "Why do you ask?" Eira wondered, clearly curious what brought on this sudden interest in her non-existent mother.


    ''She''s clearly clueless¡­ but how much should I tell her?'' he wondered inwardly. ''On the one hand, if that voice really did belong to Audu, than there''s a good chance that Eira will find out about this eventually and probably feel betrayed if I don''t tell her now. On the other hand, if I tell her, she might ask me to reestablish a connection, and I''ll have to refuse. For obvious reasons.''


    Seeing Erik lost in thought, Eira cocked her head to the side in curiosity, "Master? Are you alright?"


    This caught Erik''s attention, his eyebrow raising in surprise. "You''re calling me ''Master'' now? Not ''Harbinger''? Or even my name?"


    Eira shrugged and exined with a bright smile, "Why not? You asked me to stop calling you Harbinger, and since I serve as your armor now, it only makes sense!"


    ''I guess this change of address was brought on by my keeping my word, and her trust in me growing exponentially,'' Erik realized.


    "Okay, but aren''t you putting me at the same level as your mistress then?" he wondered curiously.


    "W¡ª Well¡­" she began, while awkwardly poking her fingers together. "I guess I''d still put Mistress above you¡­" But before anyone could respond, she frantically waved her arms around, "B¡ª But she would never ask me to harm you¡­! A¡ª And if she does I won''t obey! I swear!"


    ''Well, the future is still unwritten,'' Erik thought to himself, ''but at least she believes what she''s saying.''


    "Don''t worry, Eira. I trust you," Erik smiled reassuringly. That wasn''t even really a lie. He did trust her. He just also believed in the idiom, trust but verify.


    "Thank you!" she smiled brightly in response. "For trusting me, and once again for keeping your word! Now I''ll go familiarize myself with my new home!" Herst words were full of excitement, and once she said them, she quickly disappeared into thin air.


    Erik noticed how the light brown core in his armor became a little more active.


    At this point, he could temporarily block Eira''s outside senses and quickly inform the others of what happened, before Eira notices whats going on. But he decided against that. He was already deceiving Elora by not telling her about the failsafes, and didn''t want to add on.


    ''Besides, she might be upset for a while, but I''m confident she''ll forgive me eventually. We''re staying here longer anyway, so there''s time to regain her trust. If she hears it from Auduter, it could spur a betrayal in the heat of the moment¡ªa situation I''d prefer to avoid,'' he thought.


    So he called Eira back, "Wait, Eira. There is still something I need to tell you," he said out loud.


    She quickly made a appearance with a curious expression, "Yeah?"


    "We might have made brief contact with Audu," he said, deciding not to dance around the issue.


    "W¡ª What?!" Eira exims while stumbling backwards, before following it up with a desperate, "What do you mean?!"


    So Erik quickly exined the events that followed the separation of Eira''s core, both to the desperate construct, and the concerned people around them.


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    When he was done, Eira eximed happily, "That means¡­ that means Mistress is okay!" clearly ignoring the less than ideal circumstances that followed her appearance.


    The others, meanwhile, still looked concerned after the exnation, now wondering if some powerful entity would soon knock on their door and demand an exnation.


    "Looks like it," Erik nodded slowly. "Regardless of what was preventing her from talking to you before, I''m guessing that the separation of your core alerted her. I refuse to believe her sudden appearance at that time was a coincidence."


    "Well we can just ask her!" Eira eximed with excitement while she practically bounced around the room. "Just put me back in the core fitting, and I''ll reestablish contact to exin everything!"


    But, to Eira''s dismay, Erik shook his head. "Setting aside that it''s impossible right now¡ªsince Elora''s the only one who can fit you back, and she''s currently unconscious from Audu''s actions¡ªI wouldn''t be surprised if she made sure the connection could never be reestablished."


    "And even if she hasn''t yet, she definitely will when she wakes up," Erik thought.


    Eira''s face fell, a mix of heartbreak and betrayal washing over her as Erik''s words sank in, "B¡ª But¡­ why?"


    Emily, Alice, and Astrid immediately shot her strange looks, while even Emma looked a little ufortable, seemingly knowing contacting Audu again was a bad idea, but not sure how best to exin that to Eira.


    Emily, unlike her sister, did not have such qualms. She rolled her eyes as she addressed the construct, "Isn''t that obvious, you stupid cow? Because if Audu can affect Elora and the boss like that through this connection, then what else can she do? I hate agreeing with that fairy, but she made the right decision here."


    Emma immediately elbowed Emily in the side with an aggrieved expression, "Don''t call her that, big Em! She just misses her mistress! I would be no different from her if our roles were reversed and I hadn''t seen Master for two years!"


    Eira, however, barely registered the insult as she stayed focused on Erik with tears in her eyes, waiting for his exnation. "Setting aside the harshnguage, Emily is right. The exnation for this is no different than every other exnation regarding my distrust for Audu I''ve given you, Eira. And frankly, this event hasn''t filled me with more confidence about your mistress."


    "Besides," Erik shrugged. "I''m not Elora''s master. She may deffer to my decisions on many asions, but we are partners in the end, and she won''t do anything she considers to be a monumental mistake. Which she definitely would in this case."


    Erik had no qualms pushing most of the me for this onto Elora. After all, that was what Elora wanted as well. One of their go-to routines for influencing others was good cop bad cop, and Elora had no problem being the bad cop. This way, Eira would push most of the me on Elora, while Erik would remain mostly meless, thus allowing trust to continue growing between her and Erik.


    Seeing that no one agreed with her, and there was nothing she could do to change their mind, Eira simply disappeared into thin air with a sob, leaving behind an aura of depression and loneliness.


    Erik sighed, and talked to Eira through the mental connection that now existed between them due to the armor, "This doesn''t mean that we won''t look for Audu just like I promised. Remember, we put you into this armor just like promised as well. I suggest you simply celebrate the fact that Audu seems to be alive and well."


    He got no answer, however, so he sighed again and looked up at hispanions.

 Chapter 293: Chapter 293 - Waiting

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    He could see the others remained worried about Audu suddenly showing up, so he tried to put them at ease. "There''s no need to worry about this, alright? We know Audu can''t leave her dimension easily, so there''s a good chance she won''te here, but even if she does¡­ we''ll notice in the next few minutes."


    "Why in the next few minutes?" Alice asked anxiously.


    "Because, ording to our estimations, she''d be powerful enough to travel to anywhere on Earth in a manner of seconds," Erik said with a casual shrug. He wasn''t exactly carefree¡ªmore resigned, as there was little they could do if Audu did show up here.


    A point that Astrid understood, and was quick to voice, "Which means we''d be far too slow to make a run for it as well."


    "Exactly," Erik nodded. "Luckily, from what we know so far, she''s either unable, or unwilling to leave the dimension she''s likely holed up in, but there''s likely nothing on Earth that could actually stop her. So¡­ if she doesn''te here in the next few minutes, then that means that Eira''s possible plight isn''t important enough for her to leave that dimension."


    At this point, he could feel an explosion of sadness and turmoil in Eira''s emotions. He knew she was still listening to everything they were talking about, which is exactly why he suggested Audu might not consider Eira important enough to forget everything else.


    Erik contemted the implications of undermining Eira''s trust in Audu. Despite his difort with the tactic, he saw its potential utility. ''It''s impossible to know Audu''s actual reasoning, for now, however. Eira did call her mom after all, even if she doesn''t remember¡­''


    "So," Erik shrugged. "I suggest we simply wait here a few minutes, and if she doesn''t show up, then we forget this ever happened and stop worrying about it."


    Of course, that was easier said than done, but the women with him understood the sentiment, and nodded.


    The next ten minutes were spent in anxiety filled silence, as they all wondered whether Audu would show up or not¡­ and what the consequences of her appearance would be.


    After those ten minutes, however, Erik decided to put an end to the wait by king his own relieved sigh. "Alright, girls. She''s not going toe, so you can all rx, and go back to what you were doing before."


    Once again, a burst of sadness and loneliness burst forth from Erik''s connection to Eira''s feelings. Erik couldn''t help but feel bad for the girl, but he knew this was necessary. Eira''s loyalty to Audu was dangerous, so long as he couldn''t be sure about Audu''s intentions towards him, and this was a perfect opportunity to poke some holes into that loyalty.


    And if he could convince Eira to swap that loyalty to him instead, then all the better.


    To that end, he spoke to Eira through their bond, while careful to avoid apologizing, lest she shift all the me to him, "This is not how I would have liked this to go, Eira. But I''m here if you want to talk."


    No response came, but he did feel a re up of positive emotions in his link with Eira, and decided to take that as a good sign.


    Before the girls left, he turned to Alice with a smile, "After I get some rest I''lle find you to start that week of training I promised you, alright?"


    Alice quickly perked up and nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, Teacher! I''ll be ready for you!"


    Despite the fact that there was an enticing spatial orb and associated affinity waiting for him, Erik decided to help Alice first. First of all, he had no idea how long it would take him to absorb this dimension, and second of all, he would need Elora to manage this structure while he did so. So until she woke up, he might as well do some other things first.


    After most of the others had filed out of the room, it was only Erik and Emily left behind. He had told her to hang back through their link, because he intended to correct her behavior a little, while also having a little fun with her, and hopefully scoring some brownie points with Eira.


    Emily looked a little ufortable, as this was the first time they had been alone again since thest time Erik punished her. ''Ugh, how the hell should I act around him now,'' she groaned inwardly. Perhaps she would be a little more like her old self, if the look in Erik''s eyes didn''t tip her off to his devious intentions.


    "What uhm¡ª What can I do for you, Boss?" she asked, a little sheepishly.


    "I see you''ve reserved that... other nickname for more private settings?" Erik chuckled, closing the distance between them with a measured, almost menacing gait.


    Feeling a little intimidated, Emily swallowed, and slowly backed up until she hit the core room''s wall. Here, she nodded slowly at this question while looking at Erik like he was a quickly approaching predator, itching to pounce.


    When he reached her, Erik took her chin in his right hand, while nting his left against the wall next to her head, in an attempt to intimidate. An attempt that worked very well, in part due to the fact he was still wearing his intimidating new armor.


    "I suppose that''s fine," he grinned as he looked at Emily''s unfocused eyes, showing a chaotic mix of emotions ranging from arousal to fear. "Do you know why I asked you to stay behind?"


    "N¡ª No?" she mumbled softly.


    "Let me exin," he said, his tone softening as he moved his hand from her chin to gently encircle her throat. "I like your feisty personality, but it should be pointed at our enemies, not our allies. I don''t want you addressing any of them in a disrespectful way, and that includes Eira, understood?"


    As her repeated punishments had instilled a certain submissiveness towards Erik, she could now only nod quickly, "Y¡ª Yes!"


    "Yes, what?" he asked, with a slight smirk and while ever so slightly tightening the grip on her throat.


    "Y¡ª Yes, Daddy¡­" she squeaked, her voice full of lust, and her eyes filled with desire.


    "Good girl," Erik smiled, before quickly letting her go and stepping back. "Now get out of here. When you''re ready, I expect you to ask me politely for your third punishment, understood?"


    Emily seemed slightly disappointed that their interaction didn''t escte further. She straightened up with a small pout and turned to leave the room. Erik, with a chuckle, yfully swatted her ass as she walked passed, causing Emily to yelp and blush, even while cursing her own emotions under her breath, "Why do I let him do this to me¡­"

 Chapter 294: Chapter 294 - Training with Alice

    As he watched Emily hasten out, Erik felt a surge of positive emotions through his new link with Eira. ''It seems to be working... Hopefully, she''lle out of her shell and talk to me soon,'' he thought optimistically.


    At the same moment, Emily was startled to see Emma grinning beside the doorway. Their eyes locked; Emma''s happy and knowing grin betrayed her awareness of the events inside, while Emily desperately hoped she wouldn''t mention them.


    Relieved when Emma chose to remain silent, Emily quickly left to resume her training, her heart still racing.


    Erik stepped out of the core room and followed Emily with his gaze, then turned to Emma, sharing her grin. "Enjoy the show?" he asked.


    "I did. Thank you for letting me listen," Emma giggled, her excitement palpable. "It was a lot of fun to see Emily so subdued!"


    "It was always inside her," Erik chuckled. "She just needed someone to coax it out." He continued curiously, "But I''m curious how you feel about the way she addressed me¡­?"


    Emma''s excitement quickly made way for aplicated expression as she mumbled, "I¡­ I guess it''s fine¡­ I was trying not to think too much about that part¡­"


    "Are you sure?" Erik questioned. He didn''t want there to be any resentment from Emma towards either him or Emily.


    Emma sighed and nodded, "Yeah, it''s fine. Our parents died a while ago already, and I''m sure they''d just want us to be happy." Then she chuckled, "Besides, she never called our father¡­ that thing she called you. That was more my thing, so just don''t expect me to ever call you that."


    "Deal," Erik grinned, d this wouldn''t be an issue, before asking another curious question. "So does part of you enjoy the idea of her being punished because of what she did to you in the past?"


    Emma''s excitement quickly turned to embarrassment as she poked her fingers together and made herself a little smaller, "M¡ª Maybe? I¡ª Is that bad? I really don''t me her for what happened back then¡­ it wasn''t her fault!"


    "It''s not bad at all, Emma," Erik reassured, his chuckle softening her embarrassment."In fact, I think this is a very healthy way of getting rid of whatever little resentment you may have against her. I''ll make sure to arrange that little fantasy of yours at some point."


    Emma quickly thought back to the day they first arrived here. Back then, Eira showed them the harbinger''s bedroom, and Emma admitted a certain fantasy to Erik. Hearing Erik mention it now, caused her face to start heating up, although whether from embarrassment or excitement was anyone''s guess.


    Erik was about toment on her red face, but was interrupted by his own need to yawn, the sound of which quickly echoed through the main hall. "Oh man," he mumbled after it was done. "I must be more tired than I thought. And then that encounter with Audu¡­ I think I need to get some rest."


    Naturally, Emma offered to apany him, but Erik was forced to deny her. "You need to reach second rank before we leave here, Emma. Focus on that, alright?"


    Emma sighed, and nodded. It''s not like she didn''t want to train and reach second rank, she just found it hard to stay away from Erik.


    With that, Erik retreated to his bedroom, and quickly fell asleep.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    The next morning, Erik woke up to find Emma had climbed into bed with him at some point during the previous night or evening. As it turned out, Erik had managed to sleep for at least 12 hours.


    Looking at the ceiling, he yawned, and then lifted his arm to look with pride at the arm guard covering half his lower arm.


    Naturally, he had taken the armor of before he went to sleep, and now he was admiring his own handiwork.


    He looked at the dimly pulsing light brown core in the middle and prodded Eira''s feelings. They were still sad and chaotic, but she also seemed to be asleep.


    While constructs didn''t technically need to sleep, they did often have the capability. Usually, this was mostly so they could pass vast amounts of time without noticing, like Eira herself had done a lot during thest 8000 years, but sleep was also a good way to process emotions, for any sentient being.


    And Eira was having a lot of emotions right now.


    Next, he checked how Elora was doing, and quickly found the fairy still be sound asleep. But that was no surprise, she had quite a lot of time to make up for. Not to mention that Audu''s interference at the end likely took a lot out of her as well.


    Since his two most important current tasks were finding a way to get through to Eira and talking about next steps with Elora, he decided to get started on Alice''s training instead, just like he promised.


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    He quickly got out of bed without waking Emma, and made his way to the training room where, unsurprisingly, he found Alice, already training by herself.


    "I see you''re eager to get started today, Alice," he chuckled upon seeing her.


    Startled, Alice quickly paused her exercises and looked at Erik, "Ah! Teacher! I mean¡­ yes I am!" By the end of her rambling, she was looking at him with eager determination.


    "Good," Erik nodded with a small smile. "I would have preferred to wait with trying to uncover your first skill until Elora had recovered, but she''s still asleep, and we can''t really continue your training until you uncover it, so it is what it is."


    So far, Alice had spent most of her time training her body and improving her foundation, and while that was a good thing, it could only go so far.


    Especially considering her age.


    So, Erik spent the entire day with Alice as they worked to uncover her a ability and took breaks in the form of exercises. Naturally, they also managed to grow a little closer in that time, as Alicecame to know more of the man who had be her guardian, and Erik about the child he had taken as his ward.


    The next few days were spend training with Alice during the day, and meditating to integrate his lightning and ice insights into thundersnow at night. With a rxing schedule like this, he didn''t really need much sleep, after all.


    During this time, he made several attempts to strike up a conversation with Eira, but she kept steadily ignoring him. He did feel that her emotions had begun to settle down a little over thest few days, and he hoped that meant she was thinking, rather than reacting.


    On the morning of the fifth day, Erik was sitting in a meditation dome and quickly advancing his thundersnow affinity towards the second rank.


    Elora was still asleep, but he suddenly noticed a change in his surroundings, causing him to open his eyes. In front of him, inside the bubble, sat Eira. She had pulled her knees up to her chest and was now hugging them as she stared at Erik with aplicated gaze.


    When he noticed her, Erik looked back at her with a calm confidence. He needed to show Eira that he believed himself to be in the right. Any show of remorse would only give Eira cause to think there was something to me him for.


    Neither of them said anything, but Eira seemed to search for something in Erik''s eyes. Finally she gave up and sighed, "You could have kept what happened with Mistress from me, but you decided to tell me¡­ to trust me¡­ so thank you."


    Erik nodded slowly at the construct, "No need to thank me for that. Trust was the deal, right?"


    "Yeah¡­" Eira smiled slightly before falling silent again. Erik could see she still had more to say, so he simply waited for her to continue talking.


    Finally, she spoke again, "I don''t know what Mistress is up to¡­ Why she didn''t talk to me for two years, or why she suddenly returned when my core was disconnected, or why¡­ why she didn''t show up here when she thought I was in danger."


    "But it doesn''t matter!" she shook her head with determination. "I trust Mistress! If she had a choice she would have shown up! I know she would have!"


    "Alright," Erik nodded. "I''m d to see your loyalty hasn''t wavered."


    While not entirely true, as he did partially hope to undermine her loyalty towards Audu a little, he also enjoyed the idea that she might hold this kind of unbreakable loyalty towards him someday.


    "What about you and me, though?" he asked curiously. After all, there had to be a reason she decided to show up here and now. Or was it really just to thank him for telling her, but she wasn''t actually ready to move on?


    A hinter of anger shed through Eira''s eyes, "I hate how that¡­ that fairy robbed me from the chance to talk to Mistress again¡­!" she mumbled through gnashing teeth. Before she continued, she sighed and reigned in her anger, "But that''s not your fault¡­ Even though you didn''t exactly disagree with her either¡­"


    Eira pouted, and looked away, "Anyway, I''ll never understand your wariness of Mistress¡­ but I suppose I can ept it¡­"

 Chapter 295: Chapter 295 - Reconciliation and testing

    She turned her gaze back to Erik with a frown, "But how is this going to work in the future? You say we''ll go find my Mistress, but you seem unwilling to actually talk to her. So what happens when we find her?"


    Erik shrugged with a slight smirk, "Who knows? Let''s find her first, and worry about the restter. When we have ess to the entrance of her dimension we''ll also have more options."


    He didn''t say it outright, but the fact was, that right now, there were only two options for contacting Audu, assuming Elora hadn''t permanently severed any chance of making a connection. Option one was to put Eira back in control of the structure, and option two was for Elora to do it herself.


    However, the first option was a concern for the exact same reasons they transfered Eira to a new medium in the first ce, and the second option was way to dangerous, based on their first encounter with Audu.


    Seeing that Eira still wasn''t entirely convinced, Erik grinned at her and stuck out his hand, "Come on, Eira. Nothing has really changed, right? Adventuring together? Punching some bad guys? Finding your mistress? I understand that you''re angry for the missed opportunity to talk to her again, but at least you know she''s alive now.


    So let''s get back to working as a team!"


    Eira seemed to contemte his words while her lips were pursed into a pout. Erik could feel the desire to take his hand through their link, but her loyalty to Audu seemed to be the main obstacle.


    Still, Erik waited patiently. There was nothing he could say or do now that would lower Eira''s loyalty to Audu, after all.


    Finally, Eira sighed and took his hand. "Fine¡­ you can be my master again¡­" Before she let go of his hand, however, she narrowed her eyes, "But I won''t forgive that fairy so easily! And if you stop looking for Mistress, I won''t forgive you¡­"


    "Deal," Erik smiled softly.


    With an agreement reached, Eira seemed to regain her cheerful personality almost immediately as a wide smile broke out on her face while releasing a tense breath of air. "Phew! I really didn''t like being angry at you!"


    "And I didn''t like having you angry at me," Erik chuckled.


    With their rtionship restored, Erik quickly gained an eager shine in his eyes as he began asking her questions about the armor, "So why don''t you tell me how your new medium feels? Does everything work as it should? Do we need to make any changes? We haven''t really been able to talk about it yet."


    "It feels a little strange," Eira pondered. "I have far fewer connection than before, I can see less, do less, feel less¡­ and yet I''ve never felt freer! Living in an entire structure anchored inside a dimension can feel¡­ cumbersome, I guess," she shrugged at the end.


    "d to hear that," Erik chuckled, even though it wasn''t exactly what he wanted to know. "But what about the technical aspects? Can you ess everything you''re supposed to ess? Have you tested if all the sigils and runes work as intended?"


    "I think so," Eira nodded, before getting excited. "But we should have a battle to be sure!"


    Erik was about to agree, when he suddenly felt Elora stir in his soul. It seems his beloved partner was finally waking up.


    A loud yawn echoed through Erik''s head, before a sleep Elora mumbled right after it, "I guess we''re not dead¡­ that''s good."


    "Good morning, sleepyhead," Erik chuckled through their link. "And yes, as you can see, it doesn''t seem like Audu saw enough reason toe here. I guess her reasons to stay in that dimension are still more important than Eira."


    "Well, that''s not unexpected," Elora shrugged. "She''s just a sigil construct, after all."


    "Actually, she may be a little more than that¡­" Erik responded thoughtfully, before sharing his memories of Eira''s confused ramblings when Elora was removing her core from its fitting.


    After receiving Erik''s memories, Elora became thoughtful for a moment. Soon enough, however, she still shook her head. "I doubt it means anything, to be honest. Since she didn''t remember afterwards, the confusion of getting disconnected was probably interfering with her memories."


    "Perhaps you''re right," Erik nodded. "Although I guess it doesn''t really matter much right now either way. I''m guessing you agree with my assessment regarding future contact with Audu?"


    Elora immediately snorted in response, "Hpmf, you got that right. I did indeed already sever the connection in a way that is unrecoverable with our resources. And even if I didn''t, now that Eira is finally disconnected I''m not putting her back. And I''m definitely not contacting Audu myself!"


    A mental shiver went through Elora''s soul, "Feeling such a powerful mind worm their way into mine is not something I ever want to experience again!"


    "Fair enough," Erik chuckled. "Are you alright, though? Got enough sleep, finally?"


    "Yeah, I''m fine," Elora sighed. "It just hurt a lot, and I''m not sure how much information she managed to dig out of my head, but there shouldn''t be anysting effects."


    "Good," Erik nodded, before moving on to the next topic. "Anyway, I guess you''ll need some time to familiarize yourself with the structure''s systems, before I can start integrating the dimension?"


    "You guessed right," Elora nodded. "I''ll let you know when I''m good to go. Oh, and Erik?"


    "Uh huh?"


    "When the dimension is absorbed and nothing urgent is going on anymore, I''ll be taking a week long break, and you''ll be fucking me senseless for the entirety of it. Understood?" she said in a tone that would brook no refusals.


    Naturally, Erik could only chuckle and agree, "Ma''am, yes ma''am!"


    Having gotten Erik''s agreement, Elora connected to the artificial core now controlling the structure they were living in, and began exploring its exact capabilities.


    Meanwhile, Erik focused back on Eira, who was looking a little confused, since Erik had been sitting still and not saying anything for thest seconds.


    "Master? Are you alright?" she asked, with a little worry in her voice.


    Erik pretended to be a little startled, before smiling at the cute minotaur girl, "Yeah, I''m fine. Was just lost in thought for a moment. You suggested a battle?"


    Quickly regaining her previous enthusiasm, Eira nodded excitedly, "Yeah! The armor seems to work fine, but we should test it first!"


    "Alright than," Erik chuckled. "Let''s go find Astrid. No way would she refuse a spar, let alone if she gets to test herself against this armor she helped create."


    Eira quickly agreed, and so did Astrid after they found her. The construct didn''t participate directly in the fight herself, however, and stayed in the armor to test the various sigils and runes, while Erik tested its durability and reach.


    In the middle of their sparring and testing, Alice also showed up, expecting to continue her week long training with Erik. Seeing what they were doing, however, she quickly requested to be allowed to join the testing instead.


    Not long after, a small wereverine was standing opposite of Erik, who was armored up, but in his human form.


    "Are you sure you want to do this?" Erik grinned yfully at the young wereverine-human hybrid.


    "Yes, Teacher!" Alice responded, full of vim and vigor, ready to take on Erik''s armor with the destructive ws of her hybrid form.


    Erik sighed inwardly, as there was no way her first-rank ws would damage his third-rank armor. ''I just hope she doesn''t hurt herself,'' he thought.


    Alice charged at Erik''s armor with an excited and even confident grin, causing Erik wonder where she got that confidence from.


    He didn''t have to guess for long, however, when, less than a second before she hit him, her entire body suddenly lit up in a sapphire blue ze, including her ws.


    ''Ha! She did it!,'' Erik chuckled inwardly as he watched her approach.


    ng!


    Alice''s ws his his armor and, unsurprisingly, failed to do any damage, causing Alice to stumble back and moan painfully as she shook her wed hand in an effort to get rid of the pain.


    "I thought for sure that was going to work!" she pouted slightly, disappointed in her own skill.


    As it turned out, Alice''s first skill was very simr to the skill that Viljar showed when he changed his ws and fur into a magma-like substance. Only in Alice''s case, she could change it to something that carried the powerful thermal shock attribute of her frostfire, something that would easily shatter most armors.


    Of course, only so long as it remained in more or less the same power range.


    "I think you''re underestimating how impressive it is that you managed to uncover your first skill in the first ce," Erik chuckled. "You know how many people have to wait years for that? When did you manage to use it?"


    ''I''m sure I had something to do with this as well, but this also proves that she''s plenty talented,'' Erik mused to himself.


    "Last night!" Alice beamed, happy to be praised by him.


    "Does that mean you continued when I told you to go to sleep?" Erik asked, suddenly growing sterner.


    Alice quickly paled, remembering Erik''s threat about dropping her as a student the moment she went on for longer than he allowed. Her young voice wasced with panic as she pleaded for mercy "I¡ª I j¡ª just felt so c¡ª close to a breakthrough¡­! I couldn''t stop! P¡ª Please don''t stop teaching me!"


    Erik''s expression remained angry as he closed the distance and towered over her in his menacing ck armor.


    Seeing how upset Alice was getting, he quickly mellowed, however. It was good to instill a little fear in your students, but not too much.


    Losing his angry expression, Erik chuckled. "It''s fine, Alice. When inspiration strikes and a breakthrough is close, you should always continue training. But next time, tell me about it, alright? Don''t simply continue in secret." Find adventures at §Þ??


    Alice heaved a sigh of relief, and quickly nodded, "Y¡ª Yes teacher! Thank you teacher!"


    With that, their training week came to an end, and it was time for Erik to focus on something else.


    Absorbing the dimension.

 Chapter 296: Chapter 296 - Absorbing the dimension

    "So what did you discover?" Erik asked his beloved fairy as theyy in bed together. Emma was on Erik''s other side, so the two talked through their bond for now.


    "Quite a lot, actually," Elora responded while snuggling up to his chest. She had spent thest half a day shifting through every single thing this structure could do, and now she deserved somefort.


    "But not everything¡­" she continued with a frown.


    "How do you mean?" Erik blinked in surprise.


    Elora exined with a thoughtful expression, "This ce seems to have a number of functions that can only be essed after you reach a certain ranking¡­ Even I can''t ess them now and, presumably, neither could Eira when she was in control."


    "I see¡­" Erik mumbled curiously. "Let me ask her, then."


    By now, Erik had three different channels in his head that he couldn''t talk to at the same time. They were like radio frequencies, and he could only attune to one of them.


    First there was the channel through which he talked with his wives, which was more or less facilitated through his bond with Elora, but in this case, Erik was the hub through which this channel flowed, while Elora was technically just another connection.


    Second there was the channel that governed the Bonds of Service, which right now involved Emily and Nora, and went directly through Elora, since she was the one creating those bonds. In this case, Elora was actually the hub, which meant she was always listening in when Erik talked to either Nora or Emily through that channel.


    A fact he had made sure not to mention to Emily.


    Lastly, there was now a third channel, the one that allowed him to talk with Eira, who had essentially be his armor.


    Switching to that third channel, he began to talk to the minotaur construct. "Eira, when you were still controlling this ce, did you have have function you could only ess when I reached a certain ranking threshold?"


    Enjoy new adventures from §Þ??


    "Hmpf," Eira snorted and pouted in response. "I guess your little fairy ran into the blocks, huh?"


    Clearly, Eira was still unhappy with Elora for breaking the connection to Audu.


    Still, since she had already made up with Erik, she continued, her voice sounding a little brighter now, "Anyway, yeah. There a number of function that even I didn''t have full knowledge of. After you absorbed the dimension, the sigils were supposed to be able to monitor your ranking progress, and unlock those functions upon reaching various milestones."


    "So you have no idea what those do? Do you know if all the blocks are rted to my ranking?" Erik asked curiously.


    "Nope, no idea, Master. About either question," she answered with a shrug.


    "Alright, thank you, Eira," he answered her.


    ''Clearly she''s still not entirely happy about how everything went,'' Erik thought to himself. ''But I hope she''lle around again soon.''


    With that thought, he swapped back to Elora.


    "Seems Eira knew of the blocks, but has no idea what they are hiding either," Erik shrugged as he ryed his conversation with Eira to the fairy. "Or, for that matter, if the only functions this structure is hiding from the two of you will unlock with my ranking upgrades."


    "Ugh, I don''t like not knowing things," Elora responded with a scowl on both her physical, and mental expressions. "I''ll keep trying to work around those blocks, but I suppose we can only wait now."


    Then, she shrugged, and continued, "Anyway, for now, this ce has no more functions than we already knew of. I suggest you absorb the dimension now. Perhaps a new function will awaken when this ce figures out you''re already a second rank."


    "You know," Erik answered with a smile. "After I do absorb this ce, I hope we can start calling it our home, instead of just ce, or structure."


    "Our home, huh¡­" Elora mumbled with a surprisingly fond expression. "I like that," she finally nodded.


    With that, the two of them decided to wait for Emma to wake up. After all, before absorbing the dimension, they wanted everyone to leave, as they had no idea what this event might do to anyone still inside at the time.


    A few hourster, four people were standing outside the dimensional entrance, and back in front of the elevator they came down in a little over a month ago.


    These were Emily, Emma, Astrid, and Alice, and they were all watching the portal in front of them with a mixture of curiosity and anxiety.


    Suddenly, the portal flickered, and Erik walked out of it while holding the spatial orb that was previously in the middle of the main hall.


    Behind him, the portal flickered shortly, and then disappeared.


    Looking behind him, Erik nodded with satisfaction, "So far, so good."


    By taking the dimensional anchor outside of the dimension, Erik had made it so that this dimension was now movable, just like Audu''s was. The main reason for this was still to make sure no one was inside during the absorption.


    He turned towards the people behind him with a smile, "Alright, let''s get back above ground. I think we can all use a little sunshine, don''t you?"


    While only Emily didn''t really seem to mind the darkness, perhaps unsurprisingly, the others nodded enthusiastically.


    They all stepped back onto the tform they came down on, and Erik took out the medallion again, before pressing it in the altar, and starting their journey back to the outside world.


    With their previous experience, this was now a far more novel event, and they soon found themselves back in the middle of a snowy taiga forest, and a brightly shining sun.


    But, while most of them took in the sunny rays with bright smiles and enthusiasm, there was one that seemed particrly awestruck.


    Next to Erik, a beautiful minotaur girl stood, as her wide eyes seemed to try and look everywhere at once.


    "So this is¡­ outside," she mumbled, with awe in her voice, as she looked at the green trees, and white snow. Then, she turned her attention to the orange orb hanging in the sky, "And that''s the sun¡­ it''s beautiful¡­"


    "Hehehe, of course it is!" a strangely proud Astrid suddenly interjected, as if the sun could only be beautiful, since it involved her affinity.


    But Erik was quick to grab the opportunity, by sneaking behind Astrid and hugging her waist, before whispering in her ear, "Not as beautiful as you, though."


    A quick blush spread across Astrid''s face, before she suddenly turned around and punched Erik''s chest, "Shut up! J¡ª Just get absorbing already, I want to get back to training!"


    Erik chuckled, before turning his attention to Eira for a moment. He smiled slightly at her, "While this forest is certainly beautiful, as is the sun, there are far more beautiful things out there. Both on this, and beyond. I''ll show them all to you."


    Eira smiled happily, but with no small amount of embarrassment as she poked her fingers together. "T¡ª Thank you¡­"


    ''Perhaps it''s not so bad¡­'' Eira couldn''t help but think to herself. ''What would have happened if I or they did contact Mistress¡­ Would I still have been able to adventure with him¡­?''


    As Eira had her first doubts regarding her Mistress, Erik decided to get on with it.


    He sat down cross legged on the tform, and ced the spatial orb in front of him.


    "Okay, so how do I do this?" he asked his fairy partner.


    "Just put your hands on the orb again, but this time, try to reach out to it through aetherium. Instinct should take care of the rest," Elora answered him. "The spatial seed should be reaching out the moment your aetheriumes in contact with a spatial anchor. After you get started, I''ll coordinate with the structure¡­ our home¡­ inside the dimension, and make sure everything goes smoothly."


    With Elora''s exnation, Erik nodded determinately, and reached out his hands, before, under the both curious and anxious gazes of hispanions, channeled his aetherium into the orb.


    The moment he did so, both it and Erik began to shine with a dark-blue aura, and Erik could feel something inside himself that he hadn''t felt before. Like a void that needed to be filled.


    Suddenly, he felt a powerful a hunger. A hunger for the very thing that stood in front of him.


    His eyes shone with desire, his aetherium reached out to envelop the orb entirely, and he felt like he was sucking something out of it.


    And as the contents of the orb were sucked out, Erik felt that empty void inside him being filled up.


    His body shook, and his mind reeled as he felt like he had very little control over the current situation.


    Finally, however, it ended. Suddenly, he had control of himself again, and he quickly pulled back his hand from the orb as he panted heavily.


    At the same time, the orb suddenly disintegrated into powder.

 Chapter 297: Chapter 297 - A bit of fun

    "That was¡­ new." Erik panted and put a hand on his chest. "I feel¡­ full? I guess? Was that it? I mean, I feel strange, but it seems too easy. I haven''t gotten the urge to draw a symbol yet, so I doubt I have ess to the spatial affinity already."


    "Are you asking us¡­?" Astrid scratched her head and chuckled.


    "It seamed easy, because it was the easy part," Elora''s voice suddenly sounded through their link. "The dimension, or catalyst, has been absorbed by the spatial seed, and now exists inside you. Currently, the spatial seed is¡­ sprouting, as it were. It''ll take a while before the affinity bes avable."


    "Alright, makes sense I guess," Erik nodded with a thoughtful frown. "So what about the dimension then? How do we get back in?"


    "Well, that''s where the hard partes in," Elora giggled with amusement. "The dimension is inside you, and now you need to find the entrance and open it. That''s going to take a little effort on your part. When that''s done, you should practice sending yourself inside, and sending others inside."


    "Right, I suppose I better get started then," Erik sighed, hoping it wouldn''t take too long, as he was already missing thefort of his new home.


    "Alright, getfortable," he smiled apologetically to the people surrounding him. "I''ll have to figure out how to find and open the entrance to the dimension."


    Most of the others shrugged, and decided to simply meditate a while. All except one. "Take your time, Master!" Eira eximed happily, as she was busy making snow angels, while continuing to look up at the sun with fascination and awe.


    Erik chuckled happily at her joy, and then closed his eyes to start meditating.


    He decided to begin by following that feeling of fullness he had felt from the moment he absorbed the spatial orb. ''Alright, dimension. Show me what you''ve got.''


    At first he couldn''t find anything, even in the ce where he felt that fullnessing from, but than he realized something. ''Wait, obviously this dimension isn''t actually physically inside me, so what if its more akin to an Arcanists aetherium storage? There, but not there. Acting more like a balloon on a string, or several strings, than an actual organ.''


    So he started prodding around with aetherium, and quickly realized that this would likely be far easier if he already had ess to his spatial affinity, but it was what it was.


    In the end, it took him a few hours to find and map the entire metaphysical area inside his body that held the dimension. ''Now to find the entrance,'' he thought to himself.


    Another few hourster, Erik suddenly disappeared from where he was sitting.


    No one noticed, however, as they were all meditating with their eyes closed, while Eira was still busy exploring the new outside world.


    Erik opened his eyes after he felt the air shift around him, and suddenly, he found himself to be back in the main hall of his new home.


    He looked around and blinked before nodding in satisfaction, "Looks like everything is still in the right ce. Elora?"


    A cloud of light specks left Erik''s body, and quickly morphed into the form of a particr fairy, who took her ce on his shoulder. "No problems here either, looks like everything got through that all right."


    "Plus¡­" she continued with a sly smile on her face, "It looks like one of the blocks has been removed because the sigils finally recognize you as a second ranker. Oh you''re gonna love this new ce."


    Erik''s amber eyes shone with curiosity as he turned his gaze towards Elora, "Well, don''t keep me in suspense, woman!"


    Unfortunately, Elora just giggled. "Sorry, love. I suggest you find a way to get the others inside first, otherwise you''ll just be antsy to get started the whole time."


    Erik rolled his eyes, "Well, that attitude isn''t helping, you know? But fine! How do I continue? There should be some kind of kind of doorway to the outside world now, right?"


    Read exclusive chapters at §Þ??


    "Right," Elora nodded. "It should be in the same ce it was before. You just need to open it."


    Erik understood what she meant, and made his way towards the doorway that held the portal to the outside world before. Only this time, when opening the door, he only found more of the sleek, ck wall that the main hall was made off.


    However, he could feel something there. Something that called to him through the dimension inside him. cing his hand on the wall, he closed his eyes, and followed that feeling. A light shed, and suddenly, the portal was back again.


    Erik smiled victoriously, and stepped through the portal, back outside. Only, when he did, the portal immediately disappeared behind him.


    "Eh?" he mumbled, surprised. "Why did it close again?"


    "Simple," Elora sounded in his head. "Because you''ve be the anchor now. The portal can only exist when you''re inside the dimension, but when you''re on the outside, you ''are'' the portal. See if you can teleported anyone back inside."


    Erik nodded and looked around, noticing that everyone was still meditating, and even Eira was still ying in the forest, apparently having found the joy of climbing a tree. The fact that she could simply float up there seemed to not have urred to her.


    ''I guess whether I''m inside or outside the dimension makes no difference to the distance she can move away from me¡­ that''s good to know,'' Erik thought as he watched her y. He could see she was enjoying herself, but Erik suddenly felt a sting when he realized she was ying all alone.


    Looking back at the others, he realized they would likely be fine if he took a little longer, so with a slight smirk, he bend down and grabbed a handful of snow. ''I can''t remember thest time I''ve done this,'' he thought to himself with a chuckle.


    "Erik? What are you doing?" Elora asked from his shoulder, confused about what was going on.


    "Watch this!" he answered, as he pressed the snow in his hands into a ball, and cocked back his arm.


    "Hey, Eira!" he cried out to the minotaur construct who was a few dozen meters away.


    Blinking, Eira stopped looking out over the forest from her vantage point on one of the branches of arge tree, and looked down at Erik. "Y¡ª Ye¡ª" but before she could finish, a handful of snow hit her right in the face and she yelped, before toppling backwards and screaming as she fell down to the ground.


    It was a fall that could easily kill a physically unimpressive human specimen, but Erik just snickered. It''s not like a solid form sigil construct with the physical prowess of a second ranker would actually be hurt from that.


    Of course, that didn''t stop Eira from jumping of the ground with tears in her eyes as she pointed her finger at Erik, "Y¡ª Y¡ª You! Why would you do that! Meanie!"


    Grinning, Erik bend down and scooped up another handful of snow. "It''s called a snowball fight, Eira. We did it all the time before the awakening. Why don''t you try it?"


    "Snowball¡­ fight?" Eira mumbled a little confused, but now that it was clear Erik wasn''t trying to be mean, she bent down and imitated Erik''s actions.


    Before long, Erik and Eira were facing each other withrge snow balls in their hands. Erik with a smirk, Eira with an uncertain smile. "So¡­ what now?" she asked, a little confused.


    "I''m sure you already know what''s next," Erik grinned, before lifting his arm, and using his Runebound strength to lob that snowball at her like a cannonball.


    Eira yelped, and quickly hopped to the side to barely avoid Erik''s attack, before ring at him, and using her own second-rank Runebound equivalent strength to lob her ball right back at Erik. "I''ll get you for that!" she growled menacingly.


    Erik didn''t avoid her, though. He grinned and met her attack with arms wide open, until it hit him right in the face, and he had to take a step back.


    On the other side, Eira blinked in surprise, before a wide grin broke out on her face, and she started giggling. "Look at your face! It''s all white!"


    Before she could really enjoy her aplishment, however, another cannonball came flying straight at her and sheughed while just barely avoid it again.


    It wasn''t long before this turned into a true snowball war.


    Eventually, the others realized what was going on and joined in as well.


    It turned into a kind of rxed fun that most of them hadn''t seen in many years. They even switched to showing Eira how to make snowmen eventually and, surprisingly, Elora also joined in; albeit reluctantly, and begrudgingly.


    At some point, she even used her magic to puppeteer one of the snowmen for a while, after Emma had worn her down.


    After the day of fun, however, Erik finished learning how to control the dimension, and they all went back to training.


    With all the immediate problems taken care of, it was time to truly buckle down and spend the next three quarters of a year on relentlessly improving their strength.

 Chapter 298: Chapter 298 - Emma and Emily

    And so, for the next ten months, that was what they did. They also made good use of the extra feature that Erik unlocked by confirming his second rank. This feature was an extra room next to the training hall, which held a powerful sigil that could provide significant insight into one''s affinities when meditating on it.


    The elemental delight sigil.


    Unfortunately, it also used a lot of power that took a few weeks to recharge between each usage, but they all still got to use it at least twice during this time, providing them with immense progress.


    Despite their main focus being on training during this time, some other things happened as well.


    One of those things happened one night, not long after Erik absorbed the dimension, when Emma was lying the bed she shared with Erik. At the time, Erik himself was currently busy improving his thundersnow affinity with the elemental delight sigil''s help.


    She was about to get some rest, when there was a knock on the door. "Little Em? Can we¡­ talk?"


    Emma was surprised at her big sister''s initiative. The truth was that they hadn''t really spent that much time talking to each other ever since arriving in Finnmark a few months ago. Despite a significant improvement in their rtionship after the events in Kirkenes, they still had their own issues to work through, after all.


    Still, Emma was happy about it. Despite the almost subconscious resentment she still felt towards Emily, she wanted to be closer to her big sister again. Plus, she had a feeling what this might be about, and the thought excited her, indicated by the wide, lustful grin on her face.


    She quickly hid that grin again, however, when she called out to Emily in her ssic brand of bright happiness. "Of course, big Em! Come in!"


    With her permission, Emily opened the door, and stepped inside the bedroom, where she was greeted by a fully naked Emma smiling at her, while she set cross legged on top of the sheets.


    "You¡­ why are you naked?!" Emily eximed while palming her face.


    "I only have one set of clothes, big Em," Emma giggled with a hand hiding her lips. "Are you telling me you sleep in that same outfit you always wear? I mean, I know we can keep it clean with aetherium, but that''s still pretty disgusting, big sis."


    "Ugh, fine¡­ you''re right¡­ but can you put on some clothes, please?" Emily groaned when she realized she, too, slept naked.


    "Nope!" Emma denied, still smiling brightly. "What''s the problem? It''s not like its the first time!"


    "Fine¡­" Emily grumbled, and sat down on a corner of the massive bed, with her back towards Emma.


    Silence descended on the two sisters. Whatever Emily hade here to discuss, she was clearly still working up the courage to actually say the words.


    Noticing her hesitation, Emma smiled lightly, and crawled over to her big sister, before hugging herfortably from behind. "It''s okay, big Em. Just tell me whats up."


    Emily tensed up at first, but feeling her little sister''s arms around her reminded her of the past, when Emma''s hugs were the main reason why it had been impossible for Emily to truly pull away from her family, despite her alternative lifestyle.


    So after a moment of contemtion, she leaned back into her little sister''s arms, and sighed. "Well¡­ you saw what happened in that core room. Surely you have thoughts?"


    "Sure I do," Emma giggled. "But we don''t have to talk about this if you don''t want to. I''ve always known I would have to share him, and I''ve made it no secret that I was looking forward to having you join me. So, if you''re here for my sake, then there''s no need to bother."


    "Yeah, I know¡­ I''m here for myself," Emily mumbled with a distant look in her eyes, despite thefort she found in Emma''s arms. "So can you tell me your thoughts?"


    "Well," Emma began thoughtfully. "Let me start by saying that I''m very happy about this. I know that this situation isn''t normal ording the standards we grew up with, but those¡­" her voice took on a sadder tone as she continued, "those went up in mes together with our parents."


    "And now," Emma sighed, "in this new world, if you, me, or anyone else can find a way to be both safe, and happy, than that is something worth holding on to with everything you''ve got."


    Emma''s contemtive and sympathetic look suddenly changed, as a perverted smile appeared on her face and she leaned in to whisper in Emily''s ear. "And if that means being submissive little sluts for the same man, then so what?"


    Emily quickly lost her faraway look and opened her eyes wide. If she hadn''t been sofortable she likely would have shot up as well. "Y¡ª You¡­! What are you t¡ª talking about! I''m not¡­ that!"


    "Of course you are," Emma chuckled. "I saw you back there. The moment he got a little tough with you, you were putty in his hands. I wouldn''t have imagined you to be a masochist of all things, but the facts don''t lie! I mean¡­ what was that thing you called him at the end there¡­?"


    Emily didn''t answer, and remained quiet. Her expression becameplicated, and thoughtful.


    After a few moments of silence, Emily spoke up again. "I just¡­ I never imagined myself as submissive or a masochist¡­ I barely even recognize myself anymore¡­ How do you deal with it? You didn''t imagine this kind of life for yourself either, right?"


    "Well, our situations are a little different," Emma shrugged. "First of all, I''m not a masochist, and second of all, I''ve always enjoyed being helpful and making people happy. The fact that I''ve now focused that onto a single person barely changes anything for me."


    "Wait, you''re¡­ not a masochist?" Emily suddenly asked in a confused tone.


    "No, of course not," Emma giggled. "I enjoy submission and helplessness against Erik, but I don''t like pain or humiliation. That''s your department. The submission and helplessness you feel are simply a consequence from the fact that he''s the one giving you what you want deep inside, despite not having epted it yet."


    Hugging Emily a little tighter, she whispered in her ear again, "Perhaps if you try to lean into it, and ept what you truly want, you might start to feel like yourself again. You may loose this submissiveness you feel towards him now, because if you lean into it, he won''t be the one in control of your desires anymore. You''ll control them yourself instead."


    Emily frowned as she thought about Emma''s words. ''Could she be right?'' Suddenly, she thought of something else, "But wouldn''t he still be in control then? I mean, I want to be¡­ you know¡­ punished, by him specifically, so¡­"


    "What, you don''t think he likes doing that to you?" Emma giggled. "You''re not the only one who wants to do those things, you know. I meant what I said earlier, about the two of us being his submissive little sluts, but that doesn''t mean we have no control at all. He wants to do those things to us almost as badly as we want him to do them."


    "Almost?" Emily asked as she raised an eyebrow.


    "Well yeah, that''s the thing about being in a harem," Emma sighed. "You''re not the only one he can go to, but he is the only one we can go to. Being in a harem means you never really have as much control as the man.


    Unless you band together of course, but, honestly, if you decide to go that way, I suggest you pick some one else." She started giggling before she continued, "I''m not sure I''d be able to resist if he ordered me into his bed, no matter what."


    Rolling her eyes, Emily had to chuckle at Emma''s self-awareness.


    "Regardless," Emma shrugged. "Do you even want that much control? If you do ept you''re a masochist and lean into your desires, that means you basically want the same thing Master wants anyway."


    "Right¡­" Emily mumbled, barely aware that she had already subtly moved into a ce of eptance. Although there was still one thing that worried here. "But what if these desires are not exactly my own?"


    "You mean because of the corruption?" Emma asked.


    "Partially, but¡­ there''s something else." Aplicated look appeared on her face as she decided to tell Emma about what happened back in Muonio, where Erik had enved her by request.


    "I see¡­" Emma frowned, a little annoyed that Erik hadn''t told her about this, but given the circumstances, she could understand. "Well, I doubt all those desiree only from corruption and envement, but¡­ I suppose I''ll just have to work extra hard to reach second rank so we can continue your treatment and you don''t have to wonder anymore."


    That brought a small smile to Emily''s face before she softly nodded, "Thanks, little Em."


    "Of course!" Emma smiled brightly, before suddenly grinning mischievously. "So about this Daddy thing¡­"


    With an embarrassed groan from Emily, a new conversation started, and then another, and another. In the end, they spoke the entire night long, something they hadn''t done in years.


    By the end, Emily felt a lot better about herself.

 Chapter 299: Chapter 299 - Emma and Alice

    Another thing that happened in this time was the first break that Alice and Emma were spending together.


    Currently, they were sitting on two sofas across from each other in the living space, between them was a pot of tea.


    Emma looked at her youngerpanion with a calm smile while she poured each of them some tea.


    Alice, meanwhile, looked a little ufortable. She liked Emma, a lot in fact, but she wasn''t sure what to do with herself at this moment. She preferred to be training and preparing for her revenge against the hunters.


    "So uhm¡­ What now?" Alice asked the motherly figured across form as she scratched her head.


    "I don''t know," Emma shrugged casually. "Is there anything you want to do?"


    "Does training count?" Alice responded with a pout.


    "Nice try, but no," Emma giggled, determined to make Alice rx and think about something else today.


    A few moments of silence followed where Alice seemed unable to think of something, until Emma spoke up again, "You know, I won''t try to rece your biological, or adoptive, parents but perhaps there''s something you''d like to do based on the memories in your father''s memory stone? Or something you enjoyed doing with your adoptive parents when you weren''t training?"


    Alice flinched a little when the grand total of four parents she had lost came up, and she looked away, "I¡ª I''ve been trying not to think of them."


    "I see¡­" Emma nodded nodded calmly. "And is that helping?"


    Emma''s natural instincts and, now carefully controlled, motherly aura made her into the perfect person to help Alice through her past.


    "When I train it does," she mumbled grumpily and with a sh of annoyance. "But not when you ask about them."


    "I suppose that makes sense," Emma smiled, and then went ahead and ignored Alice''s desire not to talk about them. "You must have loved them all a lot, huh?"


    "Of course I did!" Alice growled aggressively. "Ivar and Marta were good people! They took good care of me, and didn''t deserve what happened to them!" She calmed down a little as her voice took on a sadder tone and small tears appeared in her eyes, "A¡ª And my father¡­! He had his faults, but¡ª but he gave his life for me, without hesitation¡­ how can I not love him¡­?"


    "Good point," Emma nodded, and kept pushing. "So what about your mother than?"


    Silence descended as Alice gained an expression that no one should want to see on a ten-year-old. "I¡­ I didn''t really know her¡­" she whispered hoarsely. "She died when I was three," gnashing her teeth, she continued, "hunters killed her¡­"


    "Which is why you seek revenge now," Emma smiled calmly at Alice as she used her motherly aura to give Alice somefort and calm her down a little. Her lessons with Elora had payed off. "Not only do you want revenge for the fact those hunters took away the chance to get to know your mother, but it also helps you feel closer to her, right?"


    Emma''s presence and aura calmed Alice down without it feel unnatural, causing Alice to be a little more at ease and her trust in Emma to grow. She was still a little ufortable, however as she mumbled with a difficult expression, "I¡ª I guess so? Why?"


    "Well, isn''t there anything in your father''s memories that your mother liked to do? Maybe she talked to him about something she wanted to do with you in the future? Perhaps taking revenge isn''t the only way she you can feel closer to her?" Emma mused softly.


    Alice blinked and frowned, "I¡­ maybe? I¡ª I kinda like that idea."


    "Good!" Emma smiled brightly. "I know I''m not your mother, but I''d be happy honor her memory by filling in for her if you like."


    "Yeah, I¡ª I think I''d like that!" Alice eximed, suddenly gaining some enthusiasm about this whole thing.


    She grabbed a locket that was hanging around her neck, and opened it. The locket was made for her by Erik in order for her to keep her father''s memory stone always with her. Softy stroking the stone, Alice went through the contents once again, searching for anything her mother might have wanted to do with her in the future.


    Emma just watched calmly as she drank her tea and continued to use her aura to calm andfort the young girl in front of her.


    After a few minutes, a sad smile appeared on Alice''s face. ''I guess she found something,'' Emma thought.


    "My¡ª My mother and father were a little different," she mumbled with a lost expression. "He was a man who loved fighting and sports, while she¡­ she was actually a scientist. She wanted to teach me to y chess one day."


    "Great!" Emma eximed while pping her hands. "I doubt there''s any chess boards here, but I''m sure I can get Master or Elora to make something, and I actually know how to y! It''s been a while, but I can definitely teach you the basics. If you want me to, that is?"


    Shaking herself free from the memories and sadness, Alice closed the locket again and looked up at Emma with a grateful expression. "I''d like that¡­ thank you!"


    Not muchter Emma had procured an ornate chess board, created from cheap materials by Elora''s form shifting sigils, and from that a new habit was created, where Emma and Alice would y chess during their breaks.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Another thing that happened with Alice, was a few months into their training period. Up to this point, Elora had been doing research on Alice''s gic makeup in order to find out if there were any possibilities of creating more Arcanist/Runebound hybrids like Erik.


    After all, procuring fairies for all Runebound was a non-starter, especially while travel between Earth and other worlds was not yet as easy as it would be in the future.


    So far, no progress had been made on aplishing that specific goal, but that didn''t mean she had nothing to show for her work, because there was one other thing that Erik had asked her to look into while she researched Alice''s gics.


    "Can¡ª Can you really make it so that my transformations don''t always hurt so much?!" Alice eximed with an expression full of disbelief. She had been living with this condition for as long as she could remember, and the idea that she would finally be able to shift back and forth freely like any other shapeshifter, was entirely foreign to her.


    But not unwee.


    Still, even if no one, including Alice herself, truly believed that Elora was responsible for Bj?rn''s death, she was still the one that essentially pulled the trigger, and it was hard for Alice ept any help from Elora. Thus, her expression wasplicated.


    "Absolutely," Elora nodded calmly, and with clear scientific interest in her eyes. "Based on my research, I don''t believe shapeshifters and humans were ever supposed to be able to reproduce, but¡­ well, nature is a scary thing. Only now, you are suffering from a far more rigid body than full-blooded shapeshifters, making your transformations moreborious. I can fix that."


    Setting aside the question of whether she wanted any help from Elora, Alice had one important question. "Will this¡­ remove the human parts of my DNA?"


    "Only the parts that are connected to cell- and bone-structure," Elora answered, matter-of-factly. "You''ll still be ''you'' for all intents and purpose, and most of the DNA you got from your mother will still be there."


    With Alice''s biggest concern dealt with, she looked a little more interested, but there was still a lot of doubt in her mind.


    In the living room with them, were Emma and Erik as well. Alice''s gaze went to them subconsciously, as people she felt she could trust. Emma smiled softly at Alice, "Don''t let your conflicted feelings get in the way here, Alice. This is a good thing! Do you think your father would have wanted you to ignore this solution?"


    Had anyone else asked her about what her father would have wanted, Alice might have gotten angry, but it was different with Emma. Ever since they started ying chess together, they had grown even closer, and Alice was already well on her way to considering Emma her third mother. Obviously, the process was greatly helped by Emma''s motherly aura.


    Thus, she nodded reluctantly, and softly grumbled, "No, he wouldn''t¡­"


    She turned back to Elora and sighed, "Alright, fine. Do as you wish."


    Elora smiled victoriously. While she might haveined about herck of respect despite the fact she was offering the girl help, the truth was that Elora also wanted this. Experimenting with her DNA directly was far more useful for her research than mere scanning and testing.


    "Alright, hold still!" Elora grinned, and quickly formed a dark green, oval bubble around Alice, before putting her hand on it.


    Emma and Erik quickly recognized this technique as being the same as Elora had used on Emma, back in London.


    It didn''t take long, before the bubble dissolved, and Alice stepped out.

 Chapter 300: Chapter 300 - Astrids answer

    The young girl wore a look that could only be described as a mix of confusion and awe.


    Bringing her hand in front of her eyes, she started inspecting it as if she was high and couldn''t believe how big it was.


    Everyone there looked at her with curiosity, until it was Emma who finally spoke, "Alice? How do you feel?"


    "Yes, please tell us," Erik added, before chuckling. "Assuming you''re done inspecting your hand, anyway."


    Alice smiled widely and turned towards Emma and Erik. "I fe¡ª I¡­ I mea¡­" she tried to say something, but then her eyes started fluttering and she suddenly fell backwards.


    "Alice!" Erik and Emma eximed at the same time, while Erik quickly caught her before she hit the floor. "Are you alright?" he asked, as he watched her eyes continue to flutter and fly around the room unfocused.


    "Don''t worry," Elora said at the same time as shended on his shoulder. "The procedure went fine, she''s just tired. Back when I used this method to help Emma I wasn''t actually affecting her physical body, but just the metaphysical organ that stores aetherium. In Alice''s case, however, it was all physical. So now she just needs some sleep."


    "Phew," Emma and Erik sighed in relief as Emma walked up to Erik and Alice and softly stroked the young girl''s hair with a fond smile.


    Meanwhile, the girl in question had already fallen asleep with a content smile on her face.


    "Thank you, Elora," Emma smiled at the fairy.


    The fairy shrugged nonchntly. "I did it for myself, too. Working on her genes actually gave me quite a bit of research material."


    Erik sighed fondly, "It''s so cute how she always tries to hide her heart of gold behind a mask of indifference, isn''t it?"


    If looks could kill, Erik would by now be the equivalent of someone tossed into a sun, just before it went supernova.


    But he just chuckled, causing Elora to scoff while she mumbled something unkind under her breath.


    Erik knew there really was no heart of gold at all, but he also didn''t doubt he had caused a little crack to appear in the diamond casing around her heart, which normally only opened for him and her parents.


    Suddenly, a red-haired and sweaty beauty stormed into the living hall while she was doing stretches. When she noticed Erik and Emma standing around a motionless Alice, she got a little concerned. "Hey guys¡­ what''s up?" she asked, cautiously.


    Erik quickly exined what happened, causing Astrid to grin. "Awesome! Training in her transformed state is more efficient and now she won''t have any excuse!" sheughed.


    "Sounds like you got your priorities straight," Erik chuckled.


    "Of course!" Astrid joked, before turning a little more serious. "Anyway, if you''re done here, I''d like to talk to you for a moment."


    "Sounds serious," Erik raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "But sure, let me just put Alice to bed."


    A few minutester, Emma had gone back to her own training, Elora was back inside Erik, and Alice was asleep in her room.


    Now, Erik followed Astrid into her room. The red-headed vampire looked a little nervous as she paced around the room while her hands refused to remain still.


    Erik watched her patiently, unsure what this was about, but willing to wait.


    Finally, she turned to face Erik and sighed. "I''ve been making you wait too long, haven''t I?"


    Erik suspected what this was about, but still wanted to hear her say it. "Wait too long for what, Astrid?" he asked, with a cheeky grin.


    Astrid narrowed her eyes and growled, "Don''t make me punch you¡­!"


    "I''d like to see you try!" Erikughed. "But if you want to talk about this, you''re still going to have to say what it is you want to talk about exactly!"


    "Ugh," Astrid groaned and rolled her eyes. "You know, the old you would never be such an asshole."


    "Yeah," Erik nodded as he slowly approached her and put his arms around her. "But you like the new me better, right? I mean, you only liked me before because of my strength and talent, but I doubt you liked my personality. You probably just believed you could change me, right?"


    Astrid refused to hug him back, and instead kept her arms crossed in front of her chest while she pouted a little. "And so what if all that''s true?"


    "Nothing, I suppose," Erik chuckled. "But you are still going to have to tell me exactly what you want to talk about."


    "Ugh," she groaned again while suppressing her deepest urges to start punching him. "Fine! I just¡­ I''m sorry I made you wait so long for my decision. I never had much of a problem with the fact you''re creating a harem, even though it came as a surprise."


    Noticing the skeptical look on Erik''s face, Astrid shrugged and exined, "I mean, I had already resolved myself to sharing you with Edda in the past, and the harems present in the dominion had desensitized me to them, so really this barely changed anything."


    "Okay¡­ so your main problem was whether I was still the same guy you knew in the past? Fundamentally at least?" Erik nodded thoughtfully, as Astrid''s admission confirmed his own thoughts.


    "Yeah," the vampire sighed and nodded."And honestly, I decided like a month ago that you are. The way you treat Alice was a big motivator in that decision."


    "Oh?" Erik uttered as a wide smile appeared on his face, thinking Astrid was finally ready to take their burgeoning rtionship to the next level. "So why did you wait so long to tell me?"


    Pouting a little, Astrid finally uncrossed her arms and put her hands on Erik''s chest, while looked into his eyes. "Because I don''t want to marry you without my mother present¡­ and I was afraid you''d be disappointed. But¡­ I don''t know, I saw you with Alice just now, and I decided I didn''t want to leave you in the dark until then."


    "I wouldn''t be disappointed, Astrid," Erik smiled as he held her chin, before leaning in and whispering in her ear. "But¡­ don''t me me if I end up seducing your mother as well, alright?"


    What happened next was predictable.


    Astrid growled angrily, before punching Erik in the chest with lightning speed. "Asshole! Just because I don''t mind a harem, doesn''t mean I want to share you with my mother!"


    Erik chuckled, as he stumbled back a few steps. His chest hurt, but he wasn''t wounded. "Well, if you want to deprive poor Miss Frost from my love, then I suppose I won''t get in the way," he quipped with a shit-eating grin.


    Before Astrid could respond, Erik tried to close the distance between them to celebrate what was essentially their official engagement, but Astrid wouldn''t make it that easy on him.


    She quickly evaded his grasp, "Screw you! Mom will be fine without your damn love!"


    "Oh?" Erik grinned as he circled the vampire, looking for an opening. "And what about you? Would you like some of my love? I hear it tastes good."


    "You¡­!" Astrid immediately flushed red and red at him, but Erik was quick to make use of her loss of focus, by performing an outstanding tackle. He grabbed Astrid by her waist, and momentster they were wrestling on the ground.


    Their strength was matched. They were both second-rankers, but while Erik wasn''t in his werewolf form, he did have Elora and his bloodlines to boost his physical stats. They wereughing, kissing, and, not long after that, entirely naked.


    Erik was now hovering over Astrid while holding her hands over her head as she red at him. "That was unfair! Your big¡­ thing, distracted me!"


    Erik grinned as he took in his new fianc¨¦''s naked body, "I don''t know, Astrid. You have two beautiful things that were pretty distracting to, and I believe two is bigger than one, so¡­"


    "That''s different¡­!" Astridined as she squirmed under Erik''s hold. "You see those all the time, from¡­ from your wives¡­! I''ve only seen yours¡­" she pouted, aggrievedly.


    "That just means we need to get you more familiar with my friend down there! Besides, I didn''t take you for someone who made up excuses for their losses, Astrid," Erik chuckled as he slowly leaned in and took Astrid''s lips.


    After kissing each other deeply for a moment, they separated again. "Fine¡­" Astrid panted with reluctant eptance. "You win! So now what¡­?"


    "Now I take my victory prize," Erik grinned lustfully as he lifted himself up slightly, so that Astrid could see therge b of man-meat resting between her legs, and reaching just slightly beyond her navel.


    The poor vampire gulped, as she felt its weight on her stomach and imagined that thing making its way inside, rearranging her insides, and making her scream out like she had seen Emma do almost every night, back in Frostvik.


    Still, she was a fighter, and fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

 Chapter 301: Chapter 301 - Relationship dynamics**

    But¡­ not just yet.


    "I¡­ want to wait until we''re actually married," she mumbled, a little embarrassed.


    Disappointment filled the horny man on top of her, but since he didn''t want to force the issue, he sighed, "I guess that''s fair."


    Just when Astrid was about to sigh in relief, Erik grinned, "But that doesn''t mean we can''t have some fun."


    Suddenly, he pressed his pelvis a little harder against Astrid''s, causing his cock to rub up against her moist pussy.


    When his hardness pressed itself slightly between her lower lips, Astrid moaned and threw her head back, "Hngh, wha¡ª what are yyyou doinnng!"


    "Considering everything we''ve already done before, are you really surprised that we can have some fun without direct pration?" Erik chuckled.


    He grabbed her breasts and continued slowly bucking his hips against hers as he leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "But¡­ we can stop if you want." He entuated his statement with a quick pull on her nipples, causing Astrid to moan loader as she arched her back.


    "Aaahnn¡­ you f¡ª fucker!" she half cursed half moaned as pleasure flooded her system. Suddenly, however, her lips curved into a mischievous grin, "B¡ª But fine! If t¡ª that''s how you wanna y it, but I won''t just let you have your way so easily!"


    Before Erik could respond or wonder what she meant, Astrid pushed her own hips upward, pressing herself harder against Erik''s cock.


    A bolt of pleasure passed through both of them, but while Erik wavered a little, Astrid managed to keep her wits about her, and used her new leverage to wrap her legs around Erik''s waist.


    "What are you¡­" Erik began, but was suddenly interrupted when Astrid suddenly grinned, "Got you!"


    A mere momentter, Erik suddenly found himself on his back, with Astrid sitting on top of him and grinning victoriously. Her hands, which Erik had previously held above her head, were also free once again, and now nted on Erik''s chest.


    "You should remember this for our wedding night: I have very strong thigh''s," Astrid grinned from ear to ear as she looked down at her conquest.


    Erik was a little surprised by the sudden reversal, but certainly didn''t mind. "Now that''s a threat I can get behind," Erik chuckled.


    He decided not to fight back and simply enjoy himself instead. While he did prefer being dominant in bed, that didn''t mean he had to be in control all the time.


    Astrid was a little relieved to see he didn''t mind, and quickly started rubbing herself against the hot and imposing staff between her thighs. She moaned softly.


    At the same time, Erik didn''t remain still, however. He moved his hands up to her thighs and stroked them, while also softly bucking his hips against hers again.


    A soft, satisfying pleasure radiated through both their bodies as they looked into each other''s eyes with love.


    "You don''t¡­ mind that¡­ I''m on top?" Astrid panted softly through the pleasure as she lubricated Erik''s dick with her sopping cunt.


    "Of course not," Erik smiled at her. "I like being in control, but I can give it up asionally. Besides, you earned it fair and square with that reversal you just pulled."


    "Hehehe," Astrid chuckled. "Surprised you there, Hnnngh, didn''t I?" she moaned with a victorious smile. "So I guess we can just¡­ decide whose on top¡­ by who wins¡­ huh?"


    "Deal," Erik grinned as he slowly began moving his hands upwards, until they grasped Astrid''s firm breasts again. She moaned, and lost some of her bnce causing her to fall forward with a yelp.


    A momentter, she was still on top, but now they were pressed chest against chest, and Erik''s arms were wrapped around her as he bucked his hips harder, causing more pleasure to shoot through their bodies as their genitals rubbed against each other.


    Now trapped, but feeling an increase in pleasure, Astrid groaned. "D¡ª Damn you! Fuck, that feels good! K¡ª Keep going!"


    "I was nning on it," Erikughed softly and leaned forward to capture her lips with his own.


    They kissed as they drove each other closer and closer to orgasm.


    When they separated again, Astrid panted as she asked Erik a surprising question. "So¡­ I know you like to tie Emma up¡­ would you like to try that on me sometime? Or¡­" she now smirked mischievously, "perhaps have me tie you up?"


    Erik blinked in surprise and halted momentarily before he continued with a chuckle. "Honestly, I really don''t like being restrained¡­ It''s got nothing to do with trust, as I didn''t even like it when Elora and I tried that once, but its just¡­ not something I enjoy."


    "That''s okay," Astrid smiled and moaned at the same time. "I have no real interest in it, I was just curious."


    Erik slowed down a little more so they could have a proper conversation. "Are you sure?" he asked curiously. "Elora and I tried it once, I should at least give you that chance if you feel like it."


    "I''ll think about it," Astrid giggled, before leaning closer to him. "But you can still tie me up sometime if you want¡­ I wouldn''t mind giving it a try. Emma has been¡­ actively trying to convince me to try it."


    "You two talk about that stuff?" Erik halted again, blinking in surprise. ''That''s¡­ unexpected?'' he thought to himself.


    Astridughed softly, "Well, after she found out I''d been spying on the two of you, she guilt tripped me into it. I don''t mind, though. It was awkward at first, but¡­ it''s kinda fun."


    Picking up the pace again, Erik shook his head in exasperation and a hint of concern, "Well, I''m d you two are getting along¡­ but I''d love to be a fly on that wall sometime."


    "Sorry, Erik, hmmnnnm, girls only!" herst word came apanied by a short shriek when Erik hit a particrly sensitive part.


    They continued sensually rubbing their sensitive parts against each other for a while longer, kissing and groping each other while they did it, until Astrid started reaching her climax first.


    "E¡ª Eriiik," she moaned as she sat herself back up on top of Erik''s body and started grinding faster and faster. "It''s¡­ It''sing¡­!"


    Erik felt his own explosive finish approaching as well. He grinned up at Astrid excitedly as he continued pinching and exploring her body.


    "Go on then, Astrid¡­" he mumbled, and suddenly grabbed both her nipples and pulling on them. "Cum for your future husband!"


    "Yesssss!" she screeched and suddenly started shaking wildly. At the same time, Erik felt her pussy lips spasm against his cock, which caused him to drive over the edge as well.


    Before that happened, however, he quickly used Astrid''s weakened state to reverse positions with her again. Then, he groaned and exploded on her stomach, even reaching her breasts as he defiled her entire body his cream.


    They both panted as they stayed in position and rode out their own orgasms. Finally, Astrid regained enough of her senses to look down at her body and than red up at Erik.


    The culprit simply grinned at her, however. "What? Better your body than mine, I say!"


    Naturally, his words caused Astrid to roll her eyes, but rather thanin more, she suddenly used her finger to scoop some up, and stuck it in her mouth as her re turned into a seductive smile, "Whatever," she chuckled. "Still tastes good¡­"


    Erikughed mischievously, and suddenly grabbed Astrid''s legs, before turning her around and pushing his cock into her face. "Since you think it tastes good, I might as well inform you that its the wive''s duty to clean up after she makes a mess¡­"


    "You''re an asshole," Astrid stated, although the clear hunger, desire, and lust in her eyes pretty much negated that argument. She grabbed hisrge cock and slowly started licking it clean, even while looking Erik into his eyes defiantly.


    "Yeah, but you kinda like that, don''t you¡­?" Erik chuckled as he enjoyed the feeling of her soft tongue digging out the remains of their lovemaking.


    "Maybe¡­" Astrid admitted while dutifully cleaning up her future husband. "But only when you earn it," she then warned while looking up at him with narrowed eyes. "If you fall below me in power, I''ll be the one on top!" Then she chuckled as mischief passed through her eyes, "And then, maybe I''ll be the one making you clean me up instead."


    Immediately, a shiver when through Erik as he imagined what that might entail, and quickly promised himself never to let that happen. ''I need to work harder¡­'' he thought to himself in horror.


    Shaking himself free of those thoughts, Erik realized that Astrid''s promise would determine the dynamics of their future marriage, and an excited smile appeared on his face. ''Bring it on,'' he thought.


    After they were both cleaned up again, Astrid asked if he wanted to spend the night with her, and he agreed, quickly telling Emma about it through their bond.


    They fell asleep into each others arms, and the next morning, went right back to training.

 Chapter 302: Chapter 302 - Finally time again

    During the next few months, nothing all that interesting happened.


    Everyone trained, Erik''s rtionship with the other advanced, he had a number of sexual encounters with each of them, except for Alice of course, and Erik''s spatial affinity awakened.


    Finally, near the end of the tenth month after they first entered their new home, something major happened.


    Five people were standing around a single ck dome in the training room. Well, four were standing, and one was sitting on Erik''s shoulder.


    "Are you sure today is the day?" Emily asked, a little anxious as she watched the dome.


    "Absolutely," Erik nodded seriously. "She''s worked hard, had a lot of help from Elora, and was able to grow in this ideal environment without any distractions. I''m sure today is the day. She''ll have reached second rank faster than any of us."


    Despite his many advantages, Erik still had to advance two systems at the same time, making it no surprise that, even though he remained the strongest among them, he also advanced the slowest.


    Emily groaned a little inwardly as she heard what Erik said. A little reluctant, she turned her gaze to Elora, who had been steadily ignoring Emily ever since what happened in the hotel room. "Thank you for helping Emma¡­" she mumbled, having to drag the words out of herself.


    While Emily still held some resentment for Elora''s dismissive attitude, and a little fear over the fact that Elora had controlled her when they first met, she had now spent almost a year without exchanging even a single word with Elora, and many of those feelings had some time to settle.


    Thus, she decided to reach out a little.


    Elora turned to Emily and grinned yfully. "Are you sure you want to talk to me, Emily? And here I thought you couldn''t stand me."


    Emily sighed, "Yeah well¡­ you didn''t break your word about leaving me alone for a while, so I guess I realized you can''t be all bad."


    It was actually Erik who had convinced her to reach out at a time when Elora was busy exploring the library. He figured it was best if these girls worked through some of their issues before he married Emily, rather than after.


    "I would never break my word to Erik," Elora giggled, and then shrugged casually. "Regardless, I didn''t help Emma for your sake, but I suppose you''re still wee."


    With that, they turned their attention back to the dome in front of them, although Emily still looked a little troubled. There was one more thing she wanted to ask Elora, but themunication between the two of them had only just opened up again, and she still didn''t like Elora much, so she wasn''t sure how to bring it up.


    In the end, however, she decided to wait. If all went well, her rtionship with Elora would soon experience a significant shift, and she figured it would be easier by that point.


    Suddenly, the ck dome seemed to sh ever so lightly, before disappearing not long after. In it''s ce now stood a brightly smiling and clearly excited Emma.


    "I did it!" she eximed with balled fists and trembling body, before suddenly glomping Erik. "Are you proud of me?!"


    "Of course I am, little glimmer," Erik chuckled. "Reaching second rank in just under a year is impressive, even if you had a little help."


    Astrid and Alice also came up to Emma and quickly congratted her. Everyone liked Emma and had some kind of rtionship with her, so it wasn''t a surprise that they were all there.


    "Thanks guys!" she smiled brightly. "I can finally be of use in a fight now! Plus, we can help big Em, right?!" she almost shouted with excitement,rgely ignoring her own aplishment.


    Emily''s expression was a strange mixture of happiness and anxiety as she panned her gaze between Erik, Emma, and especially Elora, as she knew the fairy would be the one to actually do this.


    The room was filled with tension as everything looked at Elora, who was happy to keep the tension up for a moment longer as she looked around with a teasing grin. After enjoying the moment for a bit, and getting a mental prod from Erik, she nodded with a chuckle. "Yes, we can finally stabilize Emily now."


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few hourster, Astrid and Alice had gone back to their own training, and Emma, Erik, Emily, and Elora were now gathered in Emily''s room.


    "So, uhm¡ª how are we doing this?" Emily asked, a little unsure as she scratched her head nervously.


    She had been waiting so long to finally be rid of her corruption, or at least to not have it worsen anymore, and now that the moment was finally here, she only hoped everything would go ording to n.


    Elora jumped off of Erik''s shoulder and flew down to the ground where she started drawing a sigil while she exined. "Well,st time we needed to use¡­ whatever-his-name, as a catalyst so that you could shake loose some of the darkness in your soul while you tortured him.


    We did that, because Emma''s light was inherently weaker than your darkness, due to her having been lower rank than you at the time. But, you can never get all the corruption that way, which is why some was left behind. This time, we don''t technically need that, as Emma''s light should now be powerful enough to cleanse everything."


    Having listened attentively, Emily''s face now formed into a wry expression as she muttered, "Except for the parts that have already ingrained themselves to deeply, right?"


    Elora flew around low to the ground while using her dark green magic to draw various concentric circles and symbols, slowly forming into a glyph that they all recognized.


    At the same time, she nodded at Emily''s question, "Yeah, nothing we can do about that. You have be more callous, bloodthirsty, and possessive than before, and that''s not going away. Unless you actively try to fight those instincts, but that never ends well. I suggest you just ept it as a part of you."


    "What about¡­" Emily began as her eyes inadvertently panned towards the nearby Erik, who immediately couldn''t help but smirk a little. In moments, both Emma and Elora''s lips also curved into that same knowing smirk.


    Seeing their reactions caused Emily to nt her face into her hand as she groaned, "Just¡­ ugh¡­"


    "Yes, Emily? Whatever you want to ask, I''m here for you," Elora said with all the innocence and kindness she could muster.


    Which was not much.


    Emily groaned harder, and turned to Erik for salvation.


    Deciding to ease her suffering, Erik finally lost his grin and exined, "I think we talked about this before, right? It''s hard to say whether those desires of yours were always there or just got inmed by the corruption. Only one way to find out though, right?"


    A little defeated, Emily nodded, and turned back to the fairy. "Alright, so¡­ what is the sigil for then? Isn''t that the Heartfire sigil that you used to test Emma back in Frostvik?"


    "That''s right!" Elora grinned mischievously. "While not as effective as what we used back in London, it will still help. Besides, just because we don''t really need to loosen the darkness, doesn''t mean we shouldn''t! This is what they call ''two birds with one stone''. You''ll marry him anyway, right?"


    "You¡­! I haven''t agreed to that yet!" Emily eximed, suddenly remembered why she disliked Elora so much. The woman was always trying to get Emily into her flow.


    "Okay, but you''re struggling with whether or not you actually have feelings for him, or if its just any of the several things that are currently affecting your mind, right?" Elora continued, her voice like the velvet sound of a tempting devil on Emily''s shoulder.


    Finally finished drawing the sigil, Elora spread her arms out at her creation. "Well, this will give you the answer!"


    "That¡­" Emily stammered as she looked between Elora, Erik, and the symbol, before suddenly sighing. "That''s not a bad idea." The notion of giving Elora any credit physically distressed her, but she had to admit to desperately wanting to find out if her feelings for Erik were genuine or not.


    "Alright, so let''s get started!" Elora, ever eager to get more powerful women into Erik''s harem, was quick to grasp the chance, and pointed Emily towards the sigil on the floor.


    Emily sighed, and sat down on the circle with hers legs crossed.


    "Don''t worry, big Em! It''ll go great! After today, you''ll finally be free! Emma eximed, equally eager to get rid of Emily''s corruption. Besides wanting her sister not to suffer anymore, she also still med herself a little for what happened back then.


    Before they got started, Erik also offered a few words of caution. "Remember, Emily. The beginning will be quite torturous for you. We''ll have to remove the envement for this to work properly, which means the corruption will take hold again. Combine that with the Heartfire sigil, and¡­ let''s just say I doubt this will be as much fun for you as my punishments."


    He chuckled a little at the end, earning him a re from Emily, but then he smiled. "I believe in you, though."

 Chapter 303: Chapter 303 - Cleansing Emily

    A few minutester, Emily was sitting in a ck dome, much like the ones used during training, except this one couldn''t be opened from the inside. A measure they had taken to protect everyone.


    Emily had her eyes closed and trembled a little as she knew what would soon being.


    Suddenly, she felt it. The shackles that had kept her soul simultaneously locked in servitude to Erik, and protected from the corrupting influence of darkness affinity, had started to loosen.


    Then, the shackles broke.


    Emily gasped, as her eyes widened in fear. All the negative emotions she had felt back in Muonio came flooding back.


    Her obsessive desire to have Erik all to herself.


    Her twisted wish to protect Emma, no matter the cost.


    Her blood lust began to rise exponentially.


    All these feelings and desires blended together to abruptly, that the corrupted Emily was suddenly and instantly consumed with a single thought.


    Kill Emma.


    After all, killing her meant she could never be hurt again, while also satisfying her blood lust, and keeping Erik all to herself.


    Of course, only after she also killed all the others, but her mind didn''t even get that far.


    The thought of killing Emma was so horrifying, that she screeched and grabbed her head, "Nooooo! I¡ª I won''t!"


    Just when she was about to smash her head against the floor in a desperate attempt to keep the dark thoughts out, a bright light started filling the dome.


    Outside the dome, a familiar scene was taking ce, as Elora had her hands ced against the dome, while Emma held a hand on each side of Elora''s small body, and channeled a sphere of light around the fairy.


    Back inside the sphere, Emily started screeching again as soon as the light touched her. Only this time, it wasn''t out of horror, but a strangebination of pain and relief.


    She had never ''felt'' her soul before, but she could feel something inside her was burning; something she couldn''t directly touch.


    It was extremely painful, but there was also relief. Her corrupted emotions where settling down, and she could feel a sliver of sanity was starting to break through again.


    A tear streamed down her cheeks, and her lips curved into a mildly crazy smile. ''It¡ª It''s working!'' she screamed inwardly.


    Suddenly, the sigil underneath her shed, and the world around her changed.


    The pain she felt before was dimmed to a dull aching, and her mind was far clearer again.


    She looked around her in bewilderment and wondered what was going on, before she suddenly remembered the Heartfire sigil. ''Right¡­ this is the test. Something that also seems to reduce my pain and difort¡­ but surely that wasn''t Elora''s goal?'' she thought wryly to herself.


    "Well, whatever," she sighed, and tried to ignore the dull aching and resist the corrupting influence on her mind. "I wonder what my test looks like."


    The moment she thought that, several mirrors appeared all around her, with every mirror depicting a different scene.


    Emily looked at the mirrors and felt a little more dread with every scene they depicted.


    One showed her being imprisoned by the council. At first she was entirely alone in a dark cell. Erik and Emma had both abandoned her and saved themselves.


    Then, the scene transitioned to her being strapped to a table, as someone with a sigil inscription tool approached her. She struggled and screamed, but nothing saved her from a sigil appearing on her forehead, and soon after, the scene changed again, this time to an enved Emily, happily doing the council''s bidding.


    Emily closed her eyes and shuddered as tears rolled down her cheeks. Her mind was bing lost in the mirror''s scene, until she suddenly remembered that day in Frostvik, where Erik had refused any and all possibilities of handing Emily over to save themselves.


    She shook her head and cried out. "No! I¡ª I was afraid of that once, but not anymore! Neither of them would abandon me!"


    With her categorical denial of the scene in the mirror, it shattered, and Emily felt herself freed from its influence. "Fuck''s sake¡­ that''s terrifying," she mumbled to herself. Simultaneously, she also felt a little lighter, as another piece of corruption had broken off from her soul, and was burned away by the light.


    A little hesitantly, she moved on to the next mirror. Once again, she felt her mind being sucked into its surface as it showed her a scene in which she was free, but going entirely ignored by both Erik and Emma, who lived their happily ever after. She watched them have kids and be happy, all while she could do nothing but watch and shed tears of jealous rage.


    Yet, she found this scene to be easier to break than the previous one. "That lecherous bastard would never give up on a possible wife¡­" she mumbled with a strange kind of annoyed fondness.


    Finally, she moved on to thest mirror, and it showed her worst fear. Once again, she was sucked into the scene. In this one, her eyes had turned fully red like they were back in London. Her lips were curved up into a wicked smile and she cackled madly as she looked with glee at Erik and Emma, kneeling beneath her feet.


    Their eyes were dull, and their bodies were wrapped in chains, as they robotically kissed her feet.


    The scene continued with the fully corrupted Emma torturing her two ves in many different ways, even as tears of horror streamed down the real Emily''s face.


    Since it depicted her biggest fear, this scene was harder to break that the others, but surprisingly, it was her memories of Erik''s punishments that eventually did the trick. With her mind still reeling from the experience, she barely realized what she said next as she grabbed her head and shook it wildly. "No!" she eximed with conviction. "D¡ª Daddy won''t let that happen!


    He''ll teach me discipline!"


    After the mirror broke and Emily''s mind was fully her own again, she suddenly realized what she''d just said, and groaned. "Goddammit¡­ that bastard really knows how to worm his way into a girl''s brain¡­"


    With thest mirror broken, her surroundings changed, and she suddenly found herself at the start of a short hallway, at the end of which were three doors.


    "What now¡­" she sighed to herself, before approaching the end of the hallway.


    When she came close enough, the three doors became mirrors as well, and once against showed her some scenes. All of which involved Emily having sex with Erik, although the setting was vastly different in each scene.


    The first one showed Emily, grinning sadistically and lustfully, as she rode on top of Erik''s face, while whipping his balls with a riding crop


    Emily''s eyebrows twitched a little when she saw that, and remembered her young self would often imagine herself in this kind of scenario. Although now, she couldn''t imagine herself enjoying doing this to Erik.


    The second scene was of Erik and Emily making passionate, but otherwise vani, love to each other. She nodded appreciatively and felt that, one an intellectual level, this felt like what she wanted most right now.


    The third scene, however, caused her to groan, "Should have expected this¡­"


    It showed Erik ruthlessly railing Emily from behind while pulled her hair, pping her ass, and generally treating her in a humiliating and painful way.


    Emily palmed her face, and cursed at her own body as she could feel her pussy drooling from a mere nce at the third door.


    Her gaze panned between doors two and three, but she knew there was only one choice.


    This was a test, and whichever door she went through wouldn''t actually change anything about her, it would just show that she was either hiding her true self, or epting it.


    She had her eyes closed for a moment, but then opened them again. rity and determination shining inside them. "What''s the point in denying it anymore? Emma is right. I should just choose what makes me happy. What else matters at this point?"


    Thus, she stepped up the door of her choice, and went through it. There wasn''t any sign she chose correctly, but Emily was confident she did.


    Now on the other side, she was presented with another hallway, except this one had only a single door at the end.


    Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Emily approached the door, and attempted to open it, but found it impossible.


    Looking around, she finally noticed a que above the door. It had only a single word: Why?


    "Why what?" she grumbled, a little annoyed at being presented with a riddle.


    But she quickly calmed down and started thinking. ''Why am I here? Technically just to cure my corruption, but I know that''s not the main point of the Heartfire sigil. Instead, the point is to see if I truly love Erik, but that doesn''t really track with a why¡­''


    She wrecked her brain on this a little longer, until she got an idea. "Unless¡­ that question was already answered earlier, by being able to break the mirrors and choosing the right door? Which would mean that this door is asking me¡­ why I love Erik?"

 Chapter 304: Chapter 304 - Taming Emily [1/3]*

    When she realized what this door was asking, Emily snorted angrily. "Damn this sigil¡­ It may think I love Erik, but I''m still not so sure! Let alone knowing why!"


    The moment she said that, the que above the door shed, and Emily was suddenly forced to watch everything that happened in the past year, including everything she felt when watching those horror scenes in the mirrors earlier.


    In the span of a few seconds, Emily was confronted with every interaction she had with Erik, everything he had done, the way he treated her, and¡­ all the feelings she had during this time.


    When it was done, she groaned and grabbed her head as she sank to her knees with tears streaming from her eyes. "Dammit¡­" she cursed. "I do love him¡­"


    Before she was afraid that her mind was being affected by the corruption, the covenant, or the envement. But now she could see exactly when she fell in love with him, and why.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, outside her mind, Emily was sitting cross-legged in a dark dome, flooded by light. Her her brows were furrowed in difficulty.


    Outside the dome, Elora and Emma continued to work together as they purified Emily''s soul from as much darkness as they could while Erik watched with calm concern.


    At some point, Emma began to sway a little, causing him to quickly grab her shoulders and stabilize her. No one said a word, as the only sound filling the room was the humming of power.


    Finally, a tired Elora took her hands of the dome and sighed, "Phew. Alright, it''s done."


    With those words, Emma quickly took her hands back and sagged into the arms of the man behind her. Sweat covered her forehead and she sighed in relief, but overall she was in much better condition than she had been after doing this back in London.


    At the same time, Elora snapped her fingers to make the ck dome disappear, and then flew up to take a seat on Erik''s shoulder again.


    They watched the motionless Emily with various expressions, ranging from Elora''s curiosity, to Erik''s concern, to Emma''s slight anxiety.


    After a few moments of silence, Emily opened her eyes and looked at the people in front of her. Her eyes still looked like bleeding pieces of cracked onyx, but there was no insanity in them. No desire to kill or enve them all. She was just¡­ calm.


    Emily blinked, and looked at her hand, as if to check if this was still her own body. Next, she closed her eyes and balled her lightly trembling fist. For the first time since the corruption started effecting her, her mind was fully her own.


    The corruption was gone, the darkness was no long nibbling on the edges of her mind. The covenant was gone as well, having been reced by the envement back in Muonio, and now, the envement was gone, time.


    "Finally¡­ my mind is entirely my own again," she mumbled softly, before looking up at the three people looking at her and softly smiling.


    She stood up gracefully with her raven hair flowing behind her and looked at Emma, "Thank you, little Em." And then, perhaps surprisingly, panned her gaze to the fairy on Erik''s shoulder, "And you, too, Elora. I still don''t like you, but¡­ I can appreciate the way you view the world."


    Elora raised her eyebrows in mild surprise, before smiling slightly, "Perhaps we''ll get along in the future, huh?"


    Emily didn''t answer, and instead focused her attention on Erik now, who had been simply observing her from the moment she came out of the dome.


    Suddenly, Emily smiled mischievously and walked up to Erik, where she grabbed his shirt. "As for you¡­ I want you to punish me!"


    His calm smile disappeared and he blinked in surprise. "W¡ª What? Right now?" he stammered slightly. On his list of first reactions after having her corruption cleansed, this was not even in the top ten.


    Emily''s smile turned into ascivious one. "Yes," she purred enticingly. "Finally, my mind is entirely clear, and that sigil made me realize some things about myself."


    She pulled herself up by his shirt and stood on her toes to whisper seductively in his ear, "So now¡­ now I want you to punish me for making you wait so long. Teach me to be a good little slut in your harem, and don''t stop until I agree to marry you~"


    Erik blinked again. He had always felt a strong desire to dominate Emily from the moment he first met her, and while he had a little fun with her already, she now essentially giving him permission to do as he wished.


    And that was dangerous.


    Still, despite the fact that her words poured oil on his desires, he forced them down and couldn''t help but ask Elora something.


    "Elora¡­" he began, but the fairy immediately interrupted him in an amused tone. "I didn''t do anything! This is all her! I swore to stop doing those kinds of things without telling you, and I haven''t! Which makes this all the more fun, hahaha"


    Elora could barely contain herughter in the real world, but Erik''s link with her echoed with it.


    Meanwhile, Emma had heard everything, despite the whispering, and looked at Emily with a strange mixture of happiness, glee, and pride.


    With Elora''s assurance, Erik got a little excited but remained serious, before snaking his hand upwards and grabbing Emily by the throat.


    Therge-breasted goth girl made a little choking sound, but otherwise didn''t react as Erik pulled her face away from his ear and in front of his eyes.


    Her onyx eyes with crimson cracks shone with lust and excitement as she returned Erik''s domineering gaze. Erik could see she was serious, but he still had to ask. "I''m only going to ask this once, but are you sure?"


    "Yessss," Emily slightly moaned, a little hoarsely due to Erik''s hand choking her slightly. "This is what I want! I want you to teach me discipline! To give me a purpose! To make sure I never go out of control again, and only focus my bloodlust and darkness on your enemies!"


    Erik searched her eyes for any sign of hesitation, but found nothing.


    "As you wish then," he began with a raised eyebrow, "but if you ever want to back out¡­"


    "If I ever want to back out, that means you failed," Emily whispered hoarsely. "Are you a failure, Daddy~?"


    "Ooh, now you''ve done it," Erik growled excitedly, before turning his attention to the other two women in the room. "Emma, Elora, I''m about to teach little Emily here a lesson. Feel free to watch if you like, otherwise you should go back to what you were doing before."


    "Ha!" Eloraughed. "Is that even a question?!" Rather than go back into Erik''s soul have a first person view, however, she jumped of Erik''s shoulder and erged herself, before conjuring tworge,fortable chairs from her storage jewel and taking a seat on one.


    "Care to join me, Emma?" she asked the visibly excited white-haired maid while gesturing towards the chair next to her.


    Seemingly in a state of shock, Emma shook herself free before nodding with obvious and lustful excitement as she sat down on the edge of the seat next to Elora, and kept her eyes trained on Erik and Emily. She didn''t say a word, already halfway lost in her own world.


    Meanwhile, Erik looked into Emily''s eyes. Eyes that shone with a defiant re, daring him to tame her.


    He smirked and, without releasing her throat, used his other arm to grab the crop top she had been wearing since London, and tore it off her in one violent pull. She wore no bra, so herrge breasts immediately flopped out and breathed fresh air.


    "Asshole!" Emily smirked defiantly, seemingly unconcerned. "Now what am I going to wear?!"


    "Whatever I want you to, of course," Erik chuckled while tweaking one of her beautiful pink buds. "That''s the life of a good little slut, after all."


    Moaning softly through the hand around her windpipe, Emily kept smirking, "I¡ª Hnnn, I haven''t agreed to that yet!"


    "Well, than I''d better get to work," Erik chuckled, as he released her breast and slowly moved his downwards, caressing her stomach, and than grabbed the waist of her ck, baggy cargo pants, before ripping those off as well.


    Hisviolent actions caused Emily to moan as her eyes rolled up in her head a little and her pussy was already sopping wet.


    "A¡ª Are you going to take my first time as punishment, Daddy~?" she wonderedsciviously while squirming her body enticingly.


    Surprisingly, Erik denied her. ''I have a better idea,'' he thought, before grinning maliciously, "No, I''m not. Fucking your cunt is a reward you will earn upon marrying me. First, I have to teach you obedience and discipline."


    While entuating hisst words with a heavy handed spank on her ass, he used the hand around her throat to drag her ear towards his face and whispered in hear ear, "And for that, you have a far more appropriate hole."


    At the same time, Erik''s finger brushed passed her second lower entrance, and suddenly, Emily felt the need to gulp.

 Chapter 305: Chapter 305 - Taming Emily [2/3]**

    Emily gulped while her naked body got mushed up against Erik as one of hisrge fingers carefully probed the wrong hole. Before, she had a sudden burst of rity regarding what she wanted, but now that rity began to waver.


    "U¡ª Uhm, I¡ª I haven''t had anything in there¡­ Y¡ª You won''t fit! My body is not as durable as a Runebound''s!" Emily quickly stammered as her mind drifted back to the night where Erik and Elora had enved Nora and Erik had ravaged the woman''s ass.


    With his hand still around her delicate neck, Erik dragged her face in front of his again. "Does that mean you want out?" he asked seriously, an eyebrow raised, without exining anything about his ns for her.


    His message was clear. If this is the kind of rtionship she wanted, then it was his way or no way.


    Emily gulped again, but than her desire and the trust she had in him came bubbling up, and she found herself shaking her head. "N¡ª No¡­ I''m sorry, Daddy. Please punish me."


    "Good girl," Erik grinned while finally prating her back door with his middle finger, causing Emily to gasp and lose her breath a little. "But from now one," Erik continued. "I''ll only stop if you say ''red'', understood?"


    As if all her resistance had drained away through the finger in her ass and Erik''s piercing amber eyes, she found she could only nod meekly.


    The submissive masochist inside her had taken over.


    Her muscles had now lost most of their strength as she sagged against Erik while the foreign feeling of having him probe her ass was taking her breath away. It hurt a little, but not too bad, and the pain was only making it better for her.


    Still, she doubted she take any more than a finger, and had no idea how Erik was going to make it work with that massive tool between his legs.


    Behind Erik, she noticed the two chairs with Emma and Elora on them, both of whom where watching with rapt attention. Emma had already slipped a hand beneath her maid outfit, while Elora seemed content just to watch for now with a smug smile and a lustful glint in her eyes.


    Suddenly, Erik released the girl in his arms, causing her to wobble as she was now forced to stand on her own weakened legs. "Ah! W¡ª What?" she stammered with quick breaths as his hold on her throat was gone now.


    Erik quickly spanked her ass, causing Emily to yelp while the sting helped her refocus. It also brought some of her defiance back as she red at him and rubbed her stinging butt.


    Yet, since she didn''t say anything, Erik just chuckled and ignored her re while removing his own clothes, and sitting down on the bed. Here, he beckoned to Emily, "Don''t worry, we''ll start of easy. We''ve done this plenty of times already."


    This time, and excited grin appeared on Emily''s face. She had been a little distraught due to Erik''s sudden interest in her back door, but now he clearly intended to use her bubble butt in a way she already knew she loved.


    So she scampered over to him like an excited kitten, her breasts swaying in the air, and draped herself over his knees, while shaking her ass enticingly. She was lying on the bed, across his legs, with her ass thrust into the air, and her upper body leaning on her arms.


    "You seem more excited then before," Erik grinned while slowly caressing the beautiful woman''s curves, before delivering a sudden spank to her bottom.


    Emily yelped and moaned from the sensation, before answering in a dreamy voice, "I was still trying to deny my feelings then¡­"


    "But not anymore?" Erik asked, entuating his question with another spank.


    "Ah! Hnnn. N¡ª No! Not anymore. Although, if you want me to fully submit and agree to marry you, you''ll have to try harder than this," she giggled slightly.


    "Don''t worry, you already know how today is going to end," Erikughed as he spanked her again, before suddenly digging his middle finger in her ass for the second time.


    "Gah!" Emily eximed while once again loosing all strength in her muscles, causing her body to sag downwards, and Erik''s finger to slip out again.


    "Tsk tsk," Erik tutted as he watched Emily go limp and looked a little delirious, "You''re going to have to get better at handling that. But don''t worry. You''ll learn eventually." Wanting to entuate his point, he once again brought his hand down on her poor, unprotected behind.


    "Y¡ª Yessss! I''ll learn!" she gasped with wide eyes and nodded as she shot up again.


    "Good girl," Erik chuckled. "Now let''s make sure your ass is properly glowing before we move on."


    The next few minutes were spent spanking Emily, causing yelps and moans to echo through the room as her pussy dripped on the bed uncontrobly. Her head was buried into the bed, as she was unable to support her upper body any longer.


    Suddenly, Emily asked a question with a hint of desperation in her voice, "D¡ª Daddy! C¡ª Can I cum?!"


    "Oh?" Erik wondered in surprise, as his hand hovered above her ass. "I didn''t tell you to ask for that, did I?"


    "N¡ª Noooo," Emily mumbled deliriously. "Bu¡ª But I don''t want to¡­ without¡­"


    An excited grin spread across Erik''s face. "Wow. You''ve certainly awakened to your inner pervert, huh?"


    "S¡ª Shut uuuup¡­" she groaned. "C¡ª Can I?"


    "Orgasm denial is not part of your punishment today," Erik nodded. "But you will need to ask every time, understood?"


    "Y¡ª Yes!" Emily eximed excitedly while a little drool dripped from the corner of her mouth. "N¡ª Now, please!"


    Chuckling, Erik pushed one finger into her drooling cunt, and used his other hand to continue spanking her ass until she trembled and shook in an explosive orgasm. Fluids shot out of her pussy, drenching the bed and Erik''s hand.


    "Sheesh, now look at what you did," Erik smirked, before brining his wet hand up to Emily''s mouth. "Lick it clean, Emily."


    Emily nodded weakly, all resistance gone for now, and startedpping up the fluids on Erik''s hand.


    Erik felt a shiver as her soft tongue caressed his hand, and the pleasure that came from dominating her like this spread through his body.


    After his hand was clean, he grabbed Emily by her waist, and dragged her to the right, causing her toe face to face with his cock. "Alright, time for the next step of your punishment, little Emily. I''m going to prepare your asshole for me, and in the meantime, I suggest you prepare my cock as well. The wetter it is, the less trouble you''ll have."


    Emily gulped and nodded. She had no idea how he was going to prepare her, but she was sure she''d find out soon enough. Meanwhile, she looked at his cock with hunger in her eyes. She remembered its taste well, and actually felt herself looking forward to this.


    So grabbed his cock and slowly started licking it from top to bottom and back, savoring it.


    At the same time, Erik leaned over to to the right a little and caressed her plump ass, before once again sticking his middle finger into her back door.


    This time, Emily was better able to handle the feeling, as she trembled and closed her eyes, but continued to lick and prepare Erik''s dick.


    Yet, her stoicism didn''tst long.


    Suddenly, something happened. Emily lost all strength in her body once again as an immensely strange feeling spread throughout. "G¡ª Gaah! Wh¡ª Wh¡ª Whaa¡ª Whaaaat was thaattt," she mumbled deliriously as her eyes were rolling and her head hade to rest on Erik''s thighs.


    "That was a very low-current electrical pulse," Erik grinned as he started stroking Emily''s long, raven hair. "Since your body can''t handle the same stress as Nora could, and neither of us wants to wait until we can prepare your ass by more conventional means, this is a good alternative! The electrical pulses will quickly make those muscles more pliant until you can easily fit me inside."


    After finishing his exnation, he fired another pulse, causing Emily''s head to reel again. She really never had felt anything so strange. It didn''t hurt, it didn''t necessarily feel good either, but it definitely felt like nothing she had ever felt before.


    Noticing that Emily had stopped licking his cock, he grinned at the woman in hisp. "Are you sure it''s wet enough already, Emily? It''s going in as soon as I think your ass is loosened up enough, so I suggest you make use of this time."


    In response, Emily red at Erik''s grinning face above her, but didn''tin or say anything else. In fact, the humiliation Erik was putting her through coursed through her body in the form of pleasure, and she immediately knew she wouldn''t be able to get enough of this any time soon.


    Thus, as the next pulse spread, once again making her legs tingle and lose all feeling, she bravely grabbed his cock and stuffed it in her mouth.

 Chapter 306: Chapter 306 - Taming Emily [3/3]***

    The next few minutes were spent with Emily desperatelythering his cock in as much saliva as she could, knowing it would soon ravage her ass.


    Yet, it was hard for her to focus. Erik''s pheromones were making her thoughts hazy as a pink fog of lust filled her mind, even while the finger in her ass was constantly sending electric pulses through her muscles that were making feel all sorts of strange things that she couldn''t quite understand.


    All in all, her mind was a mess. And she loved it.


    This is exactly what her masochistic instincts desired. Exactly what she had been half-heartedly trying to deny herself this whole time.


    For Erik to take control, and teach her to obey. To have her mind quiet down, and have him help control her darker urges.


    So that there would never be a repeat of what happened in London.


    Meanwhile, Erik had a hand on her head, as he slowly controlled her movements and pushed her to go as deep as she could, while enjoying the cramping of her throat and desperatethering of her tongue.


    She could feel the muscles in her anus rx more and more as Erik prepared them for his entry, and finally, he grabbed her hair and pulled her of his cock and his finger out of her ass. She panted, and looked at him with hazy lust in her eyes.


    "I think it''s about time," Erik growled with aggressive lust. "You ready?"


    "D¡ª Doesh is m¡ª matter?" she mumbled, slightly slurring her words.


    It didn''t. Not so long as she didn''t actually tell him to stop.


    "Good answer," Erik grinned, before standing up with Emily in his arms, turning around, and dumping her on the bed again, face down. Lacking the strength to do anything, Emily simply let herself be manhandled while she groaned and moaned.


    Next, he put himself on top of her, knees on the outside of her legs, and leaned over, putting his entire weight on her back while his dick rested between her ass cheeks. Emily''s arms were syed out to the side, unmoving.


    Emily moaned and groaned as her breasts were ttened against the bed and it became more difficult to breathe. "Haaaah, D¡ª Daaddyy¡­ P¡ª Please¡­"


    "Shhh," Erik shushed while snaking his right arm around her neck, and sliding his left under her squished tit to grab her nipple. "Just rx. Trust me. Obey. That''s what you want, isn''t it?"


    "Y¡ª Yesh¡­" she groaned, barely able to get any air in her lungs. "W¡ª Want to serve¡­ D¡ª Daddy¡­ M¡ª Master¡­"


    "Good girl," Erik grinned and rewarded her by lifting himself up a little, allowing her to breathe again.


    "Aaaah, T¡ª Thank you!" she gasped, deliriously, unaware of the ridiculousness of thanking him for letting her breathe. Even so, pleasure was flowing through her body as she felt herself bing more and more submissive to Erik, without anything affecting her mind; the thing she was most afraid off.


    During her time in the Heartfire sigil, she had realized that she didn''t actually mind surrendering to Erik in this way. In fact, she loved it. The only thing she hated was the thought that any of it might be the result of something affecting her mind.


    But now, she knew there was nothing left that affected her. She felt clear and free, for the first time in 8 years.


    Free to surrender willingly.


    Watching all this from the sidelines, Emma and Elora had gotten plenty excited themselves. But while Elora resisted the urge to masturbate, knowing she had to hold herself to a higher standard if she wanted to lead these women, Emma was was not so conscientious.


    The white-haired young woman''s hand was working furiously between her legs as she panted and moaned at the sight of her older sister getting punished and surrendering herself. She could feel a well-hidden desire to see her sister punished for what she did get scratched, but knew she wanted to see more.


    Back with the pair of lovers on the bed, Erik whispered in Emily''s ear, "Now, as you can see, both my hands are upied." His right arm remained hooked around her throat, ready to take into a choke hold, while the other kept massaging one of her breasts, even as they were squished into the mattress.


    Emily nodded meekly, her mind still reeling from all the different sensations Erik was giving her.


    "So," Erik continued. "I want you to reach back, and part your ass cheeks for me, so I can enter you, and teach you what happens to disobedient girls."


    Chapter Continue:


    "O¡ª Okay¡­!" Emily quickly nodded. She still felt anxious at the impending pration and loss of her anal virginity, something she never thought she would simply give away in this way, especially not before the more important one. But, didn''t have it in her to resist him anymore. Not even yfully. At least not right now.


    Thus, her hands snuck down to her lower body, and she grabbed both her lower cheeks, shortly brushing past the wet cock between them, causing both her and Erik to shiver slightly.


    Slowly, she pulled her cheeks apart, allowing Erik''s cock to slip in further, until his tip rested against her now far more pliable entrance.


    Since his own urges were screaming with desire as well, Erik simply pushed forward without warning. Slowly, her opening widened and prepared to engulf Erik''s tip.


    Emily moaned, groaned and trembled. It didn''t hurt as much as she expected, likely due to Erik''s preparations, but it still felt like she was about to be invaded in a very private ce. A ce that was once all her own, but would soon be forever marked by someone else.


    Erik felt her opening make way for his meaty pole and thoroughly enjoyed both the physical and mental pleasure of the act.


    Emily continued spreading her ass diligently, until finally, his tip had entered her entirely.


    At this point, Emily was a gasping, and panting mess as she felt his hard, throbbing tip inside her. But now that they had reached this point, she wanted more. "Daddy¡ª M¡ª Master! D¡ª Do it! T¡ª Take my ass! Make me yours!"


    "As thedy wishes," Erik chuckled, before continuing to push inside. Her insides were soft, warm, and clean. After all, from the moment aetherium came to Earth, every single thing that entered the body was turned into aetherium, and no more waste was produced.


    It was a tight fit, but Erik''s work to loosen her up had paid off. Combined with her slightly stronger body due to her status as an Arcanist, he didn''t feel any significant resistance.


    Emily groaned. She felt like the air in her lungs was getting pushed out as he filled more and more of her insides. "S¡ª Sooo fffullll. F¡ª feels lllike Ian''t breeaaathe," she mumbled deliriously.


    Taking that as an invitation, Erik smirked deviously, and began to tighten the hold he had on her throat with his arm. "No, my little Kitten. Let me show you how it feels when you can''t breathe."


    Emily''s eyes widened as she felt it became even harder get any air in her lungs. ''Yesss! This is what I wanted all along!'' she screamed inside her mind, reaffirming her earlier revtion.


    "D¡ª Dominate me, Daddy!" she barely managed to squeak out. "P¡ª Punish me f¡ª for all my defiance a¡ª and the trouble I caused! T¡ª Teach me to obey you¡­ Like a perverted, masochistic wife should! P¡ª Please be my Husband-Master!"


    At this point, Erik had bottomed out inside her, his balls pping against her cunt. Abination of pleasure and pain was clearing Emily''s mind, and she chose this moment to submit herself fully.


    Not wanting to waste her dedication, Erik smiled softly and leaned in. "I promise to love you, Emily. I promise to love you, keep you in line, and punish you whenever I wish, whether you deserve it or not. In return, you''ll be my obedient and willing little ve-wife, ready to serve my every desire. Do you agree?"


    "Yes!" Emily immediately eximed, her mind clear and entirely submissive to Erik. "I''ll be yours forever!"


    "Good girl," Erik smiled with warm excitement. "Here is your reward."


    With that, he pulled back from her ass, and mmed back inside, causing Emily to scream in pain and pleasure. "Aaaaah~! Can I cum?!"


    "For the rest of the night, you can cum as much as you wish, so long as you proim your love and obedience to me every time," Erik chuckled, before continuing to pump inside, marking every single inch of her ass with his cock.


    Emily showed no hesitation when she screamed out, "I love you! Your words are my obsession!" and then came hard, shaking and trembling with her entire body, as her eyes rolled up into her head.


    She wasn''t allowed to faint, however, as Erik''s continued pumping quickly brought her back to life. It also wasn''t long before she screamed out her love and submission again, burning those words deeper and deeper in her mind as Erik continued ravaging her ass.


    It didn''tst long, however. Erik was already on the edge for a while, as Emily''s earlier oral and now her tight ass were wreaking havoc on his discipline. During Emily''s fifth orgasm, he exploded inside her, filling her ass with cream.


    And that was thest straw for the independent goth girl turned willing ve, as she came for thest time, and fainted when Erik pulled himself out of her.

 Chapter 307: Chapter 307 - Morning after

    Several hourster, Erik woke up in Emily''s bed. In his arms were the lovely Ashcroft sisters.


    Last night, after Emily had fallen asleep, Erik had looked over at the two chairs and noticed that Emma had fallen asleep as well, although not before spraying the chair and floor with her juices. Elora, on the other hand, was wide awake, and looking at him with a ravenous gaze, demanding Erik fulfill his husbandly duties to her.


    Thus, Erik had put Emma in the bed next to Emily, and then happily tended to Elora''s needs as well, before falling asleep between the sisters, and with a satisfied Elora in his soul.


    Now, feeling the sister'' soft bodies against his, and with his memories ofst night, Erik felt satisfied. Dominating Emily like that had scratched an itch he had basically from the moment they met, and it felt good to finally let it out.


    It was true that he also enjoyed her fiery personality, though. But he could still enjoy it if it was aimed at other people, rather than him. That said, he wasn''t even sure how Emily would treat him from now on.


    Hey awake for a while, just enjoying the quiet, until Emma suddenly started to stir.


    "Good morning, Master," Erik heard Emma whisper through their bond. "Last night looked amazing, but next time you gotta remember to tie me up and fuck me as well, alright?"


    Erik chuckled before agreeing, "Sure, little glimmer."


    Meanwhile, on his other side, Emily remained essentiallyatose, clearly still recovering from her ordeal the previous day. First getting her corruption cleansed and going through the Heartfire sigil, with all the emotional confrontation that came with, and then the rough night Erik had put her through.


    It was no wonder she needed a little more time to recover.


    "You should go and prepare some food, Emma. I''m sure Emily could use itter. I''ll wait until she wakes up," he then told his maid-wife through their bond.


    "Sure!" she responded cheerfully, before carefully leaving the bed, putting on her maid dress again, and leaving the room.


    Erik stayed in bed for another hour, justzily working on his affinities, before Emily finally began to stir.


    Her head was lying on his chest, while her arms and legs were wrapped around him, just like she did every time she slept next to him. Only now, she probably wouldn''t jump up and act frustrated because of it.


    Her eyes slowly opened and she blinked a few times, seemingly a little confused, before finally noticing where she was. "Hnnngh," she groaned. "It hurts¡­"


    "Don''t pretend you don''t love it," Erik smirked as he slowly started caressing her hair.


    "Shut up!" she eximed, a little fiercely, before pouting and adding meekly, "Master¡­" At the same time, she tightened her grip on his body and a wide smile appeared on her face. Even afterst night, he still treated her kindly now, and that''s how she knew she made the right choice.


    Chapter Explore:


    "Oh? It''s master now, is it?" Erik wondered with amusement.


    "Yes¡­" Emily mumbled, a little embarrassed still, but no longer hiding herself. "The other one is just for when you''re punishing me."


    "Fair enough," Erik chuckled. "But now that the heightened emotions fromst night have passed, are you sure this is what you want?"


    Still holding on to his body, Emily thought back tost night, before nodding slowly. "I never knew I wanted this kind of structure until you brought it into my life, and now I don''t think I can go without it anymore. I want you to direct my darker urges, so I don''t hurt anyone who doesn''t deserve it."


    "Can''t promise you thatst part," Erik carefully shook his head, not wanting her to be disappointed or back out, but also not wanting her to get disillusionedter. "Sometimes people get hurt when they don''t deserve it."


    "If you tell me to, then they deserve it," Emily giggled, a little yfully, already showing her callous side. Perhaps Elora and Emily had a lot inmon.


    ''She''s really putting a lot of trust in me sincest night,'' Erik sighed inwardly, before responding. "That''s a lot of responsibility," he chuckled. "But I''ll take it."


    Emily smiled and hugged him closer again.


    They fell quiet for a moment, before Emily spoke up again, with a slightly embarrassed pout. "So¡­ when do we do it¡­?"


    "Do what?" Erik asked, partly teasing, partly just really wanting to know, as there were two possibilities.


    "G¡ª Get married," Emily sighed and stammered a little, still feeling a little surprised at her own words, despite everything.


    In response, Erik stopped blocking his newest bond, and talked to her through it, "Who says we haven''t yet?"


    As it turned out, Elora had created the bond between themst night, after Emily had agreed to marry hi.


    Immediately, together with his voice, Emily was hit with a wave of Erik''s emotions. "Gah!" she eximed in surprise as she sat up and grasped her head. "Wha¡ª What is that?!"


    At the same time, Erik also started feeling her emotions, but he was used to it by now. "That''s our bond. You''re currently feeling my emotions, as I am feeling yours. Just give it a second," he grinned, deciding not to overwhelm her by talking normally. "You''ll get used to it. Soon it''ll just be like background noise, but aforting kind."


    Emily panted and desperately tried to get all these foreign emotions under control. Erik started soothing her by petting her head. After a few minutes, she calmed down, and nodded to indicate she was alright.


    "That''s¡­ intense," she chuckled, still reeling a little. "Am I gonna feel this all the time now?"


    "It gets more intense the closer we are to each other," Erik shrugged with a small smile. "Just takes a little time to learn its peculiarities."


    "I see," Emily nodded with a strange expression. "So, we''re married now, huh? Gotta admit, it''s a strange thought."


    "Well, we havee a long way," Erik chuckled, before slowly leaning in closer to her. "Are you ready for your first married kiss?"


    Emily gulped as she looked into his amber eyes, and then nodded slowly.


    So they kissed. It was a passionate kiss, full of promise for the future. They were married now, so there would be many more as time passed.


    When they separated, a string of saliva still connected their lips, one that Erik greedily slurped up with a smile, causing Emily to blush a little. Despite her usual attitude, this was all still new to her.


    "So how did that feel?" he asked, curiously. "And how do you feel afterst night?"


    "I feel happy, for the first time in a while," she first smiled, before transitioning into a re. "But it still hurts¡­" Then she smiled again, lustfully. "So when can we do it again¡­?"


    "Calm down," Erikughed, enjoying Emily''sscivious side, before smiling mysteriously. "We still need to take care of your other virginity."


    Faced with the unknown, Emily once again turned a little meek and embarrassed, but nodded anyway. "Whenever you want¡­ M¡ª Master." She stumbled a little over thatst word, still not used to calling him that, but knowing it was really the only way she could address him afterst night.


    "Good girl," Erik smiled, before kissing agin. "It might be a little while, because I want to take my time, and we still have a lot to do before we leave this ce next month."


    "T¡ª That''s fine, Master, but¡­ we can still do what we didst night again, right?" She grinned excitedly.


    Grinning back, Erik nodded. But before he could say anything, Emily suddenly noticed something on his chest.


    There was a pair of fairy wings tattooed above his heart, a white light encased by twigs and leaves above that, and now, a dark star with a crimson glow slightly to the right and below the white light.


    That was the tattoo representing Emily, and together with Emma''s, it formed the beginnings of a circle that would soon encircle his heart, and Elora''s wings.


    "Right¡­!" she eximed, before touching the dark star, and quickly looking down at her stomach. There, between her navl and crotch, atop her womb, rested the same tattoo Emma had. A howling wolf''s head encased in an ornate heart.


    A fascinated look rested on Emily''s face as she stroked both tattoo''s at once while Erik simply watched with a kind smile. ''She can be pretty cute,'' he thought to himself.


    "You know, I thought I would hate this when I first saw it on Emma back in Frostvik," she mumbled thoughtfully. "But it actually feels kinda nice. Maybe I just needed to be in love to understand?"


    With that, Erik kissed her again, before getting out of bed and stretching his hand towards his newest bride. "Come on, little shadow, Elora has a new outfit for you, and we still have plenty to do before we leave here."


    Shaking herself free from her thoughts, Emily nodded with a smile, and grabbed his hand.

 Chapter 308: Chapter 308 - Siege

    It was a beautiful summer morning in Finnmark, despite the temperature hanging around the freezing point.


    A watery sun shone down on the ruins of what was once Kirkenes, which was no longer the deserted ruins that Erik and the others found almost a year ago. Instead, they were just ruins.


    The snow-covered town was now filled with a few thousand figures, from apparent humans, to obvious shapeshifters, there was a palpable gloom hanging over everyone. Yet, no one sat still. Everyone was training hard and on constant alert, fully aware an attack mighte at any moment.


    This was thest remaining holdout of the Silver Enve.


    The war had not been going well for them. At first, after Nora learned the sigil to disrupt the Dominion''s control over their ghouls, things had improved for the Enve. After a number of Dominion patrols and hunting squads had been wiped out by the very ghouls that were supposed to serve them, the Dominion had be far more careful.


    This had given the Enve a wee respite from the constant hunting. One they used to their advantage by nning and preparing for when the Dominion woulde for them again. After all, they couldn''t use this sigil to go on the offensive.


    Unfortunately, peace wasn''t meant tost. Two months ago, the Dominion suddenly started pushing aggressively again.


    They had reduced their number of ghouls by giving some of them the blood they required to be vampires again. It wasn''t a perfect system, as many of the former-ghouls had psychological problems stemming from their time as mindless monsters. Not to mention that most of them were understandably resistant to serving the ones that had starved and then enved them before.


    But it didn''t matter. Dissenters and those whose minds were entirely fried were quickly put down by the overwhelming power of the third-ranked Sigurd, and everyone else fell in line after realizing the alternative to obedience.


    At the same time, everyone finally found out what had happened to their former ruler, Liv Frost, who now served by Sigurd''s side as an obedient ghoul. Or, mostly obedient. Many had seen her show surprising aggression towards her master, but since she still obeyed his orders, it didn''t actually change the reality: Sigurd ruled supreme.


    Thus, the dominion now created a new tactic. Instead of sending in overwhelming amounts of ghouls into Enve camps, they send in regr vampires to first destroy the sigils, and than send in the ghouls to mop up what remained.


    When the Frostfang learned of this, he knew there was only one way to survive, at least for a time: consolidation.


    Thus, rather than have the Enve be divided into arge number of hard-to-find smaller camps as before, he pulled everyone together into one the ruins of Kirkenes, which they had prepared for this very purpose during the lull in offensive actions against them.


    Now, Kirkenes was a fortress under siege.


    The Dominion''s army surrounded the ce, but despite their superior force, they couldn''t actually start an assault. Kirkenes was surrounded by a great many disruption sigils, which meant the ghouls weren''t able to enter without turning on their former masters.


    At the same time, the Dominion''s new tactic of sending in the vampires first didn''t work because they didn''t have enough of them. Currently, the Dominion was divided into about four thousandghouls, and a thousand vampires, while the Enve still had around three thousand shapeshifters, now all holed up in Kirkenes.


    Those thousand vampires would never be able to destroy the disruption sigils before the three thousand shapeshifters overwhelmed them. Even Liv Frost as a third-ranked ghoul didn''t make a difference, as she would be affected by the disruption sigil as much as any of the others.


    Thus, the Enve and Dominion were locked in a stalemate, and they were both be impatient and anxious.


    While the Enve could technically stay holed up for as long as they liked, because they didn''t actually need any sustenance, shapeshifters loved their freedom, and being stuck in one ce like this was making them stir-crazy.


    Meanwhile, the Dominion didn''t have enough blood to sustain their current thousand vampires for long, let alone turn any more ghouls into vampires, which meant they were equally anxious to get this over with so they could capture as many of those shapeshifters as possible, and put them in the blood farms.


    All in all, it was a tenuous situation, and it wouldn''t be long before it all came to a boil.


    In the middle of Kirkenes, two women were sparring and training with each other. One was a voluptuous woman with tinum-blond hair, while the other was more athletic and with an ash-blond hair color. "Why do you look so happy this morning, Nora?" the athletic woman asked, grumpily. "It''s annoying. There''s nothing to be happy about in our current situation."


    "Not yet, you mean," Nora grinned happily. "But good things areing, Anne. Trust me!"


    "Ugh," Anne groaned, still grumpy. "What''s happened to you, anyway? You''ve been acting weird since Frostvik; talking in these strange riddles, mood swings¡­ and when''s thest time you yed with one of your toys, anyway?"


    Used to be that Nora had a number of mostly first-ranked shapeshifters who she turned into her submissive toys, but since Frostvik she hadn''t touched any of them, a fact that confused not only Anne, but anyone who knew Nora.


    "At first I thought you were affected by Bj?rn''s betrayal and f''s nearly dying," Anne continued as she threw a few more punches in Nora''s direction, "but its been more then eleven months since then! Why are you still acting weird?!"


    "I have my reasons," Nora smiled mysteriously as she defended against Anne''s attacks. "Maybe I''ll tell you about them someday." At the same time, Anne could swear she saw some strange symbols shing across Nora''s neck. Yet when she looked again they were gone, and she figured she''d imagined them.


    Anne scoffed at Nora''s exnation, but could see she wasn''t getting anything better, so she let it go and they continued sparring. Her confusion about Nora''s behavior continued to grow, however, as she could see the blond woman''s mood improving even further with time.


    Finally, when Nora seemed to be almost bouncing with enthusiasm, an rm suddenly sounded across town, and everyone around them sprang into action. At the same time, Anne could hear Nora mumble something under her breath: "He''s finally here."


    Naturally, Anne found that suspicious as hell, but she had no time to deal with it now, simply storing it away forter.


    All second rankers were supposed to report to the location of the rm, so they both ran in that direction, although differing expressions. Anne was anxious, thinking the attack had finallye, while Nora looked excited for her own reasons.


    When they got there, there was a bustle of activity around one of the town''s entrances. Arge group of people were watching amotion in the Dominion''s ranks across the sigil-filled no-man''snd.


    "What''s going on?!" Anne asked one of them hurriedly. "Is it the Dominion? Are they attacking?!"


    "We don''t know, Ma''am," he first-ranked shapeshifter responded respectfully, knowing Anne''s status as a second-ranker. "There''s some kind ofmotion among the blood suckers, so we assumed an attack just to be safe, but¡­ I''m getting the idea they''re fighting something from the other side instead."


    With a confused frown, Anne turned her attention towards the Dominion''s side, and had to agree with him. Rather than face the town, the vampire''s and ghouls in this section of their army seemed to be facing the other side, while the rest of the Dominion''s army seemed to be focused in that direction as well.


    That was when she even noticed the most hated leader of the Dominion, Sigurd, making his way in that same direction, with his ghoulified enforcer in tow.


    At the same time, it looked like something or someone was making its way to them from the other side. Now, there was a race going on between Sigurd and whatever or however was trying to break through the Dominion lines. Sounds of fighting echoed across the divide as it sounded like flesh tearing and ghouls screeching.


    But before the two third-rankers could get there, a bloody, armored werewolf burst from the Dominion ranks, howling into the air. His ws dripped blood as he still held the torn heads of vampire and ghoul alike in his hands. The moment he burst free, he tossed the heads behind him and dropped on all fours as he sprinted on to the town.


    Behind him, a horde of vampires and ghouls followed, but as soon as the ghouls stepped into the disruption sigil''s range, they started raging against their masters and the pursuit was quickly halted.


    Sigurd also stopped before the sigils, as he didn''t want even the smallest risk that his new third-rank puppet might step into them. Thus, he simply looked at the disappearing werewolf with anger and suspicion, wondering where this powerful person suddenly came from.


    "Tell me exactly what happened," he growled at the second-rankmander of this section.


    While Sigurd was getting a report, the werewolf came to a skidding stop by the crowd of shapeshifters in front of Kirkenes. Righting himself, he smirked at Anne, "Hey Anne, been a while. How''s f?"

 Chapter 309: Chapter 309 - Catching up [1/2]

    While his armor was clearly different fromst time, Anne still easily recognized the werewolf in front of her. She wasn''t able to smell him and most of his body was covered, but his white fur with ck lightning marks together with this voice was more than enough for her.


    "Erik!" she roared furiously. "How dare you show your face here after you caused us all that trouble!"


    "I think you''re misremembering, Anne," Erik sneered dismissively. "You were the ones who came to my home uninvited and brought trouble with you. You got what you deserved."


    The shapeshifters gathered here quickly picked up on the vibe and naturally bared their ws and fangs at Erik. Yet, they were all merely first-rankers. They felt the power rolling off him and quickly backed down with a single intense re promising pain and death.


    In the back of this group Erik also noticed a hungry and lustful pair of eyes who clearly wanted to devour him. But not in the same way as Anne. He didn''t pay her much attention, however. Although two of his wives had submissive personalities and enjoyed special rtionships with him, Nora was different. She actually was a servant to him, and nothing more.


    Although¡­ he had to admit she''d been very useful, and eager. Perhaps a reward was in order?


    Putting aside his thoughts, he refocused on Anne, who was seething angrily and yelling, "Shut up!". Her body quickly changed as she grew yellow fur with ck stripes, whiskers, and mean looking ws. In mere moments, she had changed to her werelynx form and growled threateningly at him, seemingly ready to attack.


    "Are you sure you want to do this, Anne?" Erik chuckled casually. "How much stronger have you grown in these eleven months? Do you think you stand a chance now?"


    Panning his gaze over the, by now, hundreds of shapeshifters gathered around this entrance into town, he continued, "And how many of them do you think will get caught up in it?"


    Despite the fact that Nora had already turned the rm off, more shapeshifters kept showing up to see what all themotion was about. Anything was better than the mind-numbing waiting around and training they had been doing for the past month or so.


    At this point, besides the many first-rankers, a few tens of second-rankers had also shown up. Thus, with the weaker shapeshifters falling back a little, Erik was now bing surrounded by tens of second-rankers instead.


    Still, he didn''t look worried, and simply smirked at them all with confidence, as if daring them to try something. Yet, they had all heard Erik''s words, and noticed Anne''s hesitation, and even some fear, behind her anger.


    "Shouldn''t we do something?!" one of the second-rankers whispered to the person next to him. "This guy may be a werewolf, but he''s clearly an enemy, right? I mean, I barely ever see general Anne loose her temper, I always thought she was cold as ice!"


    "Just shut up and wait for her to make a move!" the other hissed back. "She clearly knows this guy, but there must be a reason she''s not attacking. Do you want to get in trouble with her?!"


    "N¡ª No," the first shapeshifter quickly shook his head and fel silent. But it didn''t take long before he continued again, "Do you think she''s waiting for the other generals?"


    Since Nora had blended in with the first-rankers at this point, they didn''t realize there already was another general there.


    Before the other could answer, a third general arrived.


    The crowd of shapeshifters parted as therge form of a ginger haired Viking slowly passed between them. Immediately, Erik stopped intimidating the people around him and grinned happily at the newly arrived general instead.


    "Erik¡­" a deep, warm voice full of care echoed across the area. "I''ve been worried about you."


    "Worried about me?" Erik chuckled yfully. "I wasn''t the one fighting a war, old man."


    Unsurprisingly, a shock went through the gathered shapeshifters as they heard the familiar tone with which these two addressed each other. They even saw Anne scoffing, but not looking surprised. Suddenly, they wondered if this was the reason she hadn''t attacked him yet.


    Yet, their initial shock was nothing to what came soon after.


    Viljar suddenly looked sad as he looked at his nephew and continued moving closer. "You were smart to get away from it all, Erik. The council hasn''t contacted us at all since that day, and I doubt even with you and your friends help we could have won. Now, we are trapped here, and¡­ so are you. There''s no way you''ll be able to get out the way you came in, so why did youe?


    You should have stayed away."


    "You know why I came back, Uncle," Erik said somberly. "In fact, you should know all of my reasons."


    It was Viljar who first pointed out the likelihood of Astrid pulling Erik into this war, and Erik doubted his uncle hadn''t considered the possibility that Erik mighte back for revenge on Frostfang. Plus, there was the fact that Viljar would die in this siege, sooner orter, if Erik didn''t do anything.


    Erik loved his uncle, and he didn''t want to reunite with his mother by telling her that Viljar died.


    Aplicated look appeared on Viljar''s face as he realized his fears hade true, and Erik came here for revenge. Although why Erik would pick now, when they were all likely to die soon anyway, was a mystery to him. Not to mention that Erik remained a second-ranker, so how was he going to stand up to Frostfang?


    Meanwhile, the second shock wave hit the spectators as they heard Erik call Viljar his uncle, and the old werebear didn''t deny it.


    "Hold up!" one shapeshifter whispered urgently to another. "Did he just say ''Uncle''?! Isn''t general Viljar Lady Runa''s brother-inw?! Does that mean what I think it means?!"


    His conversation partner was just as wound up as he was and his whispering ended up as more like hushed yelling when he answered. "How the fuck should I know?! Do you think I know any more than you?! But holy shit that would be something!"


    "I guess it could just be a term of endearment if they were particrly close," the first voice pondered, before suddenly turning excited again. "Either way, though. This certainly brakes up this fucking monotony we''ve been suffering for thest month. I almost wish the Dominion would just attack already so we can at least die fighting."


    "You''re not wrong," the second voice chuckled, before focusing back on the spectacle in front of them.


    Several versions of that same conversation went on almost everywhere throughout the crowd, causing a wave of hushed whispers to echo through the area.


    Sighing heavily, Viljar decided to worry about thister, and first greet his nephew properly. Erik already had his arms wide as the two met and encased each other in a bear hug where Erik''s normallyrge form got dwarfed by his uncle''s massive one.


    "Well, either way, its good to see you again, Nephew," Viljar sighed, putting his moreplicated feelings aside for now.


    "You too, Uncle," Erik smiled, genuinely happy to see Viljar was still alive and well.


    While they hugged, Nora looked from a distance as she leaned against a wall and looked at them with a slightly crazed smile. Over the past eleven months, she had been aching to feel Erik''s touch again. He had forbidden her from ying with her toys, after all, and even if he hadn''t, none of them could make her feel anything close to what she experienced during those few days in Frostvik.


    Thus, her dependence on him and desire to see him again had steadily grown. Now, her mind was constantly upied with thoughts of pleasing him in the hope of being rewarded for her service. In fact, she had ballooned his image in her mind so much, that she didn''t even doubt he would solve their current predicament.


    Naturally, Nora was the one to inform Erik about everything that had happened in thest eleven months, and where to find them, using the Bond of Service she was bound by.


    Meanwhile, Anne looked at them as well, but her gaze and apanying feelings were quite the opposite from Nora''s. Although her hot fury had cooled down somewhat, she now looked at him with cold fury instead. A fury that even spilled over to Viljar a little.


    She felt Erik had betrayed his mother''s legacy, and his fellow shapeshifters, by not joining the war eleven months ago, and now Viljar was still weing him like true family.


    On some level, she felt betrayed by two family members of the one person she admired and respected more than any other: her teacher, Runa. She realized that that was what was making her angry most of all. More than even the disgusting humans Erik shacked up with.


    Unaware of either Nora or Anne''s thoughts, Erik and Viljar finally separated, and Viljar looked at Erik solemnly. "Look, Erik. I may be happy to see you alive, but my question remains. Whye here now?"

 Chapter 310: Chapter 310 - Catching up [2/2]

    Before Erik could answer, a roar echoed across town. A furred, ck torpedo flew through the air as itunched itself at Erik, ws out and maw gaping.


    No one saw the attacking, not even Erik or Viljar, as the assant had hidden themselves well among the surrounding second-rankers, before finallyunching their attack.


    Of course, there was one person who noticed, but even she didn''t tell Erik. Elora had decided Erik might enjoy the practice. Plus, there was no real danger anyway.


    And she was right. There was less than a second between the attackerunching himself and the time he would have reached Erik, but that was enough for him. Erik''s eyes flickered, and so did his body. No one noticed the movement, but suddenly, Erik found himself a few inches to the right. The attack shot past where Erik was just before, and his arm struck out to grab something.


    Before the crowd even truly registered the sneak attack, the assant was already struggling in the air as Erik had firmly grasped the back of their neck.


    "Hello, f," Erik sneered as the short-tempered werewolf snarled and struggled against his grip. "I see almost dying hasn''t made you any more cautious."


    "Fuck you!" he roared, anger and fury spitting out of his eyes as he attempted to turn his neck and look at the man grasping his neck from behind. "That whole thing was your fault! If you had just gone with the council, none of this would have happened! We''d have gotten the aid we needed to take down the Dominion, and I wouldn''t have had to spend weeks in recovery!"


    "Is that so?" an amused Erik smirked. "What if I told you I had a way to end this war with the Enve''s survival, but I''d need you to walk over the Dominion and throw yourself at their mercy? By your logic, any further death would be on you if you refused, right?"


    "Don''t make meugh!" f roared as he continued to struggle and tried to turn around and face Erik directly. "There''s no way you have a way to do that! If you don''t have proof, then forget it! Why would I throw my life away without actually knowing it would change anything?!"


    "Right," Erik grinned, knowing he had already won this argument. "And yet you expect me to do that? What assurances did I, or even Frostfang, have that the council would actually keep their word? At that point, they''d already have what they wanted, so why would they give two shits about the Enve anymore?"


    Of course, even if those assurances had been there, Erik would have never surrendered to the Council to save the Enve. The very idea was anathema to him. But there was no need to say that out loud for all these Enve shapeshifters to hear. He still needed them to do as he saidter, after all.


    "S¡ª Screw you!" f roared, a little less sure of himself suddenly, but still unwilling to back down. He didn''t even say anything curing Erik out and just continued to struggle in an attempt to attack him again.


    "Alright, well there''s clearly no talking to you," Erik rolled his eyes, before unleashing his thundersnow affinity into f''s body. Icy lightning ravaged across f''s body as the man screamed and twitched. It was mere moments before the werewolf stopped moving and Erik dropped him on the ground like a sack of potatoes, abination of frostbite and electrical burns all over his body.


    A palpable silence fell over the crowd. They had suspected Erik was strong before, but this was ridiculous. f may have been the weakest of the generals, but he was still a general, putting him above most of the second-rankers gathered here. Yet, he was taken down so easily, despiteunching a sneak attack.


    Although that wasn''t the only thing that shocked them. The entire conversation confused them all. The council''s very existence wasn''t evenmon knowledge among them, let alone they ruled most of Europe and had once approached Frostfang for a deal.


    Now, they weren''t sure what to think. Viljar was friendly with him, Anne angry, but clearly hesitant to attack, f didn''t have anypunction like that and simple charged in, but was taken down in less than a second. Now there was this council as well? At this point, they needed Frostfang toe in and exin everything.


    "Erik, you¡­" Viljar began in an exasperated tone, before sighing heavily and palming his face. ''Why can''t these young people ever just discuss things calmly,'' he groaned inwardly.


    He wasn''t too worried about f. Runebound shapeshifters were tough, and he his sharp senses told him he was still alive, which meant Erik had held back.


    Uncertain how to continue, Viljar looked down at the smoking body of f. He had tried to interfere before, but it all happened so fast and the two of them had clearly been in their own world when they talked.


    Anne stayed calm as well, even though she was staring daggers at Erik. She, too, could tell f was still alive, and her rtionship with him had actually taken a turn for the worst. Among Runa''s five students, they had always bonded over their extreme hatred for humans, but their rtionship had never gone beyond that, even though f made some asional attempts.


    While she appreciated their shared hatred, Anne didn''t like f''s aggressive and impulsive nature. Still, they remained friends despite that, but ever since he got wounded f''s irrationality had gone up, and he''d been increasingly pushy about moving their rtionship to a more romantic ce.


    But with Anne''s continued resistance, their friendship had cooled down quite a bit. Now, seeing him on the ground after his recent harassment, actually made her feel a little gleeful.


    She also disagreed with f''s points about Erik turning himself over to the Council, but she did resent him for not joining the Enve instead. She had seen his power and their means, and she was sure they would have made a significant impact on the war, even if it likely wouldn''t have changed the oue.


    Silence rained over the area for a moment, as the people there tried to decide how to react to all these developments. Soon, hushed whispered echoed as everyone discussed with each other without taking their eyes of the main actors in this y.


    Some were furious over what happened to f and started moring for his head, filling the area with angry shouting. Yet, they still feared Erik''s obvious power, and didn''t want to attack without orders and support from Anne or Viljar.


    Lifting his head, Viljar looked at a nonchnt Erik and frowned thoughtfully. "What you said about ending this war with our survival¡­ was that true?"


    A sly grin appeared on Erik''s face. "Did you really think getting even with Frostfang was important enough for me to throw my life away? Of course not!" he shook his head with a chuckle. "If I died in such a stupid way after making it back here, I''m sure mom would drag my ass back from hell just to beat me up over it."


    Viljar couldn''t help but burst intoughter as he imaged that scenario. Hisughter was deep, belly rumbling, and something he hadn''t done in a while. "You''re right about that, you brat!" he roared whileughing. "And you''d deserve it, too!"


    Watching his uncle''sughter, Erik couldn''t help but grin happily. Thatughter of his brought back some happy memories.


    When hisughter finally died down, one of the surrounding second-rankers finally brought up the courage to inquire about Erik''s identity. Keeping his cautious gaze on Erik, he inched a little closer to Viljar and Anne, before speaking up, "Uhm, g¡ª generals, is¡ª I mean, may I ask who this person is exactly?"


    "He''s exactly who you think he is, Sven. Who you all already suspect he is." A somber voice spoke as the most important member of the Enve finally made his appearance.


    Jonas, aka Frostfang, stepped out of the town''s shadows, and walked up to the gathering around Erik. "This is Erik Gunnulf," he continued, "son of our founder, Runa Gunnulf."


    A shock wave spread across the gathered shapeshifters as they all looked at Erik with different gazes. Most of them had known Runa back when she ran the Enve, and they both respected and looked up to her. Yet, her past had beenrgely unknown, and to find out she had a son was quite a surprise. Most of them wondered where he had been for the past eight years.


    "Hello, Jonas," Erik smiled derisively at the approaching, ck haired German man, refusing to call him by his moniker any longer. "Finally decided toe out of hiding?"


    Erik had already noticed Jonas''s presence earlier, but didn''t particrly care, as he was busy reuniting with his uncle and teaching f a lesson.


    "Its called observing, you brat," Jonas growled, unhappily. There was a lot he wanted to say to Erik, but he knew how to prioritize. "But never mind that. You say you have a n to solve our current predicament? Let me hear it then."


    "Not so fast, Jonas." Erik sneered. "Before we get to that, I''m here to im my rightful position as leader of the Enve¡­ by beating you up a little first."

 Chapter 311: Chapter 311 - Uproar

    Silence fell over the area.


    Erik simply smirked confidently at Frostfang, waiting for his response. There was still a lot of anger inside him over what happened to Elora back in Frostvik, but not so much that he still desired Frostfang''s death over anything else.


    Elora had pleaded for the man''s life, not because she wanted him dead any less than Erik, but because she didn''t want to be the cause of Runa''s favorite student''s death. She knew how important Runa was to Erik. Thus, she didn''t want her own rtionship with Runa getting off to a bad start.


    Confusion was evident on everyone''s face. They could understand Runa''s son wanting to take over leadership of the Enve, and there were even some who supported that idea regardless of whether Erik could defeat Frostfang or not, but they needed a moment to wrap their heads around the fact that a second-ranker had just challenged a third-ranker.


    Finally, a few secondster, the first few reactions came. Viljar''s eyebrows twitched in exasperation and annoyance, once again cursing the foolhardiness of youth. Anne looked at Erik as if he''d gone insane, and all the way in the back, Nora smiled widely. Her confidence in Erik was sky-high already, so if he challenged Frostfang, than there was only one possible oue: Erik''s victory.


    Frostfang, meanwhile, was clearly annoyed and angry. He opened his mouth, likely to yell at Erik, when he was distracted by their surroundings.


    The many Enve shapeshifters exhibited various reactions to Erik''s challenge. Some remained confused, unwilling to believe that Runa''s son could be an idiot. Othersughed loudly at his impudence. There were those who were angry at Erik, believing he was tarnishing his mother''s reputation.


    A few, however, wondered if he could seed, transferring therger-than-life aura they always felt from Runa onto her son.


    As with most crowds holding diverse opinions, things started getting rowdy.


    "Hahaha," one shapeshifterughed wildly, clutching his stomach. "I can''t believe Lady Runa''s son is such an idiot! I almost feel bad for her! The disappointment she must feel!"


    "Stopughing, you asshole!" the person next to him cursed. "This arrogant boy is destroying his mother''s good name with these actions, and you think that''s funny?!" He then turned his attention to Frostfang and yelled, "Teach him a lesson, Lord Frostfang! I''m sure Lady Runa would approve!"


    A third person nearby faced the two troublemakers and clenched his fists. "How dare you underestimate Lady Runa''s son! You must have forgotten how much more powerful she was than the rest of us. If anyone could beat someone above their rank, it would be her, and I wouldn''t be surprised if her son was any different!"


    "Yeah!" a fourth person chimed in, shaking off his previous confusion. "Didn''t you see how effortlessly he dealt with General f just now? I don''t know about any of you, but I don''t think Lord Frostfang could have dealt with him any faster!" Turning his attention to Erik, he yelled, "Show us what you can do, young lord Erik! You have my support!"


    Simr discussions erupted across the entrance to Kirkenes, and it didn''t take long before the situation started heating up to the point where things might soone to blows among the rank and file of the Enve. Sounds of yelling and fighting started to echo around, growing louder as time passed.


    No one had used any skills or real force yet, but it was clearly only a matter of time.


    Even the Dominion vampires across the divide were paying rapt attention to the events around Erik, not only hoping for an opening but also simply enjoying the break from monotony.


    Erik ignored it all. He didn''t want the Enve to descend into chaos, but he fully expected Frostfang to intervene soon. His smirk became more amused as he watched frustration and annoyance grow on the man''s face.


    Frostfang''s eyes were closed, his brows furrowed, and his body trembled as his fury rose. Finally, he had enough and shifted to his wolf form before releasing a powerful roar, "That''s enough!!"


    Frostfang''s angry, powerful bellow came apanied with a bit of his third-rank pressure and passed like a wave over the heads of those present, even traveling all the way to the Dominion''s front lines.


    Immediately, the many different voices surrounding them were drowned out. Most of the shapeshifters trembled in fear, while some first-rankers even fainted from the pressure. Either way, they all stopped fighting and shrank a little, hoping to avoid Frostfang''s fury.


    When thest echoes of his roar passed away, a grave silence settled on the area.


    Across the divide, Sigurd was grinning with amusement as he watched the Enve copse in on itself. "At this rate, it won''t be long before they be so busy fighting each other, they won''t have time to fight my vampires when they demolish this sted field of sigils. Where did they find the ability to do so, anyway?"


    That was a question he had asked himself many times in the past year, but still hadn''t gotten a satisfying answer to.


    Back on the Enve''s side, Frostfang seethed as he looked around. "You are all acting like impudent children!" he snarled, still in his werewolf form, and loud enough for everyone to hear. "Is this the Enve honored teacher left behind?! As soon as there''s a difference of opinion we fall apart?!"


    Taking a moment to let his words sink in, he then roared again, "Well?! Is it?!"


    Erik had to admit that, regardless of his feelings for the man and his obvious shoring, Frostfang knew how to settle a crowd, and the obvious respect these shapeshifters bore him proved that he couldn''t be a bad leader either. No one answered his question, as even Viljar and Anne chose to remain quiet in the face of his anger.


    After lowly looking around for a moment to see if anyone still dared to open their trap in front of his fury, Frostfang finally turned his attention to Erik.


    "And you!" he growled, his voice heavy with emotion as Erik''s clear nonchnce and amusement only served to inme Frostfang''s anger. "Haven''t you caused enough trouble already?! I make myself no illusions thinking Bj?rn''s death was on you, but if you''d juste with me back than, we might have been able to push our advantage before Sigurd managed to turn Liv into that abomination!"


    As he talked, he advanced on Erik with heavy footsteps, the ws of his transformed feet ticking against the cracked asphalt of the road leading into Kirkenes, until they stood face to face, or rather, snout to snout, as Erik had been in his transformed state from the moment he arrived.


    Extending his right hand, he poked a wed finger against Erik''s armored chest, right against the te that protected Eira''s core, as he continued to talk, "And now, what? Youe here, spouting nonsense about knowing a way to solve this crapfest of a situation, and then challenging me despite still being a second-ranker?! Did I knock you around too hardst time?! Huh?!"


    At the end, his voice rose with every syble as spittle flew in Erik''s face. Not that it ever reached him, as tiny grains of electrified snow annihted them whenever they came close. Naturally, Frostfang noticed this, but didn''t pay it any mind. Instead, he just grew angrier by the fact that Erik still remained nonchnt.


    Silence fell for a moment as Frostfang''s wed finger remained pressed against Erik''s armored chest. During the silence, Erik simply stared calmly at Frostfang, as if waiting for something. Finally, Frostfang lost his patience. "Well?! Have you got nothing to say?!


    "Oh, sure I do," Erik chuckled calmly, a stark contrast to Frostfang''s clear anger, before casually wiping away the other man''s finger with a strength that made the third-ranked werewolf frown. "I was just waiting to see if you had any other pointless things to say. Here''s the deal: fight me for leadership of the Enve and, win or lose, I''ll tell you how to solve this situation. Deal?


    If you truly care about the Enve more than anything else, you''ve got nothing to loose."


    Frostfang frowned, suddenly a little concerned after feeling Erik''s casual strength. But he quickly got over it. Fact was, Erik was right. He had nothing to loose. He doubted Erik could defeat him, but if he could, he would dly hand over the Enve if it meant it got to live on.


    So, after a moment of silence during which he carefully eyed his honored teacher''s son, he slowly nodded. "Fine. But where do you suggest we fight? Doing it in town would cause far too much damage, assuming I don''t knock you out in the first strike, but doing it out here would allow the dominion to watch."


    Grinning happily because of Frostfang''s eptance, Erik shrugged, "So let them watch. Regardless of how it ends, if I manage to put up a fight Sigurd will know we might be able to resist him and Liv together, which should make him more cautious and might buy us some time, which, in turn, will benefit my n."


    Frostfang nodded, "And if I knock you out immediately, nothing changes anyway¡­ Fine, then. We''ll do it your way, boy. But I''m warning you¡­ don''t y me."

 Chapter 312: Chapter 312 - Rematch [1/2]

    With Frostfang''s eptance, a wave of excitement spread through the crowd. Some both expected and wished for Erik to receive a quick beat-down. Others looked forward to a heated battle between two powerhouses, before a next-generation Gunnulf ascended the Enve throne.


    Either way, everyone was itching to see the result and wanting different things, but they managed to keep it civil this time. Frostfang''s earlier speech and pressure still rang fresh in their minds.


    Now, Erik and Frostfang stood ten meters apart. Ten meters was an extremely short distance to a Runebound, of course, but neither intended to fight at range, so neither minded.


    Erik eyed his opponent with cautious optimism and excitement. Despite his earlier bravado, he wasn''t actually sure he could beat Frostfang. He had built new armor, trained for eleven months, and prepared a few more surprises just to reach a level of power where he could face Frostfang despite being a second-ranker.


    Now, he believed himself to be ready. Yet, Erik was keenly aware that no n survives first contact with the enemy. Thus, time would tell if he could actually defeat Frostfang.


    Still, he was excited to test his strength and optimistic about his chances.


    Touching the dimension inside him, he took out his weapon. A new warhammer appeared in his hand. Just like his armor, Erik had created a new weapon as well, although it was far less interesting than his armor.


    Unlike his backup weapon, this one resembled the weapon he had originally left behind on S?l. It was imposing and clearly designed for both brute force and precision. The head was forged from gleaming metal and adorned with an intricate, howling wolf on one side and the wing of a fairy on the other side.


    One side of the head was t and intimidating, ready to crush all opposition. The other side featured a vicious and sharply pointed spike, able to pierce through armor and deliver devastating blows to opponents. The shaft was crafted from abination of dark wood and metal, intricately wrapped in leather for a secure andfortable grip.


    Hefting the weapon onto his shoulder with his right hand, Erik now grinned defiantly at Frostfang, before taunting him by beckoning with his left hand, "Let''s settle this, Jonas. I''m sure you''re just as eager to beat me up as I am to do the same to you."


    "Hmpf," Frostfang scoffed as he took abat stance but didn''t respond to Erik''s taunt. "I don''t mind if you use that armor to even the odds a little, even if it won''t change the ending, but are you sure you want to lug around that massive hammer of yours? You''ll already be slower than me without it."


    Smirking, Erik responded, "I appreciate the concern, Jonas. But I''ll be fine."


    Scoffing again, Frostfang suddenly started moving without warning. As if attempting to prove his earlier words, he rushed straight at Erik with a roar. ws out. Ready to test his natural weapons against Erik''s armor.


    If Frostfang''s attack hit Erik, his armor could take the hit, but he might still receive internal shock damage and at the very least be blown off bnce a little.


    Erik watched his opponent approach and immediately knew he wasn''t fast enough to avoid that attack. Speed had always been an issue for him. Luckily, he didn''t need physical speed. Space was his ally.


    When Frostfang''s snarling maw and dangerous ws were mere inches from Erik''s chest, Erik suddenly shifted ever so slightly to the left¡ªjust enough to avoid the attack.


    Now standing just to the side of his previous position, with Frostfang flying past him, Erik''s heartbeat slowed, and Frostfang seemed to move in slow motion.


    Grabbing his hammer with both hands, Erik used an agility usually reserved for contortionists, and turned on his axis before swinging the hammer down on his attacker''s back.


    Just as the t side of the hammer made contact, movement sped up again. Some white lightning crackled around the contact area. Frostfang roared in pain as he shot past Erik and tumbled through the snow, across the frozen ground. Erik grinned victoriously as he watched Frostfang suffer a small defeat.


    In the end, this was just the opening of their battle, and his attack really didn''t do that much damage, as evidenced by Frostfang jumping up again aftering to a stop.


    His face was twisted with a bit of anger but, surprisingly, not that much. Mostly, there was a newly born caution as he eyed Erik. "How did you do that¡­" he growled lowly at his supposedly weaker opponent.


    He didn''t just mean thatst moment shift of Erik''s body but also the surprising agility he showed with both his hammer and body.


    "Now that would be telling," Erik smirked as he held his hammer in one hand while spreading his arms wide. Ayer of white lightning slowly took shape, hugging his already armored body.


    This was one of his first two thundersnow abilities, created bybining lightning enhancement and ice armor: thundersnow aegis. This ability provided both additional protection and an increase in his physical stats.


    After his body was covered in crackling white lightning, he lowered his stance again. "I suggest you stop underestimating me and get serious, Jonas," he grinned confidently. "I''m not the same guy you fought back in Frostvik."


    "You want serious? Fine!" Frostfang snarled furiously as the desire to teach this brat a lesson surged through his body. Suddenly, a light blizzard picked up around his body, and arge number of small icy spikes appeared all over his body, almost turning him into a cross between a werewolf and a hedgehog.


    The same kind of spikes also grew on his ws, lengthening them, and making them far more dangerous than before.


    ''I can only imagine what those spikes are capable of,'' Erik thought cautiously. ''But that blizzard is definitely dangerous. With snow and hail racing around like that, my movements will be severely hindered.''


    Yet, he smirked. He had already thought of a counter for Frostfang''s blizzard. Suddenly, the temperature around Erik plummeted, bing even colder than it already was. This was his second Runebound ice ability: freezing aura.


    Alone it wouldn''t really do much against Frostfang, but Erik had managed to enhance it a little, specifically to counter his opponent''s snowstorm ability, which he had witnessed during their previous encounter.


    Any of his ice or lightning abilities could theoretically be enhanced with the thundersnow affinity, although, for now, he had only taken the time to do so with the freezing aura ability.


    When bothbatants were fully prepared for the true battle, Frostfang once again charged Erik, this time approaching more carefully but still intending to make use of his supposedly superior physical abilities.


    When Erik''s freezing aura and Frostfang''s blizzard shed, the enhancements became clear. For every grain of snow or piece of hail that entered his freezing aura, a grain of thundersnow was created to counter it.


    Despite the lower power of Erik''s second-rank ability, the higher rank of his affinity allowed him topete with Frostfang directly in this field.


    This way, the freezing aura was doing nothing against Frostfang, but Erik also wasn''t impeded by the blizzard.


    Noticing what was happening, Frostfang snorted with annoyance but didn''t stop his blizzard. It might just be an energy drain right now, but it was the same for Erik. And Frostfang banked on having higher endurance.


    Suddenly, Frostfang groaned inwardly, ''I can''t believe I''m actually considering endurance as a factor while fighting this brat¡­ I have to admit, he''s his mother''s son. Still, I''ll have to teach him a lesson.''


    While their two abilities raged around them, drowning out most other sounds and obstructing much of the crowd''s view, Frostfang roared and started attacking the stationary Erik.


    Erik knew he couldn''tpete with Frostfang in physical speed, so he had long decided to move as little as possible. But that didn''t mean he had no way to resist that speed.


    Frostfang''s ice-spiked ws seemed toe flying at Erik from multiple directions. So, Erik raised his hammer in defense.


    A whirlwind of ice and metal raged. The sound of metal shing with ice echoed.


    Frostfang''s ws seemed to be everywhere and moved much faster than Erik. Yet, somehow, Erik''s hammer seemed to always be at the right ce, at the right time to defend, even when the ws came from two directions at the same time.


    "How are you doing that?!" Frostfang roared angrily.


    "Told you, I''m not the same guy as before," Erik grinned, appearing casual, despite the fact this was actually extremely hard on him.


    Part of how he was doing this was his first Runebound spatial skill: spatial discement.


    For the moment, this simply allowed him small, yet extremely rapid movements through space, either for his entire body or just parts of it.


    The other part, however, was the reason why the phrase ''I''m not the same guy as before'' was particrly apt.


    After all, a third bloodline now coursed through his veins.

 Chapter 313: Chapter 313 - Rematch [2/2]

    The first bloodline Erik received from Elora was the Raiju bloodline, granting him a lightning affinity and a boost in physical strength. It took him a full seven years to fully integrate this bloodline, as he was barely a first-rank at the time and Elora was still learning his gic makeup.


    After arriving on Earth, Elora offered him a choice: continue with the Winter Wolf bloodline, for ice affinity and increased endurance, or the Bakaneko bloodline, for shadow affinity and enhanced speed and agility.


    In the end, he chose the Winter Wolf for its future benefits. Now, he was d he did, as it allowed him to develop the thundersnow affinity. He hadn''t missed the added speed and agility so far, especially since his new spatial affinitypensated for his rtively low speed.


    Which meant that, in order topete with Frostfang, Erik was most in need of agility and strength.


    Fortunately, at the end of their eleven-month training session, Erik could get another bloodline infusion. The Winter Wolf bloodline took a year to fully integrate, and they spent a month traveling to their new home before starting the training session.


    Initially, the Bakaneko bloodline was nned to be next, but it offered no immediate benefits. Erik had resolved his speed problem, and while shadow could provide some interesting interactions with his ice, he needed a short-term boost topete with third-rankers.


    Thus, Elora came with another bloodline: the Thunder Wings Ice Serpent. A creature that possessed the thundersnow affinity.


    While this meant that Erik didn''t get a new affinity out of the deal, that wasn''t actually much of a disadvantage. Currently, he was already dividing his attention between the powerful affinities of space and thundersnow. Which meant he really couldn''t afford to advance a third as well.


    Besides, while unable to give him the thundersnow affinity again, this bloodline did increase his understanding, and current ranking, in the thundersnow affinity.


    Most importantly, however, this particr serpent was known for both its agility and strength. Precisely the traits Erik needed to improve upon right now.


    And, as an added benefit, Elora had informed him that having this bloodline would prime his body to start receiving actual dragon bloodlines as soon as this new one had fully integrated.


    The downside was that the Thunder Wings Ice Serpent, being a powerful creature with a rare affinity, was also entirely unrted to wolves. Thus, it would take a full ten years to integrate.


    But none of that really mattered, because right now, Erik was able to use his increased strength and agility,bined with his spatial affinity, to defend himself from Frostfang''s attacks.


    And it was driving the man crazy.


    On their battlefield, the sound of Erik''s freezing aurapeting with Frostfang''s blizzard roared in everyone''s ears and obstructed the crowd''s vision. Only the twobatants could hear the constant shing of Frostfang''s icy ws with the metal of Erik''s hammer.


    Frostfang couldn''t understand what was going on. He was a third-ranker, yet somehow unable to break through the defense of this brat?! It was infuriating, made worse by the fact that Erik''s confident grin never left his face. As if this was all a breeze to him.


    Unfortunately, that wasn''t entirely true. Erik constantly needed to predict where Frostfang would be before he got there, as he wasn''t yet fast enough with the spatial discement ability to use it instantly.


    Still, it was important for him to pretend he was having an easy time. He was trying to lure his opponent into making a mistake by increasing his irritation.


    As the third-ranker''s frustration grew, the snarl on his face became more pronounced, and his movements became wilder, more chaotic, and¡­ more impatient.


    Finally, Frostfang left an opening in his defense. Erik quickly lost his grin, putting all his focus on his next actions. His heartbeat slowed, and everything seemed to move in slow motion.


    Frostfang''s ws came from both sides, aiming for Erik''s transformed face, seemingly leaving no avenue for escape or defense. But Frostfang was also putting his entire weight behind this attack. If it didn''t hit, he''d be in trouble.


    Fortunately for Erik, his opponent still hadn''t figured out his new affinity.


    Thus, he didn''t even try to defend. Instead, he began charging a concussive lightning st and seemed to take a swing at empty space.


    Frostfang frowned, not taking Erik for the kind to suddenly lose his mind. Yet, he didn''t halt his attack. He was too impatient and frustrated.


    Roaring, he intended to end this fight here and now, but just as his ws were about to hit, Erik shifted again.


    Frostfang''s eyes widened in shock. His attack didn''t hit a target, causing him to stumble forward and be unable to react in time when he noticed Erik had appeared just a few steps to the right.


    He could only watch as Erik''s hammer swing was suddenly aimed right at his side, a powerful lightning st crackling on its head.


    Yet, before it could hit, Frostfang howled, and suddenly, all the spikes on his body shot out, straight at Erik.


    Erik''s eyes widened, and he scowled a little. Yet, he was unwilling to test the durability of his new armor against this attack. Thus, he detonated the lightning st early, causing most of the ice spikes to be sted away.


    Meanwhile, his swing continued, and soon made contact with its target. It was a powerful swing, with all his strength behind it, and while no longer supported by the lightning st, still packed quite a punch.


    When the hammer struck, bones crackled, and Frostfang howled in pain before skidding a few meters through the snow.


    At the same time, the remaining spikes reached Erik. There was no time to use discement, so instead he raised his armor''s helmet, closed his eyes, and hoped for the best.


    Thud Thud Thud


    He felt each spike impact his armor and push him back a little. But, thankfully, no pain came.


    Sighing in relief, he opened his eyes and retracted the helmet to see he had be a pin cushion. Ten spikes had made their way through his thundersnow aegis, and buried themselves half an inch into his armor. Yet, none had actually reached him. Thus, he smirked and wiped away the spikes.


    There was one person far less pleased than him, however. "Look what that asshole did to my new home!" echoed an indignant Eira through Erik''s head. "Teach him a lesson, Master!"


    "Don''t worry, Eira. I will," Erik chuckled through their bond. "And your home is fine. The Auto-repair sigils will take care of it in a few day''s time."


    "Hmpf, Hmpf," Eira grumbled and snorted. "Why don''t I punch a few holes in your home for a few days and see how you like it?"


    The usually cheery construct had grown quite attached to¡ªand protective of¡ªher new medium.


    Erik chuckled, but quickly refocused on the battle. His conversation with Eira took less than a second, so Frostfang was still reeling from the attack, and had even spat out a little bit of blood, while Erik remained unharmed.


    Since his opponent was still reeling, Erik decided it was time to push the advantage. Opening his wolfish maw wide, a pulsing, white orb started taking shape inside. Icy lightning bolts ran across it''s surface, and a storm of tiny, electrified grains of snow raged within.


    But, Frostfang noticed Erik''s actions and realized he likely wouldn''t be able to dodge what ever attack Erik was about tounch at him. Thus, he used his trump card.


    Frostfang''s eyes shed, and suddenly, two teeth filled maws of ice separated from his face, one after the other, and flew at Erik.


    This ability was the reason for his moniker ''Frostfang'' and also a rare Runebound ranged ability.


    There wereing at Erik with extreme speed and would probably hit him before he couldunch his own ability.


    Still, Erik refused to back down. This was a golden opportunity to hit his opponent with his strongest ability, and he''d be damned if he was going to miss it.


    The icy maws were flying straight at his head, but Erik couldn''t raise his helmet without having to interrupt his ability. Nor could he use another ability while charging this one. Thus, he raised his arms and, just when the maws were about totch on to his face, used spatial discement to ce his arms in front of them.


    Crunch Crunch


    The maws bit down on his arms with far more strength than the spikes hit him with, biting straight through both his thundersnow aegis, and the armor underneath, into his arms.


    Pain radiated through his limbs and into his brain, but Erik refused to budge or even scream. After all, his mouth was upied. Still, his face twitched.


    Fortunately, both Elora and Eira quickly interceded by using the armor''s healing sigils, and Elora''s healing magic to start relieving his pain.


    At the same time, Erik howled, and finally released his attack, essentially spitting it out of his mouth, and at Frostfang.


    The white orb sped through the air. A scowl appeared on Frostfang''s face as he watched it approach but was still finding his footing after Erik''s hammer blow.


    He was unable to dodge.


    Boom.

 Chapter 314: Chapter 314 - Meanwhile

    Erik''s attack exploded in Frostfang''s face. Snow and frozen dirt flew into the air, and the sh between the blizzard and freezing aura abruptly ceased.


    Suddenly, silence descended on the battlefield, but the snow and dust in the air made it impossible for Erik to see Frostfang''s status.


    "Did I win?" he mumbled, grabbing one of the wolf maws stuck on his arms and crushing it with his physical strength. "I haven''t even used my second-rank thundersnow abilities yet. Nor my Arcanist spell for the spatial affinity."


    After crushing the other maw, Eira and Elora''s efforts began to pay off. Fortunately, his wounds were superficial and quick to heal.


    With the blizzard and freezing aura gone, the crowd could once again see the battlefield. Yet, this only caused confusion to spread among them. All they saw was a lightly wounded Erik staring at a cloud of dust and snow.


    "What happened¡­? Where''s Lord Frostfang?" was the question on many lips.


    Suddenly, the cloud dissipated, revealing an angry, staggering Frostfang. His face was bloody, and tiny electrified snow grains were stuck in his flesh, causing constant irritation.


    A wave of shock went through the crowd on both sides of the battlefield. Even Erik''s supporters didn''t expect such a result after no more than half an hour of fighting. Yet, they weren''t unhappy about it. Smug looks were exchanged among them, irritating those that had been moring for Frostfang to teach Erik a lesson.


    Meanwhile, Frostfang scowled at Erik but remained on his feet. He seemed in no condition to continue fighting, but Erik made it a point never to underestimate his opponent.


    With a suspicious gaze, Erik watched Frostfang slowly approach, until the third-ranker''s angry expression broke into an excited grin. He stood still, took a deep breath, and released a wave of pure power that sted the grains of snow from his body.


    Afterward, he spat some blood on the ground and took abat stance again.


    He wasn''t ready to call it quits yet.


    "That was good, boy," he growled with a bloody grin. "You are clearly your mother''s son. Perhaps I judged you too quickly. That said, I''m not done yet. If you want the Enve to follow you, you''ll have to prove you have the strength, endurance, and intelligence to lead them!"


    With those words, Frostfang charged at Erik again, seemingly none the worse for wear. Clearly, he had a high pain tolerance and plenty of endurance.


    But Erik was no different.


    Raising his hammer, Erik prepared to receive Frostfang with an excited grin. Whatever his feelings about Frostfang, fighting him was a lot of fun.


    Thus, the second phase of their fight began.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, somewhere in Finnmark


    A paper-thin disc of golden light hovered just above the snowy ins, rocky paths, and frozen tundra, flying at about 50 km/h (~31 mph).


    On top of the disc sat two beautiful women, both with their legs crossed. On the left sat a woman with long, flowing white hair that cascaded to her waist. Her eyes were heterochromatic¡ªone white, one green.


    She wore an intricate maid outfit that exuded magical elegance, primarily white with asional ckce ents. The corset and skirt carefully avoided hiding a tattoo resting just below her navel. The entire outfit showed a lot of skin and hugged her curves tightly, making it teeter on the edge of yful and provocative.


    On the right sat a woman with straight, raven-ck hair falling to her shoulders. Her onyx eyes, streaked with crimson lines, appeared both broken and bleeding, yet were neither.


    This woman wore an equally elegant Gothic dress, adorned with dark colors and borate embroidery. Her upper body was covered by a form-fitting, intricately designed corset that tightly hugged herrge breasts.


    The material was sheer in several, strategic ces, showing her soft, pale skin, including a tantalizing cleavage and a strategically ced mesh below her navel which revealed the same tattoo as the first woman''s.


    Instead of a skirt, four dark, flowing strips of fabric draped over her legs, offering tantalizing glimpses of her long, pale limbs. A sash at her waist held the fabric in ce, showing a few inches of her juicy hips before the corset started, to which only the front and back of the sash were connected.


    Her arms were encased in thin sleeves adorned with intricate, tattoo-like patterns, extending to her hands and connected by rings on her fingers.


    Finally, the dress wasplemented by a spiked, ck cor that fit snugly around her neck, with arge metal ring hanging from the front, resting on her corbone.


    Her dress seemed made to both entice and intimidate¡ªlike a ck widow, luring her prey close, but ready to rip them to pieces at a moment''s notice.


    Emily yed absentmindedly with the ring hanging from her neck, a slightly crazed smile on her lips. Anytime she pulled slightly on the ring, the spiked cor around her neck would tighten a little before loosening again, reminding her of her ce.


    It was originally meant for Erik to y with after attaching a leash, but the masochistic woman loved ying with it herself. Every time she pulled on the ring and felt it tighten around her neck, a warm feeling offort and pleasure flowed through her body.


    Truly, now that Emily had finally married Erik and admitted her own desires, she had embraced the role of his ve-wife with a level of enthusiasm that would have shocked anyone who knew her before.


    Anyone except Emma, who couldn''t hide her own excitement at this development.


    The younger sister grinned yfully at her previously recalcitrant big sister, who had now joined her in service to the same man, with the only difference being that Emily had taken it to a whole new level. Emma didn''t say anything, only looking at Emily with unbridled enthusiasm.


    Finally, Emily sighed and stopped ying with her cor, turning to the woman on her left. "You''ve had a month to get used to this situation, little Em. At some point, you''re going to have to stop staring like that."


    "I can''t!" Emma giggled happily. "I never knew you had such a side to you, and it''s fascinating!" Then, she smiled brightly and continued, "But most of all, I''m just happy you''re happy, big Em! I mean, even before the awakening, it was rare to see you like this!"


    "I know¡­" Emily sighed, a smile on her face. "I always felt restless and unable to enjoy anything. Only now do I understand I was always subconsciously looking for someone to give me structure and something to focus on. I always needed a Master."


    Emma''s expression became thoughtful. "That makes me wonder¡­ Do you think Seraphina, or Olivia as she called herself back then, is the same as you? You were pretty simr back then, right?"


    "I doubt it," Emily shrugged casually. "I now realize that, for me, that lifestyle was simply a way to rebel, while subconsciously hoping our parents would intervene and give me the strict structure I craved."


    "Which they never did¡­" she continued with a hint of me but mostly sorrow due to their fate. "But for Seraphina, it was different. It was simply who she was." Suddenly, she chuckled a little, "Which is perhaps a little clich¨¦, considering her identity as a vampire."


    "I see," Emma nodded thoughtfully, wondering how their next meeting with the vampire would go.


    "You don''t necessarily want that kind of structure, though, right?" Emily suddenly asked. "So why do you like acting as his maid so much, anyway? I realize now I never asked¡­"


    "Oh, I''m just not a veryplicated person, big Em, you know that!" Emma giggled happily. "I like being happy and making those I love happy. I also like a simple life and being close to my husband. Being Master''s maid gives me all of that, and more!"


    "Well, except for now," she pouted regretfully as the disc moved further away from their master, who was currently fighting Frostfang. "Why did Elora have to think of this kind of use for my second-rank spell?"


    Emily chuckled at her little sister''s mncholy. "Why am I not surprised you are actually sad about the ability to fly, just because it is taking you away from our master."


    "Well, wouldn''t you rather be with him?!" Emma red at her raven-haired sister. Emma only ever felt trulyfortable and safe when she was near Erik. Perhaps that was not a particrly healthy mentality, but since it wasn''t detrimental either, she wasn''t interested in working on it.


    "I wouldn''t be much of a ve if I wanted something my master didn''t want¡­" Emily grinned, with just a hint of zealotry as she pulled a little on the ring hanging from her cor again. "Following his orders is how I feel close to him now."


    Emma red at her sister for a moment longer, then burst into happy giggles again. "Wow! If only the Emily from a year ago could hear you say that!"


    The sister''s continued bantering and talking about their current lives. Meanwhile, the flying disc brought them ever closer to their destination.

 Chapter 315: Chapter 315 - Finished

    While the Ashcroft sisters moved ever closer to their destination, back at the ins in front of Kirkenes, the battle between Erik and Frostfang was finally nearing its end.


    They had been fighting for over an hour now, and their battlefield looked like a frozen, pockmarked hellhole.


    The crowd watching them had all been impressed with Erik''s staying power, despite his lower ranking. In fact, it wasn''t just his stamina. Erik was putting some serious hurt on Frostfang, while his armor made sure he barely received a scratch.


    Currently, they were standing a few car length''s across from each other. Erik''s armor had a few new gashes and holes in it, but very little blood stained his form. On the other hand, Frostfang looked like he''d been run over by a steam roller.


    Blood was pouring from many different wounds, and his left arm had clearly been broken. He even limped a little on his right side. Yet, he still stared defiantly at Erik. For an extremely low tier third-ranker like Frostfang, his endurance was truly remarkable.


    Of course, the same could be said for Erik as a top tier second-ranker.


    Leaning on his hammer, Erik grinned at his opponent. "What do you think, Jonas? Ready to give up?"


    Erik was a little tired, and his aetherium storage was running low, but he could still go on for a while longer. He''d been careful to use as little of his aetherium storage as possible, so that Elora could use that aetherium to boost his physical recovery speed instead, using her magic.


    After all, in video game terms, his aetherium storage was like a mana pool, while the power used by his Runebound abilities, was more like a quickly regenerating energy pool. Unfortunately, it was quite taxing and tiring on the body to generate that energy, but fortunately, Elora happened to be an expert at rejuvenating his body.


    Thus, so long as there was energy in his aetherium storage, Erik could keep on fighting like a Runebound werewolf. Which did mean that, in an endurance heavy fight, he needed to limit his usage of Arcanist spells.


    Which was why he hadn''t used his thundersnow st anymore, as that expensive spell takes nearly a third of his stored aetherium to cast. Neither had he used his spatial spell, or his second rank thundersnow spell.


    "I was sure¡­ I would beat you¡­ in a battle of endurance¡­ at the very least¡­" Frostfang panted, as blood streamed from his many wounds. "And yet you¡­ remain standing¡­ while I''m about¡­ ready to copse¡­ I really don''t¡­ understand how¡­ you work¡­"


    "And I''m not about to exin it," Erik scoffed. "All you need to know is that I can go on for a while longer yet."


    Frostfang stared at his opponent for a moment as he continued to pant. His wounds were visibly closing up due to his third-ranked Runebound healing factor, but only actual rest could restore his stamina.


    Well, rest, or a fairy in his soul, but Erik was pretty sure he was the only one on Earth with that particr advantage.


    "Do you¡­ really have¡­ a n¡­ to help the Enve survive¡­?" In the end, it appeared that Frostfang remained dogged in his desire to put the Enve first, no matter what.


    "If you and the rest of the Enve can follow my orders, yeah." Erik nodded nonchntly. He neglected to mention that his main goals were the survival of Viljar, the death of Sigurd, and the recovery of Liv, while the Enve''s survival was only a fringe benefit to him, but why muddy the waters?


    Besides, fringe benefit or not, if he could have both the Enve and Dominion survive with leadership that was loyal, or at least friendly, to him, that would greatly aid his and Elora''s future ns to take over the Council.


    For a moment, Frostfang stared into Erik''s eyes as if trying to determine the truth of his words. But in the end, whether because he decided to trust Erik or because he simply couldn''t stand anymore, Frostfang sank to one knee. "Fine¡­ You win¡­ The Enve is yours."


    Turning his gaze towards the crowd of Enve shapeshifters, he took a deep breath, and raised his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "From today forwards, Erik Gunnulf, son of our founder, Runa Gunnulf, will lead the Enve. Serve him like you would me or his mother."


    Erik grinned victoriously, and was about to say some words of his own, when he heard a voice in his mind. "Erik! Sigurd!"


    With Elora''s warning, Erik quickly turned his gaze in the direction of the third-ranked vampire on the other side of the battlefield, and noticed he was holding arge stone with a sigil drawn on it.


    A sigil that was quickly lighting up, and clearly about to do something, while the stone was pointed in Frostfang''s direction.


    Erik scowled, ''Do I really have to go save this guy now?''


    Yes he did.


    The following events happened over the span of a second.


    The sigil finished charging, and an orange beam, very simr to Astrid''s skill, was fired in Frostfang''s direction, moving at incredible speed.


    The exhausted Frostfang could see it approach, but there was no way he could dodge in time, exhausted as he was. Erik, meanwhile, was not yet skilled enough in spatial discement to move himself instantly across that distance.


    Luckily, that was not his only movement skill.


    Lightning struck as Erik used his lightning sh skill, and he suddenly appeared in front of Frostfang, with the beam bearing down on him.


    In response, Erik extended his transformed, wed werewolf hands, and caused arge, icy-white magic circle to appear. Immediately after, a sideways dome, crackling with thundersnow lightning, appeared in front of them.


    This was his second-rank thundersnow Arcanist spell: thundersnow barrier.


    Boom!


    The beam struck his barrier, and Erik scowled, as the aetherium storage he shared with Elora was quickly being drained.


    At the same time, everyone could now clearly see his ability to use both Arcanist and Runebound abilities. He hadn''t actually been that careful with it before, but what most people had simply written off as impossible before, had now be ringly obvious.


    The standoff between beam and barrier went on for a few seconds longer, before the beam finally dissipated, and Erik dispelled the barrier, while ring at Sigurd.


    Across the way, Sigurd shrugged nonchntly, saying just hard enough for Erik to hear, "Had to try, didn''t I?"


    Erik scoffed, before turning around to grab Frostfang, tossing him over his shoulder unceremoniously, and quickly moving back to Kirkenes.


    Meanwhile, after Erik turned around, Sigurd lost his nonchnce and scowled angrily. "Where the fuck did this guye from?!" he growled, not necessarily directed at any one person. "A second-ranker with the power of a third?! Howe I knew nothing of this?! Plus, was that an Arcanist ability he used at the end?! Who the fuck is this guy!"


    He looked around at the vampires of his inner circle, but they all kept ufortably quiet. They had no answers to give their lord.


    Well, all except one. It was the ghoulified Liv Frost who spoke up. "I believe we''ve seen this man before, Lord Sigurd," she said in a strange, raspy tone of voice.


    "What are you talking about, Lars?" Sigurd frowned. Lars, being the only one of this underlings that Sigurd put any real trust in, was currently back in Alta, controlling the ghoulified third-ranker Liv Frost from the Dominion''s main base. The same ce that also held the control sigils for every second-ranked ghoul in the Dominion''s army.


    "I believe that''s the werewolf that killed Astrid, nearly a year ago now, Lord Sigurd," Lars answered, using his control over Liv''s body to do so.


    Sigurd frowned and looked at Erik again, before nodding. "I think you''re right¡­ that''s a strange coincidence¡­"


    His expression remained thoughtful for a moment, but then he shook his head. "Well, whatever. It''s certainly a coincidence worth investigating, but that doesn''t help us right now!"


    He waved in the direction of the twobatants moving back to Kirkenes, "The Enve now has two third-ranked equivalent fighters! That may be equal to us, but I''m the only one who can actually cross these sigils! So, I want to hear solutions!"


    "What if we attack now, my lord?" one woman sheepishly suggested. "Even if those two are on the same side, they are both tired and wounded. Perhaps my lord could defeat them both if he attacks right now?"


    "Don''t be an idiot," Sigurd scoffed. "That neer doesn''t even seem particrly tired! He just needs to keep me busy for at most half an hour. By then, Frostfang''s injuries will have recovered to a point where he can rejoin the fight, and than it''ll be two against one. Meanwhile, our thousand vampires will be facing their three thousand shapeshifters. Are you prepared to lead the charge?"


    Naturally, the woman remained quiet, and Sigurd scoffed again, before sinking into thought.


    He shortly considered trying to buy that neer''s loyalty, since there seemed to be some tensions between him and Frostfang. But the problem was, he didn''t really have anything to entice him with. Vampires he could lure with high-quality blood, but what could he give to a werewolf?


    Since no one wasing forward with a new n, Sigurd scoffed. "Well, whatever. Let''s just wait for n B to finish."

 Chapter 316: Chapter 316 - Arrival

    ''Sneaky little shit¡­'' Erik thought as he walked away with a groaning Frostfang over his shoulder.


    "Think we can expect another attack like that, Elora?" he asked his trusty fairy partner.


    "I doubt it," she answered quickly, but without taking her eyes of the vampire across the sigil-filled in. "That was a powerful sigil, meaning it would take quite a while to recharge."


    "Couldn''t he just have more of those sigils?" Erik wondered, his brows furrowed in a skeptical frown.


    "Possibly," she answered, thoughtfully. "But I doubt it. That stone he used was actually made from a third-rank material. Which is the only reason it could even support such a powerful sigil. I guess he must have gotten it from the same ce as he got his knowledge about sigils in the first ce."


    Erik nodded inwardly, "Alright, but keep an eye on him until we''re inside the town. I''m not sure our aetherium storage can handle another attack like that"


    "Of course!" Elora answered with plenty of confidence.


    While most people watching this event were looking at either Frostfang, Erik, or Sigurd, there was one looking at the fourth person with third-ranked power present here: Liv Frost. Or, at least, the ghoulified puppet version of Liv Frost.


    Naturally, that person was Astrid. Despite being currently located inside Erik''s dimension, he had, at some point in thest eleven months, figured out how to project the outside world onto the inner structure''s walls.


    Now, the entire circr wall around the main hall of their home had be onerge view-screen, showing a 360 degree view of Erik''s surrounding.


    And currently, Astrid was looking at a point behind Erik, next to Sigurd. Her mother, Liv Frost.


    "Mom¡­" Astrid whispered sadly, as her hand rested on the wall turned view-screen. The sight of her mother''s usually beautiful strawberry-blond hair turning gray, her subdued eyes concealing the chaos of her ghoulified state, and the graying, wrinkled skin covering her body wrenched Astrid''s heart with pain.


    Still, to finally see confirmation that her mother was still alive, was a huge relief for the vampire woman, even if it still hurt to see her like that.


    "Did I look like that? When I was a ghoul?" she asked, her voice cracking a little. "Is she hurting¡­?"


    Unfortunately, the only one with her was Alice, and the poor wereverine had no idea how to answer her questions.


    "I¡­ I don''t know, Miss Astrid," Alice mumbled awkwardly, scratching her hair, not sure how to deal with this situation. "But look at it this way: she''s still alive! You just need to save her, right?"


    A sad smile appeared on the vampire''s face as she turned to Alice, "You must think I''m pretty selfish forining about my living mother, when you''ve lost two¡­"


    "N¡ª No!" Alice quickly shook her head, vehemently denying anything of the sort. "I¡ª If our roles were reversed, I''m sure I''d be reacting the same way! If I were you, I''d want nothing more than to run in there and save her now¡­"


    Astrid looked at her youngpanion with a grin. In the past eleven months, Alice had turned eleven, and was growing like a weed, both physically and emotionally.


    "You''re such a good girl," the vampire chuckled as she tousled the wereverine''s hair.


    Alice had be somewhat of a mascot to the entire group. Even Emily had taken a liking to the girl. The young wereverine reacted in a way most teenagers receiving affection would: she quickly shook Astrid off and red at her.


    The vampire chuckled, before turning her attention back to her mother and sighing sadly, "I''ll get you soon, Mom¡­"


    Meanwhile, outside the dimension, Frostfang wasn''t entirely happy with being slung over Erik''s shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He groaned painfully, "Can you put me down already?! I can walk just fine!"


    "Maybe," Erik shrugged, purposefully shaking Frostfang around a little. "But this is probably way more embarrassing for you. Which makes it more fun for me. Also, how about a ''thank you for saving my life'', instead ofins?"


    Frostfang, realizing Erik wasn''t going to put him down, simply grumbled angrily to himself. "Damn brat¡­ no respect for his elders¡­" He refused to thank Erik, knowing perfectly well that Erik didn''t do it out of the goodness of his heart.


    When they reached the crowd of shapeshifters, they parted to let them through. Most of them had their heads bowed in a sign of respect, while only a handful seemed to scowl a little, apparently unhappy with this result.


    Erik didn''t care. He wasn''t here to stay, so they just needed to follow his orders for a few days. For a short period like that, his recent disy of power should put them all in line just fine.


    Walking into town, he noticed f was still lying unconscious where he dropped him earlier. It seemed that, in all the excitement, no one had taken the effort to help him out a little.


    ''Guess I shouldn''t be surprised that guy doesn''t have many friends,'' Erik chuckled inwardly, before bending down, grabbing f''s leg, and dragging him along.


    Naturally, the shapeshifters around got a little ufortable, but they didn''t dare say anything.


    Meanwhile, Erik turned to Viljar and Anne, who were still trying to gete to grips with what just happened. "You guysing? We need to talk about next steps."


    His tone was nonchnt and confident, as if it was normal that he, a mere second-ranker, had just defeated Frostfang, defended them both from a clearly powerful attackunched by Sigurd, and now dragged f behind him like a dirty rag.


    Still, his question pulled the both of them back from their own thoughts and they quickly followed him. "Do you have to drag f like that¡­?" Viljarined with a sigh.


    "He''s an impulsive idiot," Erik answered, matter-of-factly. "Impulsive idiots get dragged. So yes." Looked around, he wondered out loud, "Where''s Nora?"


    "Master!" the busty blond werewolf suddenly came running out of the crowd with a bright smile and puppy-dog eyes. "Here I am!"


    Immediately, Anne''s eyebrows twitched and she pointed an using finger at her fellow general. "Master?! That''s why you''ve been acting weird! Something happened that first night in Frostvik, didn''t it! You didn''t just sleep with him, you betrayed us!"


    "Betrayed you?" Nora blinked innocently, while grabbing Erik''s arm and hugging it between her breasts. "I''d argue it was you and anyone else who didn''t immediately submit to Teacher''s son who betrayed her, instead."


    "You¡­!" Anne growled, but didn''t actually have any good counter arguments. Not that Nora''s argument made particr sense, it was just hard to counter without sounding dismissive of Runa. Something that was akin to heresy; not just in the Enve, but to Anne herself as well.


    "Besides," Nora shrugged while turning her back to Anne and walking by Erik''s side, still hugging his arm. "All I did give him asional updates on our status, which is also what allowed him to be here today to save us!"


    "She''s not wrong, Anne," Viljar shrugged. "I consider Jonas one of my best friends, but he didn''t really treat Erik in a way that I agreed with. And if Erik really can save us, we should be thanking both him and Nora."


    Anne simply kept quiet. Her gaze was a littleplicated, but mostly just annoyed. Still, their words had made her think. Perhaps, if Erik really did end up saving the day, she might change her opinion of him¡­


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    About eight hours after Erik had earned his new role as leader of the Enve, a certain pair of sisters had reached their destination: Alta.


    The paper thin golden disc they rode in on stopped on top of a hill overlooking the city, and the sisters jumped off, their dresses pping in the wind. "Finally, we''re here," Emilyined and stretched her back. "Think you could change that disk into a sofa next time?"


    In response, Emma pouted, aggrievedly, her eyes a little watery. She didn''t say anything, but she sniffed sadly, and looked away.


    "Ah!" Emily immediately eximed, a little panicky, afraid she truly upset her little sister. "S¡ª Sorry! The disk is great!"


    "R¡ª Really?" Emma asked, looking sideways at her big sister, with puppy dog eyes.


    Naturally, Emily quickly nodded.


    Like snow in the sun, Emma regained her bright smile, but now with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Naturally, Emily immediately realized she''d been yed, and there was nothing she could do about it.


    There were two things Emily remained weak against: Emma''s hurt puppy eyes, and, since recently, a stern, piercing look from Erik.


    "Brat¡­" she mumbled to herself, despite knowing she would fall for it all over again next time. The truth was, that it actually made her a little happy. Emma was returning to the girl she knew before the awakening.


    Except perhaps a little more mature. Just a little, though.


    Hearing her big sister''s curse, Emma giggled, then waved her arm to make the disc of light disappear into thin air.


    Emily shook her head in exasperation, but then they both gained serious expressions, and carefully walked up the hill''s edge. They were in enemy territory now, and likely outnumbered.


    They had a few measures for emergency, given to them by Erik and Elora in case things went horribly wrong, but ideally, they wouldn''t be discovered until it was already toote.


    When they reached the edge and looked out over the city of Alta, a grim sight greeted them.

 Chapter 317: Chapter 317 - Bunker

    Alta was a city much like Kirkenes, onlyrger. It was located on Norway''s western coast, between the many fjords that littered that side of Norway.


    It consisted of mostly low buildings of a few floors at most, butpared to Kirkenes, which had been the sight of multiple battles between the Dominion and Enve, Alta was in a far better state.


    But that was not the grim part about what the Ashcroft sisters saw when they looked out over the city from their vantage point.


    No, the grim part were the blood farms.


    Several walls were build around sections of the city, dividing it in a number of square blocks. Each of those blocks housed hundreds of humans and shapeshifters, huddled together in the cold with barely enough space to lie down and sleep.


    Fortunately, they were still first-ranked Runebounds and Arcanists. They didn''t get sick, or need food, or go to the bathroom. The human Arcanists had even figured out how to use aetherium to protect themselves against the cold.


    Unfortunately, that same status also meant that the vampires could take far more blood than pre-awakening humans could survive.


    All the people inside those farms looked like anemic zombies, shuffling back and forth with hollow faces and empty eyes. The aetherium in the air kept them from dying, despite the minimal amount of blood in their bodies, but they were far too weak to move more than a few meters a day, let alone resist their captors or advance towards the second rank.


    "They look like they can barely lift their arms¡­" Emma mumbled sadly. She and her sister were crouching on the top of the hill, careful not to be seen.


    "Can we do anything to help them?" Emma pleaded with her big sister.


    While her time with Erik had made Emma a little more callous towards strangers, she still preferred to help pitiful people like these if she could.


    "Forget it," Emily shook her head harshly. "Master''s n requires us to be stealthy. Besides, it''s just the two of us, and there''s at least a hundred vampires on guard down there. They''re not all second-rankers, of course, but at least a handfull of them are. We would never survive a frontal attack."


    Unlike Emma, Emily couldn''t care less about these people. But she did care about Emma, so she had to at least give a valid excuse not to help them.


    "I know¡­" Emma pouted, still unable to tear her gaze away from the wretches down in the city.


    Seeing her expression, Emily sighed. "Look at it this way: if everything goes ording to n, they will soon be free. So the sooner we get our part finished, the better."


    That made Emma smile a little. She nodded softly, "I suppose that''s true. Astrid said the blood farms were a lot more humane under her mother''s rule. And if they join the Council, the blood farms would be abolished all together!"


    Even Emma could understand the necessity in the existence of blood farms within the Dominion. Vampire''s needed blood, after all. Otherwise they''d turn into an army of raving ghouls.


    But that was only because the Dominion was a vampire-only faction. The Council, instead, levied a small blood tax on all their non-vampire members to feed their vampire allies. It wasn''t a perfect system, as not everyone was happy having to give blood and getting noting substantial in return, but it was the only real way for peace to exist between the three races.


    Before the awakening, most vampires survived on blood banks, but that simply wasn''t an option anymore. Thus, the human and shapeshifter leaders simply forced the issue, since they couldn''t afford to lose the vampires as allies. Especially not now that the human-centric Asian faction was moving on them.


    "Right," Emily nodded to her little sister''s statement. She retreated a little to remain out of sight from anyone looking up from Alta, and before standing up from her crouched position, and looking at Emma. "So shall we get going? We still need to find the ce," she said, with a little eagerness in her voice.


    Following her back sister, Emma soon stood next to Emily and narrowed her eyes at the raven-haired woman. "Why are you so eager to finish, anyway? Is it just because he ordered you to?" she asked, sceptically.


    Emily grinned a little perversely, "Not entirely¡­ he promised he''d finally take down my body''s final barrier after all this was over, but if I do a bad job, he''ll do it gently¡­"


    Erik had still not made Emily entirely his, as thest month had been far to busy with the final preparations for stepping back onto the world''s main stage. Of course, he''d still defiled her back door a few times, but her most vagina remained unspoiled.


    Emma had to take a moment to before she realized that ''doing it gently'' was a bad thing in Emily''s mind, causing her to giggle. "God, you''ve be such a pervert, big Em!"


    "And I''m happier than ever," Emily grinned in response, before taking a hand-drawn map from her own storage jewelry: the cor around her neck. "Here is the map Astrid drew¡­ I think we''re supposed to go that way," she mumbled, before moving to the east.


    While Erik, Elora, and Astrid couldn''t be sure exactly how the Dominion''s inner workings operated, they could make some educated assumptions based on what they did know.


    For instance, Elora realized that for Sigurd''s system with the ghouls to function effectively, there had to be a central operations room to monitor everything and directly control the second-ranked ghouls¡ªsomething she knew the Dominion did based on their encounter with the ghoulified Astrid.


    Assuming all second-ranked ghouls were controlled from that room, it would serve as the Dominion''s linchpin, the crucial element on which their entire system rested. Therefore, the simplest way to cripple the Dominion and end the war was to locate and destroy that central operations room.


    Unfortunately, while Elora was certain this linchpin existed, she couldn''t pinpoint its exact location. This was where Astrid''s knowledge became invaluable.


    While Astrid had fled during Sigurd''s coup andcked specific information about his operations, she knew the secret locations of the original Dominion, particrly the renovated WWII bunker that had once been the residence of Liv, Astrid, and Liv''s closest lieutenants.


    In Astrid''s time, this bunker was the most secret and secure location in the Dominion, known only to its inhabitants. With those lieutenants now either dead or having switched sides, it was unlikely that Sigurd would have changed its location. After all, even Astrid was presumed dead by him.


    Of course, they couldn''t be certain the control room was in that bunker. But even if it wasn''t, anyone with ess to the bunker would likely know the location of the control room.


    Thus, this bunker now became the Ashcroft sister''s target.


    While they stalked through the surrounding woods in search of their target by following Astrid''s map, Emma suddenly spoke to Emily using their new bond as Erik''s wives. They still preferred talking out loud most of the time, but right now, they couldn''t afford for anyone to hear them.


    Her tone sounded a little concerned, "So¡­ are you sure that''s how you wanna do it, big Em? I mean, I had that entire moment nned out¡­ you can''t do it again, you know?"


    Emma hadughed earlier, but the more she thought about it, the more she worried that Emily was being a little too flippant about losing her virginity, caught up in her newly unleashed desires as she was.


    Emily paused a moment, but then kept moving and responded. "I get what you''re saying, little Em. But you don''t need to worry," she said through the bond, confidence in her voice. "I know what I want. Besides, I don''t need it to be overly special¡­"


    Turning to her little sister, she grinned with a heavy, perverted lust, "I just want to cum harder than ever before, and to finally have Master im all of me. And I know that will happen if I just give my body over to him¡­ Or rather, to Daddy¡­ hehehe"


    As she talked, one of Emily''s hands rested on her womb, and the other pulled softly on her cor. She could feel her lower body twitch slightly with anticipation.


    Truly, Emily had fallen head-first into depravity.


    "Ugh," Emma groaned with a partly relieved, partly exasperated smile. "I shouldn''t have worried¡­"


    "I still appreciate it!" Emily giggled happily.


    Suddenly, Emily held up a hand, before taking out the map from her cor storage again. Afterparing the surroundings to what she saw on the map, she spoke up again, "I think we''re close, little Em. Keep an eye out."


    Emma nodded, and they kept moving, more slowly this time.


    Suddenly, Emily tensed up, and stopped, causing Emma to nearly bump into her.


    "We''re not alone¡­" she mumbled through their bond.

 Chapter 318: Chapter 318 - Casual cruelty

    The sisters were crouching in a forested area. The snowy thick around them and crunched lightly under their feet.


    It seemed to be empty and quiet, but Emma trusted her big sister.


    While Emily was missing a third-rankers omnisense, or a Runebound''s supernatural senses, she had something simr: her mind control spell.


    Originally nothing more than its name suggested, Emily had unlocked an improvement to her second-rank darkness spell: primer aura. As Arcanists or Runebounds progress in their journey, they often discover enhancements to their existing abilities by continuing to explore the sigils or runes associated with those abilities.


    Thus, primer aura was not a new spell, but an improvement on her existing spell.


    In this case, primer aura allowed Emily prime the minds of people around her for envement. This didn''t actually allow her to enve en-mass or at a distance, but it did allow her to make the process much faster when she actually got her hands on someone.


    As an added bonus, it caused those affected to be just a little bit confused, and, most importantly at this moment, allowed Emily to feel when someone was being affected by her aura. And if they were close enough to be affected¡­


    Suddenly, a tree rustled.


    ¡­ they were close enough to detect them.


    Pof!


    A mannded, a few meters to the right of them, in the snow. He was clearly a vampire, with red eyes and pale skin, wearing the colors of the Dominion.


    He grinned widely at the two women in front of him, "Well, well, well. What do we have here? Two human girls, dressed in such pretty outfits, lost in the woods? What a tragedy! I don''t know how you two got here, but don''t worry, your savior is here! I''ll even use my body to give you girls a little fun before I bring you both to the blood farms!


    Isn''t that nice of me?"


    Emma and Emily looked at each other with strange expressions. Emily was full of amusement and ridicule, while Emma showed a bit of pity. Just a little, though.


    Turning back the vampire, Emily smiled seductively, "You''ve never actually met many humans since the awakening, have you?"


    "Perhaps not," the vampire shrugged with a confident grin, feeling encouraged by her smile, clearly too clueless to realize the sister''s previous expressions should be worrying him. "But don''t worry, I still remember how to please a woman!" he finished with a predatory grin.


    He swaggered closer to the sister''s, rolling his Runebound muscles in an attempt to intimidate.


    "I highly doubt it," Emily answered, her smile turning malicious. "But that''s not what I meant. If you''d ever actually met any second-ranked humans, you''d recognize our aura and run for the hills as fast as your pathetic, limp-dicked, little first-ranked legs could carry you."


    Quickly, the vampire''s confidence made way for fury. Standing close enough now, he reached out his hand toward''s Emily''s shoulder with a twisted expression, "Bitch! I''ll make you pay for that!"


    His hand never reached her shoulder, however.


    In front of Emily''s shoulder floated a t, swirling, puddle of darkness. And the vampire''s hand had fully disappeared into it¡­ withouting out the other side.


    Losing all his anger, the man frowned with confusion instead. He pulled back his arm and stared at the stump where his hand used to be. Blood leaked out, but his Runebound and vampiric regeneration were quickly working together to close the wound. Although they couldn''t regrow the hand.


    "U¡ª Uh¡­" he mumbled, Emily''s primer aura working to amplify his confusion.


    Not that it was necessary.


    "Master is the only man who gets to touch us," Emily said, a grin nearly splitting her face in half, bloodthirst, cruelty, and zealotry mixed in her eyes.


    When the pain started catching up to him, the vampire was about to scream, but Emily was faster. She pressed a pitch ck magic circle against his forehead, and instantly, his eyes dulled, and his limbs went ck.


    Between his status as a mere first-ranker and Emily primer aura having worked on him for at least a few minutes, there really wasn''t any resistance to her control.


    "There''s a good boy," Emily giggled, the expression on here face unchanged. "I have a few questions for you in a moment, but first, I''d like you to turn around, stick your remaining good hand in your pants, rip off whatever excuse for a manhood you have in there, and throw it away. Oh, and don''t forget to stay quiet!"


    Emma, who had so far simply watched the exchange in silence, knowing Emily would be fine, now paled, and softly eximed, "E¡ª Emily!"


    Hearing her little sister''s voice, Emily''s cruel expression faded, reced by an aggrieved pout. She turned towards the woman behind her, "W¡ª What? It''s not like he''ll feel it¡­ he''s just a puppet now¡­ and he deserves it! Daring to try and put his hands on us," she gnashed her teeth at the end, fury in her eyes.


    After everything that happened with Liam, Emily had a special hatred reserved for men who tried to force themselves on others. Sure, Erik didn''t exactly treat her with the respect that most women would want to be treated with, but he always gave her a choice.


    And she happily gave in to him.


    "I¡ª b¡ª but that''s too much¡­ isn''t it?!" Emma began, hiding her eyes from the vampire man. But just when she asked her question, the sound of flesh ripping echoed, before somethingnded a little further away in the snow.


    While they talked, Emily''s newest puppet had already fulfilled his first orders.


    The two sisters turned back towards vampire, who still looked at them with a dull gaze, but now had a growing patch of blood on his pants, right between his legs.


    "Good boy!" Emily grinned viciously.


    "Ugh" Emma groaned, and turned around again. "Just¡­ ask the questions and put him out of his misery, alright?"


    It wasn''t like Emma was going to advocate on the vampire''s behalf, and she certainly wasn''t going to try and heal him. She just wasn''t a fan of such unnecessary cruelty.


    She didn''t n to try and change her big sister, however. She already knew what made her act this way, and that there was likely nothing she could do about it. Nothing, apart from epting Emily the way she was.


    She would tell Erik about her sister''s casual cruelty, of course, but she had a sneaking suspicion he wouldn''t care.


    "Like I said," Emily shrugged, casually. "He''s just a puppet, and doesn''t feel anything. No misery here."


    "Thate''ster¡­" she finished with a sadistic smile, before beginning to ask her questions.


    She asked the vampire about the bunker, the control room, Dominion forces in the area, and anything else she or Emma could think of.


    When they were done, they walked away, Emma sighing sadly at the way Emily had decided to leave the vampire. "Was that really necessary? You could have just killed him!" she mumbled, a little indignant.


    "I have no mercy for men like him, little Em¡­" Emily answered with a somewhat cute scoff, as she turned her face away.


    "I know¡­ and I get it¡­" Emma sighed, a little sad at the cruelty of not just her sister, but the world in general. "I just don''t like seeing it."


    Emily stopped, and turned to her little sister. "Do you¡­ hate it, when I do stuff like that?" she asked, her expression suddenly a little scared and sad. When that man showed up she''d simply reacted.


    She didn''t care about her own behavior, nor did she know if she could stop, as ording to Erik and Elora, this kind of thing was simply a part of her now. But if it put her rtionship with Emma at risk, she would certainly try.


    Emma looked at her sister''s expression and was reminded that this woman would likely do anything for her, even fight her basest impulses. But she knew that would only lead to Emily''s suffering, when she was finally starting to be as happy as Emma herself was.


    So, she sighed again, and shook her head. In the end, when forced to choose between her sister''s happiness and the asional suffering of strangers, she still chose her sister. "No, I could never hate you, big Em. I love you. All of you. And I''ll find a way to ept this, too.


    Please don''t try and change yourself on my ount. I want you to be happy."


    Emily smiled widely, and hugged her little sister tightly. "Thank you! I love you too, little Em!" The raven-haired sister turned around, and moved on with a spring in her step. "Come on! Let''s go find that bunker!"


    Meanwhile, a little ways back, a miserable human form was writhing on the ground. It was the vampire from earlier. Inky darkness was slowly dissolving his body from the limbs inward. His vocal cords had been ripped out, disallowing him to scream, but his eyes showed none of the dullness of before.


    Now, they were open wide, and showed only pain and suffering. Clearly, Emily had released him, forcing him to endure the suffering she had judged him with.


    He died half an hourter, alone, and driven insane from the pain.


    Back with the sisters, they arrived next to a cave opening. "Here it is¡­" Emily mumbled.

 Chapter 319: Chapter 319 - Infiltration [1/2]

    The Ashcroft sisters stood next to a small, dark opening in a rock face, located in the middle of the forest just outside of Alta. Moss and lichen covered the sides.


    Since their first encounter with that first-ranked vampire, they had encountered a few more guards and lookouts, but none that reached the second rank.


    They all died before being able to sound an rm, some of them in an equally horrific manner as Emily''s first victim. And each gave them a little more information.


    Now, they finally found themselves in front of a cave where the upying German forces had once build a bunker inside, during WWII.


    "Are you sure this is the ce?" Emma asked through their bond, a little skeptically.


    "Should be," Emily shrugged. "Astrid''s map fits, and while none of those first-ranked idiots we found on our way here knew for sure, they had heard rumors."


    "Alright, but why are there no guards here?" Emma continued, still not satisfied.


    Emily turned to her little sister with a strange expression, "Because that would be like putting a sign up saying ''secret base here''? This isn''t even the bunker''s true entrance, that''s located inside the cave. They probably put the guards there."


    "Alright, alright," Emma pouted cutely. "I don''t know much about this stuff, you know?"


    Suddenly, Emily remembered that Emma had barely finished primary school when this all started, and she felt guilty. Her white-haired little sister likely never learned anything about WWII and strategic bunker cement.


    "R¡ª Right, sorry¡­" the raven haired beauty stammered. "Would you like me to tell you something about it?"


    "Sure!" Emma smiled widely, actually interested.


    Emily nodded, but turned around to head into the cave before starting her exnation, "During WWII, the Germans used natural caves like this to hide theirmand bunkers. It was a way to protect them from bombings¡ªconcealment through nature. It''s not surprise the Dominion is taking over that practice, but posting guards at the entrance to the cave would defeat the purpose."


    The insides of the cave where much as you might expect. It was narrow, some stctites and stgmites were scattered around, and the floors were uneven. The damp, cold air clung to their skin, carrying the earthy scent of moss and wet stone, while a steady drip of water echoed through the narrow passages.


    The two sisters carefully stalked deeper into the cave while Emily continued teaching her younger sister everything she remembered about Alta''s past, including its time as a significant, strategically important naval base in WWII.


    Meanwhile, they inwardly thanked Elora for giving them these outfits that keep themselves clean. Especially Emma with her mostly white maid outfit. After a few minutes of not finding anything, they started wondering if they were really in the right ce. Fortunately, that was when they heard some hushed tonesing from somewhere nearby.


    Their eyes twinkled with a victorious expression and they quickly started moving in that direction. They found a narrow passage that quickly led to arger chamber. Here, they finally noticed their first second-rankers.


    Two Dominion vampires, a man and woman, were sitting on chairs next to a reinforced metal door, build into the cave''s wall. The woman looked to be meditating and exploring her runes, while the was seemed bored out of his mind, as he even leaned his chair back against the cave wall in a gesture of utter nonchnce.


    "Are you sure I can''t convince you to sneak away to the blood farms with me?" the man asked, his eyes turned up towards the cave''s ceiling. "It''s not like anyone''s going toe or leave here until Lord Sigurd is back."


    Despite her simr boredom, the woman appeared more diligent. She kept her eyes closed and shook her head, her voice t and uninterested, "Yes, I''m sure. I''m not going to be the one to ruin Lord Sigurd''s ns by letting someone sneak in here and destroy everything he''s worked for. I enjoy living too much. You go ahead, though."


    "Oh,e on," the man snorted, while righting his chair, and looking at the woman directly. "Everyone who knows this ce''s location is either inside, either of us, or currently surrounding those beasts of Enve. No one''sing here! And with the lock-down order in effect, no one''sing out until it''s time to relieve us."


    "We could have a little fun you and I¡­" he continued, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively.


    "In your dreams," the woman snorted, disdainfully. "Now, either leave or shut up. I''m trying to focus on my runes here."


    The man sighed, casting a longing nce toward the exit before shaking his head. "Whatever¡­" he muttered, resignation heavy in his voice. "I''m not getting in trouble on my own." So, he leaned his chair back again, and reluctantly started exploring his own runes as well.


    Clearly, after reaching second rank, this man had decided to take it easy for a while, probably thinking third-rank was out of reach anyway.


    Thus, they fell back into silence, and a half an hour passed with no incident.


    After that half an hour, however, the woman opened her eyes with a frown. "It''s bing harder to focus on my runes¡­ why?"


    The man quickly pounced on the opportunity with a wide grin. "Because you need a break! At the blood farms, for example!" the man eximed as he crashed his chair back to the ground, and used the momentum to stand up quickly.


    Yet, as soon as he stood straight, he suddenly felt a little dizzy, and stumbled forward a step. "W¡ª Woah" he mumbled, as he grabbed his head, some confusion in his eyes.


    Now, the woman also quickly stood up and started looking around suspiciously. "Something''s wrong¡­"


    The man seemed far moreckadaisical, however. He quickly righted himself again, and shrugged, feeling much better already, "Don''t overreact, Amelia. It was just a dizzy spell from standing up too quickly, and you simply need a break, like I said."


    "Right," the woman spat, full of sarcasm and disdain. "And when was thest time you got a dizzy spell since bing a second-ranker, huh? Don''t be an idiot!"


    "Ugh," the man groaned, annoyed by his partner''s overzealous caution. "Just rx for once, would you? What exactly are you suggesting is happening to us, then? You think its any more likely that we''re getting affected by something environmental? I mean, when was thest time ''that'' happened? Besides, I feel fine now!"


    The male vampire''s arguments were making Amelia''s cautious expression waver a little. The fact was, even these two second-rankers had had very little interaction with Arcanists that hadn''t been turned into anemics, and they had never heard of a Runebound with mind-affecting abilities.


    The notion that someone might be doing this to them was foreign to these vampires. But, naturally, that was exactly what was happening. Just outside of their visual range, inside the narrow corridor leading to that chamber, Emma and Emily were sitting on the floor, simply meditating, while Emily''s primer aura was working its magic on their targets.


    Finally, Emily opened their eyes, and prodded Emma with her elbow. The white-haired girl opened her eyes as well, and quickly realized it was time to roll.


    They quietly snuck closer to the exit of the passage, and peeked around the corner. There, the two vampires were still arguing over whether or not something was going on.


    "I''m just saying it''s strange!" Amelia growled, angry at the man''s unwillingness to see the problem in this. "I still can''t focus on my runes for some reason, and don''t you dare tell me again that I''m just overworked! Its been ten hours since I woke up, and eight since I started meditating! That''s nothing for us!"


    The man groaned, and was about to respond, when Emelia''s eyes opened wide. "Watch out!" she eximed and tried to grab the man''s cor to pull him aside.


    Unfortunately, she was toote.


    A golden disc came slicing through the air at immense speeds. It crossed the ten meters distance between the chamber''s entrance and the two vampire''s in less than a second.


    Amelia feared it would slice her partner in two, but at thest moment, the disc righted itself, and mmed into the man with its t side instead. Rather than sliced through, the man was lifted of his feet and mmed into the cavern wall, the sound of which echoed through the hall and made the walls shake.


    "Who?!" Amelia cried out, and took a fighting stance. Her nails yellowed, and took on some properties of sand. They began to grow longer, but the process was taking longer than she was used to. She still couldn''t focus fully.


    Suddenly, five pitch ck arrows flew at her face, and, feeling their terrible power, she ducked, but when she looked back up, a beautiful woman in Gothic dress suddenly stood in front of her, smiling with sadistic glee, "Toote¡­"


    A dark magic circle was pushed against Amelia''s forehead, and in less than a second, her mind was drowning in darkness, with the words, "You''re mine now¡­" echoing through her soul.

 Chapter 320: Chapter 320 - Infiltration [2/2]

    Amelia''s mind immediately fell under Emily''s control, despite being a second-ranker, which usually required a handful of uninterrupted seconds. But that was no surprise. The vampire had been subjected to Emily''s primer aura for half an hour while in an unsuspecting state.


    Regrettably, the primer aura had little use inbat, because an alert and adrenaline filled mind would be far harder to affect with it. That said, it was perfect for an infiltration mission like this.


    Which was exactly why Erik had send Emily here. Emma just came for support and transportation.


    Speaking of the younger sister, she walked up behind Emily with a strained face, and two bright magic circles floating in front of her hands. "Big Em, can you do something about this guy now? I can''t hold him for much longer!"


    A few meters away, the male vampire was being pressed against the cave wall by a t golden disc, conjured by Emma''s second-ranked light affinity spell, which did exactly what it said on the package. It allowed Emma to conjure and manipte said disc, in whatever way she liked.


    The vampire man, still dazed from his collision with the wall, snarled as he struggled against Emma''s spell. The sound of his fists pounding against the disc echoed through the damp, musty air of the cave. Fortunately, he couldn''t exert much strength form that position, but Emma knew her spell wouldn''t hold much longer.


    "Who the hell are you people?!" the man roared. "What did you do to Amelia?! Let me go right now, or I swear, I''ll rip you both to shreds!"


    The vampire man had still been reeling from the blow he received from Emma when Amelia was getting enved, so he had no idea what had happened to her. All he knew was that his partner was now kneeling on the ground with dull eyes.


    The raven-haired beauty walked closer to the raging vampire with a condescending smile, "Oh, don''t you worry. She''ll let you go in just a moment."


    Emily raised her hand, and conjured another pitch-ck magic circle, causing the man to panic, and struggle harder against his bonds.


    "D¡ª Don''t get any closer!" he eximed. While he may not know exactly what happened to Amelia, it didn''t take much imagination to realize that the same was likely about to happen to him.


    Suddenly, Emma cried out, a little panicked. "Watch out! It''s going to break!"


    Just as her voice echoed through the chamber, the vampire''s fist smashed against the disc again and it shattered with the sound of breaking ss.


    The vampire fell to the ground, and quickly jumped up. Yet, it was toote. Emily was already there and grinning sadistically as she pressed the magic circle against her target''s forehead.


    Before the man even realized she was right in front of him, he had already fallen under her spell.


    With the enemy dealt with, Emma ked a sigh of relief. Erik had spent plenty of time training her since she gained her second-ranked spell, but this was still the first actualbat situation she found herself in.


    Emily, who was naturally far more experienced, turned to her younger sister with a warm smile, ignoring the newly dull-eyed man behind her. "You did great, little Em!" she eximed happily. "That disc of yours is really quite useful!"


    Emma became embarrassed, but also smiled happily as she poked her fingers together, "Hehehe, you mean it? I didn''t do much, though¡­"


    "You did exactly what you were supposed to," Emily smiled as she hugged her little sister. "Most people have problems doing even that much the first time their life is in a little danger."


    "I just trusted you and Master¡­" Emma grinned as she hugged back. "I know neither of you would ever let me be here if I was in any real danger."


    "Even we can''t protect you from everything, little Em," Emily frowned as she let Emma go. "It''s true that Master and Elora have given us some life-saving, emergency measures, but you need to fight every battle like your life actually is on the line, alright? Because one day, it might be, and you''ll want to be prepared."


    Emma''s grin faded, and she pouted instead. But she also nodded in understanding. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a crackling echoed through the chamber.


    Suddenly, an inte sprang to life next to the sealed door. "Hey! Amelia! Anders! What the fuck is going on out there?! What was that shaking just now?!"


    Emily frowned, and indicated for Emma to be quiet. Then, she closed her eyes, reached out her mind, and took control of Amelia directly, in much the same way she''d done with Victor in the past when they returned to Frostvik to bury Bj?rn.


    It was unfortunate that Emily''s ves were truly more like puppets and couldn''t act very independently. Not like Elora''s Bond of Service that currently bound Nora.


    Of course, the advantage of Emily''s spell was that it''s requirements were much lower.


    With Emily in direct control of Amelia, the vampire woman walked over to the inte connected to the bunker and pressed the button. Luckily, after listening to Amelia and Anders talk for a while, she was pretty sure she could fool the person on the other side, so long as she kept it short.


    "Anders got bored and was being a moron like usual," the puppeteered Amelia said through the inte, in the t, matter-of-fact tone that Emily hoped was Amelia''s normal speaking tone, and not just the one she used with Anders.


    "He started shadowboxing and identally punched the wall a little too hard," ''Amelia'' continued.


    It remained quiet for a moment while Emma and Emily hoped their ruse would work.


    After a few tense moments, the inte began crackling again, "Goddamn idiot¡­ Anders! I''m assuming you can hear me, and you simply let Amelia do the talking because you''re a chicken shit, but hear this! One more fuck-up from you, and I''m tossing you in a ghoul squad, you hear me?!"


    Emily was about to have Anders acknowledge the man from the inte, but the device shut off. Clearly, the man on the other side didn''t have the patience to deal with their shit.


    The raven-haired sister reopened her ck, cracked eyes, and they shone with mischief and smugness. "Now we just wait for a few minutes to see if they actually bought it," she smirked at Emma.


    Meanwhile, Anders and Amelia simply stood there like the puppets they had be.


    After five minutes, Emily nodded, and rxed. "I think we''re good," she smiled.


    "You were amazing, big Em!" Emily chirped with her signature bright smile.


    "Fufufu, I know, I know," Emilyughed proudly, before turning to the two guards. "Now for you two. Can either of you open that door?"


    Robotically, the two ves shook their head, "No."


    "Alright," Emily continued, unperturbed, "so I assume they open the door from the other side at some point to swap the guards, right? And the door is probably reinforced to the point where second-rank Runeguard''s can''t force their way in?"


    This time, the vampires nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Can''t you use your darkness to dissolve the door, big Em?" Emma asked, curiously.


    "Maybe," Emily mumbled. "But honestly, I''d prefer to leave everything as intact as possible, just in case there''s someone from Alta thates this way after all. We should just wait until the door opens from the other side, we''re in no serious hurry."


    "Next question," she turned to the her newest ves again. "How many people are inside, and what are their rankings? And what about the control center for the ghouls? Is it inside?"


    Amelia and Anders quickly started rattling off the information their new mistress wanted to know.


    When they were done, Emily nodded with satisfaction, "Good, we can work with that. I guess all that''s left to do is wait for their relieve guards to show up."


    With that decided, the Ashcroft sister''s settled in for a few hours of waiting.


    At some point, Emily inspected Amelia closely, and thoughtfully turned towards the meditating Emma next to her. "What do you think, little Em? This one''s pretty isn''t she? Should we take her home as a gift for Master?"


    Her concentration immediately gone, Emma opened her eyes wide in shock. "Y¡ª You¡­ What?!"


    "Don''t look at me like that," Emily smirked mischievously. "I know he wouldn''t be interested in fucking a mindless doll, or raping someone for that matter, but I''m sure he could convince her to take a simr deal to Nora. He can be very convincing, after all¡­"


    "I¡ª I uhm¡­ What?" Emma asked again, clearly entirely thrown of bnce by her sister''s proposal. "Where did that idea evene from?! He''s already got three wives, including us, and I''m sure Astrid will make four soon enough. Than there''s Nora, and there will probably be more like her in the future, but you want to actively work towards that end?!"


    "Maybe¡­?" Emily grinned, perverted excitement in her eyes. "I just imagined the sight of Master dominating this woman, and I may have gotten a little excited¡­"

 Chapter 321: Chapter 321 - Takeover [1/2]

    Emma and Emily satfortably on the cold, damp cave floor, their enchanted clothing providing a barrier against the chill that seeped from the stone. The air was thick with moisture, and the sound of dripping water continued to echo through the cavern.


    They leaned up against the wall, while Amelia and Anders stood in the middle of the chamber, doll-eyed, and unmoving. Their minds locked away.


    "You¡­ ugh," Emma groaned, as she palmed her face after Emily''s outrageous statement. "Now you''re a voyeur as well? I thought that was Astrid''s territory."


    "Am I a voyeur?" Emily grinned, a little strangely. "Maybe I just like to watch other women sumb, because if I submitted to him, than what right do they have to defy him?"


    "I don''t know¡­" Emma narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her big sister. "That sounds an awful lot like you''d be okay even if he forced the issue."


    "Absolutely not!" Emily quickly shook her head as if offended by the very notion. "Convincing them to give themselves to him willingly is part of the fun," she grinned lustfully.


    Emma rolled her eyes, "You know, if I didn''t trust Master, I''d almost think he did alter your mind somehow."


    "Don''t worry, it''s all me¡­" Emily chuckled.


    "I know," Emma smiled confidently.


    Their trust in Erik was so high that the idea he might do something like that was inconceivable to them. Emily''s yful demeanor shifted to something more serious. "I''m just releasing a lot of suppressed desires all at once," she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability. "But if you don''t want to hear about them¡­"


    "No, no!" Emma quickly denied. "I like the new you! You''re freer, happier! Perhaps not nicer, but I can live with that."


    "Good," Emily smiled, before standing up. "Anyway, I believe it''s almost time. We should take up positions and prepare."


    The girls hadn''t been entirely idle in thesest few hours of waiting. Instead, they had prepared for the moment the new guards would leave the bunker to relieve Amelia and Anders.


    ording to Emily''s newest ves, there were 5 more second-rankers inside the bunker. Four more guards, and a man called Lars, who was apparently Sigurd''s right hand man, and also the man who was on the inte earlier.


    Now, if Emma and Emily only wanted to take down the two relieving guards, they could simply start a fight, and would likely win. After all, it would be two against four, with Amelia and Anders now on the sister''s side.


    But they wanted more. They wanted to take down the new guards silently, so that they could continue to infiltrate the base without anyone being the wiser. In a perfect world, they would take this bunker without any real fighting.


    Emily''s ability made this entirely possible.


    Unfortunately, that meant they couldn''t make a ruckus when the new guards arrived. They had ambush them.


    For the purpose of this ambush, Emily had put down three sigils she had learned from Elora. The first was an obfuscation sigil.


    Thus, when it was almost time for the relieve guards to arrive, the sister''s took their ce on the blind side of the door, while Anders and Amelia put their chairs in the middle of the chamber, backs turned towards the bunker.


    "Are you sure they won''t see us?" Emma asked, a little anxiously. Despite the fact they would be hidden by the opening door when the time came, there were still plenty of ways they could be spotted. If that happened, the n would go awry very quickly.


    "They might," Emily shrugged. "But that''s what the obfuscation sigil is for. It doesn''t make us invisible, but as long as they don''t look directly at us, they won''t consider us as actually being here. We only need to stay hidden for a few seconds, so it should be fine."


    n B was to let Amelia and Anders simply reenter the bunker while Emma and Emily stayed hidden outside until they could take down the new guards in the same way. Unfortunately, that would not only dy their take over of the base by another eight hours, it would also significantly increase the chances of discovery. After all, it''s not like Amelia and Anders were acting quite themselves.


    Finally, with everything prepared, they waited.


    After ten minutes, Emma and Emily were getting a little worried, thinking the people inside had figured something out after all, and their tension rose. But then, after fifteen minutes, a heavy ng echoed through the chamber, and the door slowly opened.


    Emma and Emily quickly held their breath as two new vampires stepped out.


    There were two men this time, one with red hair, the other with brown, and they walked into the caveughing. "Hey, Anders!" the red-haired one eximed. "Was that really you earlier? Man, you should have seen themander''s face, he was livid!"


    "Right?! His face was all red!" the other agreed,ughing with his partner. "You''re in for a hell of an ass-whooping, my friend!"


    Neither Anders nor Amelia answered, however, and the two vampires quickly became confused. "You think they''re meditating?" the one with brown hair asked hesitantly, not stepping any closer, as he didn''t want to disturb them.


    Suddenly, Emma''s and Emily''s hearts stopped, when they heard a third voiceing from deeper in the bunker, a female one. "So what if they''re meditating? Are you going to be the one to exin to themander that the guard schedule has be all messed up?"


    "Yeah, just wake them up," a fourth voice added, another male, annoyed and impatient. "You dragged us out of bed to hold your hands, and I wanna get back to sleeping! Clearly, Anders and Amelia are fine."


    Emma and Emily grew even more tense now. They had expected two second-rankers, but it looked like all four of the remained guards were here. The other two remained in the for bunker for now, however, so they couldn''t see them yet.


    "Screw you!" one of the first two vampires cursed over his shoulder, his face twisted with irritation. "We woke you on themander''s orders! He wanted all four of us here to make sure there wasn''t anything more going on with that quaking earlier!"


    At this point, the vampire looking over his shoulder was technically able to see Emma and Emily, but the obfuscation sigil was messing with his perception of them.


    "Crap," Emily cursed bitterly through her marriage bond so that Emma could hear. "Guess they suspected something after all¡­ I hate it when our enemies are smart."


    "So¡­ what do you want to do, big Em?" Emma asked, perfectly willing to follow her big sister''s lead.


    At the urging of the two vampires still in the bunker, the front two started approaching Emily''s ves faster, meaning Emily''s window of making a decision was closing quickly.


    She bit her lip and her eyes darted back and forth. At this moment, she hated that the distance between them and Erik was toorge, meaning they couldn''tmunicate right now, only find each other.


    Finally, however, her eyes became determined. "Master is counting on us, Emma¡­ We need to be in control when the Enve and Dominion start fighting, which means we can''t wait. We follow the n, and improvise with the other two."


    "Alright," Emma nodded with determination that equaled her sister''s. "I''m right behind you, big Em. Just¡­ be careful."


    "You, too, little Em," Emily smiled fondly, and gave the orders to Anders and Amelia.


    At that same moment the first two vampires reached their motionlessrades. They were about to shake their shoulders, when the two ves suddenly jumped up, turned around, and tackled the red-haired vampire at the same time; one went low, the other high.


    The red-haired vampire, Anders, and Amelia all rolled over the floor, away from the brown haired one, who was still in the process of reacting to this sudden development.


    "Wha¡ª" he began, with wide eyes, but he never got any further. Emily activated the second sigil she had ced in the chamber. Lightning chains erupted from the ground, snaking around the brown-haired vampire and binding him in ce. Even his mouth was gagged, causing him to release muffled roars of anger as he struggled against his bonds.


    This was the sigil Elora had used to bind Seraphina in London, and f in Frostvik. Emily was far from capable of making it as strong as Elora did, however. Thus, it was only able to hold a single vampire for a short time. Which was why the red-haired vampire needed to get out of the way.


    The choice of which vampire to immobilize was purely guesswork, however. Emily had no idea which one of them was more powerful or had more annoying skills.


    Next, thest two guards came storming furiously out of the bunker. "What the hell is going on here?!" a male ck-haired vampire eximed angrily.


    "Anders! Amelia! What the fuck are you doing?! And who put a sigil here?!" a blond, female vampire followed right after.


    "Wait, don''te out with me!" the ck-haired vampire cried out at his femalepanion. "We don''t know what''s going on! Go get themander!"


    "Right!" the woman nodded quickly, and turned around to go back, but suddenly found her way blocked. The open doorway into the bunker was overgrown with a wall of nts and roots.

 Chapter 322: Chapter 322 - Takeover [2/2]

    "What the fuck?!" the female vampire cried out when she noticed the obstacle in her way.


    Herpanion quickly noticed the problem as well and growled, "It''s a trap!" The cold, damp air of the cave seemed to close in around them, amplifying the sudden tension they felt.


    "Who''s out there?!" he roared, frantically looking around.


    That''s when the two of them finally noticed a human woman who had previously been obscured by the obfuscation sigil. It was Emily. The raven-haired woman had already snuck over to Anders and Amelia, who where struggling with the red-haired vampire.


    Currently, therger Anders was holding his victim in a submission hold. "Dammit, Anders! What the fuck is wrong with you! Let go of me!" he roared while struggling against hisrger opponent.


    But Anders didn''t answer. He was simply obeying his mistress.


    Meanwhile, Amelia had jumped up and turned towards the other female vampire, and her ck-hairedpanion.


    "You! Who are you?!" the blond woman cried out at Emily, but went ignored. Emily was focused on her task. Her heart pounded as she reached Anders. She pressed the magic circle against her target''s forehead, her mind racing. ''Just a few more seconds,'' she thought, blocking out the chaos around her.


    ''If I fail now, everything falls apart.'' Her sadistic grin hid the urgency she felt, masking her inner turmoil


    Unfortunately, this vampire was a second-ranker, and had not been exposed to Emily''s primer aura at all. Thus, it was going to take at least a handful of seconds before the man would sumb to Emily''s control.


    The red-haired vampire she was enving didn''t remain idle, however. He could feel Emily worming her way into his head, and it terrified him. "Wha¡ª What are you doing?!" he screamed in a panic. "G¡ª Get out of my head!"


    Those words were all that the remaining two vampires needed to understand what was happening. "That woman must be controlling Anders and Amelia somehow!" the ck-haired man frowned, furiously. "We need to do something! There''s no telling how long it will take her to enve Hendrik as well!"


    "Ignore that wall of nts for now!" he told his femalepanion, clearly taking the lead in this matter. "We will need to deal with this without Lars for now."


    "Alright," the woman nodded while eyes Amelia, who was standing in between them and Emily. "You go for Amelia, I''ll take down the woman. There''s no way Amelia can stop us both."


    No more words needed to be said, and they quickly shot into action. Swirling storm clouds encircled the man''s hands as he charged at Amelia. At the same time, small sonic waves exploded from the woman''s feet, and she charged at Emily, taking a route that circled around Amelia.


    Like a good ve, Amelia tried to intercept the other female vampire and protect her mistress, but was forced to defend herself when a stormy fist flew at her face. She screeched, and her own nails extended with sandy extensions again, before defending herself against the man in front of her.


    At this point, no more than three seconds had passed since Emily started enving the red-haired vampire, Hendrik. She wasn''t entirely oblivious to her surroundings, and knew that the few feet of distance between her and the blond woman would be closed in less than a moment.


    Thus, she had prepared for the worst. While her right hand maintained the magic circle in front of Hendrik''s head, her left hand clutched a sigil stone. Elora had created this using Erik''s spatial affinity, linking it to both Emma and Emily. The stone would teleport them to safety if either was about to die, a final failsafe in their dangerous mission.


    When it did, both Ashcroft sisters would be teleported to a random spot, a few hundred meters from here. At that point, the sisters could use Emma''s golden disc ability to disappear into the distance.


    Unfortunately, that would also mean the failure of their mission here, meaning Erik and Elora''s n would fail. At that point, they might just have to leave Finnmark without ever freeing Astrid''s mother and killing Sigurd. Something that Astrid would obviously find uneptable.


    Fortunately, there was still one morebatant in this chamber that the vampires didn''t know about.


    The female vampire''s face was glowing with confidence when her hand was mere inches from Emily''s throat, ready to tear it out and free herrades.


    But suddenly, her instincts screamed.


    She twisted, ducking to the side, just as a golden disc whizzed past where her neck had been a micro-second ago.


    Righting herself, the woman turned and roared, "Who?!" The echo of her voice bounced off the damp cave walls, mingling with the sounds of the ongoing battle.


    Her eyes widened in surprise when she noticed the roots and nts that had previously blocked the entrance to the bunker, were now reced by a woman in a fantastical maid outfit. It had been Emma''s first ranked nature spell, which conjures a protective dome around the caster, that previously blocked the entrance.


    In order to keep an eye on what was happening, she kept a few gaps open in the dome, allowing her to see the danger. Thus, she quickly dispelled the dome, and conjured her disk to attack the vampire.


    Emma''s heart pounded in her chest, but determination shone in her eyes. "I won''t let you stop us!" she eximed, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her.


    Naturally, Emma knew of the sigil stone, as she also had one, so she knew Emily wasn''t in any real danger. She just didn''t want to fail the mission and let her master down.


    "Dammit, there''s another one!" she cried out towards the ck-haired man.


    "Ignore her, and save Hendrik, dammit! I''m almost done here, and then I''ll take down the other girl!" the man eximed while on the verge of defeating Amelia. Although Amelia wasn''t any weaker than this guy originally, the fact she was now a mindless doll seriously hampered her fighting potential.


    The woman realized he was right, and quickly lunged towards Emily again. Unfortunately, the disc also came flying again straight away, forcing her to dodge while cursing.


    Afterwards, she immediately lunged again, knowing she only had to get her hands on the raven-haired girl for a moment. Emma was getting desperate, as she still wasn''t as adept at controlling this disc as she would like to be, and she knew the vampire woman would eventually get to Emily.


    But this time it was different. When she lunged towards the ce Emily was just before, she now faced a dull-eyed Hendrik instead.


    She was toote.


    The enved Hendrik punched her in the face, and she skidded back, blood leaking from her nose. "Dammit!" she cursed. "Frederik! We''re fucked!" she yelled at the ck-haired man.


    With Hendrik now enved, Emily released a sigh of relief as her heart stopped pounding quite so hard. She shot a grateful look at her little sister, who looked back with chest puffed up in pride.


    Frederik, meanwhile, was just dealing the final blow to Amelia, whose bruised body crumpled to the ground. She was still alive, but even enved as she was, her body simply didn''t obey her anymore.


    Unfortunately, their ordeal wasn''t over yet. Frederik and the blond haired woman were now engaged by the newly enved Hendrik and Anders, who didn''t need to hold Hendrik back anymore.


    They likely wouldn''tst long, however, just as Amelia.


    But this gave Emily the time to head for the fourth vampire, who was still bound by lightning chains. Lightning chains that were already showing some cracks due to his struggling, but where still holding for now.


    When she reached him, she started the envement process all over again, causing this bound man to begin struggling even harder, his eyes wide in panic.


    At the same time, Emma conjured the protective dome once more, but this time she stayed outside of it. She darted towards Amelia, skirting around the chaotic battle between Hendrik, Anders, Frederik, and the blonde vampire.


    Once there, she started casting her first-ranked healing spell in the hope of getting Amelia back into the fight.


    Between a second-ranked Runebound vampire''s natural recovery and Emma speeding up the process, Amelia''s broken body was recovering at a remarkable speed.


    The seconds passed while Amelia healed, the four vampires fought, and Emily tired enve the chained up man as fast as possible.


    Unfortunately, she wasn''t fast enough. In the middle of his envement, the man roared and finally freed himself from his bonds, quickly pushing Emily away. The raven-haired woman yelped and stumbled back, while the man clutched his head.


    "Ah, fuck!" he cried out in pain. "You tried to mess with my mind, you bitch!" he roared, before lunging at Emily, intending to kill her and end this madness.


    Emily panicked. Her first-ranked darkness orbs were deadly, but their stopping power was minimal. And this vampire was like a raging bull who only needed to close a few feet of distance between them.


    "Did we fail after all?" she sighed inwardly, as she watched the vampire approach and felt her emergency sigil stone pulse, ready to save her life if necessary.

 Chapter 323: Chapter 323 - In control [1/2]

    Sounds of fighting echoed across a cold and damp cavern chamber. In the middle, four vampires, divided in two sides, were fighting for dominance. It didn''t seem like the fight wouldst very long, however, as the fighters on one side were moving slower and more robotically than the other.


    In the corner was a heavy metal door leading to a bunker, but its passage was blocked by a bundle of root and nt growth. At the same time, on the left side of the cavern, a beautiful woman in a fantastical maid outfit was waving her shining hands over a fifth, clearly wounded vampire.


    Finally, closer the exit of the chamber, a sixth vampire was about to kill a raven-haired woman in Gothic dress. The woman didn''t seem to fear for her life, however. All that her eyes showed was frustrated irritation.


    "Did we fail?" Emily asked herself sadly as she watched the vampire inch closer to her throat as if in slow-motion, knowing she had no way to stop him in time. Soon, she and Emma would be teleported away, and the n would fail.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t to be.


    Just before the man reached her, the sound of something slicing through the air echoed, and a paper-thin golden disc moved in between the small remaining gap between Emily and her would-be attacker.


    As it turned out, Emma had not remained ignorant of what was happening while she healed Amelia and had paused her healing efforts to save her big sister for the second time that day.


    Time seemed to move at its normal pace again for the raven-haired woman. Her attacker crashed against the golden disc, which immediately shattered, but not before repelling the vampire. "Argh!" he roared and clutched his face as he stumbled backwards, his nose broken due to force by which he mmed into the disc.


    Meanwhile, Emily blinked in surprise, but quickly realized what happened, and grinned sadistically. "Ha! You failed!" she eximed, and reacted quickly to make the most of the situation.


    ''Considering the current situation, I won''t be able to enve this guy, which means I need to kill him quickly,'' Emily realized, as ten orbs of inky darkness started appearing around her.


    During her time in training, Emily had also managed to increase the number of orbs her first-ranked darkness spell could create, and the power of its corrosion.


    At this point, Emily was an extremely powerful second-ranked Arcanist. She may only have a single spell that she needed to use for both offense and defense, but it was an extremely versatile and powerful one.


    Unfortunately, their current close-quarters meant that even a rtively weaker Runebound vampire could get the upper hand on her if she didn''t dispatch him quickly. Luckily, that was exactly what Arcanist''s excelled in.


    Where Runebounds were masters of endurance and close-quartersbat, Arcanists were rulers of rangedbat and dealing as much damage as possible in as little time as possible.


    Thus, before the vampire fully recovered from his stumble, Emily turned all ten orbs into arrows of darkness and send them hurling towards her raging opponent.


    Still unable to properly defend or dodge, the arrows struck the vampire in several ces on his body and started devouring his flesh. The vampire screamed in pain, and tried to rid himself of the ck sludge clinging to his body to no avail.


    The power difference between him and Emily was simply too big. It wasn''t long before he keeled over.


    With this vampire''s death, Emily sighed in relief and focused on the remaining two uncontrolled enemybatants.


    She could kill them without much issue at this point, since they were being kept busy by her ves, but she wanted them under her control too. She needed overwhelming power to subdue the people inside that bunker and keep them under control.


    She couldn''t simply enve the entire bunker, after all. Her mind could never handle the strain of such an endeavor. Not to mention that they would be less capable of doing what she needed them to do.


    Luckily, Amelia had recovered with Emma''s help, and soon rejoined her fellow ves, skewing the battle more in their favor.


    Unfortunately, Emily''s magic was too destructive to help in subduing their enemies, so she was unable to help them.


    Fortunately, it was different for Emma.


    She couldn''t use her disc to yeet the vampires against the wall again, as that would rm the people inside the bunker, and they didn''t want to do with that yet, but she could use it to defend the ves in the same way she did with Emily earlier. Plus, she could heal them like she did with Amelia.


    And so it was, that no more than fifteen minutester, Frederik and his femalepanion were subdued and forced to the ground by their two formerrades.


    Emma looked happy to be done with the fighting, but also proud of her own aplishments today. She looked proudly at her elder sister, who was about to celebrate with her, but got interrupted by the defeated vampires.


    "Dammit!" Frederik cursed and coughed out some blood. "How have the others not heard us fighting yet?! Themander should havee out by now!"


    "That''s my bad," Emily shrugged casually. "I nted a silencing sigil before you guys arrived here. Had you paid a little more attention you would have noticed it, and easily dismantled it," she chuckled devilishly, waving her hands at the softly glowing lines on the ground.


    Before these vampires got here, Emily had created three sigils. The obfuscation sigil, the lightning chains sigil, and finally, the silencing sigil. It pushed her current knowledge of sigils to the limit, and they were far less powerful than Elora''s, but they did the job just fine.


    Well, mostly.


    "Fucking hell¡­" the still unnamed female vampire cursed and panted, her face pushed into the cold cavern floor by an enved Hendrik. "Should have figured¡­ Who are you two?! And what did you do to the others?!"


    "There''s no need for either of you to worry about that," Emily grinned domineeringly. "All you have to do is obey, and pray for Liv''s forgiveness when the timees."


    "W¡ª Wait, Liv?! That''s who you''re working for?! But she''s just a ghoul now!" Hendrik eximed.


    But Emily had no interest in continuing the conversation.


    So she ignored any further inquiries from these soon-to-be-ves, and wordlessly sealed their fates with a pitch ck magic circle.


    When it was done, she grabbed her head and groaned a little in pain, "Ugh¡­ it''s a good thing that other guy died¡­ I don''t think I can handle any more ves¡­"


    A concerned Emma quickly showed up by her side, "Big Em?! Are you alright?!" she asked, anxiously.


    "Yeah, yeah," Emily nodded, but still kept her eyes closed and rubbed her head. "I''m fine, just give me a second. I had far more ves back in London, but they were all first-rankers. Clearly, I can''t have too many ves of my own rank¡­"


    When the headache subsided, she turned to her sister and smiled brightly, before hugging her tightly, "Anyway, never mind that. We did it, little Em! And you were so amazing! Without you we would have failed!"


    "Hehehehe," Emma chuckled, blushed, and scratched her head. "You''re embarrassing me, big Em! I only helped, none of this would have been possible without you!"


    "Well, then I guess we can both take a little credit," Emily grinned and petted her little sister''s hair. "Now,e one! We need to find thismander and put this base under our control."


    Emma nodded rapidly in response, and dispelled the tangle of roots, branches and nts that had been covering the entrance. The path was now clear, but they weren''t nning on entering the bunker just yet.


    There was one more second-ranker inside. The most important one, in fact. But fighting him inside was a bad idea. First of all, they couldn''t risk this guy warning Sigurd through one of the ghouls, particrly Liv herself, and second of all, if any of the sigils used to control those ghouls got damaged, half their n would go up in smoke.


    So instead, they would lure him outside. And for that, they needed to make some noise.


    Thus, Emily removed the silencing sigil, and ordered Anders and Frederik to start fighting. Loudly.


    Soon, the sounds of fighting echoed across the chamber, and into the bunker.


    It wasn''t long before the inte next to the door began crackling again, and the voice of Lars, Sigurd''s second inmand, and themander of this base, came through. "What the hell is going out there, this time?! Is someone fighting?! I swear, if this is you again, Anders, I''ming out there to teach you a lesson myself!"


    From the moment the new vampires came to relieve Anders and Amelia, only about twenty minutes had passed, so Lars wasn''t too suspicious yet.


    ''Well, that''s convenient,'' Emily chuckled inwardly, before taking possession of Amelia again, and walking up to themunication device.


    "It''s Anders and Frederik, Sir," Emily answered through the inte through Amelia''s body. She used the same t, matter-of-fact tone as before, and had asked Amelia how she usually addressed this man. "I''m not sure what the problem is, to be honest. You might have toe out here¡­"

 Chapter 324: Chapter 324 - In control [2/2]

    It wasn''t long before a furious Lars stormed out of the bunker and right into the middle of a battle between Anders and Frederik. They were going at it without a word, and their movements were a little strange, but Lars was far too angry to notice any of that right now.


    Or, for that matter, any of the other strange things there. Like the ckened corps lying just a few feet away, or the fact that the other vampires all stared at the fighting with lifeless gazes.


    "That''s it!" he roared as he grabbed towards Anders. "I don''t care who started this fight, I''ve had more than enough of your crap, Anders! Let''s see how much trouble you make as a mindless ghoul!"


    Only after grabbing Anders by his throat and looking into the man''s dazed, empty eyes, did he realize something was wrong with him. Anders wasn''t even struggling against his grip. "What''s wrong with you? You half asleep, or what?" he frowned, while shaking the vampire in the air.


    Distracted and a little confused as he was, he also didn''t notice that the remaining four vampires, including the one he was trying to save, were closing in on him from behind.


    He turned around, Anders still in his grip, "Do any of you know what''s going on with¡ª" he began, but fell silent when he suddenly realized he was surrounded by the remaining vampires, all looking at him with empty gazes full of obedience to another.


    That was also when he noticed the corps lying a little further away, and the two human girls standing just behind his former subordinates.


    Instantly, the fury drained from his face, to be reced by a cold, calctive expression. As if his previous anger was just a joke. He released Anders and fully turned towards the two girls, who he instantly realized were behind this.


    He wasn''t Sigurd''s second-inmand for nothing.


    "I see," he growled. "It seems I''ve been lured into a trap. I''m sure the earlier quacking was rted to you two as well."


    Then he turned specifically to Emily, "And you¡­ I recognize you. Our focus was on that werewolf back when that thing with Astrid happened, but I saw some glimpses of a raven-haired woman as well. I can only assume it''s no coincidence that you and that werewolf show up to interfere in Dominion business one after the other. Who are you? And who is he?"


    ''He must have seen Master through the eyes of a ghoul,'' Emma and Emily thought at the same time. ''I wonder how it''s going over there¡­''


    They weren''t worried about him, however. They may not be able to talk with each other over this distance, but they could still feel that he was alive and well.


    "You seem surprisingly calm about all this," Emily grinned devilishly. "Based on your earlier outbursts, I would expected you to be a more¡­ expressive person."


    "It''s easier for people to follow a mean bastard than a calctive asshole," the man shrugged, indifferently, but on high alert. "It''s more rtable. Now answer my question. Who are you, and why are you interfering in Dominion business?"


    "I see," Emily nodded appreciatively. "That''s clever, I like it."


    She had no problem engaging with this man a little. After all, if at all possible, getting him to cooperate willingly was preferable.


    "Anyway," she continued, finally wiling to answer his question. "My name is Emily, and this is my little sister Emma. That werewolf you mentioned earlier is our husband. His name is Erik Gunnulf."


    Ignoring his surprise about finding out that these two human sisters were both the wives of a single werewolf, he focused on the name she mentioned instead. "Gunnulf¡­?" he muttered, with narrowed eyes, a memory sparking inside him.


    Emily smirked confidently and nodded, "That''s right. Our husband is Runa Gunnulf''s son, and also happens to be Astrid Frost''s childhood friend. I''m sure you can see where I''m going with this¡­"


    "Astrid is alive¡­" Lars immediately realized, eyes opened wide. "That, I did not expect¡­ nor that Runa had a son. Where the hell did he evene from after all this time?!"


    "Is that really important right now?" Emily chuckled dismissively.


    "I suppose not¡­" Lars mumbled, alreadying down from his surprise a little. His face now showed a thoughtful frown. He had long since started topletely ignore the vampire''s around them. He realized one of these women was using some method to control them, but he didn''t care.


    All he cared about was himself.


    And that was why Emily was treating him this way. Because he was more helpful as a willing participant, and because Astrid had always judged him to be supremely selfish, to the point of sociopathy.


    And that was a trait Emily could exploit in a way that Elora would be proud of.


    "So I suppose you''re here to take control of the second-ranked ghouls, while your husband does his part in Kirkenes, and by the end of it all, Sigurd will be dead, and Lady Liv will be back in charge?" he immediately guessed correctly. He didn''t know the specifics of their n, but the beginning and end parts were obvious to him.


    "Essentially, yes," Emily snickered confidently.


    "And it looks like you might just seed¡­" Lars frowned. "As soon as Liv and the second-ranked ghouls stand on your side instead, the battle is basically over." He sighed and shook his head, "I always told Sigurd he needed to secure this ce better, but he got overconfident. Especially after he enved Liv."


    Shaking himself free from his thoughts, he refocused on Emily, "So what now? There must be a reason you''re still talking to me, rather than doing whatever you did to these guys."


    He didn''t intend to struggle unless there was no other way. He could see when he was outmatched.


    "True," Emily nodded with a conspiratory grin. "You see, these ves are useful, but they can''t do much besides simple, menial tasks. Certainly controlling a third-ranked ghoul is beyond them. Something that I assume is generally your task?"


    "I see¡­" the clearly sharp Lars nodded. "You want my willing participation in this little ghoul rebellion you''re staging. But why should I? I can see that Sigurd''s days are numbered, even if I don''t help you, but if I''m going to help you, I want some assurances of my safety when it''s all over. Otherwise, what''s the point?"


    In response, Emily took out a sigil stone from her storage cor, and presented it, "Here is your assurance. I assume you recognize it?"


    Suppressing his surprise over magically appearing stone, Lars nodded. "It''s a sigil stone. Sigurd makes plenty of those. But what sigil is inscribed on it?"


    "It''s a covenant sigil," Emily shrugged. "We make a deal, and the covenant sigil enforces it. The deal is this: in return for you following our orders until the Kirkenes battle is over, you will be allowed to leave afterwards. As a second-ranked vampire, you can easily find a ce to belong in the Council."


    This sigil was something that only fairies could create by channeling their own magic. Naturally, it was a hotmodity back in S?l and on other worlds as the only epted method of making important deals.


    Being one of the few Dominion members who knew of the council, Lars nodded in understanding, but also frowned. "I don''t doubt this sigil will bind me to that, but how do I know it binds you as well?"


    "You don''t," Emily smirked sadistically. "But what other choice do you have? If you refuse, I''ll simply enve you and make it work."


    She couldn''t actually enve another second-ranker, but she could always kill one of her current ones and make some room.


    For a few moments, Lars and Emily were stuck in a staring contest, but then Lars finally nodded. "Fine. You have a deal. It''s not like I care about Sigurd."


    "Good!" Emily grinned widely, before directing her ves to grab Lars''s limbs. "Just insurance, you know? It can be dangerous for an Arcanist like me to approach a Runebound."


    Lars scoffed, but nodded, and watched Emily approach with the stone in hand.


    A few momentster, some dark green energy swirled, and a deal was struck.


    With that, Emily and Emma sighed in relief. Finally, everyone important was either dead or under control.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    A few momentster, things had calmed down, and the sister''s finally entered the surprisinglyfortable bunker, apanied by Lars and the enved vampires.


    "We did it, big Em!" Emma smiled brightly at her older sister while they walked through the bunker towards the control room. "Master will be so proud of us!"


    "Of course he will," Emily chuckled perversely as an eager and excited glint passed through her eyes. "And then he''ll finally give me what I want!"


    Emma quickly remembered what Emily had been promised by Erik, causing her eyebrows to twitch slightly as she palmed her face. "Right¡­ he was going to do it gently if we failed¡­"


    Emily nodded with a wide grin and her mind lost in the many perverted things she and Erik would get up to once this was all over.

 Chapter 325: Chapter 325 - Back to Kirkenes

    Fifteen minuetster, Emma, Lars, Emily, and her group of ves entered the control room. It was arge room which likely use to be some kind of silo. Large bs of stone were stered to the walls and covered with sigils showing the view through some poor ghoul''s eyes.


    Tens of first-ranked male and female vampires were gathered here, each controlling one or more second-ranked ghouls through sigils on their hands that were connected to those on the walls.


    Therge group was naturally noticed quickly by the vampires closest to the entrance. One male vampires in particr made some unfortunate assumptions when he saw their leaders escorting two beautiful human women.


    Assumptions he would soon regret.


    Standing up from his seat in front of one of the screens, he walked up to them with lustful eyes. "Hey Boss," he addressed Lars, full of excitement at the prospect of what he was imagining, "did you bring some bitches as reward for our hard work?"


    He stopped in front of them, being respectful of the second-rankers present there, but his greedy eyes wandered over Emily and Emma''s bodies as his excitement visibly rose.


    Lars, as a sociopath, really couldn''t care less about these people, so he smirked knowingly, but kept quiet, waiting see how Emily would handle this. Emma, for her part, looked at the man with a hint of pity, but also remained quiet.


    As for Emily, well, her lips formed a small, yet very dangerous smile. "Oh my," she purred, while covering her mouth with one hand and snickering a little. "I''m so d I didn''t have to go looking for a volunteer."


    "Eh?" the man scratched his head, a little confused about what she meant, but then one of the second-ranked guards around Emily stepped forward, and suddenly grabbed this man by his throat. "Ghhh, wha¡ª what are you doing¡­?!" he sputtered while trying and failing to pry those powerful fingers of his throat.


    The enved vampire, Hendrik, picked the man up like this, and tossed him to the ground, in front of Emily''s feet, where he nted his knee on the man''s back to keep him in ce, immobilized his arms, and stuffed some fabric in his mouth to keep him quiet.


    Naturally, this entire scene had quickly gathered the attention of every vampire in that room. They looked at their leaders with confusion while the captured man''s muffled screams filled the room. Who were these women, and why was their colleague being manhandled like that?


    Fortunately, Emily wouldn''t keep them in suspense for long.


    "Alright everyone, listen up!" she eximed, her malevolent eyes promised violence as they swept over the gathered vampires while her voice, empowered by aetherium, carried itself to every inch of the room.


    "My name is Emily and this is my sister Emma," she continued after getting everyone''s attention. "First of all, let me assure you all that your very lives are currently bncing on a razer-thin edge, and if I see any of you interacting with those sigils in front of you before I allow it, that razors edge will slice you through instantly.


    There''s no need to look at these limp-dicked guards of yours for help. They are now all under my full control, and even yourmander has switched sides."


    Confused and fearful gazes now swept over the second-ranked guards that used to protect them, and noticed their empty gazes and robotic movements. They also noticed Lars was missing those same signs, but his expression was full of indifference and didn''t seem intend on interfering.


    They all decided to do as she said for now. While they weren''t very familiar with Arcanists, they could guess from the circumstances that these women were no less powerful than their guards, making that group more than capable of ughtering this entire room without breaking a sweat.


    "S¡ª Switched sides? Whose side are you on? W¡ª What''s going on?" one very brave woman asked while shrinking a little in her seat when Emily''s eyes focused on hers.


    "d you asked," Emily grinned maliciously. "We take this base in the name of our husband, Erik Gunnulf, son of Runa Gunnulf, former leader of the Enve. And when the timees, he will hand it back over to the original leader of the Dominion, Liv Frost."


    Surprised and fearful whispers spread across the room, but they were quickly silenced again when Emily continued. "So now you people have two choices, either you do as we say, don''t fuck us over, and ride out our presence here in rtive safety until Liv arrives, at which point you can throw yourself at her mercy and hope for the best."


    "Or you pick option two, which is far less friendly¡­ but since I know mere words won''t exactly convey the message I''m trying to bring across, I will use our friend here as a prop." At that point, she indicated towards the squirming man releasing muffled screams that was being held in ce by the enved Hendrik.


    She conjured ten pitch ck orbs around herself, and grinned devilishly while panning her gaze over everyone int he room. "Now, I want you all to watch closely what happens when you piss me off. And if I see any of you look away from this¡­" her voice lowered into a threatening growl, "you will be next."


    What happened next was the cruel, prolonged torture of this vampire who dared assume she and Emma had been brought there for sexual relief. The cloth in his mouth was removed so that his screams of agony could echo across the entire room.


    The only person in the room to have her eyes closed was Emma, who also used aetherium to block her ears from the screams. She didn''t intend to stop her sister, but she didn''t like it either, and certainly wasn''t going to watch or listen.


    All the others in that room were different, however. It had taken no more than a minute of this scene for their fear towards Emily to skyrocket.


    Half of them were shaking in their seats with tears in their eyes as they forced themselves to watch, fearful of the consequences if they looked away. The other half looked on with rtive indifference to the man''s fate, but the message that it was better not to try anything and simply hope for the best was firmly engraved in their minds.


    Most of them remembered Liv as a rtively kind and fair leader, so perhaps their fate wouldn''t be so bad when she came back. As for Sigurd? None of them really expected him tost very long without his ghoulish army.


    Thus, fifteen minutester, after the man''s screams had finally died down and his body had turned into a ckened b of meat, a deep and nightmarish fear of his torturer had settled deep in all of their minds.


    Even Lars looked at her with a lot more wariness than before, suddenly not even considering trying to see if he could go against this covenant he agreed to.


    Seeing that everyone had gotten the message she was trying to send, Emily grinned. "Good¡­ Let''s get started, shall we?"


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, Erik was sitting in a rtively intact room in one of the few hotels of Kirkenes and smirking yfully at an enraged Anne.


    It had been about twelve hours since he came here, and in that time he had done very little. The only thing he did was drop f and Frostfang off at their ces of residence so they could recover for the fight toe.


    Or, at least, so that Frostfang could recover. f was of no consequence in theing battle.


    After that, he simply took up in this hotel room and waited to hear from Emma and Emily in a slightly anxious state. Although he portrayed a casual attitude, he couldn''t deny there was a kernel of worry within him, despite knowing they would be fine because of the precautions he and Elora took.


    Not that he would have stopped them otherwise.


    Erik may be a dominant force in his marriages, but he still tried to give them their autonomy, and didn''t want to restrict their freedom¡ªat least outside of the bedroom.


    Thus, when they decided to take this task upon themselves, all Erik could do was prepare them as well as he could and send them on their way, promising plenty of rewards if they seeded.


    Luckily, the bond still kept him informed of their well being, even if they couldn''t be in constantmunication anymore.


    Meanwhile, his inactivity had caused a little tension among the Enve leadership, however, and they had sent Anne to talk to Erik about it, fearing Viljar would be to lenient. Frostfang was still sleeping, so they hadn''t bothered him yet.


    "Why are we just sitting here?!" Anne roared at casually lounging Erik. "You said you had a n, but we''ve done absolutely nothing for more than half a day already! Meanwhile, the Dominion is clearly up to something! Their army is like a beehive of activity and we''re still just sitting ducks for when whatever they''re nninges to fruition!"

 Chapter 326: Chapter 326 - Teasing Anne

    Rather than answer the furious Anne, Erik just grinned at her for a moment. He realized he enjoyed annoying this woman for some reason. Perhaps because she looked cute when angry? Or perhaps because she''s so cold and indifferent with everyone else?


    Seeing Erik''s silence, the werelynx''s face grew redder and pointed with indignation at the scene happening between his legs, "And does she have to do that right now?!"


    Lazily putting his hand on Nora''s head as it bobbed up and down on his shaft, Erik shrugged, a teasing smile on his face, "Well, you came barging in here like a bat out of hell. It''s hardly our fault that you happened to walk in on us having a little fun."


    "You ordered her to do that after I entered!" she screamed and stomped the floor in a disy of utter helplessness and frustration. "And why did you even obey?!" she directed her next words to the blond woman on the floor.


    Stopping her scandalous actions for a moment, Nora turned her head towards Anne and grinned yfully, "Because it''s fun. In fact, more than fun, it feels good! You should really try it."


    "Ugh," the other woman groaned, cupping her face while her frustration grew.


    Meanwhile, Erik used his hand to direct Nora to get back to it, and focused his attention on Anne again.


    "I suppose I must have been nning on doing so then, but you simply walked in just before," Erik chuckled while professing his obvious lie. "You know, you could join her if you liked."


    Finally, Anne seemed to have had enough. She closed her eyes, and took a deep sigh, before looking up at Erik with a pleading look in her eyes. "Look, I realize you like teasing me, and that''s fine, but please. The Enve and the thousands of people living here are all at stake, and we''re worried. Is there an actual n?"


    Looking at her expression, Erik felt a twinge of guilt. So he sighed, and wiped the teasing smile of his face before exining, "Alright, alright. There''s no need for me or any of you to do anything, because the n is already in motion somewhere else, by other people."


    Producing amunication sigil stone from his inner dimension, he waved it in the air, "I''m just waiting on word of their sess. As soon as they seed, this whole thing will essentially be over."


    "You¡­" Anne''s jaw dropped, her eyes widening as she processed Erik''s words." "What could these people possibly be doing that will solve everything?"


    Erik smiled confidently and exined the n while continuing to enjoy Nora''s service.


    Along the way, the werelynx realized that these people that were supposedly solving this situation for them were both his wives, something that slightly enraged her due to what was happening with Nora at the same time, thinking he was betraying them, but she bit her tongue.


    When he was done exining, Anne looked at him with a bbergasted expression. "Is it¡­ really that simple?" she mumbled, still a little skeptical.


    "Well, I wouldn''t say that exactly," Erik shrugged, his hand continuing to guide Nora. "Emma and Emily are uniquely equipped to deal with this. Anyone else would need to be either a third-ranker, someone of equivalent power like myself, or have a strike force of at least ten second-rankers. But even then you''d still need to know where the bunker actually is."


    With some of her shock smoothing over, a thoughtful frown appeared on Anne''s face as she thought about Erik''s words. Then she nodded. "I suppose that''s true¡­ So have you heard any news yet?"


    "No, but I have faith," he assured the worried woman. "Emma and Emily are intelligent, powerful, and resourceful. They''ll figure it out."


    "And if they can''t?" Anne pushed, still not entirely convinced.


    Erik frowned. "If they can''t, than I''m taking the people I care about and getting out of here. I have no other ways of saving the Enve, and I have no intention of dying here."


    "Well, at least you''re honest," she muttered, frustrated, and with a twitching eyebrow.


    "It''s one of my better qualities," Erik winked charmingly in a way that made Anne roll her eyes. Particrly because the charm of it was a little ruined by Nora''s slurping sounds echoing through the room, something that she was doing an admirable job at ignoring.


    Still, despite her eye roll, something changed in the way she looked at Erik. ''He may be infuriating and disrespectful, but he''s not without his good qualities, I guess¡­'' she thought hesitantly. ''If this n of his works I might even forgive him his familiarity with humans.''


    Regardless, having gotten her answer from him, she turned around and prepared to leave, "Anyway, let me know when you hear something."


    "Are you sure you don''t want to jo¡ª" Erik started in a teasing tone, but was suddenly interrupted by a blinking in his hand. "Oh?" he muttered, a warm smile on his face. "Actually, Anne, wait up."


    "I''m not joining her!" the werelynx scoffed without stopping.


    "No, no. I''m getting news now," Erik chuckled, while activating themunication sigil. "Little Glimmer? Little Shadow? How''s it going over there?" he asked, warmth and a hint of concern clear in his voice.


    "We''re fine, Master," Emily''s silky voice echoed from the stone. "Better than fine, in fact. We''re in full control over here!" Before continuing, her tone dropped an octave, bing far more sultry. "But I was shoved by one of the male vampires during the fighting, Master. You''ll have to punish me for letting another man touch me¡­"


    Erik could practically see the perverted smile on Emily''s face, causing him to chuckle with amusement, "Don''t worry, little Shadow. I''ll be sure to remind your body who it belongs to."


    At the same time, Anne had turned back and now looked at the stone with another bbergasted expression at the wordsing from the other side. She may not be a particrly sexually active, but she could tell what this woman was insinuating. With Nora''s slurping still in the background, she could only palm her face and wonder what Erik had done to all these women.


    Erik also heard a groan in the background through the stone, and quickly realized Emma was having a somewhat simr reaction to Anne, causing him to smile. "And how are you, Emma?"


    Quickly getting over her embarrassment, Emma replied with a bright voice, "I''m fine, Master! I can''t wait to get back to you, though!"


    "Me too, Emma. But are you sure you''re alright?" Erik asked, a little concerned. "It was the first time you were in actualbat, after all."


    Before Emma could answer, it was Emily who spoke up, "She did great, Master! Actually saved me twice!"


    "Hehehehe," Emma''s embarrassed yet happyugh echoed in response.


    "I''m d to hear it," Erik smiled. "So tell me everything."


    Happily, the girls started exining everything that happened to them from the moment they arrived in Alta. They sounded excited, and they would sometimes interrupt each other to continue the story, or exin their own heroics in more detail.


    Meanwhile, Anne was a little ufortable, but she couldn''t look away from the sight of Erik being a loving and caring husband to two women at once, all while getting his dick sucked by third woman.


    Emma and Emily even asked about the sounds at some point, and Erik readily admitted what was happening, causing her to be even more shocked. Especially when his supposed wives barely reacted and simply went on with the story. Emily even seemed a little interested in knowing more.


    Anne shook her head, trying to dislodge the bizarre scene from her mind.


    That said, she did find her self unwillingly raising her opinion of him a little. He seemed to truly care about them, and he wasn''t sneaking around behind their back, so was there really anything wrong with this?


    When their story was done, Erik smiled. "Good job, girls. I''m proud of you. Before we continue to the n, though. Did you find out what the Dominion is nning currently?"


    "Yeah!" Emily eximed, and quickly exined the Dominion''s n to them.


    "What?!" the werelynx cried out in shock when Emily was done. "It''s that easy to make us defenseless?! I figured the sigils would have been a little more resilient than that!"


    "They can be," Erik shrugged casually. "But we simply didn''t teach that skill to Nora back in Frostvik."


    Before Anne could respond negatively to that, he grinned, "But that actually works to our advantage now."


    Anne frowned and was about to refute that, when she realized something. "Right¡­" she mumbled in realization. "With the ghouls under our control, the sigils are more of a hindrance to us than them¡­"


    "Exactly," Erik smiled, putting his hand back on Nora''s head and nestling back into the couch infort. "Which means we''re just going to wait until the Dominion finishes what they''re doing."


    As if to underscore those words, he pressed Nora''s head as far down as it would go, and came into her throat with a grunt. Immediately after, Nora jumped up with puffed up cheeks and turned to Anne with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, puckered lips, and stretched out arms.


    Her intentions were clear, and naturally, Anne ran out of there as fast as she could.

 Chapter 327: Chapter 327 - Childhood home

    About a dayter, Erik found himself in front of a rtively intact house at the edges of Kirkenes, barely within the defensive line of sigils. By his side was a nervous and slightly depressed Alice.


    Astrid had to remain in the dimension for now, because having a vampire walking around in the Enve camp would just be asking for trouble.


    Obviously it wouldn''t be anything they couldn''t handle, but why tempt fate? Besides, Astrid wasn''t really interested anyway. There was enough to do inside their home.


    "Is this the ce?" Erik asked, warmly, to the young girl by his side.


    Alice nodded softly while panning her gaze to a specific spot on the snowy ground. "It''s impossible to see now, but that is where my foster parents died¡­" she mumbled, sadly. "They were burnt to a crisp, barely any ashes remained. Now probably scattered into the wind¡­"


    Although Kirkekens had been deserted when Erik and the others first arrived here, it hadn''t always been that way in thest seven years. In the first days of the Enve, Kirkenes was their main base. Their capital, as it were.


    Only when Sigurd took over the Dominion and started the envement war against the Enve did Kirkenes be deserted after various battles drove the Enve to take on a more guerri type fighting style.


    At first, however, a few stragglers stayed behind, with Alice and her foster parents having been part of that.


    That is, until the Council came and took them out in order to get their hands on Alice.


    "Then let''s take a moment so you can remember them," Erik suggested, knowing how much relief he got from visiting his father''s grave back in Frostvik.


    Alice nodded without a word and closed her eyes for a moment while Erik watched over her.


    They weren''t alone, however. With the entire Enve of about 3000 shapeshifters crammed into Kirkenes, most were camping out in the streets, and every house was filled to the brim.


    The only thing that stopped them from falling into chaos and anarchy during thest month of mind-numbing boredom was a healthy fear of the second-rankers keeping everyone in line.


    Naturally, everyone had their eyes on Erik, the prodigal son of their founder, and the supposed current leader of their faction. Most of their expressions were simply curious, some were kind and hopeful, but others were hateful.


    The fact was, that Erik had not been a particrly active leader since he arrived there. The fact that the Dominion''s ghouls were now under his control was only known to the Enve''s leadership, so most of these people thought he had just been lounging about doing nothing.


    Which wasn''t actually false, to be fair.


    There just wasn''t a need for him to do anything.


    At first, after Erik came outside with Alice, some of these malcontents had tried to ost him, but Erik had simply ignored them. And if they refused be to ignored, he turned them into a living ice sculpture with only their heads unfrozen.


    Thus, they now all kept their distance, and simply watched to see what he was up to.


    Finally, Alice opened her eyes again, and nodded gratefully to Erik. "Thank you¡­ I''d like to take a look inside now."


    "Are you sure?" he asked, with a hint of concern. "The house is probably filled with people right now. We could wait until this whole business with the Dominion is dealt with.


    A murmuring started in the surroundings. People were surprised by his confidence in dealing with the Dominion. Some tookfort in it, and others thought he was boasting. Either way, Erik and Alice ignored them.


    "Yeah¡­" Alice nodded. "There''s a few things I want to gather, like pictures and mementos, assuming they''re still there. Ivar had an old, working Proid camera and several recement batteries, so we managed to take some pictures in the first few years.


    Anyway, the longer we wait, and particrly after the Enve files out of this house, the bigger the odds these things will be gone."


    "Fair enough," Erik nodded, before they walked up to the house. There hadn''t been a big uproar because of his presence, just some staring and murmuring, so the people inside might not have noticed his presence yet.


    He didn''t bother knocking. Their wasn''t any guarantee of personal space in the current Enve, as everyone was living on top of each other already.


    The moment they entered, a mature woman''s voice carried over from one of the rooms to the sides, "I don''t know who you are, but every room here is filled to the brim! You''ll have to find another ce to sleep!"


    Erik and Alice believed her, as even the hallway they entered through was filled with currently empty sleeping bags of people who were probably out training or doing whatever they could to fight the boredom.


    Surprisingly, Alice appeared to find some recognition in that voice. "Miss Heidi? Is that you?" she eximed in surprise.


    "Eh?" the voice answered with a hint of shock, before walking out into the hallway, revealing a busty, middle-aged woman with freckles and graying hair. "That''s impossible¡­" she muttered, but fell silent as soon as she saw Alice, her eyes widening in shock.


    "Alice?!" she cried out in surprise before quickly closing the distance between them and forcing the young girl into a hug. "I thought you were dead, you little rascal! When I heard someone had attacked Ivar and Marta I feared the worst! Are they with you?!"


    Alice smiled a sad smile and hugged the woman back. "No, Miss Heidi. They died back then, and I was taken prisoner."


    "Oh, I''m so sorry to hear that," Heidi muttered, tightening here hug around Alice. "Was it the Dominion? Did they make you a blood ve? Oh, I''m so sorry, Dear."


    "It''s not important," Alice shook her head dismissively, not really wanting to talk about it. "I just came to see if there was anything left of my time with them¡­"


    "Oh, of course," the woman quickly nodded. "I think I''ve seen some pictures and such spread around. You''re free to take whatever you want of course. And if you and your friend need a ce to sleep I can make it work!" She rattled off her words with a clear desire to be helpful, causing Erik to smile.


    So far he had just been watching, but now he spoke up, "That''s not necessary, Miss, thank you. We have our own arrangements. Alice, why don''t you introduce us?"


    Breaking the hug, Alice smiled at Erik and introduced Heidi as a neighbor and friend of her foster parents, back in the glory days of the Enve.


    Than she turned to introduce Erik, but Heidi, who finally took a good look at Alice''spanion, already realized the truth. She took a step back and gulped as she looked at him with a mix of fear and awe, "T¡ª That''s alright, Alice. I know who he is. I¡ª It''s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Erik."


    "There''s no need to be so deferential," Erik chuckled casually. "Any friend of Alice is a friend of mine. She is a friend, though, right?" he asked Alice, with a raised eyebrow. "Was she a good neighbor?"


    Hearing the light threat in his tone, Heidi paled as she remembered a few times where she scolded Alice for being a troublemaker and send a pleading look towards the young girl.


    Alice giggled a little, a smile on her face. "Don''t worry, Miss Heidi. He''s just kidding. He looks scary, but he''s a teddy bear when you get to know him."


    "I resent that," Erik scoffed. "If anything, I''m a teddy wolf."


    Aliceughed and punched him in his arm, while Heidi calmed a little. Although, having born witness to the events from two days ago when Erik arrived in town, she found theparison to a cute toy a little hard to believe.


    That said, it was clear to her that Erik and Alice cared about each other, so she smiled warmly, "I''ll take your word for it, Alice. And I''d love to hear how you ended up with him while we find you some mementos of your foster parents."


    Alice smiled and nodded while they walked deeper into the house. There were some other residents there, but since it was the middle of the day, most of them were out, while those remaining were trying to fight the boredom by sleeping or reading.


    While they gathered some pictures and other things that held meaning to Alice, she told Heidi a shorter version of what happened to her and how she met Erik. She didn''t really feel like mentioning how her father turned traitor to try and save her, nor that Erik had a hand in his death.


    As they walked, Erik tossed the things they found straight into Alice''s room in their dimension, causing Heidi''s head to spin, to great amusement of Alice and Erik.


    An hourster they stood outside again, and Alice smiled at Erik, "Thank you! I liked seeing Miss Heidi. It brought back some pleasant memories."


    "Good," Erik smiled. "Is there anythin¡ª" but before he could finished he frowned, and took out hismunication sigil stone.


    "Master!" Emily''s voice came through the other side. "They''re starting!"

 Chapter 328: Chapter 328 - Dominions fall [1/3]

    As soon Emily''s voice died down, Erik responded, "Thank you, little shadow."


    Then he grabbed Alice''s hand and stepped into his dimension, to the great shock of the people around him. In their eyes, he simply disappeared into thing air.


    Technically, there was a portal into that dimension hanging in the air now, but only someone with the spatial affinity or overwhelming power would be able to sense and possibly break into it.


    Once inside, Erik released Alice''s hand, and smiled at her. "Go organize what we took from your childhood home, alright? I need to go to talk to Astrid for a moment."


    "Alright, Teacher. Have fun!" she grinned, knowing Erik would enjoy the situation with the Dominion.


    Erik chuckled, and shoved her onward, before turning to find Astrid.


    Without much surprise, he found her in the training room, where she was practicing her sword fighting against a dummy intended for that purpose.


    "Astrid!" he eximed upon entering. There was love in his eyes, but it was apanied with a serious frown. Astrid looked up and pursed her lips with a difficult expression, "Is it time?"


    Erik nodded, "It is. I need to know what you want to me to do with the Dominion."


    Astrid nodded, but her expression remained conflicted. ''I''ve been wrecking my brain about this for days now,'' she thought wryly. ''I suppose I can''t wait any longer. Let''s think about this onest time¡­''


    There were two ways this could go, and Erik had given Astrid the choice between them, because it mostly affected her mother and the Dominion.


    Without the ghouls, the Dominion was doomed, and if the Enve shapeshifters were allowed to go on a rampage, many vampires would die. Most of them would deserve it for sure, but there were those that wouldn''t.


    A lot of the vampires out there right now had been pressed into service by force, some of them after having spend thest year as ghouls, making them and those still in their mindless state more victim than anything else.


    Erik could stop that rampage, but the question was if he should.


    While many more or less innocent vampires would die if the Enve was allowed to rampage, it would also allow them a way to vent their frustrations and avenge their fallenrades with their own hands. Meanwhile, the ghouls, after being turned back, likely wouldn''t mind so much if they found out their captors had been ughtered.


    It would certainly make Liv Frost''s job a lot easier, as well. Most of the real troublemakers would be dead, after all.


    Still, setting aside the innocent lives lost, there was something to be said for allowing Liv Frost to judge her own people. It was a matter of pride and sovereignty. Yes the Dominion had done wrong, but it couldn''t be med on Astrid''s mother.


    Finally, there was the matter of turning all those ghouls back into vampires. There was no way to substitute the blood a vampire needed, at least ording to any of their knowledge, which meant the only way to turn them back was with actual blood.


    Perhaps if the Enve was allowed to ughter the non-ghouls of the Dominion army, they could be convinced that the ghouls were victims just like them, and with a little pressure from Erik and his allies, they might donate blood to turn them back.


    But if they weren''t, resentment would fester, and donations would never happen, leaving Liv with a faction of ghouls and no way to turn them back. No way, that is, except for stepping towards the only faction around with the infrastructure required to provide them with the blood they needed: the council.


    In other words, stopping the ughter, would mean leaving Astrid''s mother no other choice but to leave thesends to the Enve and seeking refuge with the Council. Liv would almost certainly be a councilor, but her sovereignty and the independence of her people would be lost.


    Finally, Astrid sighed, and looked her love in his amber eyes. "The Dominion has had it''s time in thesends¡­ I know the Enve deserves vengeance, but please, stop the ughter. When this is all over, Mom and I will make sure the most guilty are turned over to the Enve for judgment, but I won''t condemn my people to so much death. I just hope my mother will agree with me¡­"


    "As you wish then," Erik smiled at his childhood friend and current love, before embracing her and sipping her lips. "The Dominion will be spared."


    "Thank you¡­" Astrid mumbled, enjoying his touch. Then, she shook her head free from all these depressing thoughts and pushed him away with an excited grin. "Now go! I''m itching to see Sigurd squirming at my feet, and you promised to put him there! I may not have the strength to do so myself yet, something I loathe, but having you do it is the next best thing!"


    "Your wish is mymand," Erik chuckled and bowed in jest before disappearing.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    "Are you sure everything is set?" Sigurd growled threateningly at the nervous vampire next to him. "It''s your head if anything goes wrong¡­ We''ve spent far too much time here already."


    "Y¡ª Yes, Lord Sigurd," the man stammered, fear-sweat trickling down his face. "E¡ª Everything''s ready. We can destroy this field on your orders!"


    "I hope for your sake that is true," Sigurd snorted with narrowed eyes, before turning towards the town of Kirkenes. "I want this ce and those walking blood supplies under my control by the end of the day!"


    While Erik''s arrival, and his reveal as another third-ranker in the Enve''s ranks, had rattled him a little, Sigurd was still confident in his victory. So long as he could remove those damnable sigils blocking his way, that is.


    ''Under Lars''s control, Liv is quite a powerfulbatant, and we outnumber those beasts by two thousand heads¡­'' Sigurd thought to himself, a confident, sadistic grin on his face.


    ''By tomorrow, I will finally rule all of Finnmark,'' he continued inwardly, almost jumping from excitement,'' all these shapeshifters will bing my blood banks, and I''ll have at least five hundred of these vampires starved back into ghouls. They may not be good for anything but physicalbor, but what else do I need them for?''


    Shaking himself free from dreams of the future, he turned to the ghoulified Liv. "Lars, is everyone ready? I want the ghouls to lead the charge as always."


    "Yes, Lord Sigurd," came the raspy voice of ghoulified Liv as she vocalized Lars''s words. "Everyone is prepared."


    "Good, good," Sigurd grinned, sure in his own sess and intelligence. He turned towards the anxious second-ranked vampire he talked to before, "Then you may begin."


    "Yes, my lord!" he quickly assented and hurriedly ran off to put the n underway.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, all the way over in Alta, Emily was chortling cruelly, "I can''t wait to see the look on his face when his most loyal puppets betray him."


    Next to her, Emma was focusing on very different things. "Do you think the vampires will rejoice the return of Liv, Big Em?" she asked her raven-haired sister.


    Rather than Emily, it was the usually indifferent Lars who replied, "With the exception of those in this room, most probably will," he shrugged casually. "Even most of those who aided him in his coup havee to regret it by now. Most of his promises havee to nothing."


    Over thest few days, even Lars had grown a little fond of Emma, mostly because she had activated her motherly aura and had been sting the entire base from the moment she arrived.


    It was a far slower method than Emily''s envement, but also far more insidious. It wasn''t really something she enjoyed doing, but it definitely smoothed the process of all this.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Meanwhile, in Frostvik, Erik was leaning against a building on the edge of town watching the vampire''s bustle around, preparing to execute their n. Beside him stood Frostfang, Viljar, Nora, and Anne.


    f was missing for the simple reason that he was having trouble containing his anger in Erik''s presence, and Erik had promised him, in no uncertain terms, to snap his neck the next time he did something stupid.


    As for Frostfang¡­ he and Erik still had a few things to straighten out, but it could wait until after the Dominion was dealt with.


    Around them, a hundred other shapeshifters had gathered, worried about the activity among the Dominion soldiers. After all, they didn''t know anything about Erik''s arrangements. It wasn''t impossible that Sigurd had swayed a few of them with promises of survival, so rather than take the chance of Sigurd finding out, they had decided to keep everyone in the dark.


    The surrounding shapeshifters shot anxious looks at Erik and hispanions, looking for answers from their leaders. Some even dared approach, but their questions went unanswered.


    They weren''t the only ones with worries, however. "Erik¡­" Viljar mumbled, careful not to be overheard. "Are you sure those creatures are under your control? If they''re not¡­"


    Frostfang''s eyes shone as he also perked up his ears.

 Chapter 329: Chapter 329 - Dominions fall [2/3]

    While Viljar naturally trusted his nephew at his word, it was still difficult to remain calm when the safety of everything and everyone he hade to care about over the years was in jeopardy. Particrly when there was simply no proof of Erik''s supposed control over these ghouls.


    Frostfang had the same worries, although he wasn''t even sure Erik was actually telling the truth. That said, in the end, it didn''t matter for him. Today, he would either die fighting, or he wouldn''t. He had no other ideas.


    Nora naturally had full trust in him, and surprisingly, Anne, too, found herself feeling strangely secure next to Erik. A feeling she disliked, but couldn''t stop. ''Perhaps its just this frustration I feel in his presence that is overpowering the worry,'' she thought to herself.


    "You worry too much, Uncle," Erik smiled slightly, full of confidence in his wives. "Everything will be as I promised. If all goes well, you won''t even have to do anything."


    "That may be problematic in and off itself," Frostfang rolled his eyes. "You don''t know how pent-up my people are. They want to kill some vampires."


    "And you''ll have to stop them," Erik scoffed. "Because if you don''t, I will."


    "I still don''t understand why you care about these damn vampires so much! Why ask us to stay our hand, when those damn bloodsuckers have been hunting us for over a year?!" Frostfang hissed furiously, but in a low enough tone that no one could hear it. Regardless of his feelings for Erik, he wasn''t about to sow unrest mere moments before the Dominion attacked.


    "I don''t care about the vampires," Erik shrugged, his gaze remained locked on the Dominion. Or, particrly, on the ghoulified Liv Frost. "But Astrid does, and that means I care by extension. She is the one who gave us the location of that base and made this possible, and in return, we will allow Liv Frost to judge her own people when this is all over."


    Astrid didn''t make him promise anything of the sort, of course. She was always going to give them the location of that base, because it was also the best way to save her mother. Still, earlier, Astrid had asked him to spare the lives of as many vampires as he could, and he had agreed.


    He now turned to Frostfang with a dangerous re. "I promise Sigurd''s death and I promise to make sure Liv judges the others fairly based on how much fault they bear for this crap. But that is all."


    Finally, he snarled threateningly, "And if you fail to keep the Enve from trying to enact their own revenge, ''I'' will stop them, instead. And I care only marginally more for the Enve than I do the Dominion."


    "That goes for all of you," he continued, while panning his gaze over Nora, Anne, and even his uncle.


    He had made Astrid a promise, and he''d be dammed if he was going to do any less than his utmost in making it happen.


    "Fine," Frostfang snarled, furious at Erik for protecting the Dominion, but deep inside, he knew most of his anger came from continued fear over the oue of this day. If this day truly ended with the Enve alive and well, he would not care over what happened to the Dominion.


    Fortunately, they had already ryed Erik''s orders to all the second-ranked shapeshifters in the Enve, and ordered them to hold the line along with the first-rankers they were in charge of, and not attack anyone unless they actually tried to enter the town.


    On the other side, Sigurd looked at the enemy leadership with narrowed eyes, wondering why they were so calm, but unable toe up with an answer. He did indeed have some spies among the Enve, but none of them knew anything.


    Finally, it appeared like the Dominion forces were ready. Tension was in the air as most of the Enve wondered what would happen next.


    Suddenly, a rumbling filled the area. Erik looked unfazed and Sigurd looked excited, but most everyone else looked anxious.


    Boom


    The entire field filled with sigils that had been protecting the Enve for thest month suddenly imploded. The earth, stone, and snow filled this field sagged downwards. In mere moments, the entire field had be indented, and every sigil covering its surface was distorted and destroyed.


    "I still can''t believe they simply had to use some earth affinity vampires and dig a few tunnels to destroy our work!" Norained with a sigh. She still wasn''t worried about the days end, but she and the team she had assembled had worked hard to build this sigil field.


    Naturally, sigil crafter across the universe had long since found ways around such a crude method of disrupting their work, but Elora simply hadn''t taught Nora those.


    At the same time, rm bells rang, and every single one of the three thousand shapeshifters in Kirkenes streamed out of town in a flurry, joining theirrades on the field of battle. Soon, two lines had formed and the second-rankedmanders started spreading the orders they received from Frostfang and their generals.


    At the same time, Nora, Anne, and Viljar were joined by f and, as generals, divided themselves across the line equally. As for Erik and Frostfang, they stood next to each other, taking position across from Sigurd and the ghoulified Liv. Frostfang looked ready for battle, but Erik simply stood calmly, arms crossed in front of his chest, looking at Sigurd with calm and ridicule.


    Across the field, Sigurd''s face was split into a wide grin, "Ha! I don''t feel the hum of those incessant sigils anymore, but I should make sure." Walking over to one of the first-ranked ghouls, he grabbed it by the neck, and tossed it into the field.


    Both Dominion vampire and Enve shapeshifter watched with bated breath to see the result of Sigurd''s experiment. One second passed. Two. Five. Yet, the ghoul remained docile and obedient.


    With every second that passed, Sigurd''s smile widened, until finally, heughed. "Hahaha! Finally, this damnable wait is over! My dear vampires," he roared over the heads of his army. "Be sure to keep at least half of them alive for the farms! Now charge!


    Tonight, we feast!"


    His speech caused the vampires to stir into a frenzy and charge forward. Many of them may not be there entirely of their own free will, and most would prefer the return of Liv, but the fact was that many of them were starving and wanted this siege to end.


    Besides, they may not like Sigurd, but its not like they werepassionate souls whose hearts were bleeding for the Enve.


    The Enve shapeshifters all transformed into their beastly forms, their eyes wary and anxious over the superior numbers charging down at them. Yet, they didn''t move. They held the line, because those were their orders and their second-rankedmanders were happy to pull them back with force if they stepped out of line.


    Most of the second-rankers still weren''t sure about Erik, but they trusted Frostfang and his orders, so they stayed still. Anxious, but still.


    The earth shook with the Dominion''s stampede. The air was full with the cacophony of the vampire''s roars, and the ghouls screeches. The shapeshifters were pumping themselves up, howling into the air and beating their chests as they prepared themselves for the ughter they believed wasing.


    But in the end, only a few were prepared for what came next.


    The ghouls, initially charging ahead as cannon fodder, suddenly started pulling back Subtly, and without pulling notice to that fact.


    The Enve, with their frontal view, were quick to notice was happening, staring at the charging Dominion ranks with confusion. The vampires, on the other hand, so caught up in their blood thirsty charge, barely noticed what was happening until they were suddenly face to face with the Enve fighters, no more than ten of steps in front of them.


    The ghouls that were previously filling their sight had disappeared, to be reced by deadly danger instead.


    Almost instantly, the vampires came to a stop, looking around in confusion. The shapeshifters, for their part, looked equally confused. A lot of them were unsure if this was a Dominion trap, or if this was really happening.


    Looking behind them, the thousand vampires noticed that the four thousand ghouls previously on their side, had now formed a half-moon behind them, essentially blocking their escape.


    Now stuck between the equally confused, yet very dangerous Enve shapeshifters, and their previous allies, the vampires looked to their lord for answers.


    But, what they saw were not answers. What they saw was the same shock and confusion as their own.


    "What the¡­" he mumbled, looking at the rebellious ghouls, before panning his gaze to the only ghoul still remaining. "Lars? What the hell is going on here?"


    "Rebellion, my lord," the raspy voice of Liv''s body delivered Lars''s voice, before punching him in the face.

 Chapter 330: Chapter 330 - Dominions fall [3/3]

    Sigurd was not the kind to lead from the front, despite being the most powerful person in the Dominion. Instead, he stood in the back, intending to give Frostfang and Erik a flood of ghouls and vampires to wade through before they got to him.


    That was why a whole row of vampires was in front of him when Lars delivered his punch.


    Let it be clear that ghouls, unlike shapeshifters and regr vampires, were essentially at the strongest point they could be at all times. Shapeshifters needed to change shape, and vampires needed to drink blood, but ghouls were always at their most powerful.


    Add to that Liv''s status as a third-ranker, and it should be clear that her punch packed quite the wallop.


    The unprepared Sigurd was hit squarely on the cheek. Roaring in surprise and pain he was lifted off his feet, bowled through a whole row of vampires, and came to a skidding stop just before the Enve, snow and dirt flying in the air. The surrounding vampires were immediately stunned at the sight of their leader being bludgeoned.


    With the agility of a third-rank Runebound, Sigurd was instantly back on his feet, and roaring at the ghoulified Liv behind him, spitting out a bloody tooth as he did. "What the fuck has gotten into you, Lars?! Did you go insane?!"


    Yet, he was too preocupied to notice the danger behind him. Erik''s body was transformed and covered in armor, while his maw was split into a wide, wolfish grin.


    "I''m afraid Lars has nothing to do with it anymore, Sigurd," Erik chuckled, before entuating his point byshing out with his legs, kicking a grunting Sigurd back the way he came. "Your time as a small-time dictator is simply done."


    Besides Erik was Frostfang, who looked at this whole situation with a strange expression, unsure what to think. ''Is it all really just¡­ solved? Just like that?'' he thought, skeptically.


    Yet, as he watched those four thousand ghouls stand respectfully at a distance, while the thousand vampires cowered in fear at the sight of their leader getting pummeled, it truly did seem to be over.


    Next to him, Anne and Viljar wore simrly skeptical expressions, while only Nora seemed to have full faith in Erik. "Yeah! Teach him a lesson, Master!" she cried out enthusiastically.


    The three thousand gathered shapeshifters had various reactions. Many were surprised at the turn of events, but when it quickly became clear that Erik was at he center of it all, public opinion of him quickly began to improve.


    Those who had believed in him from the start felt vindicated, while those who had been vocal about their displeasure of his seeming inaction thest few days could take back their words.


    Meanwhile, Erik had gone after the iling Sigurd as he roared in pain again. The terrified vampires made a path for both him and Erik this time, trying their very best to stay below the third-rankers'' radar, hoping this day wouldn''t end with their deaths. That said, some of the actually looked ecstatic, hoping Sigurd would not survive the day.


    After skidding to a stop for the second time, Sigurd finally took abat stance while taking two daggers from sheaths on his waist. "Dammit! Who the fuck even are you?!" he eximed, furiously.


    With Sigurd nowbat-ready, Erik realized this was going to be a tougher fight from here on out. Whatever else, Sigurd was still a third-ranker after all. They got two good shots in, but he wouldn''t go down that easily.


    He could enlist the aid of Frostfang and Lars/Liv, of course, but he wanted to deliver Sigurd''s beaten body to Astrid himself.


    So he took his hammer from his dimension, and approached Sigurd menacingly, "My name is Erik Gunnulf, son of Runa, and Astrid''s fianc¨¦e."


    "Astrid?" Sigurd eximed, seemingly more surprised by that, rather than Erik being Runa''s son. Erik could see the gears turning in Sigurd''s head as he seemed to be realizing something.


    Suddenly, understanding shed in the vampire''s eyes and he started grinning. "Ah, I see now. I was wondering why my ghouls suddenly turned on me, but this exins it. The bitch''s daughter still lives. You send people to my control center, based on Astrid''s directions. That''s why the ghouls have turned on me¡­"


    "That''s right," Erik nodded, calmly, taking his time as he walked up to Sigurd. "I don''t see how that knowledge helps you, though?"


    "Simple, if the ghouls behavior was based on a local effect, than this likely wouldn''t work!" he eximed, while a sigil suddenly appeared to start glowing under his shirt.


    Immediately, Erik''s instincts went of. Something was approaching him from the side at high speeds. He reacted instantly. His body flickered and he appeared a step back, just far enough to see a whithered fist fly past in front of his eyes.


    Immediately, Erik reacted by performing a spinning kick into his attacker''s stomach, causing them to screech and take a few steps back, seemingly barely affected.


    Erik looked at his attacker and saw that it was Liv, but he didn''t seem surprised. "I figured you wouldn''t trust Lars entirely¡­" he mumbled, although it was actually Elora who offered that suggestion.


    That was why he took his time approaching Sigurd. He wanted to see what rabbits the vampire would pull out of his head sooner rather thanter.


    Clearly, Sigurd had build a failsafe directly into his body, ensuring he could take full control of Liv whenever he liked. ''I wonder if Emily is putting Lars through the wringer right now,'' he chuckled inwardly.


    But rather than get lost in thought, he focused on the problem ahead, which was that the third-rankedbatants had once again evened out.


    Next to him appeared Frostfang, who made his move the moment he saw Liv attack Erik, and now stood in abat ready stance next to Erik, body transformed, and ws covered in ice, growling at the man responsible for the deaths of so many Enve shapeshifters, "I was hoping I''d get a chance at you¡­"


    "Hmpf, you couldn''t even defeat a mere second ranker! And you''re still wounded from the pounding he gave you a few days ago! Do you really think you can take me?!" Sigurd boasted, although who he was trying to convince remained unclear. Sigurd and Frostfang had fought plenty of times in the past, but there was never a clear winner between them.


    After taking her shot at Erik, the ghoulified Liv now took up position next to Sigurd, across from Erik and Frostfang.


    Frostfang couldn''t deny he was still feeling the effects of that fight, but he wouldn''t just admit that, of course. "Why even try?" Frostfang scoffed. "There''s no way you''re getting out of this now!"


    "Ha! Says who!" Sigurd barked augh, before screaming at them in rage. "All my dear puppet and I need to do is defeat you two jokers! Unless you''re nning on throwing numbers at me?"


    Neither Erik nor Frostfang reacted to that. Neither of them were willing to start sacrificing lives to tire Sigurd out.


    Sigurd grinned smuggle at their silence. "That''s what I thought! So after defeating you two, I can easily slice through these first and second-rankers, before making my way back to my bunker and reestablishing some order!"


    Spittle flew through the air as Sigurd dered his intentions, his face twisted in fury, clearly not happy with these circumstances, even if he saw a way out of it.


    "Besides!" he continued, a confident grin now appearing. "Liv may not be able to use her abilities now, but her body was always stronger than either of ours! Do you really think you or this boy can hold her back?!"


    Suddenly, Sigurd made a surprising suggestion while sporting a conspiratory smile, "So how about you just let me go and leave thesends in peace, huh?"


    "Forget it!" Frostfang immediately snarled. "Today, either you die, or I die! I will never abandon the Enve!"


    "Hmpf," Sigurd snorted, before turning his attention to Erik, was standing rather calmly, hammer swung over his shoulder. "What about you, boy? Surely you don''t wish to die in this ce? I don''t know if you really are Runa''s son, but perhaps your time would be better spend searching for her?"


    Frostfang grew a little nervous now. He knew that Erik had no intention to risk his life today. "Erik¡­" he growled softly, more a plea than a threat.


    But Erik just chuckled calmly, "Please, Sigurd. Don''t try and bluff your way out of this."


    Pointing at Liv, he continued, smirking confidently, "There''s a reason you had Lars control Liv even though you had the means to do it yourself. Controlling two bodies at the same time must be a strain on your mind, right? You can''t control both bodies optimally. Liv''s body may be stronger and faster than ours, but uncoordinated as you are with it, you still won''t be able to hit anything."


    At once, Sigurd''s face fell, while Frostfang''s expression was uplifted.


    "Guess there''s only one way to find out, kid¡­" Sigurd growled furiously.

 Chapter 331: Chapter 331 - Capturing Liv [1/2]

    On the frozen ne in front of Kirkenes dull eyed ghouls, terrified vampires, and confused, but excited shapeshifters gathered around a standoff. The shapeshifters seemed to be having trouble holding back from simply charging forward to start the killing, but they kept it together.


    Partly because theirmanders held them back, but mostly because they were hesitant to get closer to the match between third-rankers.


    In the middle, two parties faced off against each other.


    On one side stood Sigurd, dual daggers in his hands, and a ghoulified Liv Frost, the dangerous edges of her ghoulish ws glimmering.


    On the other stood Erik, hammer over slung over his shoulder, and Frostfang, long ws made of ice at the ready. Both of them in their transformed, wolfish forms.


    "I''ll take Liv," Erik informed Frostfang, not ready to brook any opposition. ''Can''t risk Frostfang doing any serious harm to her,'' he thought to himself.


    "Fine," Frostfang growled, unhappy to be taking orders, but by now, he had realized Erik had a far better grasp of what was going on.


    Which made sense, as much of this was his n.


    "But I won''t be able to hold on for long," Frostfang admitted softly, despite the sting to his pride. With the Enve''s survival at stake, he was not willing to let anything get in the way of that. Least of all his own pride.


    "Don''t worry, I think you''ll have some help," Erik smirked, knowing there was someone just itching to put the hurt on Sigurd. She may not be a third-ranker yet, but with Frostfang''s help, he was confident she would be fine.


    Theirst two sentences had been said softly enough that Sigurd had been unable to hear them, causing him to narrow his eyes. ''Can''t let them keep nning¡­'' he thought as a the strain from having to control two active bodies was fraying his mind. ''Need to finish this fast.''


    Thus, Sigurd and Liv charged.


    Sigurd tried to send both himself and Liv at Frostfang, knowing he was the weak link right now, but there was no way Erik would let that happen.


    Grinning, Erik activated the lightning sh he had been charging.


    Lightning struck, and Erik zoomed past Sigurd, swung his hammer, and struck Liv in the stomach. ''Sorry, Liv,'' Erik chuckled inwardly. ''I''m sure you''ll understand, right? Please don''t be an evil mother-inw.''


    His blow made Liv screech and skid back over the frozen, snowy tundra. She quickly recovered, however, and lunged at Erik, ws out.


    Behind him, Sigurd cursed, before being forced to dodge an attack from Frostfang. Water drops stared umting around Sigurd''s body, and Elora quickly informed Erik that Sigurd had the mist affinity.


    Technically, the fact that Sigurd had a second-ranked affinity that was a part of the evolution tree for Frostfang''s third-ranked ice affinity, should give Frostfang an advantage.


    Unfortunately, that was negated by the shortcut Frostfang had taken to reach the third-rank faster than he should have, causing his foundation to be shaky.


    Sigurd and Frostfang quickly started exchanging blows with various mist and ice abilities being tossed around. Yet, as they fought, Frostfang was quickly falling into a disadvantage. He was a little slower than usual, because his wounds were still bothering him.


    But this situation didn''tst long.


    Suddenly, two bright orange beams hit Sigurd in his exposed back. The fact he had to concentrate on controlling two bodies meant he simply didn''t have the instincts he usually had.


    Sigurd roared, "Who?!" and stumbled, giving Frostfang an opportunity to attack. Sigurd faltered, but he resisted and stabilized himself. His back was decorated with two new wounds.


    He didn''t remain stable for long, however. Behind him, two razor sharp sword came flying at his neck.


    Unfortunately, their speed was far too slow to be a real threat to Sigurd. He quickly dodged, and used his daggers to parry, causing his attacker to stumble back.


    Sigurd immediately recognized his attacker and grinned, "Astrid! I don''t know where you came from, but let me show you why it was a bad idea to show up!"


    Using his third-ranked speed, he was on top of Astrid before she could stabilize. He was about to bury his daggers into her heart, when his instincts screamed at him and he dodged to side.


    Five distinct lightning gashes flew through the space his head was just at, along with a loud roar. "Jonas! Astrid is there to provide distraction, not fight him head on! You better keep her safe, or I''ll bury you when this is over!"


    Elora naturally kept an eye on the entire battlefield for Erik, so when Astrid was in danger, he quickly put some distance between him and Liv, beforeunching a lightning w at Sigurd.


    Frostfang snarled, but quickly moved to intercept Sigurd again. Before, Astrid''s appearance had made him hesitate a little, unsure if he actually wanted to save a vampire. Fortunately, Erik''s threat was enough to put his mind right.


    With Sigurd engaged again, Astrid managed to recover and sneer at Sigurd, her eyes ring with fury, "Your threats are as pointless as your balls, Sigurd! You''re a craven little bitch, and today you pay for what you''ve done!"


    With that, she charged back into the fray, harassing Sigurd from every side, while Frostfang took the brunt of his attacks. Finally, Sigurd was being put on the back foot, as he had to continue controlling two bodies, making his reactions slow and sluggish.


    Meanwhile, Erik was having a rtively easy time with Liv. The ghoulified woman''s body was certainly stronger than his, but it was wasn''t hard to avoid her blows. Her reactions were slow because Sigurd was controlling her body while fighting the Frostfang-Astrid duo, and Erik''s agility and spatial discement were easily keeping up with her movements.


    Unfortunately, Erik had to hold back in his own attacks, because he didn''t want to harm her too badly. He needed to restrain her.


    "You know, I saw you a few times when I was younger¡­" he grinned at the mindless ghoul while barely dodging another powerful blow. "You looked better then. New shampoo?"


    The ghoulified Liv screeched at him, spittle flying. Her gray wrinkles trembled and her dried-out strings of once strawberry blond hair blew in the wind. Her once clear beauty hidden behind the ghoulification.


    "Alright, I get it. No making fun of your appearance," Erik chuckled. He charged a regr lightning st on his left fist, and met Liv''s fist with his own. The force of the st allowed him to just barelypete with the ghoul''s natural strength. At the same time, his right hand swung his hammer in a wide arc to the side, icy lightning crackling over its surface.


    The hammer struck, and Liv screeched as she stumbled to the side. Lightning snaked itself over her body making her muscles spasm and creating small patched of hindering ice.


    This was the effect of Erik''s second-rank thundersnow rune, and also what he would use to capture Liv.

 Chapter 332: Chapter 332 - Capturing Liv [2/2

    The second ranked Runebound skill Erik got through his thundersnow affinity was weapon enhancement. By channeling his affinity through his weapon, he could both electrocute and freeze his opponent on every hit.


    In this case, he intended to slow and hinder Liv until he could trap her.


    But that would take a little more effort.


    A ghoul didn''t feel any pain. It''s muscles could get tired and might strain under the constant application of cold lightning and ice patches, but it would take quite a while.


    On the other hand, a regr Runebound or Arcanist could use their energy to easily break up the ice and negate the rampaging lightning. Against opponents like that, this ability would merely be an annoyance, while sapping some of their energy. It would mainly be useful in fights of endurance.


    But a ghoul couldn''t use that energy at all. All they had was their body. Slowly, the ice would umte, and the after effects of lightning would wreak havoc.


    Thus, their fight continued.


    Erik had to be constantly wary of Liv''s slow but powerful attacks. Any attack of hers that hit put Erik under severe strain. His thundersnow armor cracked. His runeguard armor dented and scratched.


    His body ached.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t so hard for him to avoid her attacks, so he got hit very little. Meanwhile, with every blow Erik struck against Liv, the thundersnow traveled across her boy. Every time it did, she became a little more affected.


    Ice formed on body and muscles spasmed.


    Liv screeched. Sigurd tried to keep up with both fights, but it quickly became clear to all that he was losing both of them.


    Frustration etched on to his face. At some point, he started focusing on Astrid in an attempt to capture her as a bargaining chip, but Frostfang wouldn''t let him go, and Astrid was far more experienced than him.


    Sigurd may be a third ranker, but he spent most of his time nning, creating sigils, and training. But unlike with Astrid, his training didn''t include actual fights.


    In a match between raw power and experience, experience didn''t always win, but it definitely allowed her to stay out of his reach, especially with Frostfang''s help.


    With bated breath and unflinching gazes, the surrounding vampires and shapeshifters looked on.


    Opinions varied a little, but even among the vampires, most actually hoped for Sigurd''s loss. Many of them recognized Astrid and they realized Erik wasn''t trying to harm Liv.


    Many of them had thrown their lot in with Sigurd a year ago, but most had regrets over that decision by now.


    Sigurd lured them with promises of plenty of blood for those loyal to him, but he didn''t unveil his ns to ghoulify 80% of the Dominion poption until it was toote.


    At that point, he was already the strongest around and he and Lars were the only ones with ess to the locked up Liv.


    The vampires around Kirkenes remained conflicted, however. They might prefer a return of Liv, but the question was how they would get through it in the end.


    The Enve wasn''t using this opportunity to ughter them all. Yet. But the excuse ''we were just following orders'' hadn''t worked since WWII.


    Admittedly, world leaders of that time didn''t have the personal power to wipe out their own nations if everyone simply stopped obeying them, but still.


    While the spectators stewed in their conflicting thoughts, Erik had finally reached a point where Liv''s body was having a lot of trouble moving. It had taken a full hour of fighting, but her muscles were spasming, andyers of ice covered her shriveled body.


    ''Finally,'' a tired Erik sighed inwardly. His body ached, and fighting something slow but powerful like Liv was always nerve-wrecking.


    Liv screeched again, but Erik ignored it. Using lightning sh, he suddenly appeared behind her and pushed an icy blue magic circle against her back.


    At this point, he could have Elora remove the controlling sigil, but that would only make her act more feral. Unlike when they did this with Astrid, he couldn''t have Emily enve her immediately after. Not only was Erik''s third wife not there, but it was also entirely impossible for to enve anyone above her own rank.


    So it was more important to restrain her first.


    To do that, Erik used his second-ranked Arcanist ice spell: ice maker.


    The ice already on Liv''s body began to expand and spread. The ghoul screeched and tried to turn around, using her powerful, yet stiff body to break the umting ice, but there was no use.


    Erik''s ice umted faster than she could break it. On the other side, Sigurd was cursing loudly. He realized Liv wasn''t getting free from her icy prison, and finally decided to change tactics.


    ''Only one way out now,'' he growled inwardly.


    Ruthlessly, he cut the connection between himself and Liv. With only one body left to control, he could finally concentrate on the fight he was currently in. But he knew he had to make haste.


    Using his third-ranked Runebound skill, he created a high-pressure st of water vapor around himself, pushing Frostfang away and instantly turned around to intercept Astrid''s attack.


    This had been the pattern before, whenever he created an opening with Frostfang, Astrid made sure he wouldn''t be able to use it. Mostly that was because Sigurd was unable to concentrate fully on the fight. His reactions and movements were too slow, too robotic, and almost choreographed.


    But now he was much faster, and he intended to use this opportunity to capture Astrid and trade her for his safe escape.


    Unfortunately, no attack came.


    The space behind him was empty. Astrid had already left.


    "You didn''t think it would be that easy, did you?" Erik chuckled, as he leisurely walked over from his battle with Liv, a cocky smirk on his face. "The moment I incapacitated Liv, it was obvious what you would do. So I warned Astrid to get out there."


    Lightning sparkled across Erik''s body as his lightning sh was charging once again, just in case he had to step in.


    "Now how about you and I have a little talk, huh?" with every word, his cocky smirk became a little more sadistic.

 Chapter 333: Chapter 333 - Victory

    Frustration red on Sigurd''s face. Erik''s grin widened in response.


    The frustrated vampire''s eyes swiveled across the field, trying to find any sign of either Liv or Astrid, but saw neither. He couldn''t even feel the link to Liv''s control sigil anymore.


    "Wondering where they are?" Erik chuckled smugly as he continued to walk over to him. "There''s no need for that. They''re out of your reach, anyway."


    "Listen, boy¡ª" Sigurd began, eying Erik cautiously, but Erik interrupted. "I think everyone''s done enough listening to you for a while," he scoffed, before suddenly appearing in front of Sigurd with a hand around the vampire''s throat.


    Wounded and mentally exhausted as he was, Sigurd had no way to resist Erik''s physical force. He gurgled, his face showing panic and useless anger.


    "L¡ª Let me g¡ª go¡­!" he squirmed and pointlessly tried to hit Erik''s sturdy body. He attempted to ess his runes, but his body was empty, and too tired to generated any more energy.


    "No, I don''t think so," Erik shrugged, before talking to Elora in his mind, "Can you do it?"


    "Yeah, just give me a moment," she responded, her tone gleeful. She loved showing arrogant people that she and her protector were better than them.


    Erik nodded, and put his other hand on the struggling Sigurd''s chest. Soon, a dark green light began to shine, and a sigil started taking shape.


    "W¡ª What are y¡ª you¡­" Sigurd started, but Erik didn''t listen to him. It took a full minute for Elora to carve this sigil onto a third-ranker like Sigurd, but in the end it was done. Elora was a third-ranker in her own right, after all. Sigurd felt the connection to his runes was cut. "N¡ª No¡­!" he uttered, terrified, his eyes wide open.


    But it didn''t matter.


    With ess to his power cut off, Erik tossed him onto the ground. Sigurd tried to use this moment to scramble away, but he found himself in front of Frostfang, who sneered at him with satisfaction and glee.


    With a swift kick, the disgraced and defeated third-ranker flew back towards Erik, who had just taken out a number of sturdy chains.


    Mere momentster, a struggling Sigurd was gagged and hog-tied.


    "There, that''s better," Erik chuckled, before kicking the vampire back to Frostfang as if they were ying a game.


    "Don''t kill him, understood?" Erik growled, his deep, transformed voice reverberating through the area. "Nor any of the other vampires. I don''t mind if any of them get roughed up a little, particrly not with Sigurd, but no deaths. I''ll personally take care of anyone that defies me."


    His final words were spoken in a threatening tone while his piercing amber eyes red dangerously at Frostfang.


    Frostfang didn''t move, but he red back at Erik for a moment, as if considering what the cost would be of defying Erik.


    "You''re wee to fight me over this," Erik grinned sadistically. "I wouldn''t mind beating you up a little again."


    Frostfang scoffed, but relented, "Fine, no deaths. What are you gonna do, though?"


    "You''ll see," Erik shrugged, before taken out a sigil stone and activating it.


    "Girls?" he spoke into the sigil, an expectant smirk on his face.


    "Master!" two voices eximed loudly from the other side with a worried tone. "Are you alright?! We''re sorry!" they continued in unison.


    Erik chuckled, "Yeah, I''m fine. It wasn''t your fault. Did you leave that Lars person alive?"


    In the background, he could hear the groans of a clearly wounded man in pain. "Y¡ª Yeah, he''s still alive¡­" Emily responded, the pout clear in her voice. "When he ''imed'' to lose contact with Liv I may have¡­ gone a little crazy."


    "A little crazy she says," Emma scoffed with a roll of her eyes.


    "Well, you weren''t doing any better!" Emily snarled, angrily.


    "I didn''t torture him!"


    "Neither did I! Technically¡­ Besides, you didn''t offer up any of your usual objections!"


    "Well¡ª" Emma began to respond, but Erik interrupted for this continued any further. "Alright, alright. Just tell me what happened. Didn''t the covenant stop you from harming him?"


    So the sisters told him what happened after Lars lost contact with Liv. They were naturally worried, but they had very different approaches to deal with it.


    Emma had clutched themunication sigil and constantly tried to contact Erik, while Emily had gotten a little murdery. First she tried to kill Lars, using him of somehow breaking the covenant and betraying them, but the covenant prevented her. So instead, she used a loophole.


    First, she ordered her second-ranked ves to hold Lars down. Then she started collecting weapons, before coating their des in her darkness, and handing them out to the regr, non-enved vampires around. Finally, she told them to ''do what came naturally,'' with no small amount of threat in her voice.


    The vampires naturally understood what she wanted, and scared as they were, they started stabbing Lars with the weapons she provided.


    Now, Lars had be a groaning pin cushion while the darkness coated weapons acted like both the weapons and salt in the wound.


    All the while, a nervous Emma had simply watched as she worriedly clutched the sigil stone.


    After they were done talking, Erik smiled and shook his head. "You know, I''m sort of proud you already figured out how to circumvent these covenants, but couldn''t you just follow what happened through the second-ranked ghouls?"


    Silence descended as the other side of the sigil remained quiet. "W¡ª We didn''t think of that¡­" finally came a mouse-like version of Emma''s voice.


    "I think we need to teach these vampires a lesson for not suggesting it to us," Emily growled right after her little sister.


    Suddenly, Erik could hear some panicked voices in the background, but he just chuckled. "Alright, well I just wanted to tell you that I''m fine. Everything''s solved over here, so just hold down the fort until I bring Liv back there, alright?"


    The sisters quickly affirmed and told him to be careful, before the connection was broken.


    ''They could both use a little more focus, but they''re cute, and I love them,'' he smiled warmly to himself as he put the sigil stone away.


    Next, he teleported into his dimension, and ended up in Astrid''s room. There, a nervous Astrid was pacing in front of a growling, frozen-from-the-neck-down Liv Frost.

 Chapter 334: Chapter 334 - Feeding Liv

    "Hey, Astrid," Erik smiled calmly at his fianc¨¦.


    Yet, instead of greeting him, the young vampire looked at him with panic, anger, and pain. "Don''t ''hey Astrid'' me!" she eximed with frustration. "Quickly save my mother! I¡ª I can''t stand to see her like this!"


    Erik noticed her fists were constantly clenching and releasing as she paced through the room. He realized Astrid was feeling a lot of things, and had no way to release her emotions.


    So instead of walking up to Liv, he went up to Astrid and hugged her waist to stop her from pacing. His calm, amber gaze pierced into her panic stricken crimson eyes. "You mother will be fine, Astrid. We have her now. We just need a little time. All you need to do, is not implode from your own nerves before then, alright?"


    "E¡ª Easy for you to say!" she trembled, a tear appearing in her usually resolute eyes. "I¡ª It hurts to see my mother reduced to this¡­ She was always so powerful! During the fight I was able to focus on other things, and when we arrived she was still far away, but now¡­"


    "I know¡­" Erik smiled calmly, wiping away her tears. "I would feel the same way if it was my mother instead. We both have mothers whose strength we''ve been looking up to from birth. But neither of us should break down if they ever falter a little, right?"


    Erik smirked a little mischievously, "I mean, I fully intend on surpassing my mother. Don''t you? Maybe by this time next year you''ll be stronger than her, and she''ll be forced to look up to you. But who is she going to look up to? A powerful woman, or a panicking daughter who breaks down when her mother has a boo-boo?"


    Panic and pain were wiped from Astrid''s gaze. Instead, fury red. She cocked back her fist. "Fuck you!" she growled, before barely managing to punch his chest. Unfortunately, since Erik was so close to her, it was impossible for her to put any real strength behind her punch.


    "There''s the Astrid I know and love," Erik grinned, before leaning over and kissing her lips.


    At first, Astrid was surprised and angry, but then she started leaning into it. Aggressively. For a full ten minutes, the two lovers kissed passionately. Saliva flying. Hands groping, pulling, pping.


    They almost ended up the floor, when Liv suddenly started growling more wildly and violently in the background.


    Immediately, the two lovers separated and looked at each other with empty gazes. Then they startedughing.


    "Hehehe," Astrid snickered yfully, no longer angry or frustrated. "Do you think she realized what''s happening?"


    Erik chuckled, amusement in his voice, "Maybe she''s in there looking at us, wondering why I''m sucking her daughter''s face, rather than helping her."


    "You''d better get started than," Astrid grinned. "You don''t want to start off on the wrong foot with my mother, right?"


    There was still some worry in her eyes, but she was more rxed now, having worked off some of her excess emotions by releasing them on Erik. So she continued, a little awkwardly, "And uhm, thank you¡­ that helped."


    "I wouldn''t be your future husband if I didn''t know you at least a little, right?" Erik chuckled, before turning his gaze to the struggling Liv encased in ice.


    Meanwhile, Elora''s small form fluttered over to Erik. Once there, she took a seat on his shoulder with a roll of her eyes, and casually revealed the real reason Liv had suddenly be more lively. "If you two lovebirds are done, I''ve just removed the control sigil, so all that''s left is feeding her blood," she pouted a little.


    Erik chuckled at the hint of jealousy he heard in the fairy''s voice. Despite her own ambitions about wanting to create a harem of powerful women for Erik, she didn''t actually have a fetish about seeing him with other women. So she still got a little jealous now and then.


    "Thank you, my love," Erik smiled warmly at the fairy on his shoulder. At the same time, he caressed her small head with his finger while sending her feelings of love through their bond.


    With that Elora seemed satisfied. She nuzzled against his finger, and released the pout on her face.


    "Alright, let''s get started," Erik than pped his hands, before suddenly making a few tens of bags full of blood appear in the air.


    Unlike with Astrid, where he directly fed her his blood, they had decided to be a little more careful this time. After all, they were dealing with a third-ranked ghoul now. Erik had been able to keep up with the rate ghoulified Astrid sucked away his blood back then, but there was no way to be sure it would be the same with Liv.


    Thus, they had filled up arge number of these bags with Erik''s blood before they even came to Kirkenes.


    As soon as the bags appeared, ghoulified Liv sniffed the air, and swiveled her head in their direction. Her chaotic gaze now truly filled with greed and thirst driven madness.


    Fortunately for her, they didn''t make her wait long. With a solemn gaze, knowing this was still an important moment, even if the oue was more or less assured, Erik picked up a bag and held it in front of the frozen ghoul''s mouth.


    With no hesitation, Liv''s head lurched forward, and sank her teeth into the bag. All three of them looked in astonishment when the bag''s contents were sucked away in nearly an instant.


    Erik''s eyelids switched a little as he thought about putting his own arm between those teeth. "Good thing we went with the bags¡­" he muttered to himself as visions of his dried-up corps came to mind.


    Luckily, they had more than enough bags. He and Astrid both grabbed some blood, and started working together to feed Liv.


    With every bag that disappeared between those teeth, some color returned to Liv''s face; some wrinkles smoothed out; some hairs regrew; and some sanity returned to her eyes.


    Finally, after nearly 40 liters of blood had disappeared into the ck hole that was Liv''s stomach, she blinked and looked at her daughter with less insanity, and more confused love, "A¡ª Angel?"

 Chapter 335 Chapter 335 - Meeting Liv [1/2]

    A delirious, yet seemingly sane Liv now blinked her eyes and looked at the sight of her daughter. There was no more hunger in her eyes. No more insanity. Just confusion.


    "Mom?!" Astrid eximed, hope and excitement in her voice. She dropped the bag she was holding rushed over the the frozen Liv. She grabbed her mother''s face and looked into her crimson eyes. Love and happiness overflowed. "Are you back with us?!"


    But it didn''t appear like Liv was listening. "M¡ª My little angel¡­" she muttered, dazed. "I never believed¡­ in a God, but¡­ if we''re both here¡­ the afterlife can''t be too bad¡­"


    Then, her head lolled forward and she fainted.


    "Mom?!" Astrid cried out again, looking a little panicked.


    But then Erik came up behind her, grabbing her shoulder. "She''s fine, Astrid. Just needs a little time to recover now," he smiled assuredly. "Remember, ghouls don''t sleep. So when they recover, they have a little sleep to catch up on. It was no different for you."


    Liv may be a third-ranker, but she''d been a ghoul for almost two months at this point. She would need at least a day to rest and recover.


    "R¡ª Right¡­" Astrid nodded, relief flooding her body. She took a step back, but didn''t take her eyes of Liv''s body. "Can you uhm¡ª unfreeze her?"


    Erik chuckled, "Yeah, of course." With Liv no longer an enved ghoul, she posed no threat to him or the others. And even if Liv decided to go on a killing spree when she woke up, for whatever reason, Elora would easily be able to suppress her using the sigils in this ce.


    Not to mention that Erik was essentially a god in this dimension, now that it was truly his.


    So he snapped his fingers, and the ice melted. But rather than fall to ground, Erik used his control over the dimension to have her float in the air, before softly depositing Liv on the bed.


    "I need to go handle things outside," he then said, turning towards Astrid. "I guess you''ll stay with her?"


    "Yeah," she nodded with a grateful smile. "Thank you¡­"


    "There''s no need for that," Erik leaned over and kissed her softly. "We may not be married yet, but you''re family, Astrid."


    Pulling back, he grinned mischievously. Sliding down his hands, he grabbed Astrid''s tight butt. "That said, if you really want to thank me, I can think of a few things¡­"


    Astrid rolled her eyes with smirk, "Like you don''t just take whatever you want from me, anyway. You''re a horny asshole who turns any no into a yes."


    Erik''s eyebrows twitched a little, "You''re making me sound like rapist now¡­"


    "I didn''t mean that," she giggled yfully. "I just mean you''re unfair. You''re a very convincing bastard with a huge dong and delicious fluids."


    "I''ll take that," Erik grinned, mischievously. Then he blinked out of the dimension, leaving Astrid with her mother.


    The young vampire sighed happily, and went to sit next to her sleeping mother with a smile.


    Suddenly, she thought of something. Her cheeks heated up, and she spoke into the open air. "By the way, Elora¡­? Did you¡­ block her memories from her time as a ghoul?"


    As the one that took over control of this structure from Eira, Elora could see and hear anything inside, even when she was outside the dimension.


    So her voice immediately echoed through the room, chuckling. "Are you asking for your mother''s mental health, or because you don''t want her to remember that groping session you did right in front of her eyes?"


    Astrid''s cheeks burned brighter, and she grumbled a little, "I''m pretty sure that''s the same thing¡­" Stay connected through empire


    "Hehehe," Elora chuckled. "Maybe¡­ or maybe your mother might be interested in joining? Maybe she''ll be Erik''s second third-rank wife?"


    Astrid narrowed her eyes and looked around, unsure where to direct her threatening gaze. "Don''t forget you wouldn''t stand a chance against me in a fight, Elora!"


    Despite being third-ranked, Elora had no offensive presence unless she had the time to set up some sigils first.


    "Fufufu," Elora chuckled again, but with a slightly dangerous edge. "We both know you wouldn''t darey a finger on me¡­"


    Astrid grumbled a little. She knew Elora was right. She wasn''t ready to test her rtionship with Erik against the one he had with Elora. "Alright, alright. Just answer the question, please?" she sighed, deciding to give in, however unwillingly.


    "Hehehe, alright then," Eloraughed victoriously and smugly. "Yes I blocked her memories, but its different from when I did it with you. She''s third-ranked like me, so I couldn''t ''hide'' the sigil, so to say."


    "What do you mean, hide?" Astrid frowned, confused. "Why would we keep the sigil''s existence from her?"


    "Not hide like that," Elora exined, her voice sounding thoughtful. "I meant hide, in the sense that it doesn''t be a constant irritant. You don''t notice anything, because I managed to nt the seal deep enough. It won''t be the same with your mother."


    Seeing that Astrid still didn''t really understand, the fairy continued. "Imagine a constant itch in your brain. A constant reminder that there''s something you don''t remember. How annoying would it be to keep yourself from scratching that itch? That''s what it''ll be like for your mother. She won''t remember, but if she starts scratching that itch, the seal will break."


    "Is there anything we can do?" Astrid asked, frowning with concern.


    "Technically," Elora responded casually. "But she''d have to let me in willingly, at which point I could ce any kind of fun little brainwashing sigils in there as well. She might be a little hesitant for such a thing after Sigurd''s funny business."


    "Right¡­" Astrid groaned, already seeing up to convincing her mother of such a thing. ''Perhaps she''ll be fine if she simply chooses to remember¡­ Mom is strong, she''ll be fine.''


    Suddenly, the young vampire thought of something. "Wait a second. So what happens to me when I reach the third-rank?" she asked, a little concerned.


    "Nothing," Elora assured her. "The sigil is already ced deeply enough that you''ll never notice it unless you go looking for it."


    "That''s good¡­" Astrid shuddered slightly. "I have no interesting in remembering those days."


    After that, silence descended on Astrid''s room. The concerned daughter simply held her mother''s hand, waiting for Liv to wake up.

 Chapter 336 Chapter 336 - Frostfangs plan

    While Astrid kept her motherpany, Erik had reappeared outside. The area around him was a disaster area. The field in front of Kirkenes looked like it had been destroyed by an explosion of snow, dirt, and ice. Some icy pirs even stuck out of the ground, challenging the sky.


    But such was the result of a sh between third-rankers, even if this particr fight had been rtively subdued.


    It had taken him and Astrid about an hour to feed Liv enough blood to get her back, so now Erik scanned the area, wondering what the others had done in that time.


    He quickly noticed the Dominion vampires sitting on the ground. Their expression were forlorn and a little anxious, but they appeared subdued. Seemingly content to wait for judgment day. Explore more at empire


    They were guarded by the 5000 tireless ghouls that were essentially under Emily and Emma''s control. Apparently, someone had decided it was best for them to do the guarding, rather than the Enve.


    ''That''s fair enough,'' Erik mused inwardly. ''Tempers might run hot if the Enve were to do it. This way, the ghouls will also intimidate the shapeshifters into staying away.''


    That said, he was surprised by the minimal number of shapeshifters present. He figured they''d all be standing there, eyeing the ghouls with suspicion, but there were only a few tens of them. They appeared to grumble about something, with their gazes fluttering between the ghouls and the entrance to the town.


    At this point, it had be widely known that some people loyal to Erik were supposedly in control of these ghouls now, but that concept was naturally a little hard to grasp for these shapeshifters. Just recently, these same ghouls had still been killing their friends, after all.


    Curious, Erik walked up to them.


    As soon as they saw him approach, the shapeshifters panicked a little, and straightened up their posture. "L¡ª Lord Erik!" one them eximed with parts anxiety and parts awe.


    By now, Erik''s feats of appearing and disappearing into thin air were already well known by these shapeshifters. He hadn''t exactly made a secret of it, after all. But hey didn''t think about it too long.


    After all, he was Runa''s son.


    Even now, with only three of four years having passed since Runa left, stories were circting around the Enve about how she was 10 feet tall and could demolish a row of third-rankers with a single blow.


    Which meant that her son being able to appear and disappear, really wasn''t much of a stretch. And neither was his ability to defeat third-rankers.


    After the first guard greeted him, a few others ran up as well.


    "Sir Erik!" one young woman ran up to him, stars in her eyes, fists clenched, "You were so amazing out there! The way you manhandled that damn bloodsucker, had me cheering at the sky! You really are Lady Runa''s son!"


    "You doubted it?!" another woman growled, and pped the back of the first woman''s head. Then she turned to Erik and gave him a respectful bow, "My friend is excitable, please ignore her, Lord Erik."


    Some more guards came up to greet him, some anxious, others excited, some ingratiating, others reluctantly respectful. A few of them clearly wanted to ask him why he was protecting the vampires, but they were too afraid to actually open their mouths.


    Regardless, Erik focused on the two young women in front of him. They weren''t particrly beautiful or special, but they were pretty enough. A lustful glint passed through his eyes. A thought entered his mind. They looked at him with so much reference and awe, he couldn''t help imagine some scenarios.


    Suddenly, Elora''s voice echoed through his head. Her tone was seductive, and conspiratory. "Why these two? They''re nobodies! Go get that Anne woman instead. She''s not worthy of being your wife, but her affinity is better than Nora''s.


    Maybe we can convince her to Take the same deal as her, hmm? I know you''ve been imagining what it might be like to subdue her¡­"


    Immediately, thoughts of these two guards were wiped out, as Anne entered his mind instead. A perverted grin spread across his face. "She has been opening up a little¡­ and she doesn''t seem sexually active. Plus, I do enjoy doing a little corrupting now and then."


    The idea had naturallye to him before, but he hadn''t done anything about it yet because of one issue, "But she''d need to relent her anger towards humans, at least a little. Can''t have her giving Emma and Emily the stink eye all the time."


    "I''m sure you can convince her," Elora chuckled. While she got a little jealous with Astrid earlier, that was mostly because it involved actual love and feelings. This was entirely different.


    Purging these thoughts from his mind, he quieted the surrounding shapeshifters down and got to the point. "Why are there only so few of you? Where''s everyone else?"


    "You mean you don''t know?" one them eximed. "They''re all in or around the square, getting some revenge on that bloodsucker. We want to be there, but¡­ the Bo¡ª I mean, Frostfang said there needed to be some guards here at least."


    Immediately, Erik frowned. ''I''d ordered Frostfang to keep him alive¡­ What the hell is he doing?''


    So he bid goodbye to the guards, and quickly made his way towards the city square. He had promised Astrid that she and her mother would get to decide his fate, and he didn''t like breaking his promises. ''I''d just started to feel a little better about Jonas, but I swear, if he did something¡­'' he growled inwardly.


    But then he arrived at the center of town, and his eyebrow twitched. A crowd of nearly two thousand shapeshifters were gathered around. They were in the square, in the streets surrounding the square, on the roofs, in the houses. And they all looked at the middle of of the square with various gazes.


    Anger. Fury. Sadness. Pain. Loss. Glee.


    Sadistic pleasure.


    In the middle, Sigurd was chained to a pir of ice, stabbed into the ground. Frostfang stood next to him, and a long row of shapeshifters was lining up in front of him.


    For a moment, Erik wondered what was going on, but when he saw what was happening, and heard some of the surrounding shapeshifters talk, he realized what Frostfang had done.


    He was letting them air their emotions.

 Chapter 337 Chapter 337 - Meeting Liv [2/2]

    "Smart man¡­" Elora mumbled in Erik''s mind. Both their eyes were locked onto Sigurd. His clothes were ragged and his body was caked with things that neither of them wanted to think about. His eyes remained defiant and angry, but also helpless. He runes were locked away, and his body was unable to break Erik''s chains.


    "With the ghouls guarding the bulk of the vampires, and knowing he can''t kill Sigurd, he found a way for the Enve to vent some of their emotions anyway," Elora continued, amusement and appreciation in her voice.


    Erik chuckled, and could only agree with his partner, "You''re right. And judging by that line, it''s gonna be a while before the entire Enve has had its turn¡­ so I guess there''s not much for us to do here."


    Just as he was about to move back to his dimension, he was stopped by the arrival of two women: Nora and Anne.


    "Master!" Nora eximed happily. Before Erik could respond, she wrapped her body around his and started grinding against him while chuckling lewdly, "Hehehe."


    Once again, Erik couldn''t help but smirk at how quickly and naturally this woman had taken to being his and Elora''s ve. Making use of the situation, he wrapped his arm around Nora and started groping her.


    "Ugh," Anne groaned and palmed her face, but didn''t stop approaching them. "Seriously, what happened to my domineering friend? It''s like he swapped your brain with that of some servile bimbo."


    "Hehehe," Nora continued chuckling as she rubbed herself against Erik''s robust body. "I just realized there''s far more pleasure to be found in submission. You should try it!"


    That wasn''t untrue. The Bond of Service that bound her to Erik and Elora only forced her to obey them and instilled a certain sense of reference, but didn''t alter her mind in any way. She really did prefer her current life to what it was before.


    Even if she knew Erik didn''t love her. Not like he did his wives.


    "She''s starting to grow on me," Erik chuckled at Elora as he felt up Nora''s voluptuous body.


    "Please don''t tell me you''re nning to marry this one," Elora groaned back at him. "I''ll use my veto! She''s not worthy of being my sister-wife!" the fairy threatened.


    "Don''t worry," Erik smiled softly. "I just like her a little."


    "Yeah, yeah¡­ whatever," Anne scoffed at Nora, before turning her attention to Erik. The only reason she didn''t suspect Erik of having forced Nora into anything was that he hadn''t tried anything like that with her, despite his clear interest.


    For a moment, she and Erik stared at each other, before Anne finally sighed and lowered her head, "Thank you¡­ You promised to save the Enve, and you did. I''m sorry for any¡­ grievances I may have caused you in the past."


    Erik grinned at her behavior, and his earlier thoughts about convincing Anne to serve him alongside Nora came back. So he leaned forward.


    Before Anne could react, he had grabbed her chin, and nted his lips on hers, forcing his tongue inside.


    "Hmmm!" Anne mumbled, eyes snapping open. With surprise and anger, she pushed against Erik''s chest in a bid to get away.


    She didn''t have the strength to do so technically, but Erik wasn''t nning on forcing her, so he released the woman, a smirk on his face.


    Now released, Anne panted and looked at Erik with confusion. Her brain was trying to think of the right way to respond to this man who was far more powerful than her and had just saved her people. All the while, her mouth was still smacking a little from the taste he had left behind on her lips.


    "No need to think about it so hard," Erikughed softly. "Just consider what Nova''s been telling you, huh?"


    With that, Erik spanked Nora''s ass and disappeared. Since the Enve would be busy for a while, and the vampires were guarded by the ghouls, he had nothing to do until Liv woke up.


    So instead, he went over the forge. With Astrid otherwise upied, this was the perfect time for him to start working on her wedding gift.


    Meanwhile, outside Nora noticed Anne''s dumbfounded expression. "Let me tell you all the benefits of servitude!" she grinned widely, fully intend on convincing her friend to join her.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    For a little while, Erik''s dimension was quiet. Erik worked in the forge, Astrid kept her resting motherpany, and Alice trained. Sometimes, the young wolverine would keep Erik or Astridpany while asking for advice. asionally, Erik came to check up on Liv.


    Finally, one and a half dayster, just as he was putting the finishing touches on his work, Elora''s voice echoed in Erik''s mind, "She''s waking up."


    "Good," Erik smiled, happy for Astrid, even while there was a sliver of anxiety as well. Despite his own confidence, this was the first time meeting a mother-inw, after all. He hadn''t even met Elora''s mother again since that fateful day he arrived on S?l. "Is she alright?"


    "She''s still only barely conscious, but my senses are telling me she''s fine." Elora assured him.


    After getting a positive confirmation from her, Erik put down his tools, and moved towards the living spaces.


    A few momentster, he entered Astrid''s room, but was surprised to find that, while Liv was sitting up, Astrid had now fallen asleep.


    With overflowing love, Liv looked at her cutely snoring daughter while caressing her hair, seemingly lost in thought.


    ''I guess she''s probably slept very little even before the battle, and then with the fight against Sigurd, it''s not a surprise she fell asleep,'' Erik thought to himself.


    The moment he entered, Liv''s eyes swiveled in his direction. Now her, eyes narrowed. She looked at him with caution and a hint of danger. She could feel her body was still very weak after having recovered from it''s ghoulified state, and despite knowing this man was a second-ranker, she felt unprecedented danger from him.


    Meanwhile, Erik stared back at her, a confident, slightly yful smile hanging on his lips.


    For a full minute, neither of them spoke a word. Liv was trying to assess him, and Erik was letting her, wondering what she woulde up with.


    Finally, her gaze turned back to Astrid, and her expression broke a little. "Is this¡­ real?" she finally asked, her voice hoarse.

 Chapter 338 Chapter 338 - The mother-in-law

    Erik watched as Liv appeared to loose her caution towards him. Yet, perhaps not so much because she thought he was trustworthy, but more because she had started questioning her own reality.


    Erik smiled a little sadly. He may not know Liv that well, but the expression on Liv''s face was one that would make even the hardest of hearts tremble a little. She looked at her sleeping daughter with a mixture of pain, anxiety, depression, and only a sliver of hope. The hand caressing Astrid''s strawberry blond hair trembled.


    It was clear to him that she wanted desperately to believe that both she and her daughter remained alive and present in reality, but a part of her didn''t dare believe that. Hope was the a dangerous force to let into your mind. It could raise you to great heights just as quickly as it could plunge you down to the deepest depths.


    Erik slowly approached the bed and shrugged, "Eight years ago I fell unconscious, and awakened to a world I didn''t recognize. I''ve had many moments of doubt since then. Is this really reality, or am I in aa of sorts? Perhaps I''m already dead?"


    Although Liv seemed to be having a harder time of it than him, he could sort of understand where she wasing form.


    While Erik crouched down next to the bed and looked at his future mother-inw, Liv continued stroking her daughter''s peacefully sleeping face. "One of thest things I remember clearly was the moment of my daughter''s death. After that it''s a blur of¡­ madness and fury, before dissolving into nothing at all.


    Now I wake up here, my supposedly dead daughter by my side, and no idea how I got here¡­ or who you are."


    ''She''s having more trouble with this than Astrid did¡­ probably because she apparently thought her daughter was dead,'' Erik thought to himself.


    "You actually witnessed that attack in the forest?" Erik wondered with a raised eyebrow. They had always known, or rather, assumed, that Sigurd thought Astrid was dead, but Astrid had often worried about what her mother thought she knew.


    Now, Liv finally turned back to him with narrowed eyes, "I did¡­ can I assume you were the werewolf in that attack?"


    "I was," Erik nodded, before grinning a little, "But no Astrid''s were harmed in the making of whatever you saw."


    He chuckled at his own joke, but Liv scoffed and rolled her eyes at him, which only caused Erik to chuckle louder.


    Even as they talked, they tried to whisper a little, so as not to wake up Astrid for now.


    Erik could see Liv needed a moment to limate before Astrid joined the conversation, while Liv herself was afraid of dispelling the illusion.


    After he finishedughing, Erik smiled softly at Liv. "Anyway it''s been a while since west met, Miss Frost, but you do actually know me. We met a few times, I believe. But admittedly, I wasn''t very sociable back then."


    Liv frowned, and looked into his yful yet piercing amber eyes. She didn''t recognize that look, but when she went through the list of people of who he could be, there was only one with thatbination of hair and eyes.


    A young, socially awkward boy jumped in front of her mind. His gaze was far more subdued, and his hair was more silver-gray than silver-white, but the face was right, as was the eye color.


    Her eyes widened, "You¡­ Runa''s boy?!"


    Erik nodded, still smiling softly. "That would be me, yeah. When I came across Astrid as a ghoul in that forest, I naturally had to do something."


    Erik had imagined various responses from Liv during the past year at the new of his survival, but he could only be disappointed when she just scoffed, "If you''re trying to convince me this is reality, you''re doing a piss poor job of it. I''m supposed to believe not only my daughter came back from the dead, but her childhood crush as well?"


    Before Erik could answer, Liv narrowed her eyes, fury ring within her gaze. "Besides¡­ if you really are him, and this is reality, than you and I have some things to settle," she growled threateningly.


    "I had to watch as she drowned herself in sorrow when she learned of your death!" she continued, her voice rising in intensity with every word. Her weakened body started panting a little. "She became cold! S¡ª She didn''t care anymore about anything but revenge!" By now, she was almost seething, her eyes zing, "And now you dare tell me you were alive that whole time?!"


    If it hadn''t been for Astrid''s head on herp, she may have jumped up to attack Erik, regardless of her weakened body. She was still a third-ranker, after all. She fully expected to be capable of beating a second-ranker like Erik, even if he did give her a dangerous feeling.


    But, Erik wasn''t so easily cowed. "Careful with those threats there, Miss Frost," he grinned, his eyes shining with fighting intent. "How do you think you ended up in that bed? I certainly didn''t ask your ghoulified self if you could please lie down and drink my blood slowly."


    Suddenly, Liv seemed to be struck by lightning as she blinked. Her thoughts apparently having shifted away from Erik''s strength. "Right¡­! Of course I became a ghoul¡­"


    Then, she balled her fists, and her expression shifted to pure, blistering hatred, "Sigurd¡­ I''ll rip that traitorous, stinking, rat-fucker limb from limb!"


    "Where is he?!" she growled at Erik, clearly struggling to stop herself from waking Astrid by jumping up.


    "Don''t worry about him, he''s not anywhere," Erik shrugged casually. Then, his smile became a little teasing, "Although, you seem awfully interested in punishing a supposed figment of your imagination, or afterlife, or whatever you think is going on here."


    "Don''t you be throwing logic at me, boy," Liv growled with narrowed eyes. "Careful I don''t test out that supposed strength of yours¡­"


    Instead of being intimidated, Erikughed happily, "I think I know where Astrid got her hatred for losing from!"


    Liv was about to give a scathing reply, when the head on herp finally stirred. "M¡ª Mom?" came Astrid''s careful voice.


    Immediately, Liv''s eyes widened in panic, and her body froze.

 Chapter 339 - Too late?

    While Liv was frozen in fear of her daughter suddenly disappearing again, Erik looked on with a grin and Astrid blinked as she looked at her waking mother.


    "Mom!" she eximed again, before lunging forward and wrapping her arms tightly around Liv. "Are you okay?! How do you feel?!"


    But Liv didn''t answer. Instead, she remained frozen in ce. "I¡ª Uhh" she stammered, her hands trembling in the air.


    Erik could see she was afraid of even touching her daughter, lest she suddenly disappear.


    Not that Astrid noticed. She had her eyes closed, simply relishing in the feeling of having her mother back.


    Liv''s gaze flickered towards Erik with a hint of pleading, as if seeking confirmation that it was alright to touch her daughter. That she wouldn''t just disappear. That the scene of her daughter''s death really was a misunderstanding back then.


    Seeing her look, Erik nodded. What else could he do?


    As if a dam broke through and a veil was shattered, Liv started crying. Tears streamed down her face, and her arms finally wrapped themselves around Astrid. "My little firebrand¡­ My angel¡­ I thought you were dead!" she muttered, her body shaking.


    Astrid started crying as well now, despite the bright smile on her face. "I''m fine, Mom! Better than ever!" she eximed, tightening the grip around her mother''s body.


    At this point, Erik was starting to worry they might be trying to merge together. But rather than stop them, he just chuckled softly and stealthily left the room. ''Let''s give them a little time together,'' he thought.


    So, while the mother and daughter pair reconnected, Erik moved out into the living room and took a seat on one of the sofa''s. "I could use a break from forging anyway," he sighed contently.


    As soon as he sat down, Elora appeared out of a cloud of light specks and deposited herself on hisp. "Good!" she eximed with a smile. "Because we''ve had far too little time to rx alone togethertely!"


    Erik could only nod a little regretfully. "You''re right, little ember", he sighed.


    There was no denying he had had very little time alone with Elora in the past year. Between preparing for their confrontation with Sigurd and developing his rtionships with Emily and Astrid, thest eleven months had been hectic for him.


    "How about after this whole thing with the Dominion and the Enve is settled, we take a few days just to rx and unwind a little?" he proposed with a smile. "Since this thing was settled pretty quickly, we still have more than three weeks before our covenant with Katya requires us to rescue her brother, and it''s only a two week trip to Ennd."


    "Oh?" Elora wondered, snuggling against his chest. "I''m interested, but I figured you''d want to move on to Africa as soon as possible. In fact, I can feel the desire to kill Edda and find your mother burning inside you now."


    Unsurprisingly, Elora was right. The training from thesest eleven months was necessary, but the entire time, a certain restlessness had been growing in Erik''s heart. This detour to Finnmark had taken far longer than originally nned.


    At first, he had two reason toe here: paying respects to the ce he grew up in and the people that died there, and to find clues regarding Edda''s location, because he didn''t trust that mysterious dream and its im that Edda was in Africa. But it had spiraled into interceding in a war.


    He didn''t regreting, of course. Setting aside his major gains in getting ess to this dimension, he also met Eira, reunited with Astrid, and found out more about himself.


    But none of those things took away his desire for revenge, nor to reunite with his mother, and the fact it was taking so long had started to weigh on him.


    So he sighed with a hint ofment, "I know¡­" but then grabbed Elora''s chin and softly kissed her lips. "But I''ve waited this long¡­ I can wait a few more days. My lovely wives deserve that much at least, especially you."


    "Good answer," Elora grinned while savoring her protector''s taste on her lips. "I guess I''ll have to keep you around for a little while longer."


    "Woe is you," Erik chuckled before kissing her again.


    In the next hour or so, the fairy and werewolf stayed cuddled up on the couch, simply spending some slow moments as husband and wife.


    Finally, Elora whispered in his ear, "They''reing, so I''ll make myself scarce for now," before disappearing in a cloud of light kes that were absorbed into Erik''s body. Your journey continues with empire


    "Hmm?" Erik muttered through their link, a little surprised. "Why? It should be fine if Liv finds about you, right? You were in yourrge form anyway, physically no different from a normal human if you hide your wings."


    Elora''s response was casual, with a mental shrug, "I listened to their conversation in there, of course. While my future sister-wife was unable to hide her intentions to marry you, she doesn''t seem to have mentioned the fact you have multiple wives at all. I just don''t want to ruin it for her."


    While the young vampire may not technically be married to Erik yet, Elora had already ced her in the ''family bracket'', meaning the fairy actually cared about Astrid''s feelings and wishes.


    "Huh¡­" Erik mumbled in response. "I guess I''ll do the same than."


    Neither of them knew why the young vampire was hiding this, since harems were supposed to bemon in the Dominion, but they decided to y along. ''She probably has her reasons,'' Erik thought to himself.


    A few minutester, the door to Astrid''s room opened, and the mother-daughter pair walked out hand-in-hand.


    Liv was clearly still weak, but she looked far better already. Before, Erik felt depressed just being near her, but that woman had all but disappeared. In her ce was a beautiful, vibrant, mature woman with a bright expression.


    Yet, as soon as her eyes fell on the casually lounging Erik, they narrowed, and her expression darkened. "So I hear you finally came to your senses, Erik Gunnulf, but what makes you believe it isn''t toote already?"

 Chapter 340 - Challenge

    In the living room of Erik''s dimension, its owner blinked at his future mother-inw, a little surprised. Then he chuckled, "I''m d you''re feeling better, Miss Liv."


    Meanwhile, Astrid was ring at her mother, "Mom! This is my decision, not yours! Besides¡­" she suddenlyughed victoriously while looking at the man on the sofa, "Erik has already admitted his idiocy!"


    Immediately, Liv raised a questioning eyebrow without taking her eyes of Erik, as if wanting him to confirm that.


    Erik rolled his eyes, but he couldn''t deny he really was a dense little shit back in his younger years. So, after ring yfully at Astrid, he turned to Liv and nodded with a sigh, "Yes I did. I wasn''t the only one who didn''t see through Edda''s bullshit, but I should have at least realized Astrid''s feelings for me, and done something about it."


    Then, he winked at Asrid, before continuing with a cheeky smile, "Luckily, I''vee to my senses, and I can finally see beyond Edda. In fact, my view has widened considerably¡­"


    Suspicious of histst words, Liv narrowed her eyes even more, "Exactly what do¡ª"


    "Cough, cough," Astrid quickly interrupted her mother. "Anyway, Mom. Didn''t you have some other questions for him? Our marriage can wait until we''ve dealt with the more immediate issues."


    Immediately, Liv''s suspicious gaze moved from Erik to her daughter, wondering what she was trying to hide form her.


    Regardless, after a moment of making Astrid nervous with her focused gaze, Liv snorted, "Fine," and decided to move on. She had to admit that Astrid was right. Clearly, a lot had happened in the past year, and she needed to know everything.


    Rxing her expression a little, she turned back to Erik. "My little angel has told me a little of what is going on, but she wouldn''t say much without you present. So can you tell me the current situation? Where is Sigurd, and how is the Dominion? Also, where even are we?"


    Erik grinned, looking forward to her reaction. "This is my home, and soon to be Astrid''s as well. It also happens to be a dimension inside my body."


    Liv blinked and slowly turned to her daughter with a deadpan expression. But rather than alleviate her clear disbelief, Astrid just shrugged with a wry expression. "I don''t know how it works either."


    Sighing, Liv rubbed the ridge of her nose, "Alright, let''s drop that for now. Can you answer my other two questions?"


    Erik chuckled, "Sure, bute sit down first. There''s a lot to tell you, and some things we need to discuss as well," he continued while extending his hand invitingly towards the sofa across from him.


    Still not entirelyfortable around Erik, Liv hesitated a moment, but then nodded and moved to sit down. At the same time, Astrid grinned, happy that the two most important people in her life were getting along.


    But then she was suddenly faced with an unexpected decision. With Erik and Liv sitting in front of each other, they now both stared at Astrid. Erik with confident amusement, Liv with expectation.


    For a moment, her eyebrows twitched as her gaze panned between the two of them, but then she sighed and send an apologetic nce at her mother, before sitting down next to Erik.


    Immediately, Liv''s face fell, and she pouted unhappily.


    "Don''t pout like that, Miss Liv," Erik smirked. "You just had an hour with her!"


    At the same time, he tried to drape his hand around Astrid''s shoulders, but the young vampire pushed his arm away before ring at him, "Uh uh! I chose you to sit down next to, don''t rub it in!" Then she crossed her arms with a huff.


    Now, Erik''s face fell a little, and it was Liv''s time to smirk.


    Thus, bnce was restored.


    Erik sighed, deciding to quickly move on. "Anyway, Miss Liv. Le¡ª"


    But he was interrupted by Liv, who waved an arm and rolled her eyes, "Just call me Liv¡­"


    Erik felt a little relieved. He preferred to be informal, but despite his otherwise casual attitude so far, he wanted to be a little respectful towards this soon-to-be-mother-inw.


    So he nodded, "Alright, Liv. Let me exin the current situation¡­"


    Thus, he told her how Sigurd''s ghouls were currently under control of his allies and guarding the thousand remaining vampires, while Sigurd was in the Kirkenes square getting pelted, beaten, and humiliated.


    At the mentioning of Sigurd''s fate, Liv immediately grinned viciously, "I want to see that."


    Astrid, who also heard this for the first time, had much the same reaction.


    Unfortunately, Erik had to put the brakes on for now. "Later," he chuckled. "I''ve made sure you and Astrid have the right to do with those vampires as you like, but I have promised the ones most responsible would be punished, and I expect you to honor that."


    "Hmpf," Liv snorted as her face fell again. "And how do you expect to enforce that promise? I mean, I''m not saying I won''t punish them, but who are you to determine appropriate punishment for my vampires?" Find exclusive stories on empire


    "Are they even really your vampires anymore?" Erik smirked tauntingly. "Most of them betrayed you after all."


    Liv''s eyes narrowed, "I may or may not put them to death for their crimes, but every single vampire in the Dominion remains mine."


    Erik smiled slightly, "I can respect that¡­" But then his smile turned into something more vicious, "Either way, I have the right to dictate terms to both you and Frostfang, because the biggest fist rules, and neither you nor Frostfang can beat me."


    "Yeah, so you''ve said¡­" Liv suddenly grinned, fighting intent rising in her eyes. "But before I let you decide anything for me, I''m gonna need you to prove that. Do that, and I''ll follow your lead."


    Erik raised an eyebrow in curiosity, but not surprise. This was Astrid''s mother, after all. "Are you sure? You''re still weakened and recovering. Beating you now proves very little."


    "Hmpf," Liv snorted sceptically, "Even in this state I can defeat any second ranker!" Then, remembering how even her daughter imed Erik could beat third-rankers, Liv retracted a little, "But even if you manage to beat me, I''m confident I''ll be able to tell if you could beat me at my full power. Just don''t hold back¡­"


    "I can do that¡­" Erik grinned, eagerly.

 Chapter 341 - Provocation

    A few minutester, their group found themselves inside the training area.


    They''d been joined by Alice, who was previously training by herself, as she naturally couldn''t pass up the chance to witness a fight of this level from closeup.


    She and Astrid were standing to the side of the arena, both looking excited. While Astrid felt a little worried about her mother fighting Erik in her weakened state, she knew nothing would happen to her. Thus, her worry was easily negated by her natural enthusiasm for a good fight.


    "I must say¡­ this ce is impressive," Liv muttered as she looked around. On the way here, she had also gotten a look at the main hall and had started wondering how big this ce was. "I''m not saying I believe this is actually some kind of dimension inside your body, but I can''t imagine a ce like this had been build near Kirkenes without my knowledge¡­"


    Noticing the many sigils, however, her gaze became a little suspicious and disdainful. The previous experience provided by Sigurd had tainted her view of them. Still, she moved on quickly. There wasn''t hair on her body that believed Astrid would allow her toe here if these sigils meant her any harm.


    Finally, she focused her gaze back on Erik, who watched her from the other side of the fighting tform. The runeguard remained in its armguard form and his hammer was slung over his shoulder.


    Liv smirked with amusement, "But regardless of its apparent grandiosity, are you sure this ce can withstand our fighting? You ''have'' actually thought a third-ranker before, haven''t you?"


    Erik didn''t answer. Instead, he decided to start this fight with a bang. Grinning confidently, he transformed into his wolf form. This had the eerie effect of transforming his regr human grin into a twisted, threatening, sneer, adorned by sharp fangs.


    Immediately after, his maw opened wide, showing the deep gullet beyond it. Arge icy-white sphere crackling with lightning began to form. Waves of power radiated from it.


    This all happened in less than a second, but he still needed a little more time to actually charge his thundersnow st.


    Fortunately, Liv watched his actions with fascination and a hint of awe, seemingly without the intention to interfere. ''That''s a lot of power,'' she realized with a hint of surprise as she felt the destructive potential in his ability.


    After another few seconds, Erik finished charging, and spat the orb at his opponent. Immediately, Liv''s expression turned grim. But her expression, and what happened next, were quickly obscured by the attack''s st radius.


    An explosion echoed through the chamber. Dust blew into the air. Hair rustled from the generated wind. Tiny, electrified grains of snow swirled around the area as if in a rage.


    Erik, Astrid, and Alice all looked on with anticipation, wondering how Liv would weather that storm. No one was worried, though. After almost a year of living in this ce, their trust in this room''s prevention sigils had be instinctual.


    Finally, the dust settled, and Liv appeared, standing on both feet. She panted a little, but a shimmering orange shield surrounded her body, protecting her from harm. "That wasn''t bad, boy. But you''ll need to do better than that if you want me to submit to your whims!"


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    Whether or not she realized the suggestive way she put that, Astrid was forced to groan a little, while Erik stumbled a step. But they both recovered, and Erik began to grin, "So if I win you''ll submit to my whims?"


    Just about ready to start her own attack, Liv suddenly halted when she heard his questions, and blinked, confused. "Well, yeah. That was the deal, wasn''t it?" But then she noticed his perverted expression, and she paused.


    Erik expected anger, but instead, she started grinning as well. "Oh? Trying to score the mother and daughter together, are you? Alright, let''s see if you have the strength to im us both!"


    By now, Alice looked ufortable and a little confused, but Astrid''s expression was far more exaggerated. Her eyes were wide from shock. "U- uuh¡­" she muttered in confusion, unsure how to feel about her mother''s provocation. Liv had always had a somewhat teasing personality, but this was entirely unexpected for her.


    While the Dominion had quickly formed harems in the early days, Liv had always expressed a certain level of disdain for them. That was the main reason why Astrid was hesitating to mention Erik had one of his own, and had always reacted with resistance when anyone mentioned Erik making a move on her mother.


    ''But now she''s offering to share me with him of her own ord?!'' she thought, distressed.


    Yet, inside her, there was a spark of excitement at the idea of bearing witness to Erik and her mother facing of between the sheets. ''I wonder who would end up on top¡­'' she couldn''t help but wonder. ''And which option would be more exciting to see¡­''


    While Astrid''s mind became a quagmire of perverted thoughts, Erik had no problem answering Liv''s provocation with interest. "Ha!" he eximed with excitement. "To be honest, I was just trying to get you riled up a little, but this is far more interesting." He readied his hammer as icy lightning began to umte on his body. "I''d really like to see you both wrapped around me."


    "Careful what you wish for, boy," Liv smirked as zing orange orbs formed around her balled up fists. "You might end up crushed between us instead."


    With that, they both charged the other with wild and excited expressions.


    They started exchanging blows. Liv was clearly used to fighting as a brawler using the orbs on her fists. Her attacks were fast and devastating, but Erik managed to parry, dodge, or block them all.


    Liv watched in amazement and surprise at Erik''s ability to twist his body in nearly impossible ways, while sometimes even seeming to disce himself a few inches, barely avoiding her blows. Suffice it to say, it didn''t take long for her to be convinced Erik really did have the power to fight third-rankers.


    But that didn''t stop either of them. They were having fun.

 Chapter 342 - Spatial spell

    The Harbinger''s dimension''s training room was filled with the sounds of fighting. Erik and Liv were facing off in a head-to-head duel on top of the battle tform located there.


    For Erik, this fight was vastly different from the one he fought against her ghoulified version a little over a day ago. The Liv from that day was not much more than an overpowered puppet controlled by a distracted Sigurd.


    While the ghoul version of his future mother-inw had a far more powerful body, her regr self had the advantage of relying on her vast battle experience, which easily rivaled Erik''s own, and the usage of her skills.


    Not to mention that she was actually in control of her own body.


    All in all, Erik considered this fight to be far harder. His fight against the ghoul was more nerve wrecking because any mistake could cost him dearly, but fighting against the real Liv was an entirely new experience.


    Even now, with her weakened body, Liv was definitely the toughest opponent he''d fought yet. Not counting Katya, of course, but he barely considered his first meeting with Katya back in London to have been an actual fight. It was more like a beat-down.


    Regardless, he could see how Frostfang was only barely able to act as a deterrent for aplete Dominion take-over when Liv still ruled them.


    Still, he refused to even consider defeat. He didn''t just need to win, he had to convince Liv he could beat her even were she at full power.


    Setting aside Liv''s teasing, which Erik didn''t actually take seriously, he had to convince her to follow his lead. The main reason for that wasn''t even the fate of Finnmark or the Enve. It was because he and Elora wanted the Dominion to join the Council, so that Liv could be a friendly Councilor.


    After all, when they were done in Africa, their next step would likely be to take over Europe.


    The twobatants grinned as they fought. Erik swung his hammer overhead, crackling with lightning. Liv crouched and smashed her sun-like orbs against the t head, barely defending herself.


    They appeared to be locked in a stalemate, but Liv grinned. Roaring, she started pushing back against the hammer with all her might. Although her body was weakened, she was in an advantageous positionpared to her opponent.


    Erik growled and pushed harder as well. It was clear that Liv wasn''t going to be able to resist for long, but at some point, Liv managed to raise one of her feet, resisting his hammer with only the support of the other.


    Erik saw what was happening, and watched with curiosity. Suddenly, runes filled her skin, and orange light gathered around her foot. Then, she crashed it back down to the ground.


    *Boom*


    An explosion urred. A massive force sted Erik from the front. He roared, and was forced to take a few steps back, releasing Liv from the stalemate.


    When the dust settled, Liv was grinning, but also panting heavier. Erik returned her grin with one of his own.


    ''That makes for three abilities,'' he thought to himself. ''That shield she used to defend against my thundersnow st, those orbs around her hands, and that explosion just now. Something''s weird, though. That explosion was a little weaker then I''d expect¡­''


    "I know what you''re thinking," Elora''s thoughtful voice passed through his mind, "and you''re right. That wasn''t her third ability. That was just a very wasteful, but also extremely impressive use of releasing energy. She''s probably nning to surprise you with her real third ability."


    While Erik simply suspected something was wrong, Elora could clearly see it using her omnisense. Something that Liv naturally expected Erik to be missing.


    "Got it," Erik responded inwardly, d to have the fairy''s support. He didn''t mind taking her help. In a fight that was purely for fun he might prefer to do everything on his own, but not now. Now, there was something more on the line.


    So Erik pretended to be duped. "That''s an impressive ray of abilities," he eximed, appearing like a fellow warrior appreciating his opponents skills. "I especially like those orbs on your hands. Did you always fight like a brawler, or was that something you adopted because of that ability?"


    "I always liked using my hands," Liv smirked as she smashed the hard orbs together. They looked like miniature suns and gave off a zing heat, turning her hands into extremely dangerous weapons.


    Then she narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "But I don''t want to hear you talk of my ''impressive ray of abilities'', when I''ve already lost count of yours. Exactly how many abilities do you have, and how did you get so many as a mere second-ranker?"


    "Well," Erik chuckled smugly, keeping a cautious eye on his opponent while keeping his hammer at the ready. "Clearly I''m not just a mere second-ranker. Or are you saying my strength is normal?"


    Liv rolled her eyes at his smug expression, before smashing her fists together again with a grin. "Seems I need to teach you some humility boy!"


    Thus, they charged each other again. Fist smashed against hammer. Erik''s thundersnow armor melted under the heat of her orbs, but it also effectively protected him from that exact same thing. asionally, he met one of her orb-encased fists with one of his own, but charged with a lightning st.


    However, it soon became apparent that Erik was winning this fight. Liv''s panting became more and more pronounced. Her movements slowed down. Even her orbs started flickering a little.


    At this point, she was mostly keeping in the game through her experience. Enjoy new stories from empire


    Finally, she appeared ready to enact herst ditch effort to turn things around.


    Runes appeared on her skin again. Light gathered around her foot. A glint passed through her eyes. Her foot came down. Then, a sh of light, and she disappeared.


    "Behind you!" Elora eximed in his mind.


    Erik smirked, having expected something like this. But he was prepared.


    On his hand glowed a dark blue magic circle. He clenched his fist.


    Zzzing


    Suddenly, a dark blue sphere expanded from his body, and pushed everything around him away with powerful force.


    "Gaah!" came Liv''s scream from behind him, as she was sted away from him, crashing against the edge of the tform.


    "Nice try," Erik grinned as he turned around. "But I''m still the strongest fist around here."

 Chapter 343 - Kindred spirit

    "Ugh," Liv groaned as shey on the floor. Her wounds were being slowly healed by the room''s sigils, proof of her loss.


    To the side, Astrid and Alice were cheering for Erik''s victory, having long forgotten the awkwardness they felt when Liv started teasing Erik. Astrid felt a little conflicted, of course, but in the end, she would have cheered just as hard if her mother won. It was a good fight, and that was the important part.


    Erik transformed back into human form, and walked up to Liv. He crouched down with a smug grin, "I''m afraid I''ve not been very good at humility for a while now. Although Imend you for that trick you tried to pull. You almost had me."


    As it turned out, Liv had been hiding a skill much like Erik''s lightning sh, allowing for near instant movement over a short distance. Just now, she''d attempted to catch Erik off-guard by pretending her third ability was the explosion, before suddenly appearing behind his back.


    Unfortunately for her, she was the one to be caught off-guard. After such a wasteful use of energy,bined with her weakened body, she was already exhausted. To then be smashed in the face by a powerful force like that when she was moving and not expecting an attack had been fatal.


    Liv spat out a bit of blood before looking up at him with a wry grin, "Well, perhaps you deserve to be a little arrogant, you smug bastard¡­"


    Erik chuckled, before offering his hand to help her stand up, since her wounds had alreadyrgely healed. "Well, I also have a few people to thank for my current power. I can''t really take all the credit."


    While Erik certainly wouldn''t be where he was today if it hadn''t been for his own efforts, he couldn''t deny that a number of people had provided him with advantages that most others didn''t have. Obviously there was Elora, but even Audu couldn''t be discounted.


    Grabbing his hand, Liv stood up and smirked, "That sounds an awful lot like humility, you know?"


    "I call it realistic pride," Erik grinned while releasing her hand again.


    Yet without support, Liv staggered a little. Fortunately, Astrid appeared by her side to steady her, a big, excited grin on her face. "That was awesome, Mom! I thought for sure you had him at the end there!"


    Clearly, she had already forgotten her mother''s provocations towards Erik earlier. Stay updated through empire


    "Yeah, well, I heard you cheer pretty hard for your fianc¨¦ over there," Liv pouted, faking a little annoyance, her eyes shining a teasing light.


    Astrid blushed and considered simply dropping her mother, but eventually decided against it. Instead, she was reminded of Liv''s earlier words, and narrowed her eyes. "Yeah, about that¡­ what the hell was that earlier, huh?!"


    Naturally, Liv knew what her daughter was talking about, and pursed her lips yfully, "Just having a little fun, Astrid. I wouldn''t be interested in something like that, of course. Not unless you wanted it, anyway¡­" she finished with a teasing wink.


    "You¡­!" Astrid eximed, nearly doing a spit-take, while letting go of Liv on instinct. "What the hell, Mom?! What makes you think I''d be okay with that?! And, for that matter, since when have you shown anything but disdain for polygamy?!"


    Liv staggered a moment, but quickly found her bnce again, now standing on her own two feet. She may be weak and exhausted, but she was still a third-ranker.


    Meanwhile, Erik and Alice looked at their interaction with interest and curiosity, not about to interfere. Especially not Erik, who was very interested in finding out where this would go.


    After stabilizing, Liv turned to her distraught daughter, and shrugged casually, with a slight smirk, "I only disapproved of those perverted bastards and their harems, because they were all based on lust, and nothing more."


    Her smirk grew together with the teasing light in her eyes, "But I know my daughter wouldn''t let herself get duped like that."


    Silence descended on the room as everyone reacted to Liv''s words.


    Astrid''s eyes grew wide as she stammered, "M¡ª Mom?!"


    Alice was, admittedly, simply confused. This rtionship stuff was still a little too advanced for her young mind.


    Eloraughed loudly in Erik''s mind, "Hahaha! I like her!"


    Erik, too, couldn''t help his lips from curling into an amused smile.


    Astrid panned her gaze to Erik with a half-suspicious, half-pleading, look, but he simply shrugged, "Don''t look at me. You''ve been with me every moment I''ve been with her. I didn''t tell her anything."


    "Oh yeah," Elora suddenly materialized on Erik''s shoulder and grinned mischievously at Astrid. "Did I forget to tell you she broke her memory seal like a few minutes after waking up? My bad¡­"


    Erik immediately sighed with an amused exasperation at his partner "I think you deserve some punishment¡­". He didn''t mind Elora having a little fun, even if it did involve keeping a secret from him.


    "Totally worth it," Elora giggled yfully.


    After a moment of shock, Astrid eximed, furiously, "Elora¡­!" before turning to her mother with an awkward and surprised expression, lost for words. If she had to be honest, she was a little annoyed at Liv as well. She had told her mother about the memory seal, and Liv had pretended not to remember anything.


    Ignoring her daughter for a moment, Liv looked curiously at the little fairy sitting on Erik''s shoulder. She had seen this winged woman before, when she was still a ghoul. "You were the one who appeared a little jealous when my little angel and Erik kissed. I assume you''re his wife or fianc¨¦ as well?"


    "My name is Elora," the fairy nodded, a curious look in her eyes. Liv was the mother of her soon-to-be sister-wife, and thus squarely in the family bracket as well. It also didn''t hurt that she felt this Liv to be a somewhat kindred spirit to her. "And I am Erik''s first wife," she finished, with no small amount of pride.

 Chapter 344 - Astrids proposal

    After the introductions were done, the group moved back to the living quarters. Only Alice remained behind, as she wanted to continue training while the memory of Erik and Liv''s fight was still clear in her mind.


    They sat down on the couches in the same way as before, with Erik and Astrid next to each other, and Liv across from them. The only addition was Elora, who was still sitting on Erik''s shoulder.


    "You tricked me¡­!" Astridined, arms crossed, and eyes narrowed on Liv. Then she swiveled her angry gaze towards Elora, "And you should have told me!"


    Both Elora and Liv wore shit-eating grins as they let Astrid''s usations wash over them. "I''m sorry, little angel, but I wanted to see if you''d tell me about you and Erik yourself," Liv chuckled mischievously. Then, her expression became almostically pleading, "Please forgive me?"


    "I just thought it was a family matter and I shouldn''t get involved," Elora said, although her grin told a very different story.


    "Ugh," Astrid groaned, muttering someins under her breath. But then she suddenly stopped. Her expression turned to one of deviousness, before grinning mysteriously. "Alright, Mom. I''ll forgive you on one condition."


    "Anything for my little angel," Liv quickly perked up. She didn''t actually feel bad about ying a little prank on her daughter, but seeing Astrid''s expression, she suspected her suggestion might be fun.


    "Good," Astrid chuckled as her eyes started shining lustfully before dropping the bomb. "I want you to have sex with Erik while I watch! I want to see who ends up on top!" Ever since these thoughts came to her during the fight, she hadn''t been able to let it go. And she had discovered she liked voyeurism back in Frostvik.


    Silence descended on the group. The only sound being Elora, who was snickering loudly. She had never felt much connection to Astrid before, but she wasing to appreciate her presence more and more.


    Erik, who had been staying out of the conversation so far, now looked at Astrid with a hint of surprise. ''Her voyeurism is stronger than I expected¡­ maybe I should give her a sigil that looks straight into my bedroom,'' he chuckled inwardly.


    Outwardly, however, he raised an eyebrow, "Did you think of asking me about this first? I didn''t do anything to you, right?"


    Astrid turned towards Erik and scoffed while rolling her eyes, "Please don''t try to tell me you have no interest in Mom. And besides," she continued while narrowing her eyes. "Since you want to fuck around while expecting me to be faithful, you can at least let me choose someone once in a while."


    Erik''s eyes widened, and his mouth opened as if wanting to say something, but then he closed it again,pletely dumbstruck. Yet, after thinking about it for a moment, he shrugged in assent, "Well, I have no goodeback to that." He turned to the equally dumbstruck woman on across from them. "Liv, what do you say?"


    "I¡ª Uh¡­" she stammered, a little shocked. Suddenly, she was getting teased and surprised by her daughter, rather than the other way around. But she managed to blink away her confusion, before chuckling, "You''ve changed, Astrid. But I like it."


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    Turning to Erik, she continued with a curious grin, "Well, I can''t say I''m not interested¡­ It''s been a long time, because I do require anyone I have sex with to be able to stand up to me in a fight. But I want to wait until my body has fully recovered."


    "Sure," Erik nodded at Liv with a lustful smile, his gaze locking with hers. "Looking forward to it."


    For a moment, it appeared like lightning was sparking between them. The setting of their next duel had been determined.


    To the side, Astrid looked cautiously excited. She wasn''t entirely sure what hade over her when she suggested this, but with both parties now having epted, she couldn''t help feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement.


    Meanwhile, Elora simply observed, enjoying the y.


    Finally, Erik decided to move on. "Anyway," he began, lounging back into the sofa, while throwing an arm around Astrid and frowning a little. "Since you destroyed the memory seal, are you alright? I can''t imagine what it must be like to remember yourself being controlled like a puppet."


    Suddenly, Astrid realized she had been ignoring this crucial part of Liv''s revtion. Her eyes widened with concern and she jumped up. "Ipletely forgot! Mom?!"


    Waving her arms to try and calm Astrid, Liv shrugged casually, "Actually, I still don''t remember anything about that. I only remember what happened after Elora removed my control sigil. Remembering so much chaos and bloodlust isn''t pleasant, but it onlysted a short time, so I''m fine."


    Rather than Erik or Astrid, it was Elora who answered, muttering thoughtfully, and with a frown. "Really? Perhaps the sigil works differently on ghouls, since it''s designed for beasts?" Then she shook her head, "Regardless, I suggest you keep an eye on it. We should have a talk about thister."


    Even if it wasn''t for Astrid, Keeping Liv sane was important for her and Erik''s future ns. Before, Elora simply assumed Liv simply had the mental fortitude to ignore those memories, but now she realized she might need to take some precautions.


    "Are you sure you''re fine, Mom?" Astrid asked, anxiously, all her annoyance from before forgotten.


    "I''m fine, little angel," she smiled slightly at her daughter. Then, she turned to Erik. "But enough about me. You beat me, and I believe you would stand a good chance against me at full power, so I''ll follow your lead as promised. I hope you have a n for dealing with 4000 ghouls without blood donations from the Enve, because I don''t."


    "I do," Erik grinned, "But you might not like it, and I hope you will continue that attitude even after you leave Finnmark¡­"


    "Leave Finnmark¡­?" Liv frowned a little. "Where do you expect me to go?"


    "The council¡­" Erik answered confidently, before starting to exin his and Elora''s ns for Liv and the Dominion.

 Chapter 345 - Recovered

    Thus, they spend a few hours exining their ns to Liv, and convincing her to follow them. In the end, Liv had agreed to follow their initial ns, partly because she had agreed to follow Erik''s lead, and partly because she couldn''t think of a better way to turn all those ghouls back to vampires.


    Unfortunately, when it came to theirter ns, including their ns for the council, Liv''s smile became a little yful. "You know, I promised to follow your lead regarding the Dominion''s fate because you beat me in that fight, but if you want me to do it in the future as well, you''ll need to convince me again."


    "Oh?" Erik asked, with a smile of his own, suspecting what she was going for. "And how would I do that?"


    Liv giggled expectantly, her eyes shining with lust, "Bying out on top during our second battle as well, of course. Prove that you deserve to be the man that I follow, by beating me in every aspect, even while you''re a second-ranker."


    With his suspicions verified, Erik started thinking, ''After she recovers, she''ll likely outss me in strength without my werewolf form, and I doubt she''d agree to fuck me in my beastly form¡­ Fortunately, I won''t need it.''


    So, he chuckled full of confidence, "Deal. Although," he continued with an amused smirk, "if you truly with to follow me after I win, you''ll have to marry me along with your daughter."


    "Erik!" Astrid punched his arm with a red face. "Don''t you think you should discuss that with me?! I just wanted you to have sex with her!"


    Erik pursed is his lips and looked at Astrid, wondering if she listened to her own words.


    But before he could respond, Liv giggled, "Don''t worry, little angel. I have no intention of marrying him¡­ yet. Maybe when we meet again, after I''ve joined the Council and assuming you''ve convinced me to follow you, we can talk about that again."


    "Looking forward to it," Erik grinned widely, ignoring the second embarrassed punch he got from Astrid. There wasn''t much conviction behind it, however, her eyes already showing some reluctant excitement at the idea. She loved her mother, and if they married the same man, they could be together forever, like sisters.


    Thus, the deal was struck, and everyone decided to take some rest. They decided to stay inside the dimension until Liv fully recovered. That way, she wouldn''t look weak in front of the Enve and Dominion.


    Incidentally, that gave the Enve the time to let all their shapeshifters have a turn with Sigurd to get a little payback, hopefully allowing them to face Liv with some restraint. As for the thousand vampires sitting there surrounded by ghouls? They would be fine. They were Runebound, after all, a few nights out in the cold wouldn''t kill them.


    Besides, some of them deserved far worse.


    So, they decided to wait for three days. Naturally, Erik did go out to tell Frostfang about their ns, while making sure that none of the first ranked vampires among the Dominion would turn into ghouls within that time.


    Frostfang was happy with the opportunity of giving the Enve some more quality time with Sigurd, so he didn''t make a fuss.


    During this time, Liv focused on recovering, while Astrid spend some more quality time with her mother. Erik, on the other hand, spent most of this time with Elora. He took a few moments to teach Alice, and also grew a little closer with Eira, but for the most part, he made good on his promise to spend a few days rxing with his first wife.


    Finally, the three days were over, and Liv had fully recovered. Before they went out to deal with the outside world, however, there was one more thing they decided to do first.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    In Astrid''s room, Erik and Liv were facing each other, a few feet apart, both wearing confident grins. Neither of them had a nervous bone in their body.


    Next to them, however, stood Astrid, who strangely enough, looked far more nervous than those who would actually ''do battle'' today. It was a nervous kind of excitement, however. She had no intention of calling it off. She knew she was weird for enjoying this, at least by modern Earth standards, but she didn''t care.


    She wanted to see one of them surrender to the other.


    "On the count of three?" Erik grinned at the woman across from him. Liv matched his expression and nodded.


    After the count, Erik and Liv both threw off their clothes at once, showing off their naked bodies.


    While Liv appreciated the powerful muscles clearly outlined on his body, her gaze quickly went down to the thing she cared most about right now. Immediately, her eyes widened, and her grin finally showed some nerves.


    In an effort to try and hide those nerves, she whisted appreciatively, and turned to her daughter, "Aren''t you the lucky girl, huh?"


    Astrid pursed her lips with a hint of embarrassment, "We uh¡ª We haven''t had sex yet, Mom¡­ At least not the kind you''re thinking off." She palmed her face when she realized the ridiculousness of this situation, and groaned a little, "I wanted to wait until you met him and we got married¡­" Enjoy new chapters from empire


    Liv blinked, before covering her mouth with one her hands and giggling gleefully. "Oh, my precious little angel. You''re actually allowing your mother to have the first turn?"


    Astrid groaned and rolled her eyes helplessly, "I¡ª I didn''t n this ahead of time, you know? It was a spur of the moment thing¡­"


    Liv smiled a perverse smile, not nning to give her daughter a break on this "Don''t worry, my dear. I''ll be sure to give him a good test run for you."


    Naturally, that only caused Astrid to groan louder. While she had alreadyrgelye to terms with her inner pervert, it was a little different to discuss it with her mother.


    Meanwhile, Erik covered Liv''s body with a predatory and possessive gaze. Liv had a beautiful body, framed by long, flowing strawberry-blond hair. It was a body that gave off a mature aura, but without actually showing the vicissitudes of time.


    Her breasts were modest, just like Astrid, but still at least a single cup sizerger, and the third-ranked power of her body allowed them to defy gravity with the perkiness of a far younger woman.


    The muscles on her stomach and the rest of her body were even more clearly defined than they were on Astrid, and Erik immediately thought of a term he heard once: muscle mommy. ''Literally, and figuratively,'' he chuckled to himself. ''Although I obviously won''t surrender to her.''

 Chapter 346 - Two can play that game**

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    After Liv and Erik were done admiring each other, and Astrid had momentarily sunk into the background, Erik decided to take the first step.


    Literally, in this case.


    He closed the distance between the two of them and took Liv into his arms, before nting his lips on hers.


    Liv smiled at his initiative, but naturally wouldn''t just let him take the lead. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back aggressively.


    Clearly, neither of them were big on shame, as their was no awkwardness in their kiss at all, despite the strange circumstances. They were both physically attracted to the other, liked each other well enough, and since the only possible obstacle, Astrid, was fine with this, there was simply no reason not to enjoy themselves.


    Even if they had a spectator.


    Their tongues wrestled wildly with each other, but there was no clear winner. Liv had brute force on her side, but herst partner was Astrid''s father, who left ten years ago, so she was out of practicepared to Erik, who had nary a day go by without doing this for thest eight years.


    Liv also immediately noticed his taste, and quickly found herself to be intoxicated by it. Her mind fogged up a little, but she quickly stamped down and cleared her mind, now far more cautious of Erik''s prowess.


    After five minutes of wild kissing and groping, they finally separated, both panting a little; not so much due to ack of oxygen, but more because of the lust rushing through their bodies.


    They kept their arms wrapped around each other as their eyes met in the middle. Erik, full of confidence, Liv, narrowed, and full of skepticism. "It''s been a while, but I know saliva isn''t supposed to taste like that."


    "What can I say?" he grinned. "If you want to satisfy a harem of women, you need some tricks."


    Liv snorted and rolled her eyes, "I''ll take your word for it." Then she suddenly used her superior physical abilities to push Erik onto Astrid''s bed behind him. "Now it''s time to tame that monster between your legs!"


    Unable to resist her physical strength without going into werewolf form, Erik helplessly dropped onto the bed. Although he wasn''t sure if he liked this dynamic, he had to admit that it was a new experience. This was the first time he was having sex with someone physically stronger than him.


    Meanwhile, Astrid had dropped herself on afortable chair and looked at the two of them with fascination, her hand already between her legs. "That''s one point for Mom," she mumbled softly.


    Quickly, Liv jumped after Erik and locked his head between her thighs while putting her hands on his legs, keeping them in ce. With Erik immobilized, she watched his eight-inch-cock with a fascinated, cocky grin. "Now let''s see who canst longer!"


    "You''re gonna regret making that challenge," Erik smirked confidently, but his voice was muffled. Liv had his head firmly locked between her thighs and in front of her wet and puffy snatch. Clearly, she was excited.


    Erik decided to ept his immobilized position for now, and started slowly, by wrapping his arms around her waist, and simply probing her pussy lips softly.


    Liv, meanwhile, had a far more aggressive approach. With his cock in front of her face and her hands locking down his legs, she simply stuffed the tip straight into her mouth. Something she quickly regretted when she realized that this, too, had a slightly addictive taste.


    For a moment, her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she felt Erik''s soft tongue probing her admittedly needy pussy, after she neglected it for ten years. Combined with the heavenly, mind-fogging taste now filling her mouth, her mind became a little hazy for a second.


    Suddenly, she regretted being unwilling to have sex with anyone who couldn''t fight her equally. At least she''d have been better prepared for this moment.


    It didn''t affect her for long, however. Even for a third-ranker, her discipline and will where particrly strong. She mped down on her lust-filled mind, and started pleasuring Erik as best she could.


    Erik enjoyed the feeling of her warm mouth around his tip, but it wasn''t enough to distract him. It was clear that Liv was out of practice after ten years, and it would take her a few moments to get back into it.


    So, after probing her a little, he started driving his tongue deeper into her quickly moistening cave to find her most sensitive spots. His experience and recent practice were quickly winning over Liv''s aggressive approach, causing the older woman to start moaning around his cock.


    Knowing she was now on the losing end, Liv tried to release Erik''s head and lift her hips, but Erik wouldn''t let go that easily. She may be more physically powerful, but the difference wasn''t that big. Certainly not big enough to resist both his arms with just her hips.


    Realizing he wouldn''t let go and feeling her sex-starved body quickly respond to his touch, she cursed under her breath.


    Feeling Liv''s frustration, Erik''s lips curled into a smug grin, even as he continued eating her pussy to the best of his abilities. Which were considerable. "Told you were going to regret that," he mumbled, his voice still muffled, but Liv understood the meaning and growled in frustration.


    Changing tactics, Liv instead went all in on making Erik cum faster than herself. Focusing her attention on his cock and ignoring the rising pleasure in her body, her muscle memory finally kicked in. She started taking Erik deeper into her powerful throat even as her tongue did it''s best to push him closer tot he brink.


    Her efforts paid off, as Erik couldn''t but grunt a little. As a third-ranker, Liv was perfectly capable of controlling both her gag reflex, and the muscles in her throat, allowing her to expertly massage his cock in a way that Erik was only used to getting from Elora.


    Fortunately, that still meant he ''was'' used to it.


    As they both approached orgasms, Erik was still in the lead. But Liv had a trump card. Suddenly, her throat started heating up.


    ''Ah, fuck¡­'' Erik groaned inwardly as his cock suddenly felt like it was stuck in a furnace of pleasure. Liv''s control was perfect, as the heat she put was just enough to drive Erik wild, without hurting him.


    ''But two can y that game,'' Erik grinned confidently.


    Suddenly, icy-white lightning began sparking on the tip of his tongue.

 Chapter 347 - Time for desert***

    Immediately, Liv''s eyes widened significantly. The confident look in her eyes disappeared again, as she suddenly felt like her entire lower body was getting stimted.


    With expert control, Erik''s lightning softly ran through the woman''s innards, stimting the pleasure nerves, counteracting the heat with cold and increasing her sensitivity.


    Liv''s body spasmed and her eyes rolled up in her head. Her throat stayed wrapped around his cock, as even now she tried desperately to make him cum before her own fast-approaching orgasm arrived.


    Feeling Liv''s body was loosing much of its strength, Erik removed one of his arms around her hips. The newly freed hand also began to spark with icy-white static while slowly caressing Liv''s stomach, traveling towards her cunt, and grasping the button just above it.


    Immediately, Liv reacted even more wildly. Instinctively, she started panting through her nose, more because of lust thanck of oxygen.


    Meanwhile, Erik didn''t let up using his tongue to bring the woman to realms of pleasure she hadn''t felt even when she was still having sex ten years ago. Even more than she ever felt in her experimental teenager phase.


    In the end, her powerful mind and rank only managed to stave of the inevitable for so long.


    Explosively, Liv started cumming uncontrobly. Fresh fluids streamed from her cave, and Erikpped up his victory drink with glee, grinning with glee. Her lithe, muscled body writhed against him, and the man felt himself approaching his own orgasm as a result.


    Still, he managed to hold off for now, mostly because Liv had stopped actively trying to make him cum, as her mind was entirely upied by the electric pleasure flooding her brain.


    Finally, after extending her orgasm as long as he could, Erik felt Liv''s body go limp, her cock still lodged in her throat. Immediately, he took his chance and lifted his legs, now no longer restrained by Liv''s arms, and wrapped them around her head.


    Unfortunately, thanks to her strength, Liv recovered quickly, and immediately tried to stop him or pull her head back. Fortunately, it was already toote.


    His legs wrapped around her head, and her pleasure wracked body was unable to resist as he forced her head all the way down, hilting his cock in her throat, and burying her nose in his crotch.


    At this point, Erik stopped resisting and sighed with relief as his balls began to pump a stream of cum down his mother-inw''s throat.


    As soon as the first squirt entered her body, Liv stopped her struggles. Her eyes rolled all the way up this time. Her throat hurt a little from the extreme pration, but mostly the heavenly taste flooding her stomach made her body heat up and her mind fog over with a pink haze.


    To the side, Astrid had lost all her clothes and was now openly masturbating to the sight, a silly grin on her face. "That''s one point for Erik," she grinned as she watched her mother''s throat bulge and expand from the delicious cream being pumped through. She especially loved the pleasure-drunk expression on her usually so confident mother.


    When he was done, Erik didn''t wait to press his advantage. With Liv shortly incapacitated, he quickly pulled himself out, and swapped positions with the woman on top of him. Moving as quickly as he could, he turned Liv on her stomach while he sat on her back.


    Then, he folded her arms behind her back, before conjuring an icy blue magic circle with a confident smirk.


    While his non-transformed physical strength may not match Liv currently, the same did not go for his Arcanist spells. With Liv still recovering from her orgasm, Erik used ice-maker to create the most powerful bindings he could, much like he did for Liv in her ghoulified form.


    Last time, he use his weapon enhancement to slowly freeze her before using ice-maker to finish the job, but this time he took advance of his target''s inability to resist to start from scratch. The binding didn''t cover anything other than her arms, but he took his time to make sure it was as dense and tough as he could.


    After a few minutes, Liv started to groan and stir again, her eyes fluttering open. "W¡ª What?" she muttered, a little confused when she realized she was lying on her stomach with a heavy weight on her back and immobile limbs.


    Then, she suddenly felt someone turning her body around until she was on her back, with her arms behind her. At the same time, her legs were kept wide apart by a long pole of ice.


    "Wee back, mother-inw," Erik grinned smugly at her from above.


    "You¡­!" Liv growled angrily, her post-orgasm haze instantly gonepletely. "What did you do?!"


    Erik shrugged innocently, "We never said I couldn''t use my Arcanist spells in this little duel of ours." Meanwhile, his already-hard-again cock was draped over her stomach, and his hands rested on his hips.


    "Dammit!" Liv cursed while struggling against her bonds. "You really are a cheat! But how long do you really think these can hold me?!"


    Erik pursed his lips, "Not long probably." Unlike with the ghoulified Liv, he didn''t freeze her entire body, so she had a lot more room to maneuver and exercise her strength.


    But then he grinned, and leaned over to take Liv''s chin between his fingers, and softly kiss her lips. At the same time, he pulled back his hips and plunged his cock into her depths.


    Liv''s eyes widened and she moaned loudly into his mouth, pleasure filled her body once again, and she instinctively responded to his kiss.


    After resting his tip against the entrance of Liv''s womb for a moment, he released Liv''s lips, and whispered in hear ear, "The question is if you''ll even want to free yourself."


    Before Liv could respond, he started pistoning his hips with experienced movements, quickly searching for the most sensitive spots in Liv''s moist, needy pussy.


    "Aaaaahnnngh," she started moaning loudly, but didn''t stop struggling against her bonds at first.


    Only a few minutester, when Erik started finding the best spots and hammering them diligently did she finally stop struggling and give in to the pleasure. "Aaah, w¡ª whatever! F¡ª Fuck me, you bastard!"


    Erik grinned victoriously and smashed his cock against her womb, before parking there again and softly grinding his tip against her womb, "Does that mean you''ll follow my lead like an obedient wife?"


    Despite her temporary surrender, Liv shook her head and stammered, "N¡ª Not your wife, yet! B¡ª But I''ll be your p¡ª puppet within the C¡ª Council! J¡ª Just keep f¡ª fucking me! P¡ª Please!"


    Deciding that was good enough, Erik continued fucking his newest conquest, while Elora cheered him on inside his head.


    Finally, after ravaging his mother-inw for another half hour, giving her two more orgasms, he finished off by pumping his cum into her womb with a powerful grunt.


    He panted a little, but he wasn''t done yet. With a predatory grin, he turned his head in the direction of a certain wildly masturbating young vampire to the side, "Time for dessert."

 Chapter 348 - Astrids time [1/2]**

    With three fingers buried inside, her other hand squeezing her breasts, and her legs draped over the chair''s armrests, Astrid was rapidly fingering herself to the next orgasm. Already there was a small puddle in front of her, proof of how much she enjoyed watching Erik and her mother.


    As soon as Liv surrendered to Erik, she muttered in a slightly crazed tone, "E¡ª Erik wins¡­ aaaaghn¡­ m¡ª my husband is s¡ª stronger than¡­ hnnngh¡­ my mother! Hehehe."


    As soon as she realized that, she plunged her fingers further in and came once again, a silly smile on her face. Liv and Astrid were both fighters, and strength was important to them. They weren''t inherently submissive or dominant over others, rather, they let rtionship dynamics be determined by strength. Any kind of strength was fine; physical, mental, sexual.


    Thus, when Erik walked up to her, his cock still hard and smeared with her mother''s juices as proof of his victory, she felt her mind tremble. He looked at her with predatory eyes, and her thoughts turned far more submissive than they ever had before with Erik.


    Before, he was simply more powerful than her, but now he''d proved to be more powerful than the person she had looked up to her entire life as being the strongest person in existence.


    So she gulped and looked at him with hazy eyes, not stopping her fingers, waiting for his words.


    "Your mother is mine, Astrid," he began, with a low growl, to which Astrid simply nodded slowly. "And today, you will be mine too. I''ve waited long enough."


    He''d given Astrid her time, despite knowing they both loved each other, but he had enough of waiting. Liv was freed and clearly on board with their marriage, which they would do either tomorrow or the day after, but right now, they were both naked and horny and he intended to make use of that situation.


    Astrid''s eyes widened nervously, but she didn''t object. Instead, she gulped and nodded slowly once again, "O¡ª Okay."


    With her eptance, Erik''s possessive grin widened, "Good. Start by cleaning me up. It''s your fault I''m even in this situation, after all."


    If possible, Astrid''s eyes widened even more while her fingers finally slowed down. Her gaze trailed down to his hard cock, and she gulped again. The smell of it filled her nostrils as the pheromones fogged her mind a little.


    She wanted to follow his order, but there was a mental barrier she had to cross about sucking the cock that was just inside her mother. Fortunately, it was a surprisingly small one.


    She didn''t answer him, and it took a few moments, but in the end, she removed her fingers out of her snatch, and sat up on the chair. Now with her face right in front of the weapon that had defeater her mother. Erik decided to simply watch her, as he was enjoying her surprisingly submissive behavior.


    First she took a deep whiff and shuddered a little. Then, she extended her tongue and took a careful lick of the meaty pole, tasting her mother''s juices for the first time. Once again she shuddered a little. She recognized the taste of his cum, but this time it was fixed with a new vor.


    ''Ugh,'' she groaned inwardly as her eyes rolled up a little in her head. ''I love this taste¡­ how am I even going to look Mom in the eye anymore?''


    Seeing her intoxicated state made Erik chuckle, but he was also growing impatient. Grabbing Astrid''s strawberry-blond hair, he started guiding her movements. Soon, the strong-willed fighter was licking his cock clean from base, to tip, and even his balls received some attention.


    Erik shuddered a little from her attentions, although perhaps more from the idea of Astrid doing this than the actual sensations.


    Finally, his little brother sparkled again, and Erik released Astrid''s hair. Surprisingly, Astrid than grabbed it with both hands, and wrapped her lips around the tip. Erik couldn''t stop a groan from leaving his lips when Astrid started suckling softly, slowly coaxing any remaining cream out of his shaft while looking up at him submissively.


    Finally, she released him with a pop, before showing him her empty mouth. Closing her lips, she grinned up at him yfully, apparently having lost her earlier daze, but still feeling a little servile.


    "Did I do good, husband?" she purred softly, knowing perfectly well what she was doing.


    "Yes," he sighed slightly. But then his predatory grin reappeared, and he crouched down to throw Astrid over his shoulder, "But if you think that convinced me to give up on my ns, you''re sorely mistaken!"


    Astrid yelped, but loved his aggressiveness, a big grin on her face. She had felt a little anxious earlier, but as the moment approached she actually found herself getting excited.


    When he reached the bed, Erik dropped his fianc¨¦ right next to her mother, causing a dazed Liv to groan and quickly awaken. "W¡ª What?" she muttered, before noticing the new situation. Immediately, she started grinning and struggling against her bonds again, "Oh! Is it happening now? Let me go, I want to help!"


    Astrid didn''t react to her mother''s words as all her focus was on Erik now, but Erik looked at Liv suspiciously, "Are you going to behave?"


    Liv grinned yfully, but with a hint of obedience, "You beat me fair and square, I''m yours tomand¡­ for now."


    Erik grinned back at her, "I like your principles¡­ so long as they include loyalty."


    Believing the strong should rule the weak was fine, but what happened when they met someone stronger than the person they currently served? That was when beliefs needed to be tempered by loyalty.


    Without waiting for her answer, he snapped his fingers, undoing her bindings.


    Meanwhile, he crawled on the bed, and softly caressed Astrid''s legs as he positioned himself between them. Astrid moaned softly, her eyes focused entirely on him.


    Next to her, Liv rubbed her cold wrists and smiled, "Without loyalty and family we have nothing. You have and are mine, so you have nothing to worry about."


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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 349 - Astrids time [2/2]***

    With her arms and legs freed, Liv looked over at the preupied Erik and Astrid next to her. Currently, Astrid was lying on her back, while Erik was kneeling between her thighs.


    Her legs were draped over Erik''s shoulders, held there by hisrge hands, and his still-hard cock was resting on her stomach, reaching beyond her navel. The two lovers were looking into each other''s eyes, Erik with predatory possessiveness, and Astrid with excitement and only a hint of anxiousness.


    Liv grinned, and before Erik could take the next step, she appeared behind Astrid and propped her daughter up,ying her back to rest against Liv''s own chest. Then she reached forward, and took Astrid''s legs off from Erik''s shoulders, bending them to the sides and holding them there.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


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    "M¡ª Mom?!" Astrid eximed a little panicked, andpletely unable to resist her mother''s strength. Suddenly, her body was onplete disy and she could far more easily see Erik''s nine-incher looming ominously above her lower stomach. She gulped instinctively.


    Erik first blinked in surprise, but then grinned with satisfaction. Astrid now looked like she was being offered up to him by her own mother, and he couldn''t help but appreciate the imagery.


    "Don''t worry, little angel," Liv purredsciviously. "I''m just giving your lord husband a better view. Since his power exceeds ours, we should serve him well, don''t you think?"


    Before Astrid could respond, Liv turned her gaze towards Erik and winked yfully, "At least until one of us beats him¡­"


    "I uhm¡ª" Astrid stammered, suddenly a little intimidated by seeing exactly how far Erik''s pole would stab into her insides. But then she took a deep breath and nodded, "R¡ª Right," before extending her arms and grabbing Erik''s cock while looking into his eyes submissively.


    "The weak should serve the strong," she muttered with determination while slowly rubbing the thick meat between her hands. "I''ll be in your care, lord husband."


    "Good girl," Erik chuckled as a sense of domination flooded him. Seeing this independent warrior and childhood friend so meek before him was a sight that tickled him in a way that few other things did.


    Meanwhile, it was much the same for Astrid, who felt a strange pleasure flood her being as she submitted herself to the boy she had been pursuing for most of her adolescent years.


    Seeing Astrid''s excitement, Liv decided to fan the mes. Without taking her eyes of Erik, she leaned down and whispering in her daughter''s ear, "See that massive thing resting on your stomach? It belongs to the man you''ve loved for practically all your life, and now it''s about to im you as his. Are you ready? I think you should tell him¡­"


    Immediately, some of Astrid''s excitement waned again as she groaned with embarrassment instead. Yet, when she remembered her naked body was currently propped up against her equally naked mother who was forcing her legs apart, she realized it was perhaps a littlete to get embarrassed.


    So she sighed and looked into Erik''s piercing amber eyes. "I''m ready. Please take my first time and im me as yours¡­"


    Already hard as a diamond from this entire scenario, Erik''s cock twitched, and his lips curled into a grin, "dly."


    Thus, he pulled back his hips, forcing Astrid to let his cock go, who grabbed the sheets to her sides instead. Putting his hands on Astrid''s thighs for leverage, he then prodded her entrance with the tip of his meaty pole.


    Meanwhile, his gaze was focused on the sight of the four breasts swaying in front of his eyes, while Astrid looked at the scene between her legs instead.


    Finally, his cock entered and Astrid''s legs started shaking. Her hands flew towards her mouth as she tried to muffle her moans of pain and pleasure.


    Feeling the expected barrier, Erik ignored it and pushed on. Astrid was a warrior, and she could take a little pain.


    Astrid''s entire body shook and her muffled moans became louder while her eyes started rolling up in her head.


    Steadily, Erik moved forward, reshaping her insides to fit his cock even as they squeezed him all sides. Despite being the first thing to enter her pussy, the toughness and sticity of her second-ranked body allowed Erik to use his strength to make himself fit inside her.


    When he was half-way, he paused and smirked domineeringly at his newest wife, "I want to hear your moans, Astrid. Remove your hands."


    But Astrid quickly shook her head, embarrassment clear in her eyes. In response, Liv bend down again and whispered, "Your husband wants to hear you moan, little angel. Do as he tells you, alright? You want to be a good girl for him, right?"


    Astrid groaned in embarrassment again, but finally removed her hands and allowed her moans to fill the room, "Haaangggh, d¡ª damn it! W¡ª Why can''t I hold it in?!"


    Her hands now grabbed the bed''s sheets again instead. Above her, Liv giggled, "Because it feels good. You really lucked out with this one, my dear. Not only is his cock massive, but he even has some voodoo to make it feel even better."


    As if to entuate that point, Erik chose this moment to continue pushing inside. Astrid''s head started rolling from side to side as she panted for breath in between her moans, "It¡ª It does feel good! I f¡ª feel sooo fulllll!"


    Astrid''s arms iled about as they tried to get a grip on the situation, but couldn''t. She was caught between two people stronger than her, and they were teaming up against her.


    Suddenly, Astrid''s eyes widened and she stopped moving all together. Erik had reached her deepest parts. His cock was now fully lodged inside and pressing up against her hungry womb.


    Deciding to y a little longer with her, Erik stayed there for a moment as he rubbed his member against the entrance to her baby maker, causing Astrid to open and close her mouth without anythinging out, her eyes wide.


    She was trying to decide if this felt good or not.


    Then, she suddenly started shaking wildly, and she screamed in pleasure. Her pussy spasmed around its meaty intruder, and spray of clear fluids drenched Erik''s lower body.


    "Ooh, you liked that, huh?" Erik immediately grinned, before finally pulling back, and mming back inside, not waiting for Astrid''s orgasm to pass. Astrid''s moans reached a crescendo, but that only encouraged him. Moving faster and faster, he continued exploring her most pleasurably spots, even as Astrid continued cumming wildly.


    Above her, Liv grinned lustfully and with excitement as she watched her daughter getting ravaged. Erik couldn''t help but wonder if she had always been this perverted, or if this was a consequence of remembering her time as a ghoul. After all, post-ghouls often suffered from mental quirks.


    Fortunately for the poor Astrid, her tight and squirming insides were quick to bring Erik to the edge as well, and since he had no reason to stop himself, he unloaded himself inside her.


    "Aaahnnggh, soooo waaarm," Astrid moaned and shook as she came again.


    With that, Erik pulled out and panned a hungry gaze towards Liv. His cock still standing at attention. "I''m not done yet," he growled with a predatory grin.


    Liv gulped, and so their night continued, with Erik swapping between mother and daughter, ravaging both of their bodies as he liked.


    As it turned out, the Thunder Wings Ice Serpent bloodline he gained just before joining the war had significantly increased his already high libido.


    And this mother-daughter pair was the first to be its victims.


    Not that they minded.

 Chapter 350 - Wakeup

    The next morning, Erik awoke with a light sigh and a soft smile. ''Plenty of problems on the horizon,'' he thought contently. ''But right now, life is good.''


    His right arm was wrapped around Elora. The fairy had, at some point during the previous night, decided she had enough of simply watching Erik enjoy the mother-daughter pair, and joined them instead.


    At first, Liv had disagreed with the amount of favoritism Erik showed towards this woman who seemed to have no actual fighting power, but it didn''tst long. In the end, Elora was far more experienced and skilled at dominating others.


    The fairy may not be able to physically overpower Liv, but a few well-ced words, and some time spend on the business end of Elora''s various devices, had quickly brought the vampire in line.


    Now, Elora''s head was resting on Erik''s chest as she looked down his body with a yful smirk.


    Erik, meanwhile, was enjoying one of the best ways for a man to wake up: with two tongues polishing his cock.


    He folded his left arm behind his own head to prop it up and look down at the same scene that Elora was enjoying: Liv and Astrid pleasuring him with a united devotion.


    At the start ofst night they had already dered their submission to him, but the inexhaustible pleasure he had brought them in the hours that followed had thoroughly ingrained that mindset inside them.


    Now, even if they wouldn''t actually stop trying to get the upper hand on him, they would always have a little voice in their head, wondering if they really wanted to.


    Erik watched them with a domineering grin as the soft pleasure they provided coursed through his body. He didn''t say anything, and simply watched them together with Elora. This way, it seemed like their behavior was expected, rather than surprising. And somehow, that just made it more exciting for everyone involved.


    As they worked up and down his shaft, Liv seemed perfectlyfortable, but Astrid''s face was flushed crimson, and quickly became worse when she noticed Erik was awake. It was clear whose idea this wake-up call was.


    There was one really surprising thing about this scenario, however, and that was the slightly transparent, floating cowgirl. Eira was sitting in the air with her legs crossed as she looked at Liv and Astrid with fascination.


    Erik looked at her with a little surprise, and quickly realized that he was the only one that could see her right now.


    "Enjoying the show, Eira?" he smirked slightly through his bond with the construct.


    "Yeah¡­" she responded absentmindedly. But then she blinked and turned to look at Erik before yelping a startled, "Ah!" and disappearing.


    Erik chuckled, and continued talking to her, "Why so skittish, Eira? It''s not bad to interested, you know?"


    He half expected her not to respond, but was pleasantly surprised when she did, "Shut up! I¡ª It''s your fault! Why do you have to wear me everywhere, even when you do th¡ª those th¡ª things!"


    Erik grinned mischievously, "Weren''t you the one who wanted me to take you everywhere?"


    This time, she really did remain quiet, while the emotions he felt through their bond were those of sulking frustration, making himugh a little. ''If she gets any more interested, I may have to find a way to¡­ sate her curiosity.''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, the mother-daughter pair below him had started taking his cock down their throats while alternating between themselves, causing Erik to sigh and lean back a little.


    After receiving their attentions for a few more minutes, he finally unloaded into Liv''s mouth with another sigh. It was a rxed orgasm.


    Now, Liv had a mouth full of his cum, and she panned her gaze between Astrid and Erik, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Erik smirked and quickly realized what she was asking permission for, so he nodded.


    Astrid, on the other hand, was a little confused, "M¡ª Mom?"


    But it was already toote. With Erik''s permission, Liv leaned over to her daughter and grabbed the young vampire''s chin. Astrid startled, but couldn''t resist her mother''s grip. Soon, Liv''s lips pressed against Astrid''s, and she pushed at least half of the cream into her daughter''s mouth.


    For a moment, Astrid''s eyes opened wide, but when that damnable taste she had already be a little addicted to hit her tongue, her eyes rolled up and she moaned softly.


    Beside Erik, Elora chuckled yfully, "I think Liv is a great influence on her daughter, don''t you think?"


    "Absolutely," Erik smiled in response as he enjoyed the scene. "It''s almost a shame we have to leave Liv behind for a while."


    Elora could only agree.


    When Astrid and Liv were done sharing their reward, they looked up at Erik, Liv yfully, and Astrid a little embarrassed. ''I can''t believe that just happened,'' she groaned inwardly. ''In fact, I can''t believe the entirety ofst night happened!''


    Despite her disbelief, she couldn''t deny the lust that burned inside her, nor how much she enjoyedst night.


    Seeing them look at him, Erik realized there was now a slight logistical issue, so he softly whispered something in Elora''s ears. Deciding to be magnanimous, the fairy created a little space by silently absorbing herself into Erik''s body.


    Taking the chance, Astrid and Liv crawled up the bed, and nestled against Erik''s chest on either side. Despite doing the same thing as her mother, however, Astrid did her best to avoid Erik and Liv''s gazes. Particrly her mother she found hard to look in the eyes right now.


    Erik wrapped them both in his arms and smiled, "Thank you, girls. That was a great wakeup call."


    Liv giggled a little at being called a girl, despite being twice Erik''s age, but she didn''t hate it. Astrid, on the other hand, still looked embarrassed and groaned a little as she punched his chest.


    "It was the least we could do afterst night," Liv finally said with a yful smile.


    On the other side, Astrid, too, spoke up, albeit a little begrudgingly, "I suppose I enjoyed that¡­ I guess it''s not so bad being weaker than you¡­"


    Erik raised an eyebrow and smirked a little, "I appreciate the thought, Astrid, but you''re plenty strong, and I''m kind of hoping you won''t stop challenging me."


    Loosing the embarrassment in her gaze, Astrid became a little fired up. Smirking back at him, her voice became filled with conviction and fighting intent. "Don''t you worry, I''ll never stoping for you! If you fall behind even once, I''ll be calling the shots instead! Until then, I''ll have to be content with being the second strongest in our family."


    "At least until I marry him as well," Liv grinned as well. Read thetest on empire


    "Hmpf," Astrid snorted defiantly, now seeing her mother as a rival, rather than an unbeatable goal. "You''ll be stuck in the Council for who knows how long, while I can enjoy our home''s training facilities! There''s no way you''ll keep up!"


    Liv stuck out her tongue yfully, "You may have the better facilities for a while, but I have a head start and experience on my side! Plus, who knows what kind of training facilities the council has, anyway?"


    Suddenly, Astrid was fine with looking her mother in the eye. They gazed at each other, lightning practically sparking between them.


    Seeing them fired up, Erik chuckled, "I enjoy seeing you two like this, but we have a long day ahead. Liv, you need to carry out your punishments, and you and I need to get married, Astrid."


    Suddenly, both the women''s gazes sparked with a great array of emotions. From glee and excitement at the idea of getting their hands on Sigurd, to¡­ pretty much the same emotions regarding Astrid''s marriage.


    Except, the emotions rted to Sigurd were mixed with a sweltering rage, while those regarding the marriage with a deep love.


    "Right¡­" Astrid and Liv growled at the same time.


    Suddenly, Erik bared his neck for the two vampires. "Since its a long day, do you girls want a quick drink?" he grinned slightly.


    He enjoyed letting them drink from him. Technically it put him in a vulnerable position, but his trust in them, and their desire for him, turned it into feeling of power and love that he greatly enjoyed.


    Immediately, their eyes shone with hunger, and they bit down simultaneously.

 Chapter 351 - Sigurds judgement [1/2]

    In a snowy field in front of a small town in Norway, a dark blue light shed. In its ce appeared three people, a tall handsome man with silver-white hair, and two beautiful women with strawberry blond hair who looked a little familiar.


    They all wore casual clothing and varied expressions, from calm confidence, to excitement, to surprise.


    "Woah!" Liv eximed in shock as she looked around at where they were. Then she scratched her head and looked at the man next to her with a hint of awe, "You know, I''m starting to run out of alternative exnations for all this crap you pull¡­ Does that entireplex seriously exist inside you?"


    "Why would I lie to you?" Erik grinned as he started walking towards the town of Kirkenes. "You are family, and my woman, even if we won''t marry for a while yet."


    "Hmpf," the older vampire scoffed as she followed him. "You know I can still change my mind about marrying you." While she greatly enjoyed herselfst night, she found herself with a desire to retain at least a little autonomy in this man''s presence.


    "You could, but you wont," Erik smiled smugly. Technically there wasn''t really anything stopping them from doing this now, but Elora refused to put that tattoo on anyone who hadn''t proven themselves through the heartfire sigil. And while he was sure Liv felt lust for him, like he did for her, there was no love there yet.


    Then he turned and grabbed Liv''s chin before kissing her hungrily. When he pulled back, he whispered, "By the way, you''d better not let any other man touch you intimately from now on. I''ll kill him, and you and I will be over." Then he continued walking, leaving a lightly stunned Liv behind.


    The older vampire blinked a moment, still savouring his taste on her lips, but then grinned and ran after him, "You know, I like a possessive man. I might just make up some stories to see you kill a few people for me."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Erik pursed his lips with amusement, but didn''t respond. Fact was, her n might work.


    Meanwhile, on his other side, Astrid grumbled a little, "Aren''t you supposed to be marrying meter? Why do I feel like my mother is getting more attention?"


    Erik chuckled, and turned to kiss Astrid as well. "You and I will have a lifetime together, Astrid. But we won''t see your mother for a while, remember?"


    "Alright, alright," Astrid rolled her eyes, but nodded in assent. She couldn''t help a smile from appearing due to his kiss.


    They walked leisurely, and now passed the congregation of a thousand vampires, guarded by a horde of ghouls. As soon as they neared them, Liv lost her yfulness and looked at them with aplicated expression of equal parts guilt, fury, sadness, and shame.


    The ghouls remained dull and emotionless, but the vampires reacted much the same. They all looked haggard, depressed, and hungry, but when a free and non-ghoulified Liv walked past they perked up, and looked at her with hopeful and pleading expressions. They started mouring for her attention, but went ignored for now.


    Seeing her emotions, Astrid sidestepped Erik and hugged her mother as they walked. Meanwhile, Erik frowned, "It''s not your fault what happened to them, you know."


    But Liv scoffed, and tore her eyes away from them, "Then whose fault is it? Sigurd, sure, but I could have stopped all this if I''d just noticed the signs, or been a little more wary of his despicable sigils."


    Erik sighed and shook his head, "Hindsight is always twenty-twenty, but that''s no reason to me yourself. If I had seen through Edda''s duplicity, maybe my father would still be alive, but I can''t me myself for that either. Bad things are going to happen, and all you can do is your best."


    They remained quiet for a moment as they walked into town, before Liv finally grumbled, "I didn''t take you for a wisdom dispenser¡­"


    Erikughed a little, "Honestly, I med myself for what happened in Frostvik for a while as well, but it was Elora who convinced me not to."


    Thinking back tost night, Liv''s eyes narrowed a little, "Right, that little wife of yours. For someone without any fighting strength, she sure has a domineering presence. I still can''t believe I let myself fall into her flow..."


    Having already had some experience with Elora, Astrid could only chuckle helplessly and agree with her mother.


    They encountered very few shapeshifters on the way to the town za, but each one of them looked at Liv and Astrid with hostility. The only thing stopping them from acting on it was abination of their power, and the conflicted respect they felt for Erik.


    Conflicted because, by now, everyone knew that it was Erik who had stopped the Dominion from enving them, but also Erik who had stopped them from getting their revenge.


    They didn''t daree closer, but they all started following the trio from a distance. Soon, a procession had formed as it moved towards the middle of town. Neither Erik nor hispanions paid any attention to this for now, however.


    Finally, they arrived at the town square. Arge number of people had still gathered here to look, curse, or throw stuff at the third-ranker vampire chained in the centre, but it had fallen off somewhat. There was no line waiting anymore, so it appeared the entire Enve had gotten their due over thest few days.


    As soon as the gathered shapeshifters noticed the new arrivals, they started making way, not wanting to obstruct the path of two third-ranker equivalents, one of whom was their supposed leader.


    At the same time, hushed whispers started spreading across the za.


    "Look! It''s Lord Erik, and two vampires¡­" one man frowned and addressed the woman next to him.


    "That''s not just two vampires, one of them is Liv Frost!" the woman eximed in surprise. Then, her expression turned grim, "Maybe that means we can finally put that shitbird in the ground¡­"


    The man nodded in agreement, "It''s been fun messing with that despicable rat for thest few days, but now I just want to see him dead and be done wit it"


    Tension had been rising for a little while now, as the Enve was getting restless. Technically they had won three days ago, but Sigurd was still alive, and there was still a massive group of ghouls and vampires gathered in front of the town. People were getting nervous.

 Chapter 352 - Taunting Sigurd

    In the middle of the square, Frostfang was still keeping guard over Sigurd. At first he''d been annoyed with Erik for his apparent mercy, but after he calmed down a little, he realized that perhaps this was for the best. He couldn''t stop Erik from helping Liv recover, and he really didn''t want to deal with an angry third-ranker right now.


    It was time for the Enve to get some well-deserved rest.


    But he did need those ghouls and vampires to finally disappear from his frontwn. Plus, he was getting tired from standing here, guarding the man he hated most of all.


    Thus, when Erik, Liv, and Astrid entered the square, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    The trio made their way through the crowd with stoic expressions, while the procession of shapeshifters following them blended into the crowd.


    Finally, they stepped on to the icy podium in the middle. Liv and Astrid beelined for Sigurd with sadistic and gleeful expressions, while Erik stepped up to Frostfang. "Jonas," he nodded as a somewhat cold greeting.


    While Frostfang''s behaviour over thest few days had somewhat warmed Erik''s feelings for the man, it still wasn''t enough to forgive him for what happened to Elora back in Frostvik.


    But that was something he could deal withter. For now, he had other things to deal with. So before Frostfang could greet him back, Erik raised a questioning eyebrow, "Any problems?"


    Frostfang shook his head, "Nothing. He tried to make deals with me for a while, but I ignored him. Some of our people tried to go a little too far, but the first-rankers could barely scratch his body, and I stopped the second-rankers before they went too far."


    Erik was a little surprised at Frostfang referring to the Enve as ''our people'', suggesting that he''de to see him as a part of the Enve now. Erik was surprised he enjoyed that feeling a little. Not because of Frostfang, but simply the idea of belonging to something bigger appealed to him.


    "Hehehe," Elora''s victorious chuckle echoed in his head. "Just imagine how it''d feel when we finally establish the beginnings of our empire?"


    Erik nodded a little absentmindedly, a thoughtful frown on his face. But then he shook his head and moved on.


    So he nodded at Frostfang in thanks, before turning to the other side, where a kneeling Sigurd, missing an eye and caked in all sorts of filth and scratches, was confronted by a furious mother-daughter pair.


    Astrid just red at the kneeling man with hatred in her gaze, but Liv actually crouched down and looked him in the eye with contempt and disgust.


    Sigurd stared back at her with his one remaining eye, his face filled with defeated fury and resentment. "I bet you''re enjoying this, huh, you sanctimonious bitch," his voice came out a little raspy from pure hatred. "I came so close to wiping out the Enve and taking Finnmark for the vampires, and if you''d just agreed to my ns from the start, we''d be ruling together now!"


    But Liv scoffed, before smirking and pinching her nose, "I''m sorry, can you repeat that? Your smell is so bad, it''s actually making me blind and deaf."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    With his words goingpletely ignored and Liv going out of her way to humiliate him more, Sigurd roared in anger and tried to lunge forward like a rabid animal, only to be stopped by the chains binding him.


    Liv continued smirking, not flinching from his attempts to attack her, "We would have never ruled together, Sigurd. You''d always have been a snivelling little man-child pressed down by my heel as you desperately tried to look up my skirt. I wonder, since I rejected you in the past, did you actually consider having sex with my shrivelled up ghoul body?"


    The flicker in his eyes told her all she needed to know, so she scoffed with disgust, "Figured as much. But I bet you didn''t go through with it, coward that you are."


    Again, the humiliated and defeated look in his eyes told her the answer, but she didn''t give him a chance to actually answer. Her smirk morphed into a small smile, "Regardless, I actually have tomend you. Betraying me was the only way you where going to get any real power, and you almost seeded."


    Then, she stood up with a look of hatred and disgust, "But you failed. You yed your hand and fell down. So now, it will be my pleasure to deliver your judgement."


    Finally, Sigurd found some words to respond as he screamed at her, spittle flying, "You think that''s your ce?! My ns would have seeded if it hadn''t been for Runa''s son returning at the right time! You were at my mercy, unable to resist!" His face showed increasing amounts of insanity with every word.


    Rather than get embarrassed, Liv grinned tauntingly, "I know. That''s why I decided to submit myself to him. He ravaged my body all night, you know?"


    She said her words loud enough that everyone in the square could hear her, baffling the Enve shapeshifters. A small number were disgusted at the idea of a shapeshifter like Erik having sex with a vampire, but the overwhelming majority felt a strange sense of pride. It was like having another victory over the Dominion, by having its current leader dere such a thing in public.


    Public opinion of Erik rose once again. Even many previous detractors of his apparent mercy were bing swayed. The vampires may live, but if their leader submitted themselves to the Enve''s leader, wouldn''t that mean the Enve ruled the Dominion?


    As hushed whispers started filling the town of Kirkenes once again, no one on the podium paid it any mind. Liv didn''t seem to feel any shame at all, even showing a hint of pride.


    The one hit hardest by her words, however, was Sigurd. His mouth hung open and hisst remaining eye was wide in shock. He''d been pursuing Liv for years, and when he finally reached the third rank, he expected to be capable of iming her, but in the end, all he could do was betray her and turn her into a ghoulified puppet.


    And now this young brat of a werewolf came in and took what should have been his? His mind reeled as a kind of fury that defiedprehension filled his being.


    Yet, before he could recover, Liv used his open mouth to rip out his tongue in one quick motion. She''d had enough of his words, and they weren''t needed anymore.


    Ignoring his pained gurgles, she turned around to face the Enve with a sombre and dignified expression.


    It was time to take a little responsibility for the persecution of the Enve, and execute Sigurd.

 Chapter 353 - Sigurds judgement [2_2]

    Liv panned her gaze over the crowd of shapeshifters in front of her. Most of them were frowning, their brows furrowed with a mix of anger and suspicion, while others red at her with open hostility. A few appeared weary, their eyes heavy with fatigue and resignation.


    Astrid''s eyes flickered with a dangerous mix of glee and hatred as she nced at the gurgling, tongueless Sigurd. The only thing that would have been more satisfying than the sight of her mother humiliating him like this was if she could have done it herself.


    Meanwhile, Frostfang and Erik took position next to Liv, showing their support. Even Frostfang showed no hesitation in this. At this point, he just wanted this thing to be over, so he could focus on rebuilding the Enve into a safe home.


    Finally, after waiting a moment to let the tension rise, Liv spoke up with a determined expression. "People of the Enve," she began, her voice carrying the weight of a leader. "Our histories are fraught with conflict. We''ve never truly seen eye to eye, with each side vying for control over Finnmark."


    She paused, her gaze sweeping across the crowd. "But what Sigurd attempted was beyond despicable. My goal had always been to unite Finnmark against outside threats and rule with fairness. But Sigurd sought only to dominate and destroy. On behalf of the Dominion, I offer my deepest apologies."


    Her head bowed slightly, a gesture of remorse withoutpromising her dignity. In the end, she realized Erik was right, and she really couldn''t me herself too much. But she did have to apologize on behalf of the Dominion.


    The murmuring of the crowd showed their appreciation for Liv''s gesture, despite the continued frowns and hostility.


    She raised her head to pan her gaze across the crowd again, "Now I''d like to give the word to your leader."


    When arge number of shapeshifters shifted their gaze between the two werewolves next to Liv, Erik pursed his lips a little. It was clear much of the Enve still didn''t see him as their real leader.


    ''But that''s fine for now,'' he thought to himself. ''I''ll leave soon anyway. I''ll just need to make sure Frostfang remembers whose in charge, even after I leave¡­''


    But that was a problem for another time. For now, he stepped forward and frowned. At the same time, he instantly created steps of ice under his feet that allowed him to stand even higher, and tower above both Liv and Frostfang. Clearly, he was making a point.


    His gaze was authoritative and domineering as it swept over the crowd. At the same time, he amplified his second-ranked pressure with his spatial element, and released his aura across the crowd.


    Suddenly, the shapeshifters felt an invisible pressure bear down on them from above, making them tremble a little. Whispers fell silent, and Erik immediately became everyone''s focus.


    Looking around, Erik saw mainly respect and fear in their eyes, and a small smile appeared on his face. It felt good.


    With everyone''s attention on him, he opened this mouth. "I know I haven''t been much of a leader to all of you," he admitted, his voice resonating with authority. "Yes, I am Runa''s son, and yes, I am powerful, but I realize I still only arrived a few days ago. Meanwhile, Frostfang has proven his right to lead you with his years of service in that role. Enjoy new tales from empire


    I, on the other hand, have done very little to proof myself."


    Suddenly, a female voice eximed from within the crowd, "That''s not true! You saved us from the Dominion! Even if you won''t let us take revenge, we are free and alive because of you!"


    Her words quickly caused a wave of agreement to spread across the crowd. Reminding them of his actions caused his favourability among the Enve to rise exponentially, making Erik smile slightly. When he looked in the direction of the voice, he could see Nora winking yfully at him.


    Raising his hands, he quickly got the crowd to calm down again, before nodding. "Thank you. But while that is true, I realize there is still a long road ahead, and that is what we are here to talk about today."


    He indicated to the vampire standing next to him, "Me and Liv havee to an agreement. In return for allowing her the chance to bring judgement to those within the Dominion ultimately responsible for allowing Sigurd to run rampant, she and the Dominion''s remnants will leave Finnmark to the Enve and travel south. From today forward, Finnmark will officially belong to the Enve!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    As his voice trailed off, he allowed a moment of silence while this news sank into the crowd. A crowd that was filled with stunned shapeshifters. Even Frostfang snapped his gaze to the side, looking at Erik and Liv with surprise.


    The silence stretched, tension crackling in the air, until it was broken by a single, tentative cheer. Then another joined, and another, the sound building like a slow, rumbling wave. The initial shock gave way to a rising tide of jubtion, as realization set in. Finnmark was theirs.


    Cheers erupted, growing louder and more fervent. Shapeshifters roared their approval, some raising their fists in triumph, others embracing one another. The entire assembly buzzed with an electrifying energy, the sheer joy of freedom and victory sweeping through them like wildfire.


    Thest few days had been an effort in tension and uncertainty as no one knew how this situation would eventually y out. Sigurd was captured, but he was also still alive, while a massive army of vampires and ghouls was still gathered in front of the town.


    But now, the tension and uncertainty was broken, and it caused wave of joy to spread. Finally, they would be truly safe and free. There were no other threats in the surroundings, as even the Council was focusing on other things right now.


    Capitalizing on the crowd''s excitement, Erik spread his arms with a wide grin on his face, "Thus, today will be judgement day!"


    Seeing that as her que, Liv walked up to the gurgling Sigurd with a eager grin. Knowing what was going to happen, Sigurd frantically shook his head and tugged on the chains holding him, but it was no use. Slowly, a zing ball of orange fire was forming on top the vampire''s hand.


    Seeing what was happening caused the crowd to be quiet again as they watched with bated breath the fate of the most hated man in Finnmark.


    The tiny sun on Liv''s hand was causing Sigurd''s skin to crawl as she approached him. Her sun affinity was exactly what made her such a dreadful force among vampires, and today, Sigurd would be reminded of that fact.


    "Rot in hell, you rat bastard," Liv smirked with a mixture of sadistic pleasure and satisfaction. The zing ball of orange fire in her hand crackled ominously as she crouched in front of him and looked into his eyes while slowly pressing her zing sun against the man''s chest.


    Immediately, Sigurd began to roar and scream in pain. His third-ranked voice echoed across town, reaching the ghouls and vampires gathered outside, so that even in Alta they could hear his roars through the ghoul''s ears.


    The sight of his torment sent shudders through the onlookers¡ªsome in fear, others in grim satisfaction. Slowly, under the gazes of all around, his body was reduced to ash.


    Until only silence remained.

 Chapter 354 - Judgement day

    Soon after his ashes had blown away in the wind, Erik indicated for the crowd towards the road leaving Kirkenes. With a serious expression, he continued, "With Sigurd''s death, it is now time to determine the fate of the remaining vampires. Please make a path."


    With excitement burning in their veins, the Enve made a path leading from the road down to the tform in the middle of the square.


    Erik raised his hand and caused a light-blue magic circle to appear. Along the path made by the shapeshifters, he used icemaker to create fences separating them.


    Some whispers spread again as people were impressed with his show of power.


    Next, the thousand vampires were guided into town by two thousand ghouls. They shuffled into town as the cold, watery sun of a northern morning created long shadows on the frozen ground.


    The shapeshifters watched them approach with hatred in their eyes, but they didn''t dare make a move, as Erik''s pressure still hung over the square like a threatening nket.


    One by one, the vampires were forced to enter the frozen, fenced in walkway created by Erik. They wore expressions of fear, anger, and resignation. The surroundings shapeshifters pelted them with insults, and some of the ones watching from roofs and windows pelted them with stones.


    The vampires had mixed reactions, as some responded in kind, and others simply took whatever their former enemies had to give with meek defeatism.


    Meanwhile, Erik used icemaker to fashion the tform into something fit for judgement. First, he created three thrones, arge one in the middle, and two smaller ones on the sides. Then, he started drawing a sigil on the floor in front of them. Naturally it wasn''t actually Erik drawing the sigil, but he wasn''t ready to reveal Elora to so many people at once.


    Fortunately, due to the disruption sigils they used to protect themselves against the ghouls, there was no real stigma against sigils among the Enve anymore. Thus, the fact that Erik could create sigils only increased his legend among them.


    Soon, he was done, and Erik casually sat down on the middle throne, while Frostfang and Liv sat on his sides. Yet, this left Astrid without a seat, and confused about why he didn''t create a throne for her.


    Yet, when she threw a questioning and slightly insulted gaze at her soon-to-be-husband, all she got was his lips pursed in amusement as he patted his knee.


    Immediately, Astrid blushed and narrowed her eyes at him. "What?" Erik shrugged innocently with a small grin. "I''d just like to show off our rtionship to the others. It might help smooth things a little more. Besides, this way, our announcementter won''te as much of a shock."


    Liv decided to help a little as she looked at her daughter with amusement, "Come now, little Angel. I know you don''t actually hate the idea that much."


    Finally, Astrid groaned, "Fine¡­" and walked up the steps of his throne to sit on hisp with her arms crossed, her expression embarrassed and a little annoyed.


    But Erik just smiled, and grabbed her chin, before softly kissing her lips. At first, she resisted his touch a little, but as the pleasure increased, she finally sighed and leaned into it.


    The crowd, shapeshifter and vampire alike, looked at the scene with a hint of shock. Sure, the shapeshifters had already heard about Erik and Liv having sex, but that sounded like an act of domination. This looked to be far more.


    Interracial rtionships between vampires, humans, and shapeshifters were almost unheard off, and shunned in many ces. Which was one of the reasons why Alice''s parents had such a tough time of it.


    But of course, since Erik was the strongest person there, and not even the two third-rankers had any real reaction to it, everyone else decided to just grumble in silence. Frostfang had known about their rtionship since Frostvik.


    Finally, Erik and Astrid separated, and he smiled, "I just want them all to know about us. Is that so bad?"


    Astrid panted a little from lust, but quickly got herself under control and looked away with a blush. Then she punched his shoulder, and mumbled softly, "N¡ª No¡­ I guess this is fine¡­" Explore more at empire


    So she got morefortable on hisp, while all four of them turned their attention to the first vampire, who just had just arrived at the tform and looked at his judges with trepidation and anger. He was a second-rank vampire, likely to be one of Sigurd''s direct subordinates.


    "What is going on here?!" he growled angrily at Erik. "First you make us wait for more than three days on the frozen tundra, and then you drag us here? To do what?! Judge us?! Well, I don''t recognize your judgement!"


    He turned his attention to Liv, "Lady Liv! I don''t deny that Sigurd should have never rebelled against you, but will you really let these beasts judge our people?!"


    Immediately, roars of anger and indignation rose up from the crowd as the shapeshifters started bing restless.


    "You dare call us beasts, you damned bloodsucker?!"


    "So are we just supposed to let you go after almost killing or enving us?!"


    "Just kill him and move on!"


    Before things could get out of hand, Erik narrowed his eyes, and growled in an authoritative tone, "Silence!" while using aetherium to make his voice thunder in everyone''s ears. Meanwhile, he continued lounging on his throne, with Astrid on hisp.


    Immediately, silence descended as the shapeshifters reluctantly submitted to his authority.


    With order restored, Erik turned to Liv. "So? Would you like to address his concerns?" he suggested casually, making sure the crowd could hear him.


    Liv scoffed, "dly," and stood up.


    The vampire looked like at her with caution and a hint of hope, "Lady Liv! I hop¡ª"


    But that was all he could say, before Liv gripped him by the throat and growled angrily, "Shut up, you worm. Do you really think I''d be stupid enough to believe that Sigurd would keep a disloyal second-ranker by his side?! You say you don''t deny that rat fucker shouldn''t have rebelled? Well let''s see how true that is!"


    With that, she tossed the vampire straight into the sigil Erik had drawn in front of the thrones. Immediately, tendrils of dark-green energy seeped out of the mark on the ground, and wound themselves around the vampire''s body, binding him in ce.


    "W¡ª What the hell is this?!" the man screamed as he struggled against the tendrils.


    While Liv walked back to her seat, Erik exined, "This is one of those sigils your boss was so fond of. This sigil has the nifty ability to project your surface thoughts and memories for all to see. So, let me start with my first question. During this war, have you ever directly, or indirectly, caused the death of an Enve shapeshifter, when it wasn''t strictly necessary for your own survival?"


    Suddenly, arge screen was projected above the square, showing every single time where he had, in fact, done that exact thing.


    Immediately, the mouring for his death became louder, and the three judges didn''t disappoint. Liv stood up again and walked towards the vampire in the middle with a stoic expression and a sun zing on her hand.


    Liv couldn''t say she actually cared that much about the deaths of a few shapeshifters, but the fact he was a direct and clearly willing subordinate of Sigurd was more than enough of her. Plus, this was the deal she made with Erik. He wanted to cate the Enve, and she''d agreed to help.


    After this vampire was no more than ash, Erik beckoned the next vampire to join them on the tform, and thus began a long day of judgement.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 355 - Announcement

    Others took a little longer because the three judges needed to deliberate, and some needed to go through an entire line of questioning before they were found innocent enough to live.


    On average, each vampire took somewhere between one and two minutes to judge, causing the entire procession to quickly dissolve into an assembly line of judgement, where speed was preferred over deliberation.


    The only ones really slowing things down at all were Liv and Astrid. They still considered these vampires to be their people, after all. But there was simply no denying that they were all vampires, rather than ghouls, which meant they wereplicit in Sigurd''s rule in one way or another.


    The only ones truly innocent were those Sigurd had turned from ghouls back into vampires not long beforeying siege to Kirkenes in order to circumvent the distortion sigils.


    Finally, they were left with a pile of ashes, and a little over 300 vampires that were judged innocent. The relieved survivors were moved behind the thrones, where most of them looked at Liv''s back with gratitude, as she was the one who usually advocated for their innocence.


    The square in front of the judgement tform was quiet now as the entire Enve looked at the pile of ashes withplicated expressions. At first, they had cheered for the death of those that deserved it, but as the air continued to be filled with the screams of the dying, they lost some of their enthusiasm. Read thetest on empire


    After seeing almost 700 vampires being burned to death, one by one and right in front of their eyes, even the most hardened of shapeshifter had their blood lust sated.


    Everyone had seen enough death for a while.


    Erik waved a hand, and a little aetherium made all of the ashes scatter into the wind. Then, he stood up together with Astrid, took her hand, and walked forward to stand in front of the crowd once again.


    He frowned and wore a sombre expression, "Thus, judgement day hase to an end. I realize this will not bring back any of your loved ones, but I hope this brings all of you a little peace."


    Then, he indicated towards the ghouls at the edge of town, "I know many of you may still feel hatred for the Dominion''s main fighting force, the ghouls, but let it be clear that they are victims as well."


    He frowned, trying to impress his intention on the crowd, "They have spent this entire war under the control of another, and may never recover from the ordeal, so even if some of you believe they still deserve punishment, I ask you to consider it delivered."


    There was some murmuring of discontent among the Enve, but it quickly ended. Most didn''t have the stomach for another judgement day, and just wanted the Dominion gone so they could rebuild their lives.


    Erik waited a moment to see if anyone raised objections, but after the murmuring died down, the gathered shapeshifters remained quiet, so he nodded, "Good. There are still some vampires back in Alta that need to be judged, but there''s so few of them there, we won''t be doing it publicly."


    Finally, he got the end of his speech. Now he addressed both the Enve, and the 300 vampires in the back. "Lastly, there are two more things I''d like to share with you all. First, to cement the peace between Dominion and Enve, I will be marrying Liv''s daughter, Astrid, tomorrow in Alta. Unfortunately, this, too, won''t be public."


    Besides him, Astrid blushed a little, but kept her head high as she looked ahead with pride and excitement. Suddenly, she felt a rush as she realized that her younger self''s dreams were bing reality.


    Besides being unable to tear her love away from Edda, she was also worried about dering her love before themunity.


    And now it was happening. It wasn''t exactly what she''d dreamed, of course. It wasn''t exactly a pleasant asion, but Erik was openly dering their love, and even if peopleined, there was on one that could stop them. Not even her mother.


    Immediately, unrest began to spread among the crowd. They had seen how close these two were, but marriage was an entirely different thing. Even the vampires in the back seemed ufortable with this news.


    "You can''t do this!"


    "She''s a vampire!"


    "What would your mother think!"


    Erik felt anger rise inside. To his side, Astrid, too, was ring at the crowd.


    But when Erik was about to quiet them down with force, a surprising guest jumped on top of the tform, and roared, "Quiet!" before moving to stand next to Erik and putting arge hand on his shoulder.


    Erik raised an eyebrow and looked at his uncle but decided to let Viljar do his thing.


    "You all know me!" the werebear began, his deep voice carrying across the entire town. "You know I am Runa''s brother-inw, and Erik''s uncle, and you know I don''t tolerate bullshit!"


    He let the silence sink in for a moment, "Now hear me when I say, that nothing would have made Runa happier than to see Erik and Astrid together! They were already childhood friends back before the awakening, and she always told me she hoped they would end up together."


    Then he narrowed his eyes threateningly, "So unless any of you wants to challenge me about knowing Runa better, I suggest you all keep your traps shut and cheer for the happy couple!"


    Silence descended on the square, as everyone looked a little awkward. Viljar swept his gaze across the crowd, but everyone did whatever they could to avoid his gaze, desperate to avoid anyone thinking they knew more about Runa than Viljar.


    Runa was invible existence within the Enve, and to challenge her brother-inw like that would have been social death. It was different with Erik, because he was considered Runa''s child, rather than an adult peer like Viljar.


    Thus, after a moment of silence and Viljar continuing his threatening sweep, some people started cautiously pping their hands.


    Slowly, the entire crowd started doing the same thing, and even some cheers and well wishes were tossed in the air. Since Runa had apparently blessed their union, there was no one who would dare say anything to the contrary.


    Erik pursed his lips a little wryly as he realized the influence his mother still held over these people, despite having been gone for several years already.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Viljar noticed Erik''s expression and looked at his nephew with amusement, "Don''t worry, Erik. You''lle to earn respect like that. You just need a little time."


    Erik chuckled and nodded, "Thank you, uncle. Although I suppose that will have to wait a little since I''ll be leaving soon." Then, he raised a curious eyebrow, "But tell me, did my mother really say that?"


    At this side, Astrid, who had been looking at Viljar with gratitude, now perked up her ears as well, feeling extremely interested in this topic.


    Seeing their gazes, Viljar chuckled and nodded, "She did. She was no less oblivious about¡­ you know¡­" for a moment Viljar frowned and got stuck on his words. Edda had been his foster daughter and he loved her immensely. Her betrayal hit him hard.


    But finally, he shook his head and continued with a smile, "But she always wanted a warrior to be your wife, and she actually thought Astrid was perfect for you."


    A wide, happy smile split open Astrid''s face. Suddenly, she turned into the only one of Erik''s wives who wasn''t at least a little worried about meeting his mother.

 Chapter 356 - End of the war

    While Astrid was basking in happiness from his previous words, Viljar chuckled at Erik, "Although I''m pretty sure she never imagined you with multiple wives, so you might want to prepare your speech for when you meet her again."


    Erik groaned a little as he wasn''t looking forward to that conversation. But then he shrugged, "Well, I''m sure she''ll understand. And even if she doesn''t, she''ll get over it."


    Viljar grinned and nodded, "Probably right. She loves you far too much to let something like that get between you. Anyway, I hope you don''t mind I decided to step in just now."


    In the background, the crowd continued to cheer for the happy couple and, surprisingly, the cheers became more sincere as time passed. ''I guess they wanted something to celebrate, but needed a little push to get over themselves,'' Erik realized wryly.


    So heughed, and patted his uncle''s shoulder, "Don''t be crazy, uncle. Of course I don''t mind." Then, he turned back towards the crowd, "I still need to give them my second announcement though, but feel free to stay here."


    He raised his arms in the air to get the crowd to silence down. When they did, he smiled, "Thank you all for the best wishes. I hope our marriage will stand as a symbol of unity between all Runebound."


    He didn''t really care that much about the symbol of his marriage, as that wasn''t why he was marrying Astrid, but if he could mend some fences between vampires and shapeshifters, than he didn''t mind saying it anyway.


    After all, the n was for him to eventually rule over both races, and that would be much easier if they didn''t want to kill each other at every opportunity.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The crowd grumbled a little again, but they didn''t deny his words, so he continued, "The second thing I wanted to tell you, is¡­ that I intend to leave soon."


    Silence descended on the crowd as they looked at his podium in confusion. He''d just arrived, took control of the Enve, defeated the Dominion, threw his marriage in the face of countless years of tradition, and now, like a whirlwind, he intended to leave again?


    Erik chuckled jovially at their expressions, appearing like a charismatic leader, "I know what you''re all thinking, but let me exin: I intend to find my mother."


    This time, the people became excited again.


    "I know various rumours have been going around about where I''ve been thest eight years," he then continued, causing the crowd to suddenly silence and listen closely. "And I don''t intend to clear any of those up," he then finished with a grin, causing the shapeshifters to groan.


    Softlyughing, Erik continued, "Suffice it to say, that I haven''t seen my mother in eight years. I intend to reunite with her, and aid her in her revenge, so that she can return to you all."


    Thatst part was bullshit, of course. There was no part of him that was going to find his mother and kill Edda so that Runa could rule the Enve again, but he was starting to figure out thenguage of politicians.


    And it worked. As hisst words died down, the Enve once again descended into ecstatic cheers as Erik''s poprity rose exponentially. This was why he started with his marriage and ended with this. He wanted to ensure thest thing these people thought of him was positive.


    Raising his hands again, he continued, "Thus, I will be leaving for Alta soon, where I will tie up some loose ends, and then head for my mother''s most likely location."


    He indicated towards Frostfang behind him, "I will take one or two of my mother''s disciples with me, but I will leave Frostfang behind to once again take up the mantle he''s been wearing admirably for thest few years."


    Frostfang nodded, only a little surprised. He''d known Erik was going to leave again, but he didn''t expect to be left in charge again so easily. He and Erik didn''t have the best rtionship.


    Of course Erik still had some things to tie up with Frostfang, but that could wait a few more moments.


    Finally, he decided to finish up. With a nod, his gaze slowly swept across the entire square, "I''d like to end the day with a few moments of silence for all the friends and loved ones lost in the war."


    Although the shapeshifters'' close connection to the wild has given them the ability to ept death far easier than humans or vampires, seeing it as a normal part of life, didn''t mean they didn''t miss their lost ones.


    Just because they had an easier time with eptance and moving on, didn''t mean they wouldn''t rather those people were still with them.


    Thus, silence descended on the town of Kirkenes. Even the three hundred remaining vampires took this time to grief. Not for the lost shapeshifters perhaps, but for their own. Many of them had no idea if their loved ones were already dead, or lost somewhere in the sea of ghouls.


    Astrid, Frostfang, and Liv, all participated as well. Astrid and Liv had lost their own friends and acquaintances during Sigurd''s rebellion, and Frostfang considered the entire Enve to be his to protect and nurture.


    As for Erik, he decided to take this moment to remember his father, since he would soon leave Finnmark, the only ce his father had ever known, for an unknown period of time.


    After a few minutes, Erik opened his eyes, and spoke up again with a serious frown, "And with that, I put an official end to the war between the Enve and the Dominion. From today onwards, Finnmark belongs to the Enve."


    Experience tales with empire


    Taking a moment to let the ensuing cheers die down, a smile on his face, he continue, "I suggest you all take the next few days to get some well-deserved rest, and start rebuilding efforts afterwards."


    Then he turned sombre, "But don''t get toofortable. I believe my mother and I will be calling on you soon enough, so I hope you will all be ready to fight again when the timees."


    The crowd all gained serious expressions, before nodding at his words. They may have seen enough fighting for a while, but they were loyal, and an inherently war-like people. They would be ready when the time came.


    With that done, Erik turned and looked at Frostfang with a mysterious glint in his eyes, "Jonas. Before I leave, I''d like to speak to you a moment. Let''s speak outside of town."


    Brooking no defiance, he simply turned around and walked towards the edge of town, expecting Frostfang to follow him.

 Chapter 357 - Judging Frostfang

    On one side, Erik was frowning; on the other, Frostfang had a cautious expression, and he didn''t take his eyes off Erik. Clearly, he was half-wondering if Erik brought him here to kill him.


    "What are we doing here, Erik?" he growled softly, his gaze focused.


    Erik shrugged calmly, "We are here to address what happened in Frostvik a year ago. You thought you could bully me into following your wishes, but you failed. Actions have consequences, Jonas, and now I''m the one capable of bullying you instead."


    Frostfang snarled a little, "So, what now? What could you possible want from me to make up for that? I realize the way I acted back then wasn''t my best moment, but you have to realize how stressed I was over the war. Besides, you all got out of there okay, and it ended for the best didn''t it?"


    This time, Erik lost some of his calm as anger surged inside. His eyes narrowed, "It didn''t end the best for Bj?rn. He left an adorable daughter all alone, you know?" Explore more adventures at empire


    Inside his dimension, Alice was watching with a sombre expression. The anger she felt towards Frostfang wasn''t actually that much, but it was still there. She knew Victor had been the one truly to me, because he was the one that pushed her father into a corner.


    Frostfang simply reacted in the way he would have reacted to any traitor among his men. But she still wanted Erik to punish him for his part in her father''s death. And she wanted to see it.


    "I¡­" Frostfang started, but fell silent. His expression became moreplicated as his face fell, eyes downcast. "I was angry¡­ Bj?rn was a good man, and a friend, but¡­" He looked up at Erik, his hardening and his tone angry, "If I don''t treat all traitors the same way, than what does that say about me!?"


    Then his expression fell again, "Is she okay? His daughter I mean¡­"


    In response, Erik waved his hand, and Alice appeared next to him, "You can ask her yourself."


    Silence descended as Alice and Frostfang stared at each other. Alice with contained anger, and Frostfang with a hint of relief.


    Finally, Frostfang sighed with resignation, "Alice was your name, right? I don''t know if you''ll believe me, but I''m d to see you''re okay, and¡­ I''m sorry about what happened to your father, even if I won''t ask for forgiveness."


    Regardless of anything else, he still believed his actions regarding Bj?rn were correct. He had betrayed the Enve, and regardless of the reason or whomited the deed, it was a crime that needed to be punished with death. He wasn''t going to try and divert the me to Erik either. He knew the reality of the situation.


    Then, silence fell again, until Alice finally spoke up, "It''s good you''re not asking for forgiveness, because that would have only made me angrier." Then she sighed reluctantly, "But I do believe you considered him a friend, and are sorry about what happened. I saw the grave you dug¡­"


    Frostfang nodded solemnly. At the time, he believed it was the least he could do.


    But before he could respond, Alice continued with narrowed eyes and anger fillling her voice. Her tone rose with every word, "But even if you refused to lighten the punishment for my father, which I can just barely ept, he should have never ended up in that position to begin with! He didn''t feel like he coulde to you, because I am half-human!"


    Tears started appearing in her eyes as she screamed her final words, "And that is entirely on you!"


    Once again, she didn''t wait for Frostfang''s response. She simply didn''t care to listen to it. Instead, she turned to Erik, "Please send me back now¡­"


    And so he did. A tearful Alice disappeared again, leaving a crestfallen Frostfang behind. His eyes were closed, and his face solemn.


    Finally, he looked up at Erik with a calm expression, despite the sadness behind his eyes, "I don''t like how that turned out. I don''t have much personal hatred for humans, because I know it was the hunters at fault for what happened back then, but I needed to keep my people united, and I won''t apologize for that. I only ever did what was best for the Enve."


    Clearly, meeting Alice had weakened his anger and annoyance with Erik. Despite his apparent reluctance to ept fault, he had be far meeker, seemingly ready to ept punishment. Perhaps he believed himself to deserve it, despite standing fast on his beliefs.


    Before Erik could respond, he continued with a hardened expression, "Do you have anything else you wish you use me of before we get to the point?"


    Erik looked at him calmly. He could see Frostfang meant what he said. The man felt bad about what happened, but his number one priority was the duty Erik''s mother had given him: to protect the Enve.


    And Erik could respect that.


    Yet, there was one more thing he wished toy at Frostfang''s feet. His expression became dark and stormy, "At the start of your fight with Bj?rn, you heavily wounded my first wife¡­"


    If Frostfang was any weaker than he was, Erik would have already charged forward and lifted the man by his throat. Unfortunately, even if Erik was technically stronger than Frostfang, it was far from enough topletely overwhelm him.


    Frostfang blinked for a moment. Then, he opened his eyes wide, "So there really was some tiny human flying around!"


    Seeing that Erik was only getting angrier, Frostfang sighed and shook his head, "If she was flying around in an active battle-zone, you can''t me me for her getting wounded."


    Then, he looked up calmly, "But I hope she''s okay, and I respect your right to revenge."


    Frostfang''s responses caused Erik to scoff wryly. To be honest, his respect for Frostfang had grown considerably from the moment he arrived in Kirkenes.


    But that didn''t lessen his anger, and it certainly didn''t lessen Elora''s.


    "So was that all?" Frostfang then asked, clearly ready to whatever Erik had in mind. "Although I wish things had gone differently, I still believe I was in the right. But I respect your bigger fist, and desire for revenge."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Then he shrugged, "That said, since you just announced my return as the Enve''s interim leader, I doubt you wish to kill me. So what happens now?"


    Erik took a breath and calmed himself down a little. His conviction was wavering a little, because honestly, he couldn''t deny some of Frostfang''s points made sense.


    But every time he wavered, that sight from a year ago swam in front of his eyes: Elora''s body, torn apart and bleeding out on the snowy ground of Frostvik, her eyes looking up at him, overflowing with panic and pain.


    The woman he considered his closest partner, first wife, and honestly, the one he loved the most, had been hurt; and every time he remembered that sight, anger rose, and hesitation went out the window.


    Frostfang needed to pay somehow.

 Chapter 358 - Consequences

    Finally, Erik sighed as he stared at Frostfang, a man he didn''t like, but still felt respect for.


    He gave his mother''s most powerful student a choice, "Now, I give you a choice. You see, for the longest time I''ve been nning on taking an arm in retribution for what you did to Elora, but I don''t want to do that anymore. You need that arm to protect the Enve while I''m away."


    Although he still didn''t feel particrly connected to his mother''s Enve, he did at least see it as one of his assets. An asset that coulde to be useful in time. Plus, Viljar would likely remain behind, and Erik wanted his uncle protected.


    "But," he suddenly grinned a little sadistically. "that argument only holds up for so long as you actually continue protecting the Enve, and if you want to keep doing that, I require some things from you. If you refuse, I''ll take your arm, and tell the Enve that you tried to kill me because you don''t want Runa to return and take power away from you."


    The choice Erik gave him was clear. Either loose an arm and be banned from the Enve, or go back to being its interim leader, but with some likely un-kind conditions.


    Frostfang narrowed his eyes, not afraid to show his dislike of Erik. But the man he was ring at didn''t care. Frostfang had to suffer consequence, both for Elora, and Alice.


    "Fine. So what do you want?" Frostfang growled angrily.


    Erik smiled a little. Apart from revenge, this also provided an opportunity to increase their influence over the Enve, because without revenge, he simply didn''t have a reason to force this next part on Frostfang.


    "First of all," be began. "I need you to agree to a covenant. You remember what those are, right? It''s what I made my uncle and the others agree to, back in Frostvik."


    Frostfang grumbled, but nodded slowly, showing his willingness to listen, "A covenant saying what, exactly?"


    "Several things, actually," Erik exined confidently. "For one, I need you to actively start steering the Enve away from its xenophobia, and prepare it for integration into the Council. After I leave, I will ask a shapeshifter councillor I know to help you with this."


    "What?!" Frostfang immediately eximed furiously. "I refused the Council''s aid to prevent integration! My people fought and died for eight years to keep our independence, and now you want me to hand it over?!"


    Erik shrugged nonchntly, not impressed by his outburst, "You''re making this out to be worse than it is. I already have ns to take over the Council. Liv joining them is part of that. As soon as I take over, the Enve will integrate anyway, so you''re just getting ahead of it a little, to make things easier for me."


    Frostfang''s consternation died down somewhat as he grumbled to himself, his expressionplicated. "What about Finnmark?" he finally asked.


    Once again, Erik shrugged, "The rest of Scandinavia is already ruled by the shapeshifter factions within the Council. I don''t see why they wouldn''t allow you to continue ruling Finnmark."


    Frostfang''s eyelids still twitched a little, but he seemed toing around to it, "Fine. Who is this councillor?"


    Erik grinned victoriously, "Her name is Katya. She is actually the strongest or second strongest among the Council shapeshifters, depending on who you ask. My only other current ally within the council is the vampire Lucius Nightshade, although he doesn''t know it yet. And, of course, Liv soon as well."


    Lucius Nightshade was Seraphina''s father, and Erik was confident in being able to influence Seraphina to influence her father. Stay connected with empire


    Frostfang continued to grumble a little, but then sighed and nodded, "Fine. I''ll try to steer them away from xenophobia and try to get them to see that joining the Council is a good idea. Anything else?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "For the covenant? Not really," Erik responded casually. "Just the standard things like serving as me and mother''s stand-in. I honestly doubt you''re anything less than absolutely loyal to my mother, but it can''t hurt to be safe."


    Then, his eyes narrowed and anger filled his gaze again, "But the covenant is just good sense. To pay for what you did to Elora and Alice, Elora will be inscribing you with a sigil. From now until the day we meet again, you''ll feel the same pain as she felt when your icicles tore her body apart."


    Frostfang''s eyes widened, but before he could respond, Erik continued, "It will only happen once a day, andst just as long as itsted for her, which was no more than a few seconds. You say that everything you did was for the Enve, but so far, the only ones who really had to suffer for that where others."


    Frostfang''s face fell. He wanted to argue that doing all those things wasn''t easy for him either. Leadership was a heavy burden to bear, even Erik would likely agree to that. But in the end, it would sound like a hollow argument right now.


    So, Erik finished, "Now you get the chance to prove that you''d suffer for the Enve. Take this sigil like a man,sting only until the day we meet again, and all grievances between us will be wiped out. You can serve the Enve ones again as its interim leader. What do you say?"


    Silence fell as the two men stared at each other. Erik with righteous anger and determination, Frostfang with frustration and a hint of sadness. Tension rose.


    But in the end, it didn''t take long for Frostfang toe a decision. He closed his eyes and nodded, "Fine. If that is what it takes, than let it be so."


    Tension broke, and Erik grinned, feeling some relief. If Frostfang refused, he would have had to choose between putting Viljar in charge of the Enve, or convincing them to leave Finnmark and join the Council together with Liv. Not that he thought VIljar would be a bad leader, he just wasn''t a third-ranker.


    Either way, there was no way he would have let Frostfang off the hook. If he refused, he would have lost his arm and be banished.


    With that, dark-green energy started swirling around Erik''s arm as he stepped closer to Frostfang, "Good. Let''s start with the covenant then, shall we?"

 Chapter 359 - Asuran technique

    A few minutester, a covenant mark had appeared on the back of Frostfang''s hand. Since Erik and Elora didn''t have a dog in this agreement, they remained markless.


    With that done, Elora appeared on Erik''s shoulder. She smirked sadistically at Frostfang. She always enjoyed taking revenge, whatever form that took.


    Frostfang''s gaze panned to the small, winged humanoid and smirked wryly, "So you''re Elora, the one Victor was after that day. I only realized we''d never met before, when I saw Liv''s daughter."


    Elora shrugged without losing her smirk, "What can I say? I prefer to remain in the background."


    Then, she flew up and erged her body, before standing in front of Frostfang with a domineering gaze, despite the technical danger. Their eyes met, and Frostfang''s nose wrinkled at the sight of her smug expression. Her beauty did little for him right now.


    The truth was, Frostfang could easily tear her apart right now, because Elora didn''t have any sigils ready, nor did her Seidr magic have the ability to attack or defend in any real way. She''d survive, of course, because Erik was right there, and she''d quickly be able to be absorbed into him again.


    But she knew Frostfang wouldn''t attack. And that''s what gave her this feeling of dominance she loved. She loved watching as people were helpless to resist thebined force of her and her beloved protector.


    "Turn around for me like a good boy, Jonas," Elora grinned viciously. "I need ess to your back."


    Frostfang growled with annoyance but did as she asked. He had already agreed to this, and it was tote to turn back, even if he wanted to. Which, to be fair, he didn''t. Somewhere inside, he even felt a little relieved to be able to suffer for the Enve.


    He wasn''t a hypocrite who believed it should only ever be others to pay for keeping their home safe. Bj?rn wasn''t the first, nor thest, person who paid the price for Frostfang''s decisions, and even if he still believed those decisions were right, he also felt he deserved to pay a price of his own.


    But as soon as he lifted his shirt, to give Elora ess to his back, she and Erik blinked in surprise. There was a strange symbol burned into his flesh.


    "What the hell is that?" Erik wondered aloud, directing his question to both Elora and Frostfang.


    Elora didn''t answer him, instead she furrowed her brows and stared thoughtfully at the rune.


    Frostfang, however, shrugged with his back still turned towards them, "I assume you mean whatever your mother did back there? I have no idea; I''ve never seen it. Before she left, she said she''d give me the ability to quickly reach the third rank, and then she burned something in my back."


    His voice was filled with conviction as he continued, "That''s why I know my power is only because of her. Whatever honoured teacher did increase my advancement rate significantly."


    "So that''s what happened¡­" Erik mumbled, lost in thought. He and Elora had been wondering how Runa could help Frostfang advance to the third rank so quickly. They''d simply intended on askingter, when the covenant bound him to their service, and wouldpel him to answer.


    They were going to it straight after Elora drew the punishment sigil. Only, as it turned out, they would get to it a little sooner.


    "But what is it?" Erik walked up next to Elora and inspected the rune, never having seen it before. "No power in this universees free, so surely someone paid a price for this?"


    Next to him, a thoughtful Elora finally spoke, nodding slowly, "Yes, someone did pay a price for this. Your mother."


    "What?!" Erik and Frostfang both eximed at the same time. Frostfang dropped his shirt and turned around. Both their faces were twisted with worry.


    "What do you mean?!" they both eximed again, their gazes fixed on Elora with intensity.


    Of course, Elora treated Frostfang like he was air, and directed her gaze towards Erik. She frowned, "I recognize that symbol. It''s a technique belonging to an asuran faction I''ve read about. Basically, it transfers part of one''s talent to someone else."


    "What?!" Erik and Frostfang eximed once again. This time, the former was ring angrily at thetter, while Frostfang''s face was twisted in worry mixed with guilt.


    "How did she even get a technique like that?!" Erik cried out in disbelief.


    Elora shrugged helplessly, "We know this world was once connected to thework, so it''s not impossible an asuran with that technique on them lived here when the world was disconnected and all races besides humans and supernaturals died out."


    She pondered thoughtfully, "We already know plenty of other factions and individuals on Earth ended up with things left over from that time, your mother is simply one of them. Since the technique relies mostly on the soul, it''s not inconceivable to think a Runebound could use it just as well as an Arcanist."


    Erik started pacing, worry etched on his face, "Alright, so what does this mean for Mom? What does this technique do to her exactly?"


    Besides them, Frostfang was asking the same question, but he was quickly interrupted by both Erik and Elora, who barked at him to shut up.


    Immediately, the covenant, which included a line about Frostfang serving Erik and his mother, kicked in, and Frostfang was forced to stay quiet. Frustration slipped into his gaze, but he quickly calmed down and stared intently at Elora instead.


    Focussing back on Erik, Elora sighed, "Well, before I say anything else, let me assure you that your mother is still alive."


    Immediately, Frostfang and Erik both sighed in relief, before Erik frowned, "Okay, but how do you know?" He didn''t doubt her, but he obviously wanted to know more.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Elora smiled at him reassuringly, "Because for the technique to work, she needed to infuse the mark with a part of her soul. I can feel that part of her, and as long as it lives on, so does she."


    "In fact," she smiled mysteriously, "If I extract that piece of her soul, I can use it to track her. We won''t have to search up and down Africa for her."


    Erik closed his eyes and once again sighed as relief flooded his body. "That''s good," he nodded calmly. The issue of finding his mother had always been a problem they weren''t sure how to solve before, and now the solution just dropped into theirp! Read exclusive chapters at empire


    Although, he doubted it was all a bed of roses, so he opened his eyes again, and frowned at Elora, "Okay, so what about the bad news?"


    Elora pursed her lips wryly. She didn''t want to lie to Erik, but she also didn''t really want to tell him the bad news.


    Regardless, she opened her mouth, and told the truth, "There''s no way your mother reached the third rank while missing a part of her talent and soul, and¡­ she would have been in pain constantly for the past few years."

 Chapter 360 - Taking it back

    Silence descended on the trio of Erik, Elora, and Frostfang. They stood on the snowy ins in front of Kirkenes, at the edge of a forest, letting the weight of Elora''s words settle around them.


    The wind rustled the leaves, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over their faces. Erik''s heart ached with the newfound understanding, the gravity of his mother''s hidden suffering pressing down on him.


    Elora reached out her hand and cupped his cheek as she looked at him lovingly, "I know it hurts to think about your mother''s suffering, it would be no different for me, but we can''t change the past. We can only change the future."


    Erik and Frostfang''s ears twitched, but Frostfang was still ordered to keep quiet, so it was only Erik who frowned, as he asked, "So we can reverse what she did?"


    Elora nodded with a confident smile, "Absolutely! You don''t even know how many strange, rare, and supposedly secret techniques I''ve studied. Reversing this one should be easy. I just need to rip the part of her soul out of the worm here." at this point, she thumbed over her shoulder to at Frostfang.


    Then she shrugged casually, but with pride in her voice, "Your mother''s talent will be attached to that piece of her soul, so after removing it, I just need to store it, use it to track her, and then stuff it back in! Easy as that!"


    Erik smiled back at her and leaned over while gently cupping her chin. Then, he kissed her.


    When he pulled back, he smirked a little, "I do kind of wish you hadn''t referred to healing my mother''s soul as ''stuffing it back in'', but that aside, thank you, Elora. Once again, I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    Licking her lips, Elora giggled and pushed out her sizable chest in pride, "Of course you wouldn''t! I''m amazing!" Then she winked, "But you''re pretty good, too. You can consider yourself lucky that I''d never leave you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Erik chuckled as the pain and worry he felt over his mother''s actions was soothed a little, and he was reminded why he loved Elora.


    Suddenly, another thought entered him, ''If she went this far¡­ I guess she really did care about the Enve.'' But then he immediately disimed himself when he had a second thought, ''Unless she just did it out of a sense of guilt and obligation. I wouldn''t put that past her either, even if she''d never admit it.''


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    Shaking himself free of his thoughts, he turned his attention to Frostfang. The man was currently standing there with a somewhat lifeless expression, gazing into the distance.


    Erik frowned and his nose wrinkled in anger. He walked up to the man, before suddenly punching him in the gut.


    The unprepared Frostfang opened his eyes wide as arge amount of air was forced out of his lugs while he skidded back across the frozen ground.


    "Don''t just stand there like an idiot!" he growled angrily. "Turn around again so we can reverse what should have never been done in the first ce."


    Frostfang shook his head and his eyes cleared. His eyes were still filled with guilt and self-loathing, but Erik didn''t care. He had long since known that Frostfang cared deeply about his mother, perhaps even a little too much, so he wasn''t surprised the man felt this way.


    With his mind cleared, but still forbidden from talking, he turned around and exposed his back again.


    Without dy, Elora formed a small dark-green needle on the tip of her index finger and punctured the centre of the symbol on Frostfang''s back. Frostfang started trembling a little, clearly in pain, but otherwise stayed still.


    Elora''s brows were furrowed in concentration, but Erik felt it was still safe to talk to her, so he asked, "What happens to Jonas after this?"


    It wouldn''t make a difference in whether or not they would do this, of course. The man could explode for all Erik cared at this point. But they needed to make ns for the Enve''s future.


    If removing his mother''s talent caused Frostfang to regress back to the second rank, he''d be back to making ns around having no third ranker to take charge of the Enve.


    While still concentrating on her task, Elora answered him, "To be honest, I''m not entirely sure; but if I had to guess I''d say that nothing would change. His rank is there to stay. In fact, this might even be beneficial for him, in a way. His talent will go down, but, with time, he can stabilise his shaky foundation."


    Erik nodded with a hint of relief, "That''s good, we can leave our ns unchanged then."


    Neither of them cared about the positive benefits to Frostfang, but not having to change their ns was a good thing.


    After a few moments of silence, Elora finally grinned victoriously, "There you are!" and pulled back her finger. On the tip of the green needle now rested a small, pure white whisp.


    Strangely, as soon as he saw that whisp, Erik felt a hint of mncholy. For a second, he thought it actually was his mother standing in front of him. It felt good. A soft smile even spread on his lips.


    But before he could revel in that feeling for a moment, he widened his eyes when Elora brought the whisp to her lips and slurped it into her mouth.


    "Eh?" he gawked, more surprised than anything else.


    Elora giggled at his expression, "What? The best ce to store a soul is inside another soul. Don''t worry, it''s fine!"


    In front of them, Frostfang finally stopped trembling, and a sigh of relief left his lips.


    He didn''t move, though. He knew there was still a second part toe.


    And indeed, with Runa''s soul removed and safely stored, Elora grinned sadistically, "With that done, it''s time for a little revenge." She pulled out her sigil carving tool, intending to make this as painful as she could, and walked up to the man who had caused them both pain and difficulty in the past.


    * * *


    Whitin a few minutes, Frostfang had sank to his knees, a bright new sigil shining on his back as his body trembled in pain.


    Then, he suddenly grasped his left arm and his chest. His eyes widened and he groaned in pain. His jaw was tensed, clearly refusing to howl out from the agony.


    But itsted only a few seconds, and then it was over.


    Putting away her tools, Elora smirked, "Good job on keep quiet, little worm. That pain will radiate through your body once a day, atpletely random times. Let that be a lesson to you."


    Slowly, Frostfang stood up, turned around, and nodded solemnly. In his eyes, Erik and Elora could see that arge part of him thought he deserved this pain.


    After all, Runa had suffered much the same.

 Chapter 361 - Leaving Kirkenes

    That same day, a few hourster, Erik was leaning over the railing of a sailing ship as he watched Kirkenes disappear into the distance. The light of day was fading, and this town of many memories was bathed in orange light.


    This was the same ship as they had used to get to Kirkenes from London a year ago. The invisibility sigil Elora had used on it had long since worn off, but it didn''t appear like anyone had touched it since then.


    On his shoulder sat a casually lounging Elora with a smile on her face. She was happy they were finally getting started on their journey forward. Of course, they had to make some stops, first in Alta, and then in Ennd, but those wouldn''tst long.


    Next to them stood Liv, Astrid, Alice, Nora, Anne, and Viljar.


    They all wore varied expressions, and they all had their own reasons for being there.


    Liv and Viljar were merely hitching a ride, for example. Once in Alta, Liv would gather her people, release those stuck in blood farms, and then leave for the Council.


    Viljar, on the other hand, was there as the Enve representative for the punishment of the Dominion forces in Alta. After that was over, he would gather up the Enve shapeshifters released from blood farms, and head back to Kirkenes.


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    Their expressions were both calm, either because they didn''t care much about Kirkenes, or because they knew they''d return soon.


    Astrid and Alice were there for obvious reasons. They would be traveling with Erik, and they both had strong feelings about Kirkenes, so they watched it fade into the distance with a hint of mncholy, not knowing when, or if, they''d return.


    Nora and Anne, on the other hand, were a little more ambiguous.


    Erik had asked Anne toe with them to Alta, but not exined the reason why. Still, despite Anne''s increasing nervousness around him, she didn''t have a good reason to refuse. Thus, she feltpelled to ept, considering who Erik was.


    She looked at Kirkenes with aplicated expression, as her thoughts were mostly revolving around why Erik wanted her toe with them.


    And finally, there was Nora. Just before they left, Erik had pulled Nora aside, and removed the Bond of Service, giving her backplete freedom. Then, before Nora could recover from her surprise, he had given her a choice: stay with the Enve ore with him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But¡­ she would have to ept the Bond of Service once again if she wished toe with. She would never be a wife, only ever a servant.


    Surprisingly, or perhaps not, Nora didn''t even need any time to think about it.


    Thus, here she was with the rest of them. A cor of runes inscribed on her neck, and her face twisted in excitement. Any possible mncholy over possibly never seeing Kirkenes again was wiped out by the perverted thoughts filling her mind.


    Meanwhile, the ghouls and vampires travelled back to Alta overnd and would likely arrive only a littleter than their ship.


    As they started to pick up speed and glided over the water, Erik turned to Viljar, "Are you sure you don''t wish toe with us, Uncle? I''m sure Mom would love to see you again."


    Viljar nodded slowly, "I would love to see her again as well, but the Enve is my home now, and more than that¡­" he paused as an expression of deep, emotional pain passed over his face, "¡­I can''t risk the chance of facing Edda again."


    Erik pursed his lips, and nodded slowly, "I understand, Uncle. I''ll tell Mom you miss her."


    "Thank you," Viljar answered with a sad smile.


    Not everyone had the courage or desire to face someone they once loved and who had betrayed that love. Erik understood that. Everyone grieved in their own way, and Viljar preferred to consider the Edda he once knew as dead along with histe wife.


    Perhaps he even still felt some love for her, and simply wanted to grieve his wife while letting Edda live out the life she had chosen for herself. Either way, seeing the Edda she turned out to be might cause him to break down.


    Erik and Runa, on the other hand, needed revenge. They had no more love to give.


    * * *


    About half a dayter, their boat sailed into the harbor of Alta. Once there, they surprised the vampires on guard, and quickly subdued them.


    Although Emma and Emily had taken over themand bunker, the vampires guarding Alta and the blood farms were entirely ignorant of everything that had been going on.


    They''d continued receiving orders from the bunker throughmunication sigils like normal, and asionally left a shipment of blood somewhere near the cave for them to pick up, meaning that nothing changed in their routine. Thus, the news that Sigurd was dead, and Liv was back in charge, came as quite the shock to them.


    But in the end, it didn''t matter. There were around a hundred vampires there, with only three second rankers in charge. Naturally, they were quickly subdued by the sheer power present on their ship.


    Unfortunately, they couldn''t keep all hundred vampires in ce, as some managed to escape. They didn''t care about, though. It''s not like those vampires posed a danger. Either they''d end up joining the Council, ghoulified in the wild, or caught by the Enve.


    After the vampires were herded together and surrounded by walls of ice conjured by Erik, they turned their attention to the victims of the Dominion blood farms, and it was truly a depression sight.


    The blood farms were filled with both humans and shapeshifters, each one of them weak and barely able to take a few steps forward. Some had gone half-insane, and simply rocked back and forth, others had infantile minds.


    In the end, Elora sealed the memories of the worst ones, and the rest would simply have to live with it. Either way, it would take a while before any of them recovered up to a point where they could travel.


    They remained busy with this for a few more hours, until the ghouls and vampires from Kirkenes arrived and took over the job of caring for them.


    Thus, their group moved on to the bunker, where Emily and Emma were waiting for them.

 Chapter 362 - Livs warning

    "Master!" both girls eximed excitedly and ran up to hug Erik''s body, one on each side. They were currently still just outside the cave opening that led to the bunker entrance.


    As always, Emma wore her fantastical and alluring maid dress. It was mostly white with ck decorations, some frills, and an exposed stomach, clearly showing the tattoo denoting her as one of Erik''s wives.


    Emily, too, wore her Gothic-style dress. Equally as fantastical and alluring as Emma''s clothes, this dress consisted of several shades of ck, with mesh sleeves, and a mesh window just below her navel, showing the same tattoo as Emma had. A cor tightly encircled her neck, with arge ring dangling from it.


    Both dresses had skirts that reached just above the knees.


    Erik chuckled lovingly, and wrapped hisrge arms around both his wives, "Hey girls, it''s good to see you both again. Everything go okay here?"


    "Yes, but I''m d to be with you again!" Emma cooed, as she rubbed her cheek against his fortunately unarmored chest. Emma still only felt trulyfortable and safe when she was with Erik, the man who saved both her and her sister.


    On the other side, Emily chuckled like a pervert, and looked up at Erik with a mischievous grin, "Hehehe, everything went fine, Master. Which means I''m ready for my reward!"


    Erik first smiled softly and turned to Emma. Bending down a little, he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and kissed the shorter girl on the lips. Emma responded eagerly, melting into his touch as she happily let his tongue dominates hers.


    Then, he pulled back, leaving behind a panting, and smiling Emma, before turning to Emily with a domineering grin. The more masochistic of the two sisters looked up at him with a mischievous grin, expecting a little more than the loving kiss Emma received.


    And Erik didn''t disappoint.


    Rather than bent down, he removed his arm from her back, and grabbed the ring around her cor, before pulling on it. The mechanism inside caused the cor to tighten, even as she was forced to stand on her toes. Emily choked a little, but the grin on her lips only widened.


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    Then, Erik hovered his lips just above hers, and growled, "Kiss me."


    Eagerly, Emma attempted to obey. She stretched her body as much as she could, making whimpering noises the entire time, but eventually, she was forced to just stick out her tongue, and hungrily lick his lips.


    Erik scoffed, before grinning devilishly, "Pathetic. I''ll have to punish youter." Then, he inched down the tiny distance between his lips and hers, before giving her what she wanted. Emily moaned wantonly as Erik''s tongue quickly subdued hers.


    Behind the, the rest of the group looked on with various expressions. Anne wasn''t sure what to think. One the one hand, Emma and Emily were humans, and she felt instinctual bileing up her throat because of it. On the other hand, their disy was a little endearing, and she felt strangely drawn towards the woman in white.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Alice was much the same, but at least she was getting used to it by now.


    Nora looked at them with excitement, hoping Erik would do the same to her.


    Viljar smiled wryly, while trying to give them their privacy and waiting patiently.


    Meanwhile, Liv had the most exaggerated response. She turned to Astrid, who looked at the disy like she''d seen it a hundred time, which she had.


    "''Those'' are the two wives I haven''t met yet?" Liv eximed in disbelief. "The sisters that singlehandedly conquered ourmand bunker filled with six second rankers?"


    She turned back to the disy in front of them with a raised eyebrow, "They seem so¡­ soft. And why is that one wearing a maid dress? I just want to cuddle her she''s so cute¡­"


    Astrid chuckled in exasperation, "That''s Emma, and I''ll give you that one. She prefers to follow Erik around like a puppy and acting as his maid. Don''t underestimate her, though. Her outside may be soft, but she''s got a core as tough as a diamond. That girl has both seen and survived some shit that would break a normal person. Talented, too, she broke through to second rank in a mere year."


    Then she turned her mother''s attention to Emily, "As for the one in ck¡­ Let me just say this, I''m stronger than her, but I''d rather fight you than her in a true life or death battle. With you I''ll lose quickly, and it''ll be over, but with her I''m liable to suffer more than she does before I eventually win. Assuming I do."


    Astrid''s face scrunched up a little with a hint of fear, "She possesses the affinity of darkness, which can easily corrode and dissolve even our Runebound bodies. She can also enve others, and she''s as brutal as theye."


    She indicated towards Emily''s expression, "See that excited, happy grin by which she''s reuniting with Erik? She''ll use the same expression when she''s slowly disemboweling and dissolving a person as their screams delight her ears."


    Suddenly, she grinned a little and turned to look at her mother, "Anyway, I consider her a friend."


    After Astrid finished her exnation, Liv frowned and the gaze by which she looked at the happy masochist in front of her turned far more cautious, "People like that are dangerous, little Angel¡­ be careful around her; even if she''s a friend of yours."


    But Astrid just shrugged casually, "Don''t worry, Mom. Emily is as loyal as theye. She''s entirely devoted to Erik and her sister."


    But Liv shook her head, "I wasn''t worried about that. I can see the way she looks at him. But what happens when you or anyone else does something that she misinterprets as a danger to Erik or her sister? Will she calmly figure out what''s going on and make sure her suspicions are correct, or will shesh out irrationally, regardless of the consequences?"


    Astrid opened her mouth to respond, but then closed it again, frowning with a hint of thoughtful concern. But after a moment of silence, she shook her head, "No, I trust her. And even if I didn''t, I trust Erik and Elora. Either one or the other always seems to know everything that''s going on. Plus, their emotions, and soon mine as well, are linked to Erik, and vice-versa.


    She smiled confidently, "It''s basically impossible for us to betray him, or him us, even if anyone wanted to, and she knows that."


    After hearing Astrid''s exnation, Liv pursed her lips curiously, "Linked emotions, eh? Not a bad idea."


    But despite Astrid''s apparent confidence, a sliver of concern had slipped into her gaze when she looked at Emily.

 Chapter 363 - Dealing with vampires

    After everyone was reunited and introduced, the entire group moved into the cave, and then the bunker, with Erik at its head.


    After a few moments, they entered themand room, and tens of vampires instantly jumped from their seats in fright. Erik smirked a little with amusement as he watched all their trembling gazes drift towards Emily.


    Although, their eyes went wide when they noticed this sadistic nightmare was hanging on this man''s arm with a loving gaze in her eyes, like she was nothing more than an obedient wife. But when she noticed them all staring at her, Emily turned her head towards them, and smirked yfully.


    "What are you people staring at?" she purred in a tone that these vampires considered dangerously calm. "The deciders of your fates have entered the room. I suggest you start grovelling."


    Behind them, Liv raised an eyebrow at their reactions and realized that perhaps her daughter''s words were even underestimating the terror this Emily could instil in people.


    Suddenly, she noticed a handful of ckened corpses disyed in prominent positions, while five doll-eyed second-ranked vampires were spread around the room as their dull gazes kept a close watch on the ghoul controllers.


    At the same time, the vampires in the room finally realized Liv and Astrid were standing behind the woman who''d been terrorizing them for the past few days, and most of them quickly sank to their knees.


    "L¡ª Lady Frost!" one of them eximed. "P¡ª Please! Save us from this¡ª!"


    But before he could finish, a ck orb came to float in front of his face, controlled by a sadistically grinning Emily, and he quickly covered his mouth while trembling like a leaf. "Oh, please don''t stop talking now," Emily blinked innocently. "What were you going to say?"


    But the man shook his head frantically, and every other vampire kept their mouths shut as well, while looking pleadingly at Liv and even at Erik.


    Deciding it was time to step in, Erik pursed his lips wryly and put a hand on Emily''s shoulder, "That''s enough, Emily. You had your fun, but these are Liv''s people now. In fact, you should remove the envement on those second rankers as well at this point."


    Emily pouted a little, but then sighed, "Alright, Master. You''re the boss."


    Instantly she recalled the ck orb in front of the vampire''s face, and he breathed a sigh of relief, but still decided to keep his mouth shut. At the same time, the five ves suddenly started blinking as they slowly regained their senses and looked around in confusion.


    Immediately, the raven-haired girl turned back to Erik looking for a reward. "Did I do good?" she grinned yfully. So, Erik chuckled, and rewarded her with a quick swat on her ass, causing her to giggle and moan.


    Meanwhile, the ves had finished regaining their senses, and now looked at the neers with trepidation. Naturally, they recognized Liv, and knew about her power. They didn''t waste any time with figuring out exactly what happened for them to get here, as they instantly started mouring for mercy.


    "L¡ª Lady Frost, I¡ª"


    "Mydy! Please d¡ª"


    They all eximed their own pleading greeting, but Liv ignored them all. Seeing it was finally her time to step in, she frowned and stepped forward, next to Erik. Then, she roared, "Shut up!" Her voice reverberated around the room at the same time as her third-ranked pressure flooded the room, careful to avoid the people in her group.


    Immediately, the second-ranked vampires were interrupted and all the vampires still standing on their own two feet were forced down to their knees.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Next to her, Erik grinned. He could appreciate a forceful woman. So long as they didn''t try it on him¡­


    While continuing to exert her pressure and keep the present vampires under control, she panned her gaze across her subjects and inspected their faces.


    But after looking at each of them, she frowned, and turned her head to look at Emma and Emily, "Were is Lars? Surely, he was here?" Her voice was edged with barely contained fury. Clearly, her anger towards him was only second to Sigurd.


    Unfortunately, Emma cocked her head innocently, "Master didn''t tell you? In order for our n to work, we needed to make a deal with him."


    On Erik''s other side, Emily pouted her lips in disappointment, "Our deal was he''d get to leave after the battle in Kirkenes was over, so¡­ we were forced to let him go." But then she smirked evilly, "If it makes you feel any better, I may have caused him to lose a few fingers and toes."


    Emma''s face became a littleplicated when she remembered the scene of these vampires stabbing Lars''s body with darkness covered des at Emily''s urging.


    Liv''s face fell, and her nose scrunched up, but she nodded grumpily, "I guess that will have to do for now¡­" Continue reading stories on empire


    In between the sisters, Erik smirked a little, "Don''t worry. There''s nowhere he can go besides the Council, and since you''ll end up there soon and be a Councillor, I''m sure you''ll have all kinds of ways to mess with a mere second ranker."


    The cheered Liv up a little, causing her to grin with expectation, "That''s true¡­ Guess I''ll have something to look forward to then."


    With Lars''s fate discovered, she turned to the vampires in front of her. The grin on her lips turned into a smug smirk, "I''m sure many of you didn''t expect this day to evere, right? Well, here it is anyway! Judgement day! I doubt many of you are worthy of keeping around, but I''m a fair ruler."


    She turned to Erik, "Erik, if you please?"


    Erik chuckled, "With pleasure," and bent down to start drawing the same sigil they used back in Kirkenes. Of course, it was still Elora doing the deed, but just in case any of these people were worthy of sparing, they were keeping her existence hidden.


    Thus, another judgement day began. They also had the vampires that were locked inside Erik''s ice prison brought over at the same time, as they wanted to get this over with quickly, so they could get to more interesting matters.


    Like Erik finally marrying Astrid, semi-officially.

 Chapter 364 - A party

    Unsurprisingly, the vampires left behind in Alta were some of the most loyal and guilty among Sigurd''s followers. Thus, by the end of this second judgement day, only a handful of the originally more than hundred vampires were left.


    Fortunately, it only took an hour or two due to the low number of Sigurd''s croniespared to the first judgement day. The fact was, the covenant Erik and Elora had made with Katya was starting to nag at them, and they had to leave for Ennd soon if they wanted to avoid any bacsh.


    So, after all the vampires were judged and the most guilty were swiftly executed, Erik and his group kicked out the survivors, and told them to wait down in Alta with the rest of them. Now, only the group who originally arrived by ship were left in the bunker.


    Naturally, this meant that no one was currently controlling the ghouls, but that was fine. They didn''t need to guard anyone right now, and without controllers they just stood still like docile sheep.


    Now, Erik and the others were gathered in the room that both Liv and Sigurd had used in the past to hold any important ceremonies or meetings. They were using the room to have a little party.


    After all, it was important to celebrate the good things, especially in these times. In this case, that was the end to a pointless war, and the marriage of two childhood friends.


    There were no real ceremonies for the wedding, however. Astrid didn''t want it. Not yet, anyway.


    Erik had promised both Emma and Emily a true, grand wedding, when he''d reunited with his mother, so that she could be there for it, and when he had the resources to do so. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Astrid wanted the same thing.


    Of course, she wanted Liv to be there as well, but that was a problem for after they''d actually found Runa. Thus, for now, they would do no more than a little party, and having Astrid go through the Heartfire sigil, just like Emma and Emily had done.


    Since everyone in attendance here already knew of her existence, even Elora had taken the opportunity to make an appearance. Currently, she stood in her full-sized form next to Erik, and acted as the first wife and Matriarch of the family she was.


    She''d actually conjured something different from her regr corset and skirt for the asion, as she now wore a light, dark green robe that didn''t leave much to the imagination.


    Her beautiful and curvaceous body worked to somewhat intimidate the other women in the room, which is exactly what she intended. Even the confident and yful Liv was annoyed with her own meekness whenever she was in front of Elora.


    The fairy simply had the demeanour and aura of someone who wouldn''t brook any disobedience, and most people found it hard to resist.


    Of course, it had no effect on Erik, but he did enjoy watching Eloramand the room.


    After everyone had spent a little time eating, drinking, and talking, it was finally time for Astrid to go through the Heartfire sigil.


    While Elora went to create the sigil in the middle of the room, Erik turned to Emma, who had spent most of the time serving Erik drinks with a happy smile. "Emma," he began, with a small smile. "There''s something I want you to do for me."


    "Anything, Master. You know that," she smiled back at him with devotion.


    But rather than exin what he wanted out loud, he continued the conversation telepathically through their bond, just to make sure no one listened in.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After he was done exining, Emma suddenly gained a somewhatplicated expression. "I¡ª Uhm¡­" she muttered, her eyes darting towards the one person who''d spend this entire party in the corner, eyeing Emma and Emily with suspicion.


    "I understand the hesitation, little Glimmer," Erik smiled as he took her chin and made her look into his eyes. "You know I wouldn''t force you into anything. Even this service role is one you''ve chosen for yourself, rather than the other way around. So if you refuse, I won''t mind. Nothing will change between us."


    Emma looked conflicted for a moment. What he asked her to do was not something she enjoyed, but she did realize that it wouldn''t hurt, and might even help.


    Plus, even if Erik told her it was fine, the idea of disobeying him made her sick to the stomach. From the moment he saved her and Emily back in London, she''d convinced herself that following Erik''s orders was the only way to achieve safety and happiness.


    Now, after more than a year of living as his maid and being happier than ever, the idea of disobedience was so foreign that it almost scared her.


    Thus, she eventually nodded her head with a determined frown, "No, Master. I''ll do it. If I want to live as your maid-wife, I can''t pick and choose what orders I follow."


    Erik smiled with satisfaction at his second wife''s obedience. Even if he meant what he said earlier, he couldn''t deny that he expected her to do as he said, and liked her submissive nature.


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    Just because he truly loved this cute, white-haired girl, didn''t mean he didn''t also enjoy being in control and having others obey his words.


    With Emma''s eptance, he used his grip on her chin to hold her in ce and dominantly took her lips. Emma moaned softly and dly epted his kiss as her husband''s delicious taste filled her mouth.


    When he pulled back, he whispered, "Good girl," and a shiver of pleasure went through Emma''s spine.


    Then, Erik turned around to speak to Astrid, who was talking to Emily about her experience with the Heartfire sigil.


    He could see Astrid was a little worried, so he decided to put her at ease, by putting his hand around her shoulders, and kissing her on the lips as well. When he pulled back, he whispered, "Don''t worry too much. You''ll be fine." Astrid smiled lovingly back at him, and nodded.


    Not long after that, Astrid took her ce on the sigil.


    Meanwhile, in the background, Emma had set her sights on the woman in the corner: Anne.

 Chapter 365 - Astrids Heartfire trial

    Frowning, she looked around, and mumbled, "Kirkenes? What am I doing here?"


    She was standing on the Kirkenes docks, the town on one side, and the cold, northern sea,pping at the dock''s mooring on the other. Continue your adventure at empire


    Only, the town looked like it did before the awakening, without any of the damage that all the fighting had done to this ce. It was like she was walking in her memories, with the only difference being theck of people. She was all alone.


    Just as she was about to start walking around and searching for anything that might indicate why she was there, something changed. Shimmering, two humanoid forms suddenly appeared in front of her. When their faces became clear, Astrid scowled in anger and frustration.


    "Edda," she growled, filled with hatred.


    In front of her stood the Erik''s childhood love, apanied by the man himself. They appeared with their bodies practically melting into each other, or at least as much as they could while still wearing clothes. They both wore taunting sneers as they looked at Astrid.


    "You didn''t actually think I''d choose you over Edda, did you?" the shimmery Erik chuckled malevolently. "She''s always been my true love, and what is a little betrayal in the face of that? I''ve already forgiven her actions in Frostvik!"


    Next to him, Edda grinned at her, "You never had a chance, you vile bloodsucker!"


    Despite knowing it was all fake, Astrid had always been impulsive and quick to anger. She seethed as her eyes were locked on the couple in front of her as fury threatened to boil over in her mind. She wasn''t even sure who her fury was aimed at.


    It wasn''t just their words either, it was the setting as well. Being back here, where the three of them had spent so much time together, and Astrid had suffered every second longing for someone who barely noticed her existence, was brining back all the frustration from that time.


    Without pause, the fake Erik and Edda started kissing and slowly undressing each other, uncaring for their single spectator.


    Bile rose inside Astrid. "You bitch!" she roared, and tried to take a step forward, but suddenly noticed she couldn''t. Her body was stuck.


    Before she could struggle much against her invisible bonds, a voice echoed in her head. It was Edda''s voice, tinted with a sadistic edge. "Just watch as I tame your love into my obedient little pet. Soon, he''ll happily rip you to shreds on my orders. After all, dogs like him should have an 0wner, don''t you think?"


    With those words, something broke in Astrid. Her eyes turned redder than they already were, and she screeched uncontrobly. Suddenly, two swords appeared in her hands, and she suddenly found her body able to move again.


    Barely able to think coherently, she simply charged Edda with swords pointed in front of her.


    Meanwhile, the fake Erik and Edda had lost their clothes, and Erik was kneeling submissively in front of Edda. His normally so dominant and piercing amber eyes, now looked up at his mistress with love and obedience as he started top at her cunt.


    The pairpletely ignored the raging bull in Astrid form charging at them, as if they didn''t care Edda was about to be impaled.


    But just as the furious Astrid was about to skewer her rival, she saw the expression on Erik''s face, and blinked. She''d never seen that expression before. And she couldn''t imagine it ever happening either.


    She stopped, her swords inches from Edda''s uncaring face. Suddenly, all the instances where Erik had looked at her with that domineering, piercing, amber gaze shed in front of her eyes. The time where he defeated her mother, and caused her to submit to him. The times he talked about his hatred for Edda.


    She remembered it all, and every memory made some of her fury disappear, until none was left.


    Astrid muttered softly, "Right¡­ this is fake. Maybe the Erik from my memories might have turned into this, but he''s different now¡­"


    Her lips curled into a grin, "Huh, I guess I really do like the new Erik better than the old one. Perhaps I never even really loved the old one¡­ perhaps it was just an obsession,bined with stubbornness."


    She paused a moment, before her grin turned into a genuine smile, "But I do love the new one¡­"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She looked down at the submissive version of Erik, and scoffed in disgust, "And that''s not you."


    Then, she chopped off the fake Erik''s head instead.


    ***


    Rather than look at the procedures in the middle of the room, the werelynx, Anne, continued looking ufortable and filled with instinctual disgust, as she tried to stay away from Emma and Emily as far as possible.


    She still didn''t understand why Erik would ask her to be here today, and she couldn''t help but resent him a little for it. He knew she hated humans, and now he basically locked her in a room with two of them, who were both more powerful than her.


    She constantly had to suppress the rage boiling inside her, just because she knew there was nothing she could do.


    But there was something strange going on as well. Whenever she looked at Emily she only felt the expected loathing, but when she looked at Emma it was mixed with something else. Something ufortable, and hard to think about. A feeling that reminded her of someone.


    Her mother.


    Suddenly, that feeling was getting worse. She looked to the side, and noticed Emma was slowly approaching her. The white-haired woman''s lips were turned up into a kind smile, and her mismatched, heterochromatic eyes were filled withpassion.


    Anne''s eyes widened, and she backed away, but she soon hit the wall and couldn''t go any further. "S¡ª Stay away from me!" she eximed in a panic.


    But Emma didn''t stoping closer. "Don''t worry¡­" she muttered softly, soothingly, "I just want to help."

 Chapter 366 - Emotional

    Anne was backing away against the wall as Emma was steadily getting closer. The kindness andpassion in the white-haired girl''s expression did nothing to reduce the werelynx''s anxiety.


    "Y¡ª You can help by getting the fuck away from me!" Anne screamed in a panic. Her body quickly transformed into its werelynx form out of pure defensive instinct.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She knew she couldn''t attack Emma. Even if she might win against her, especially if Emma continued getting closer, there were a handful of beings in that room who would turn her into a bloody smear on the wall in seconds if she tried.


    Being who were ignoring her screams.


    Viljar frowned and looked behind him to see what was going on, but Erik put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. Viljar''s frown deepened, because he had no idea what was going on, but he trusted Erik, so he didn''t move. But he did continue to stare at Anne.


    Nora, too, looked behind at her friend, but she simply smiled encouragingly. Erik had told her what he was doing and ordered her not to interfere. Naturally, that meant it was impossible for Nora to do anything,


    Fortunately, Anne was far too focused on Emma to notice, otherwise it might have stung her quite a bit.


    In her werelynx form, Anne pressed herself against the wall, limbs syed out, eyes wide in panic. As soon as Emma came within a few feet, Anne started hyperventting as the ws on her tense, transformed hands created grooves in the wall.


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    Rage fought with panic in her gaze, "S¡ª Stay away from me! F¡ª Filthy human!"


    But Emma didn''t stop. She smiled kindly at the panicking woman, "Don''t worry, you''ll be fine. It''ll all be over soon."


    At the same time, she raised her left hand, and slowly started bringing it closer to Anne, causing the werelynx''s hyperventting to worsen.


    "P¡ª Please¡­" she whispered, as the hand approached her face, wide eyes locked on Emma''s limb.


    Then, contact.


    Light-green energy started ying around Emma''s fingers as she caressed the yellow fur on the werelynx''s head. Immediately, Anne gasped and tensed her body. Tears started flowing from her cat-like eyes, and her gaze became lost in the distance.


    "M¡ª Mom¡­?" she muttered softly into the distance as her body slowly returned to human form.


    Emma smiled indulgently, but shook her head, "I''m not your mother, Anne." She continued stroking the werelynx-turned-human''s straight, tinum-blond hair, "But do you think she''d have wanted you to be filled with hatred for the rest of your life?"


    Tears continued streaming down Anne''s face, her voice hoarse, and her eyes looking at nothing, "T¡ª They forced her to¡­ and t¡ª then they¡­ Right in front of me¡­ so much screaming¡­ so much blood¡­ s¡ª she cried out at me¡­ told me not to look¡­"


    The room had be entirely silent. The others watched Astrid in the middle, their backs turned to to the pair in the corner, but they listened silently to Anne''s cries. Even the ones that didn''t care about her found their hatred for hunters rising.


    "I know," Emma smiledpassionately, like an indulgent mother. "The hunters did that, on the day of the awakening."


    Anne''s distraught, lost expression became a little more focused when she frowned, and hatred sparked in her eyes. "Hunters are humans," she half-snarled, half-sobbed.


    Emma nodded softly, wiping away some of Anne''s tears with her right hand, while keeping the left on Anne''s head, softly glowing green, "Yes they are. But not all humans are hunters. Your mother knew that didn''t she?"


    "I¡ª" Anne stammered, her eyes wandering, trying to find release from the memories Emma''s presence was stirring inside. "S¡ª She was wrong¡­"


    Emma shook her head, "She wasn''t wrong. She was wise." Then she took Anne''s chin with her right hand, and forced her to look into her eyes, "Let it go, Anne. Humans weren''t to me¡ªhunters were. You know your mother wouldn''t want this for you."


    Anne opened and closed her mouth a few times, but then her strained expression suddenly cked a little, and she smiled absentmindedly. "I¡ª I''m sorry, Mom¡­ I''ll be¡­ better¡­" Then, her body lost all its tension as she fainted.


    "Ah!" Emma yelped, and quickly grabbed the unconscious woman, before she sagged to the floor. As a second rank Arcanist, her body was more than powerful enough to carry Anne, so she took the woman into a princess carry.


    Now with an unconscious woman in her arms, she pursed her lips wryly and looked at Erik. "I don''t know if it worked, Master¡­" she muttered through their bond.


    Happily, Emma nodded and went to do as he said.


    Meanwhile, Viljar frowned as he turned to his nephew, "Care to tell me what just happened?"


    Erik smiled slightly in amusement, and shrugged casually, "Anne''s hatred of humans was starting to be a problem, so I did something about it... Or rather, I asked Emma to do something about it."


    "How?" Viljar demanded, not losing his frown.


    Erik sighed, and started to exin, the entire room now focused on him, "I asked around a little about Anne''s past, and found out what happened to her mother during the same raids that destroyed Frostvik, and I made a n to help her resolve some of her issues."


    By now, Emma had re-joined them, and Erik looked at her fondly. "My lovely second wife possesses the nature affinity, which gives her a sort of motherly aura. She doesn''t like to use it much, because it messes with people''s heads, but that is exactly what helped her reach Anne."


    Now, all heads turned to Emma, and she immediately shrank back a little, not really used to all the attention.


    But she stood her ground, even while poking her fingers together nervously, and nodded, "I just concentrated my aura on her for a moment, I didn''t really mess with her head, I guess¡­ I just forced her to confront her feelings about her mother, and then I guided her towards a more tolerant mindset."


    Elora had taught Emma many things about her motherly nature aura, and this was one of them. While Emma didn''t really like messing with people''s heads, she needed to at least learn the techniques, allowing her to control her aura.


    The people in their group had various reactions, ranging from shock, to curiosity, to disinterest, but before anyone could say anything, Astrid opened her eyes.

 Chapter 367 - Little Spark

    But when she looked at Erik, she paused. Suddenly, she felt a connection to him that she hadn''t felt before. Immediately, she grinned and tried to jump up, but then a flood of foreign emotions crashed into her mind. She groaned and grabbed her head.


    Erik smiled knowingly, and crouched down next to her, where he put a hand on her head, "Rx, little Spark. It takes a little time to get used to. Soon, it''ll be like background noise."


    Just like Elora, aka Little Ember; Emily, aka Little Shadow; and Emma, aka Little Glimmer, Astrid, too, received a nickname from Erik: Little Spark, for her sun affinity and impulsive nature.


    It took her only a moment to stop groaning, proving her mental resilience. She opened one eye, and grinned joyfully at Erik, still working hard to ignore the tidal wave in her mind, "You love me."


    Erik chuckled with amusement as he caressed his childhood friend''s strawberry-blond hair, "Are you sure its not just your own love you''re feeling?"


    Astrid''s grin widened, and she took one of her hands of her head to punch Erik''s chest, "Shut up! You loooo~ve me~! Admit it! I can feel it!"


    Laughing softly, Erik quickly nted his lips on hers to help distract her from the headache caused by his feelings. Erik didn''t feel much. He had already trained himself topartmentalize all these different bonds and channels in his mind, so adding more barely mattered anymore.


    When they separated, he finally gave her what she wanted, "Fine, I love you to."


    "Ha!" Astrid immediatelyughed, and jumped up from her sitting position, now feeling far better already. Then she turned to Liv. "Hear that, Mom?! Erik loves me!" sheughed extatically.


    Livughed indulgently, and nodded, "Yes, my little Angel, I can see that."


    Meanwhile, the others in the group congratted the two of them, before taking a few steps back to give the couple some privacy.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Excitedly, Astrid turned to face Erik with a wide smile, "Quickly, quickly. Show me!"


    Erik rolled his eyes, but he knew what she was talking about, so he removed his shirt, and revealed his broad chest.


    Just above his heart, there was a small tattoo of a fairy''s wing, and surrounding that there three more tattoos that started to form something suspiciously like a circle. First there was a bright white light encircled by twigs and leaves, than a dark star with a crimson glow, and now, a yellow sun behind two crossed swords.


    Astrid immediately zeroed in on thest one, and softly stroked with with her finger, looking happy. Finally, her dreams wereing true.


    Well, more or less, anyway. It''s not like she dreamed this specific event when she was younger, and pining after a wimpy version of Erik.


    Seeing her excitement caused Erik to grin smugly, "Alright, I''ve shown you mine, now you show me yours."


    "Right!" Astrid immediately eximed in excitement, before lifting her own shirt. She smiled softly when the ornate heart surrounding a howling wolf''s head appeared below her navel. "I don''t think I ever expected I''d be this happy to be marked by a man."


    "We live in strange times," Erikughed boisterously. "Just remember I''m marked by you as well."


    Astrid rolled her eyes, "Yeah, together with a bunch of other women." Despite her words, she didn''t seem unhappy, it was more as if she was teasing him.


    Erik grinned and grabbed her chin as he looked into her eyes, "You know I don''t like my women to be jealous."


    Interest sparkled in Astrid''s eyes, "Oh? Well, maybe you need to tame me again? Maybe I''m already starting to wonder if you''re still stronger than me?"


    Erik''s grin turned into a teasing smirk, "Really? I think you just can''t wait have sex again. You quite enjoyedst time, if I remember right."


    yful lightning sparkled between these two, but before it could get any further, Elora interrupted. "Alright, alright. Stop flirting, you two," she grumbled while rolling her eyes. "It''s not like we''re flush on time, and you still need to give her something, don''t you?" Herst words she directed towards Erik.


    For a moment, mischief sparkled in Erik''s eyes, and he opened his mouth to say exactly what he wanted to give her, but Elora narrowed her eyes at him, "Don''t you dare!"


    Wryly, Erik closed his mouth, and pursed his lips. Strangely, it appeared like their roles of serious and yful had been switched for a moment.


    Regardless, Erik sighed, before turning to Astrid with a fond smile, "Elora has a bunch of outfits stored that are very useful and stylish for Arcanists, but she doesn''t have anything that would work well for a Runebound. Luckily, that''s where Ie in. I believe I did promise you an armour for our wedding."


    Immediately, Astrid''s grin widened, "I was afraid I was going to have to remind you of that."


    "Absolutely not," Erik promised while his lips curled up proudly. Then, he waved his hand, and caused some pieces of armour to float in front of him. They appeared to be created from abination of reinforced leather, some fur, and bronze-coloured metal.


    "I''m afraid I couldn''t create something as extensive as my own armour, simply because we don''t have the means to create a sigil construct core, like this one," he exined a little regretfully while ticking on Eira''s core, lodged in his armguard.


    Astrid nodded with understanding, while she curiously eyed the pieces of armour floating in the air.


    Seeing her expression caused Erik to smile as he continued, "But unlike my original armour, this one can be stored inside your storage jewellery, so you can still easily put it on or off from there."


    Astrid''s eyes sparkled, and she looked up at her new husband, "Can I¡­?"


    "Of course," Erik chuckled and nodded. Discover exclusive content at empire


    Grinning excitedly, Astrid waved her hand, and stored the armour in the ring on her finger. Then, she snapped her fingers, and suddenly, the armour appeared around her body. It reced her clothes, and fit snuggly around her form.


    Compared to Erik''s armour, which was more focused on pure defence and striking power, Astrid''s armour was light, and more suited to agile movements, which fit her dual-sword fighting style.


    Her breasts were covered by a bronze-coloured chest-piece that looked like a metal bra, sleek pauldrons lined with soft, grey fur covered her shoulders, and metal armguards extended from her wrists to just below her elbow. Gauntlets covered her hands, but they left her fingers free for agility.


    Below the chest, her stomach and lower back were covered with leather, but just like with Emma and Emily, the tattoo below her navel was left on prominent disy.


    The lower part of the armour consisted of a leather skirt, split into panels for ease of movement. Each panel was reinforced with bronze-coloured metal rivets and adorned with runes.


    The skirt reached mid-thigh, offering protection while ensuring she could run, jump, and manoeuvre freely. Beneath the skirt, fitted leather trousers provide additional protection without restricting movement.


    The armour was fastened with sturdy leather straps and bronze buckles, allowing for easy adjustment and a secure fit. Every aspect of the design emphasizes lightness and flexibility, making it ideal for Astrid, who relied heavily on speed and agility inbat.


    Completing the look, a pair of knee-high leather boots, reinforced with bronze studs, ensure both protection and mobility.


    Naturally, Erik had used materials that rted to either the sun, or some kind of fire affinity, so that Astrid could easily channel her powers through the armour, and it wouldn''t melt under the heat she could produce.


    Astrid inspected herself with awe, before looking up at Erik, while one hand covered the tattoo on her stomach. "I love it," she grinned happily.

 Chapter 368 - Two options

    But first, there was one more thing to deal with.


    Erik, Nora, and Emma were standing next to a couch, and looking down at the women lying on it. Elora was sitting on Erik''s shoulder.


    "We can''t just stand here waiting forever. Any idea when she''s waking up?" Erik asked Elora, a little impatiently. "If it doesn''t happen soon, we''ll just leave her behind. That was a viable option, anyway."


    Elora shook her head, "Don''t worry, should be any moment now. I can feel her energy stirring." Erik nodded, and continued looking down on Anne, until her eyelids finally started trembling after another few minutes.


    Her eyes slowly started opening. She blinked slowly, and a confused frown dominated her brow. "W¡ª What happened?" she muttered. Then, she noticed the people staring down at her, and she quickly sat up, a little rmed.


    "Wee back to thend of the conscious," Erik grinned at her.


    "How are you feeling?" Emma asked softly, a little concerned.


    Anne turned towards Emma and her confused frown deepened, "M¡ª Mom?" But then she shook her head and her eyes cleared up a little, "N¡ª No. You''re not."


    Emma smiled kindly, and sat down on the sofa next to the confused werelynx. "No, I''m not," she confirmed with a shake of her head. "But how do you feel when you look at me? A human?"


    For a moment hatred and disgust shed through Anne''s eyes, and she opened her mouth to snap at Emma, but then she stopped. The negative emotions drained away, and she frowned in confusion again.


    Suddenly her eyes snapped open wide, and she pointed her finger usingly at Emma, "Y¡ª You did something to me!"


    Emma nodded slowly, "You could say that. But I didn''t force anything on you. I helped you reach a conclusion that you would have reached on your own, if you weren''t so drowned in hatred. Your mother didn''t want this for you."


    Anne''s expression loosened, and she looked down sadly. She curled up, and hugged her knees to her chest. Slowly, the memories of exactly what happened before she fell unconscious came back to her. Tears appeared in her eyes.


    Emma, Erik, and Elora simply watched patiently for a moment.


    Finally, she looked up at Emma with pain, frustration, and a hint of fear, "Why did you do that? My hatred of humans was simple, easy¡­ I¡ª I can''t do anything against the hunters¡­ so what the hell am I supposed to do now?"


    This time, it was Erik who spoke up. He shrugged, "You have two options. Option one is, you go back to the Enve and try to move on, while helping them move towards a more human-tolerant way of life. This is the hardest option, but perhaps also the safest and most rewarding."


    Clear unwillingness shone in her eyes, as she muttered, "What about option two?"


    This time, Erik smirked slightly with a hint of possessive desire, "Come with us. We''re going after my mother, your teacher, and the hunters. You can get your revenge, just not on humans."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Anne narrowed her eyes, "What''s the catch?"


    Calmly, Erik exined, "Obviously I''d have you take the same deal as Nora. You''d be a servant. Unable to betray, or disobey me. Your life would be simple, you''d meet your teacher again, and you''d eventually get revenge on the hunters."


    Although Erik preferred it if Anne chose thetter option, he would be fine if she chose the former. Either way, Anne was one of the biggest, and most powerful, human haters in the Enve, and he couldn''t allow her to keep spreading her hatred considering his ns for them.


    Since he didn''t want to kill her, or force her to follow him, he had to figure out something else. And that was where Emma came in.


    With Emma forcing Anne to confront the memories of her mother, and realize the true enemy, she could either go back to the Enve as a reformed xenophobe and try to influence others the same way, or she coulde with him.


    While thetter option didn''t bring much benefit to the Enve, it still removed arge obstacle to the Enve''s eventual integration into the Council, while Erik gained another helper, and servant, to lighten Nora''s load a little.


    Finally, Nora, who had been silent so far, spoke up with an excited grin, "Come with us, Anne! I''d love to do this together with you!" Her eyes showed a slightly crazed sparkle as she continued, "And you''ll love serving him, I promise you that."


    But despite her redirected hatred, Anne wasn''t fundamentally any different, meaning the idea of serving a man, especially sexually, still repelled her somewhat. So when she heard Nora''s pitch, she scowled a little.


    She had been pushing Anne towards this goal ever since Erik arrived in Kirkenes, and Nora admitted to serving him. She couldn''t deny that a spark of interest had been awakened, especially after Erik''s kiss, but she still didn''t like the idea.


    "I guess this service includes sex?" Anne continued scowling a little as she looked up at Erik.


    Erik smirked teasingly and shrugged, "Technically you''d be forced to obey if I ordered you to, but I''d never force anyone to have sex with me. I''m happy waiting until youe to me yourself."


    With that promise, Anne suddenly seemed far more interested. She looked into Erik''s amber eyes, and wondered if he was telling the truth. But all the things she''d seen him do and heard about, and the fact he was Runa''s son, made her decide he was probably trustworthy.


    So, eventually, she sighed, and nodded, "Fine. I don''t want to go back to Kirkenes like this. I don''t want to let go of my anger. I want to hunt the hunters."


    Immediately, Elora jumped down from Erik''s shoulder, and flew in front of Anne''s face. "Good choice!" she chuckled gleefully.


    "Now don''t resist!" she continued, while making a small, dark-green orb appear on the tip of her index finger, before she started drawing the same cor of runes on Anne''s neck, as was on Nora''s.


    The werelynx gasped as her eyes widened. Her body trembled, and her fingers dug into the sofa''s cushions. She pursed her lips, but in the end, she managed to not resist at all.


    After a few seconds, the Bond of Service was formed.


    Anne felt the bond wind chains around her soul. A sort of instinctual reverence and fear filled her when she looked at Erik and Elora, but she kept her calm. She''d made her choice, and she''d live with it.


    After that, things moved fast.


    Elora shared a method of controlling those ghouls with Liv, that didn''t require an entire control centre. They wouldn''t have the same coordination, but they''d be able to shuffle across the cold wastes until they reached Council territory just fine.


    After that, everyone said their goodbyes, Elora gavemunication sigil stones to Liv and Viljar, and then they boarded their ship.


    Next stop, Ennd.

 Chapter 369 - Showing Anne a good time

    Just off the coast of Norway, a strange phenomenon was taking ce. Water was being disced as if a ship was moving through it, despite the sea appearing empty.


    Naturally, Elora had reactivated the invisibility sigil, that kept them from being noticed by tidal tempests and simr sea creatures that desired to eat both them and their ship.


    This gave Erik and hispanions the freedom to make use of his dimension, rather than stuffing them all into the cramped boat. For this purpose, Erik had learned how to lock the portal to his dimension to an object, rather than have it simply float in the air.


    Thus, the portal floated in the ship''s main living room, while the ship itself was empty. At least, mostly empty. Erik had ordered Nora and Anne to share the load of steering the ship, after having gotten some lessons from Emily, who steered the ship during their trip from London to Kirkenes.


    They''d only left Alta a few hours ago, during which time Emily gave her lessons on sailing. After she''d imparted her knowledge, rather impatiently, Nora decided to take the first shift, leaving Anne free to get a tour of the dimension by Erik.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After having seen the training room and crafting rooms, Anne already wore a sufficiently shocked expression, when they walked into the living room, and Erik spread his arms with a grin, "And this is the living room!"


    If at all possible, Anne''s eyes widened even more. "Fuck me!" she eximed in astonishment. "I hadn''t even seen this kind of luxury before the awakening, let alone after it!"


    She looked at Erik sceptically, "How did you say you ended up with a dimension inside your body again?"


    "I didn''t," Erik grinned teasingly, causing Anne to huff a little. He knew it was safe to tell her, because of the Bond of Service, he just enjoyed teasing the woman. He''d probably tell her a little about itter, that was only fair, after all, since it would affect her soon enough as well.


    "Now let me show you where you''ll be sleeping," he continued with a mischievous smirk.


    To Anne''s surprise, they walked over to thergest door in the room, right in the middle of the rest of them. She followed him a little hesitantly, still somewhat wary of this whole thing.


    But when they entered, her eyes widened once again when she looked at the luxurious bedroom, and massive bed in the middle. "T¡ª That bed would fit ten people!" she stammered in shock, before turning to Erik. "Are you actually saying this is my room?!"


    Erik pursed his lips yfully, "Of course not. I just said this is where you''ll be sleeping. It''s actually my room."


    Anne blinked as this new information settling in her mind. Then, she scowled, recoiled, and looked at Erik with narrowed eyes full of disgust, pushing through the enforced reverence and fear. "What happened to your promise?!" she snarled angrily.


    Erik chuckled as he looked at her expected reaction. "Nothing. Who said anything about sex? I just said you''ll be sleeping here. You can choose the ce for yourself; there''s a sofa there, the floor has a rug, so that''s not too bad, and, of course, there''s the extremelyfortable bed. You''re more than wee there."


    Then, he smirked a little and used the Bond of Service to give a binding order, "You can choose the ce yourself, but you are only allowed to sleep in this room. Fact is, you still deserve a little payback for the way you acted back in Frostvik."


    While that wasn''t untrue, he was mostly doing this for far less honourable reasons. Something Anne immediately realized, as she felt the chains around her soul tighten and his order sink into her subconscious.


    Her scowl and disgust softened a little, but her nose still wrinkled, and her cheeks heated up. She looked at him with narrowed eyes, "I know what you''re doing¡­ But it''s not going to work! I have no interest in doing¡­ that¡­! With you!"


    Erik grinned knowingly, "Now that''s just a tant lie."


    He instantly closed the distance between the two of them. Taking her chin between his fingers, he brought his lips closer to hers, stopping only when he was less than half an inch away.


    Anne was far too slow to respond. Before she knew it, he was already there. She felt his breath on her lips, bringing with it the delicious scent of his saliva that she tasted only once before, and her eyes widened. "S¡ª Stop¡­!" she stammered, unconvincingly.


    But Erik was never nning on moving any further. "You may be denying it, but you''ve certainly thought about what it would be like, especially with Nora constantly pushing you," he whispered enticingly as his intense, amber gaze locked teasingly onto her light-green eyes. "Well, now you get to watch closely!"


    For a moment, Anne felt herself get lost in those eyes, and she almost felt herself wishing he''d kiss her.


    But then, Erik pulled back and released her chin, before pointing to the only sofa in the room. His lips were curled into a yful grin, "Go sit over there. You''re not allowed to leave the room or look away from me."


    Once again, Anne felt the bond activate, and she groaned, afraid of what she was in for. Part of her wished Erik would break his word instead, so she could just hate him, rather than be subjected to these games. Unfortunately, all she could do was follow orders, and sit on the sofa with a sigh.


    Meanwhile, Erik used one of his bonds, to ask a certain someone toe over.


    * * *


    A few secondster, an excited Emma barged into the room.


    "You said you needed me for something?!" she immediately eximed with her signature bright smile, simply excited to spend time with him.


    "I did," he grinned at her, eyes winkling with lust.


    Naturally, Emma easily recognized that look of his, and quickly matched it with a perverted smile of her own.


    Before either of them said anything else, Emma already made her clothes disappear. In less than a second, her cute, petite, but no less beautiful body was on full disy. Her b-cup breasts were small, but perky and full. Her hips were widepared to her frame, and her ass was pert and bouncy.


    Then, she quickly charged Erik and rubbed her body against his while looking up at him. "Will you let me serve you, Master?" she purred softly,pletely ignoring Anne, who was sitting on the couch as her face was heating up, forced to stay quiet and watch this scene.


    Erik smiled down at his second wife with love, before bending forward and kissing her lips. When he pulled back, he exined her reason for being there, "Later, little Glimmer. Right now, I''d like to fulfil a certain fantasy you''ve told me about before."


    Immediately, Emma''s eyes sparkled, and her smile widened.

 Chapter 370 - Emilys time [1/3]*

    About ten minutester, a third person entered the room.


    "Master!" Emily''s beautiful, yet strangely dark voice chirped happily into the room. "You wanted me for something?"


    But before she could say anything else, she noticed the other people in the room. In the corner was Anne, sitting on a sofa, her face entirely red, but her eyes focused on Erik. She was behind Emma, so she had a clear view of Erik''s nakedness.


    That made Emily pan her gaze towards her husband, who was sitting naked on the bed, his eyes sparkling, and his lips curled into a slight smirk. He wasn''t looking at Emily, however, he was focused on something in front of him.


    Thus, Emily''s gaze panned further, and now noticed her younger sister in quite the predicament. Emma was suspended in the air. Ropes were tightly coiled around her body and attached to two iron loops on the ceiling; iron loops about which Emily suddenly wondered if they''d always been there.


    Emma''s white and green eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at her husband admiring her. Though her mouth was filled with a gag, the corners were clearly curled up in a smile. Long white hair was tied up together with her arms, and firmly secured behind her back.


    Her legs were suspended and tied to one of the iron rings, like the rest of her body, and a clear liquid dropped down regrly from between her spread thighs.


    But Emily took less than a second toe to terms with this situation. Instantly, her lips split into a wide grin, "Is it Daddy time?"


    At the same time, her clothes disappeared into the storage space of her cor, which was the only thing left on her body. Her soft body, pale skin, wide hips, and D-cup breasts formed into a beautiful hourss figure, which was immediately put on disy.


    She eagerly took a step in Erik''s direction, but he quickly held up his hand without taking his eyes of Emma, "Stop!" Instinctively, Emily stopped in her tracks, despite the pout on her lips.


    Then, Erik snapped his fingers, and surprisingly, a red energy chain was formed between the metal loop on Emily''s cor, and his hand. Suddenly, Emily was leashed, and the raven-haired masochist''s pout turned into an excited grin again. Between her legs, her pussy already started leaking.


    Continuing his domineering act, Erik kept his eyes locked on Emma while he used the hand with Emily''s leash to point down at the ground without another word.


    Emily''s grin grew. Slowly, she sank to the floor, until she was on her hands and knees. Then, Erik softly pulled on the leash, and Emily eagerly began crawling in his direction. Her eyes were already bing crazed with lust, and she even started panting a little.


    Meanwhile, Emma and Anne looked at this disy with very different expressions, one with excitement, and the other with embarrassed confusion.


    With every inch Emily crawled closer to him, her excitement, and the room''s tension, grew exponentially. Her eyes remained locked on Erik the entire way.


    When she reached him, she kneeled between his wide legs, folded her arms behind her back, and looked up at him with love, expectation, and excitement, "Is it time for my reward, Daddy?"


    Erik didn''t respond right away. Instead, he kept looking at Emma with love and excitement. The most exciting thing for him about tying Emma up was that she willingly allowed him to do this to her. He loved the devotion she showed him, perhaps just as much as her cheery attitude and bright smile.


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    Then, he finally looked down at Emily. Just like her sister, Emily was a clear submissive as well, but rather than servicing him, or being tied up, she loved when he took control. She wanted to be punished and, to a lesser extent, humiliated, but only by, and for, Erik.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She wanted to give herself to him entirely¡­ but only willingly. She only enjoyed this, so long as she had a choice in submitting to him or not. She didn''t want her mind messed with, the corruption had already done enough of that, and neither did she want her body to be restrained by ropes or chains.


    She loved her freedom and independence, even if she also loved using those things to give herself to Erik.


    ''It still feels a little weird when she calls me Daddy,'' Erik chuckled to himself. ''But, so long as I remind myself that she''s not actually my daughter, it does feel kind of exciting.''


    For a moment, the fond emotions he had for both Emily and Emma slipped into his gaze, but he quickly recovered. Once again, his eyes returned to those of a harsh master.


    His hand with the leash tightened, and he pulled it upward a little. Emily remained on her knees, but her back straightened and she chocked a little as she looked up at Erik, her eyes and grin widening.


    "You''re being pretty presumptuous for a mere ve-girl," he growled, and narrowed his eyes as he leaned forward threateningly. "Who says you deserve a reward?"


    Emily wasn''t deterred. "Y¡ª You did, Daddy," she coughed and choked a little. Her grin remained, as did the hands behind her back, "I took the base and did you asked!"


    Erik nodded, seemingly thoughtfully. But then his eyes hardened, "But you also disappointed me when I arrived. I promised you a punishment, didn''t I?"


    This time, a little anxiety finally flowed into Emily''s eyes, as she remembered their kiss when he arrived at the bunker. "I¡ª I¡ª"


    But before she continued, Erik grinned a little, and use to leash to pull Emily even closer to his face, interrupting her.


    Their noses almost touched, and their eyes locked on each other as Erik whispered tauntingly, "I can reward and punish you as I like so long as you have that cor around your neck. You know you can remove it whenever you like, right?"


    That was the deal between them. That cor signified her status as Erik''s ve-wife, but it wasn''t locked. In fact, Emily could remove it easily, and whenever she wanted. But as soon as she did, she''d be a normal wife, like Elora or Astrid. Loved by him, but not necessarily beholden to his orders.


    Instantly, Emily''s eyes widened, and she almost panicked as her hands finally left her back, to fly towards the cor instead. But rather than remove it, she wrapped her hands around it protectively, and shook her head.


    "N¡ª No!" she stammered and shook her head. "I''m finally happy again! My life makes sense! Please punish me, Daddy! I don''t need a reward!"


    While part of this was just y, there was also a part that was very real for her. She didn''t want anything to change, no matter what, even if she had to wait a little longer to lose herst barrier to him.


    Erik smirked as a joy filled him that he desperately tried to hide, lest he ruin the mood.


    Nora and Anne were essentially his ves, but their choice in the matter had been taken away the moment they agreed to it. Emily, on the other hand, was choosing every day to submit herself to him like this, and he loved it. Somehow, the fact she was as ruthless and bloodthirsty as she was only made it better.


    After a moment of looking into each other''s eyes, Erik with a domineering gaze, and Emily with one of somewhat meek anxiety, Erik finally grinned. "Good girl," he growled hungrily.


    He righted himself and allowed a relieved Emily to sink back down. Then, he patted his knees, "Now climb up here, and let''s see if I decide to reward you today."

 Chapter 371 - Emilys time [2/3]**

    Instantly, Emily scrambled, and nearly jumped into Erik''sp, where she put her knees on the bed to keep her ass in the air and bent her upper body down to create a beautiful curve.


    In doing so, she pushed her breasts against his leg, and hisrge, stiff cock against her stomach, causing her to shiver a little.


    Erik quickly wrapped the leash-holding-hand around her throat, just above the cor, and the other went to caress her smooth, pert ass. As soon as she felt his hands, Emily smiled a little and closed her eyes as she sighed ever so slightly. This was home. This was where she felt right.


    Erik turned his gaze towards the suspended Emma, and grinned, "This what you wanted, right? To watch helplessly as I punish your big sister for all the wrongs she''s done?"


    Emily''s brows shot up, "Eh¡ª?"


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    But she was interrupted by a hard spank on her bottom, causing her eyes to flutter and a guttural, pleasured moan to escape her throat.


    Meanwhile, Emma moaned through her gag as as she nodded, and the dripping from between her legs sped up.


    Emily took a moment to recover, but then quickly perked up again, "E¡ª Emma? What do y¡ª"


    pats


    Once again, she was interrupted, but this time, Erik also growled at her, "Quiet! This part is for Emma, not you. Just stay there and take your punishment!"


    Still in the process of moaning from hisst spank, Emily pouted a little, but still nodded and didn''t say anything else. Erik nodded, "Good girl," and then softly stroked her wet, sensitive pussy lips as a reward, causing Emily to tremble and moan louder.


    But he quickly went back to the punishment. This time, he even used some thundersnow to punish her with increased sensitivity and shock. All the while, he continued looking an excited Emma in the eyes, almost ignoring Emily.


    After ten minutes of this, Emma was almost hyperventting through her gag due to excitement, while Emily''s upper body had slumped down entirely. Her eyes were hazy, and her ass was red, but there was an undeniably pleasured grin on her face.


    In fact, she was on the verge of cumming, but Erik wouldn''t allow that, so it was time to move on to the next stage.


    Using the leash, he pulled Emily up, causing her to choke as her eyes widened and the haze left her. "Stop lying there like azy ve," he spoke dominantly, with a hint of threat. "Get back on the floor and prepare me for the next step."


    Emily had long since slipped into the mindset of absolute obedience she saved for Erik during these moments, so, despite being infinitely close to cumming, she quickly dropped of the bed. She didn''t even feel disappointed. She loved when he made her wait.


    In moments, she was back to kneeling between his legs, and looking up at him with a yful, yet devoted, grin. Knowing what he wanted from her, she wrapped her breasts around his cock, and sucked the tip into her mouth while she continued looking up at him. Her eyes sparkled with joy.


    Erik grinned as his spine shivered slightly from the triple pleasure of Emily''s submissiveness, her soft breasts against his shaft, and her wet tongue ying with his ns.


    Slowly, Emily used her soft breasts to massage his cock, while the addictive taste of his manhood filled her mouth. She moaned in her own pleasure, despite the near orgasm that was slowly ebbing away.


    For a few moments, Erik simply enjoyed her ministrations while looking at Emma, but then he put his hand on the back of Emily''s head and started pulling her closer.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With no resistance, Emily released her breast''s hold on his cock, wrapped her arms behind her back again, and opened up her warm throat for Erik to slide into.


    By now, she''d had plenty of practice, and could easily amodate his size. Erik still didn''t look down at her, however, and continued looking at Emma instead. Emily, however, continued looking up at him, and only felt more aroused by his ignore-y. Especially because it was in favour of her little sister.


    For another few minutes, Erik slowly fucked his third wife''s throat, until his cock was properly thered in her saliva. Pulling her off with the leash, he now finally looked down at her again with a calm, yet possessive and tyrannical gaze.


    Her mouth was open as she panted, saliva dripped down her chin, and tears were in her eyes, but she still looked up at him with a grin full of excitement, lust, and devotion. "Did I do good, Daddy?" she asked, yfully.


    Erik stayed in character, so rather thanpliment her, he sneered, "Barely good enough. Perhaps I can give you another shot at earning that reward you want so badly."


    Instantly, her eyes sparkled, and her grin widened, "Really?!"


    Grinning, Erik nodded, and grabbed her wet chin as he looked into her eyes. "That''s right. So, you should remember that your husband-master is kind and benevolent."


    Emily''s nodded eagerly, like an obedient puppy.


    Still grinning, Erik continued, "Good girl. Here''s the deal: I''m going to sit here doing nothing, and you''re going to use your ass to make me cum. I don''t care how, but by the end, your insides should be painted white. Only, here''s the catch, I''ll only give you your reward if you never cum yourself."


    He pulled on her leash to entuate his final words, "Not even a tiny little orgasm, understood? And I''ll know!"


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    Emily gulped, knowing this would be a true challenge, but she still nodded enthusiastically. "Y¡ª Yesss, Daaaddy!" she moaned and stammered through the cor, pulled tight by Erik''s leash.


    With a smirk, Erik gave her some room on her leash, and leaned back, indicating that she could start now.


    Instantly, Emily stood up, her breasts swaying, and then looked down at her husband''s massive, saliva covered cock, before deciding on the best course of action.


    Erik just looked at her with a calm, judging gaze that made Emily shiver while he waited for her to get started.


    Finally, Emily had decided on a n of action. With a determined gaze, she turned around, and showed Erik her back. Then she carefully back into him until his cock was resting between her ass cheeks.


    Erik enjoyed the sight, and the feeling, but didn''t do anything else. He said he would do nothing, not even with his hands, and he''d keep his word.


    "Do you like my ass, Daddy?" Emily purred softly as she massaged his shaft with her soft, lower cheeks.


    "It''s not bad," Erik growled dominantly. "But I believe I said your insides needed to be painted, correct?"


    Emily grinned, "Yes, Daddy!" Meanwhile, she now was now looking the suspended Emma straight in the eyes, and they could both see the joy and excitement in the other''s eyes.


    A scene like this would have been unthinkable at any earlier point in their lives, and yet here they were, doing it willingly, and happily.


    After hopefully having brought Erik a little closer to the edge, Emily now grabbed both halves of her ass with her hands. Pulling them apart, and after aiming carefully, she then slowly lowered herself onto his cock.


    Although the aetherium in her body would never allow her second hole to be loose, it was still well trained by now, and perfectly capable of taking Erik into deepest depths. During the first month of their marriage, Erik had only ever used her backdoor to ''teach her some discipline and obedience''.


    Naturally, Emily dly let herself be taught and trained after she finally epted who and what she was, even if it was mostly just y.


    Emily started moaning and shaking as his tip entered her. She already felt an orgasm approaching after she was denied earlier, so she quickly realized how tough this challenge was truly going to be.


    But she gritted her teeth and continued. Today, she''d give her virginity to Erik, no matter what.

 Chapter 372 - Emilys time [3/3]***

    Slowly, Emily sheathed Erik inside her backdoor, until her ass hit hisp and she had taken all of him.


    At this point, Emily was panting and moaning as the familiar pain and pleasure mixed together in her brain to create the kind of feeling that she loved the most. Her hands had left her lower cheeks, and now rested on Erik''s knees for bnce while her body trembled.


    Behind her, Erik was smiling softly at her effort as he enjoyed the tightness of her ass gripping his cock. For a moment, he watched as she slowly adjusted to the, by now, familiar invader. Then, he spoke up, "Are you just going to sit there? You think this kind ofzy behaviour will get you what you want?"


    His words quickly brought Emily back down. She shook her head and panted, "N¡ª No, Daddy! I just¡­need to¡­suppress¡­my orgasm¡­"


    Erik grinned as he looked at her beautiful back and bountiful ass, trembling together with her body as she desperately fought back the pleasure that threatened to drive her over the edge.


    Finally, she sighed, and got a hold of herself. "I''m alright now," she nodded. "Please enjoy my ass, Daddy. Just like the rest of me, it belongs to you."


    With that deration, she started moving up and down, even as her body shuddered from the pleasure and effort to keep her impending orgasm under control.


    Erik felt her insides undte and wriggle around him in a way that only she could, and he sighed slightly. Right now, the only ones who let him stick it in their ass were Emily and Nora. And in Nora''s case, saying she ''let'' him was questionable considering their rtionship. Even if she did love it.


    He had once tried it with Elora, but the fairy imed she didn''t like it, and they hadn''t done it again since.


    Even Emma was still hesitant, despite her submissiveness. She would probably let him if he pushed the matter, but he would never do that to her while she was ufortable with it.


    Thus, this was rtively unique, which made it all the better.


    Meanwhile, all the way in the back, Anne couldn''t believe what she was seeing. She had overheard some of the Alta vampires talking about how Emily had terrorized them during her time there, and based on the few times she''d met Emily, she believed every word.


    And yet here she was, bending over backward to please her husband. The blood thirsty, sadistic demon she''d heard about gone, and reced by a yful girl, desperate for approval and guidance as she happily did whatever Erik had in mind for her.


    For a few minutes, the room was filled with the sounds of Emily''s moans and panting. With her hands on Erik''s knees and somewhat wobbly legs, she pistoned herself up and down on his cock.


    When he was fully inside her she felt stuffed, when he was not, she felt empty, and the entire time a flood of pleasure tinged with slight pain flooded her mind, driving her incessantly towards orgasm.


    Finally, she decided she needed a break and to switch tactics. Thus, she removed his cock and stood up with wobbly legs. She took a moment to rest and pant, while the other people in the room were staring at het various expressions. But she didn''t care.


    "You giving up?" Erik taunted with a slight smile.


    "N¡ª No!" Emily quickly shook her head, before righting herself again and turning around. This time, she faced Erik directly, and sat down in hisp, knees on the bed by his sides, before she quickly inserted him again. She gasped and trembled, but still didn''t cum.


    Despite the situation, Erik couldn''t help flooding her with feelings of pride through their bond, causing Emily to smile widely.


    For another few minutes, Emily rode him like this, with her sizable breasts swinging in his face. Something Erik obviously enjoyed. But he could see and feel Emily growing more anxious. She knew she would soon be unable to stop herself from cumming and failing his challenge.


    "P¡ª Please, Daddy¡­ cum for me¡­" she whispered in his ear with a shaky voice.


    Erik felt that Emily was nearing the breaking point and decided to stop holding himself back. He didn''t actually want Emily to fail here, because he was always nning to take her hymen today.


    Thus, he broke his rule about not moving himself, and leaned forward a little, where he grabbed Emily''s chin and forced her to stop. Emily''s eyes were a little wet, anxious, and panicky, but she quickly calmed down when she looked into his calm, amber eyes.


    "I''m about to cum, Emily," he whispered softly, a far cry from his previous dominant behaviour. "Can you hold on for a little longer?"


    Relief flooding her face and she quickly nodded, "Y¡ª Yes, Daddy. P¡ª Please paint my insides."


    "Good girl," Erik smiled. "Just focus on not cumming, alright?"


    When Emily nodded, Erik grabbed her ass, and pumped himself inside her once more, before exploding inside.


    Emily moaned and shook as she felt her ass being filled up by his addictive, pheromone heavy cum. She wrapped her arms around Erik''s neck, closed her eyes, and gritted her teeth.


    When Erik''s balls were empty, and Emily''s insides full, Emily stayed the same for a few more seconds.


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    Then, she finally gasped as her eyes snapped open. She panted heavily, but her lips curled into a wide grin, "I did it!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She pushed herself off his chest, his cock still buried in her ass, and she looked at him happily, "I did it, Daddy! I didn''t cum!"


    She didn''t immediately ask for her reward, because that didn''t end so wellst time. Fortunately, Erik had no intention of making her wait.


    Instantly, he wrapped his arms around her, and pulled himself out. Using some aetherium, he cleaned his cock of leftover fluids, before tossing Emily behind him on the bed, and going straight after her.


    Emily yelped, as she didn''t expect this, but she didn''t resist either.


    Now, Erik was hovering above her, his ns just in front of her pussy, and her legs wrapped around his waist.


    "I''m proud of you, Emily," he smiled softly, and kissed his third wife on the lips. Emily''s mind became filled with a mushy feeling of happiness and love. Her lips split into wide smile.


    She knew it was weird to think about this now, but she''d always wanted to hear that from her real father. And to hear it now from the man she''d designated her ''Daddy'' for sexual exploits, made her a little emotional.


    But only for a moment, as excitement quickly pushed everything else away, when she saw hisrge cock hovering before her unused pussy.


    "Are you ready for your reward, Emily?" Erik smiled lovingly. It was no longer the moment for their master-ve y. Despite everything else, this was Emily''s first time for vaginal sex, and he wanted her to feel loved.


    Emily, too, suddenly felt the desire for love, rather than lust. She thought she wanted her first time to be rough, but everything they''d done so far had already satisfied her masochist mind, and now she just wanted to look into her husband''s eyes as he imed herst barrier.


    The fact that Erik did it this way only made her fall more in love with him.


    Thus, she nodded, with small tears of happiness in her eyes. "Y¡ª Yes. Please take me, Erik."


    Erik responded by bending down and kissing her again. He wrapped his arms around her, while she did the same, and then he slowly pushed himself inside.

 Chapter 373 - Two sisters***

    Emily moaned from pleasurable pain when his ns entered her. The pain of her hymen being torn was just par for the course at this point, as it only increased her pleasure.


    Slowly, Erik pushed apart her insides, as he invaded thest remnant of Emily''s innocence. His size was quiterge for an untrained pussy like hers, but she wasn''t a mere mortal human; her Arcanist body was perfectly capable of adapting to him.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    More and more of his cock disappeared inside her wet and tight cunt as Emily''s panting became louder. Finally, he touched upon the next barrier, her womb, and Emily gasped as her eyes widened and she released a shaky moan.


    "E¡ª Erik, I¡ª" she muttered, her mind a mess, but Erik interrupted her, by kissing passionately.


    Then, he pushed thest inch of his cock inside her, pressing it against her womb. Once again, pain and unimaginable pleasure filled Emily as she shook and moaned into her husband-master''s mouth while her eyes fluttered.


    There, Erik halted a moment, his shaft still pressed against Emily''s babymaker, before pulling his lips of Emily''s.


    "Hah¡­Hah¡­Hah" Emily panted and moaned as her eyes flew around the room. She was trying to determine if she liked this feeling of having her wombpressed by Erik''s cock, sending mixed signals to her brain.


    And that was when it happened. Suddenly, the repressed orgasms from before came back with a vengeance, and her mind exploded. Her eyes widened. She screamed as her body shook and her insides spasmed.


    Above her, Erik watched her cum with a gleeful grin, and enjoyed the squirming of her pussy around his cock.


    But when she was done and panting heavily with an unfocused gaze, Erik was done being the nice guy. So, he grinned and pulled a little on the leash still in his right hand. Instantly, Emily''s gaze refocused when she felt the symbol of her submission tightening around her throat a little. Find exclusive stories on empire


    "Not only did you just cum without permission, but I think you called me by my name, Emily," Erik grinned slightly. "I don''t believe that was our deal, correct?"


    Still panting, Emily''s lips curled into an excited grin. As soon as he slipped back into the role of harsh master, she felt her insides squirm. A switch flipped, and she fell back into ve-girl mode.


    She appreciated the loving way in which he took her first time, but to be dominated was the thing she enjoyed the most.


    So, still grinning excitedly, she panted, "I''m¡­sorry¡­Daddy. Please¡­use my body¡­aspensation."


    Domineeringly, Erik raised a disapproving eyebrow, "Your body is not yours to use aspensation, Emily. It is already mine."


    To really bring that point home, he pulled a little more on the leash, while finally pulling back his cock, but also mming it back inside almost instantly.


    Emily''s eyes almost bulged out of her head. Her arms and legs tightened around Erik''s powerful body while she screamed, "Yesss!! I''m sorry! It''s yours, Daddy!"


    Erik grinned, "Good girl." And then he finally started fucking her for real.


    Emily''s moans reverberated through the room as Erik pistoned her gushing pussy. At the same time, he explored her insides, trying to find her most sensitive spots, and saving them in his memory for the future.


    As he became more familiar with the raven-haired woman''s inner folds, the pleasure she felt also skyrocketed. Soon, she started cumming again and again as her mind turned hazy.


    It wasn''t longer before her body went limp, and she justy there, moaning while a hungry Erik ravaged her pussy, groped her tits, and yed with her nipples.


    After fifteen minutes, Erik nted his lips on hers, and pressed up against her womb again, before unleashing a torrent of spunk inside it. Emily''s eyes widened as she moaned into his mouth and some of the haze left her. Her body shook as she felt herself being filled up in a way she''d never gotten from her ass.


    When he was done, Erik pulled his lips of hers, and smiled at the lost expression of pleasure on her face. It usually was this way the first time. Due to Elora''s modifications to his fluids, it often took his sexual partners a few times to build up a tolerance.


    But Erik wasn''t done yet. Lust filled him, and he wanted to continue. On his lower body, the libido-enhancing-serpent-blood that flowed through his veins ensured he was still hard as a rock.


    Fortunately, there was another target in the room.


    Pulling out of Emily, he stood up from the bed. Behind him, his third wife trembled as she was still enjoying tiny aftershock orgasms, with a silly smile on her face.


    Leaning down, he kissed Emily again, and then turned around to face the younger sister with a predatory grin.


    Emma''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she moaned through her gag, and twisted her suspended, tied-up body in an attempt to entice him. Beneath her lower body, a small puddle had already formed.


    Erik walked up to her, his cock swinging in the air. She was suspended at waist height, so she looked right at it with a hungry gaze.


    When he reached her, he gently grabbed her chin and looked into her eyes with a mischievous gaze. "You liked that, didn''t you?" he smirked slightly.


    Emma''s eyes sparkled as she nodded.


    "So do you want some fun, too?" he continued with what was basically a rhetorical question.


    And as expected, Emma nodded again, this time even more excitedly.


    So, Erik grinned, "Alright, I guess I continue for a while. But first, you''ll have to be a good maid, and clean me up, alright? Your sister made quite a mess down there."


    Surprisingly, there was no hesitation in her gaze as she nodded for the third time. She even looked happy. Erik couldn''t help but chuckle, "You truly are a little pervert, huh? Luckily, so am I."


    In one quick motion, he removed Emma''s gag, and released her chin, so that her lips were in front of his cock. With no word or hesitation, Emma started licking him clean of the mixtures of juices on her husband''s meaty staff while looking up at him.


    Meanwhile, Erik caressed her hair and sighed in contentment.


    When she was done, the gag went back, and Erik walked over the other side, where her lower lips were dripping, and trembling with excitement. Watching her sister be punished and deflowered clearly turned her on a great deal, and the anticipation she now felt only exacerbated that.


    Without pause, Erik thrust himself inside her. Her pussy was tight, wet, and weing, just as always. He was already very familiar with Emma''s folds, as she was with his cock, so it didn''t take long for both to moan and grunt in pleasure.


    Emma swung back and forth in her rope suspension as Erik ravaged her until she, too, received a heavy load.


    Afterwards, he released Emma from her bondage, and they moved back to the bed, where Emily was also starting to recover from her ordeal.


    For the rest of the night, he continued ravaging the two sisters while Anne watched from the side, embarrassed, ufortable, and questioning the decisions that brought her here.


    The worst thing was, that she actually found herself bing turned on by all this, causing her to question her own desires. What she didn''t know, was that Erik''s pheromones were filing the room, and causing their usual effects on an unprepared mind.


    When it was finally over, Erik was lying in between the two sisters, who had their arms and legs wrapped around him. They were already fast asleep, with wide smiles on their lips.


    But before following in their footsteps, Erik turned to the red-faced Anne with a smirk, "You''re free to go now." Then he winked, "If you wish to sleep, there''s plenty of room on the bed here."


    But he didn''t wait for her answer, and closed his eyes to drift off to sleep, a satisfied smile on his face.

 Chapter 374 - Return to London

    For the next twelve days, Erik''s ship sailed across the Norwegian and North seas. They stayed close to the coast to avoid therger, more dangerous mutated sea creatures that likely lived in the deeper waters.


    So far, Erik hadn''t encountered any beasts that went beyond the second rank, and he assumed it was the same for the sea creatures. Unfortunately, even just something of second rank might prove a danger to them on the water, especially if it wasrge.


    As for the weaker creatures like the Tidal Tempest they encounteredst time, they were avoided through the ship''s invisibility.


    Thus, Erik and the others enjoyed some peace and quiet for almost two weeks. Naturally, they spent most of this time training, having sex, and doing some more bonding.


    Most of them enjoyed the journey, as they were all with most of the people they loved. They were having fun, and getting stronger at the same time, all in thep of luxury that was Erik''s dimension.


    Only one person was not exactly enjoying herself: Anne.


    Erik never touched her, but he did force her to sleep in his room and watch anytime he was having sex with his wives in an effort to entice her. So far his n hadn''t worked yet, but he was confident it would eventually, because the poor woman was already showing some cracks.


    Being around so much sex all the time, and being forced to sleep in a room saturated with Erik''s modified, lust inducing pheromones, was pushing her own libido into overdrive.


    Erik hadn''t forbidden her from touching herself or anything like that, an advantage Anne dly made use of whenever she was alone and outside the dimension to steer the ship, but he could tell it wasn''t enough for her.


    Especially not with both Nora and Emma constantly pushing Anne in Erik''s direction as well. Despite Nora''s changes, Anne still looked to the blond werewolf for friendship, and after what happened in Alta, she also quickly grew closer to Emma, who still reminded her of her mother.


    More and more, Anne started feeling frustrated and isted. Everyone knew it wouldn''t be long before she''d just decide to give in and get it over with.


    But it wouldn''t happen in this first leg of their journey.


    After twelve days, the ship stealthily arrived in the Worthing harbour.


    * * *


    With sure step, and armoured Erik stepped down from the ship''s boarding ramp and looked around the area. Worthing was a small town about an hour away from London at his top speed. It was located on the southern coast of Ennd, along the English Canal.


    The town appeared to be entirely deserted, but that wasn''t much of a surprise. With London close by, most people had likely travelled there in recent years, to seek the Council''s protection.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After all, the Council didn''t have the manpower to secure every town or city on the map, so they focused on specific hubs in an area.


    The harbour they arrived at was deste, with rust and nt growth everywhere. He could see packs of wild dogs and other animals roaming the surroundings, and even felt some second-rankers among them.


    But they were no danger or concern to him.


    He turned around, and now faced Nora and Anne. "Keep an eye on the ce ship, alright? London should be close enough for us to use our bond, so warn me immediately if something happens."


    Nora answered with a cheerful bow that made her sizable breasts jiggle, and a happy, "Understood, Master!"


    Besides her, Anne grumbled a little, but also nodded. Nora wasn''t happy with that, however, and quickly pulled Anne down to a bow as well, making Erik chuckle.


    Surprisingly, they were both wearing some kind of uniform. Elora had decided that their direct servants, like Nora and Anne, should have a way to distinguish themselves from others.


    Thus, she designed and created a uniform for them, using sigils and simple rank one materials. Naturally, she''d used materials that gave enough stretch to allow the two of them to transform without destroying their uniforms.


    The main outfit was a sophisticated, fantasy-inspired robe with a sleek and elegant design, and primarily blue, with gold colours decorations.


    The top portion of the robe is sleeveless and form-fitting, with a high cor and a keyhole design at the chest, exposing some skin and cleavage. The robe cinched just below the chest, creating a ttering silhouette.


    Then, it extended downwards, where their waist was cinched as well, using a golden belt. From there, the robe split into two parts: a flowing loin cloth in the front, and a back panel behind, both extending down to the ankles.


    This left plenty of space to show of their legs from the front, which showed short, ck pants that extended no further than the middle of their thighs, and fit closely to their legs.


    The boots were ck and extended up to the knees, after which a pair of socks continued upward to just below where the short pants ended. The outfit included long ck gloves, extending above the elbows, but without covering the fingers, to leave room for their ws after transformation.


    Boots, gloves, and pants were all decorated with gold ornaments.


    Stay tuned for updates on empire


    To finish the outfit, and truly signify them as servants of Erik and Elora, the outfit showed the same symbol as appeared when they made a covenant: a howling wolf head in front of two fairy wings.


    This symbol was stitched in golden colours on their belts, their loincloth, and the robe above their corbone.


    Despite not wearing the outfit with any particr amount of pride yet, even Anne had to reluctantly admit that she looked good in it.


    After admiring the two of them for a few seconds, Erik nodded approvingly, "Good girls. I''ll be sure to reward you both when I get back."


    With that promise, he turned around, transformed into wolf form, together with the Runeguard armour, and took off running.


    Behind him, Nora and Anne stretched their backs again. While Nora watching her master longingly, Anne turned towards her with a wry expression, "Did we really have to bow to him?"


    Nora grinned mischievously, "No, but we should, don''t you think? He''s our master, and deserves respect. I mean, I''ve never known you to do anything half-heartedly, Anne. It''s the choice you willingly made, remember? "


    Anne sighed and muttered under her breath, "Yeah yeah, let''s just get back inside."


    Nora giggled at Anne''s reluctance, as they both turned around to walk back onto the invisible ship.


    * * *


    Meanwhile, Erik was racing across post-apocalyptic Ennd. No beasts bothered him as their instincts screamed danger when he came close, and he encountered no humans or supernaturals.


    He came across a lot of ruined farms, Victorian architecture, and beautiful forests that were slowly regaining thend.


    As expected, he arrived in London after an hour, and pointed his sights in the direction of the Ashcroft residence.


    This was their first stop in Ennd. He had made a promise to Emily that she and her sister could take a moment to say goodbye to that house and their parents graves'', something they didn''t have the time to do when they left.1

 Chapter 375 - Return to the Ashcroft Estate [1_2]

    As soon as Erik reached the outskirts of London and started encountering some people, he slowed down. Before anyone noticed him, he folded his armour back into its armguard form, turned back to human form, and had Elora conjure some casual clothing on his body.


    Then, he took off walking towards the Ashcroft estate.


    He didn''t try to hide his face, because he doubted there was a need. Perhaps the Council peacekeepers might recognize him from descriptions or some kind of recreated image from someone''s memory using sigils, but these regr people wouldn''t know him from Adam.


    As he walked through the city, he looked around to see what the ce looked like after another year of Council control, and he had to admit that it was improving.


    Since he ran through a far more deste London one year ago, the people now seemed happier, and the city cleaner.


    He noticed various shops had been set up, where people plied trades like smithing, wood working, and clothes repair.


    There were also shops for food, which proved that people were catching on to the fact it was better to eat, than let aetherium nourish you. Fishers and hunters were in particr demand, as the flesh of living creatures was always filled with aetherium.


    Enjoy new adventures from empire


    He even noticed some sigil stores, proving that the Council had made sigils more widely avable.


    ''I wonder what they''re using as currency,'' he wondered inwardly. ''When I left here, I saw them directly trading energy, but that doesn''t seem to be happening anymore.''


    Finally, he decided to observe a trade a little more closely, and quickly noticed that they were exchanging some kind of paper currency, which made him curious.


    ''Paper currency only works if its value is guaranteed by something,'' he pondered to himself. ''I doubt its gold, and I doubt the Council''s reach is wide enough already to make these trust in them as the guarantor¡­''


    Despite his curiosity, however, he wasn''t ready to start asking questions that might bring suspicion down on him. Thus, he simply continued walking, while listening to the conversations around him.


    Eventually, he managed to figure out the truth. As it turned out, the Council had set uprge training centre filled with sigils and trainers for both supernaturals and humans. Then, they''d created this paper currency, which essentially represented time you could spend in that training centre.


    "It''s smart," Elora muttered through their link, actually sounding a little impressed. "In a world where there isn''t any aetherium crystal to trade with yet, this is a great alternative. On the one hand, the Council promotes an economy, while on the other, it helps their people grow stronger."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Aetherium crystal was the main currency back on S?l, and the rest of the universe. As the same suggested, they were essentially crystals filled with aetherium. But they wouldn''t start growing on a world until it finished awakening.


    "We should remember this method then; it might be useful one day." Erik nodded along with her. "It''s certainly easier than creating sigil stones for everyone."


    Creating sigil stones to store tradable aetherium was another possible method, but it would require an immense amount of sigil stones to be created. Even just there in London, Erik estimated there lived at least one or two million people, and everyone would need their own sigil stone.


    After getting a feel for the current situation of the Council and their territories, Erik sped up towards his destination.


    * * *


    A short timeter, Erik found himself in front of the Ashcroft estate, the ce of his return to Earth. Very little appeared to have changed, except that nature had reimed a little more of the formerly grand estate.


    Next to him were two unconscious, first rank guards, who couldn''t even register his arrival, before they were face down on street.


    ''No reason to kill them, I guess,'' Erik shrugged inwardly. ''Although I wonder why they even put them here. They must have known a pair of first rankers wouldn''t stop me, or my two lovely wives.''


    With that thought, he waved his hand to make the two wives in question appear next to him, pulling them from his dimension. At the same time, Elora materialized on his shoulder.


    Emma, and even the vicious Emily, both looked at their childhood home with mncholy.


    "Are you sure it''s safe, and that we have time for this, Master?" Emma asked hesitantly. She wanted to be here, of course, but she also knew they could alwayse back here on ater date, while their other business in Ennd had a deadline.


    Erik smiled at her, "It''s fine, little Glimmer. Katya''s brother is being held by a third-ranked Councillor, which means we can only strike when they''re away, and it''s still two days away before the monthly council meeting. We got plenty of time."


    On his other side, Emily grinned mischievously, "Couldn''t you just defeat this Councillor, Master? Aren''t you basically a third-ranker already?"


    Erik shook his head in exasperation, "You know it doesn''t work that way, little Shadow. Sigurd and Frostfang are both at the very bottom of third rankers for their own reasons. Liv is only slightly above them, and I''m not even a 100% sure I could beat her at full strength."


    Then she shrugged, "Besides, why risk it? We''ve got the perfect time to strike, let''s notplicate things."


    Emily pouted yfully, and sighed, "I know, Master." She continued with a chuckle, "I just enjoy watching you show your superiority, hehehe. It''s fun watching you beat those high and mighty third rankers, butst time we had to watch through sigil screens, and I''d like the live show!"


    Erik rolled his eyes, while Emma blushed a little, as she couldn''t help thinking the same thing.


    "I''m sure you''ll get the chance sometime," Erik then smile confidently, before turning to Elora. "Is the coast clear, little Ember?"


    Perhaps unsurprisingly, the fairy shook her head with a sly grin, "The entire ce is stuffed full of detection, warning, and trap sigils. It''s no wonder they had some guards stationed here; they were just supposed to prevent the trash from killing themselves or setting off unnecessary rms."


    Erik smirked a little, "But I assume they totally underestimated you, right?"


    "Oh, absolutely," Elora chuckled confidently.

 Chapter 376 - Return to the Ashcroft Estate [2_2]

    With Elora floating ahead of them, they started moving slowly across the courtyard, towards the Ashcroft manor. Elora''s figure was glowing softly, as she used her expertise to carefully search for any sigils along the way.


    asionally, she would fly down, and her figure would light up as she disabled some trap or warning sigil. She made sure that no rms would go off anywhere, as that might even spoil theirter ns.


    Behind them, the guards that Erik previously knocked out had already woken up but remained to guard the ce as if nothing had happened. Which was understandable, because, in their mind, that was true.


    Elora simply sealed their memory of getting knocked out, before waking them up again. They were just first-rankers, after all. To them, it was like blinking; except, their blinksted five minutes, but neither of them realized that part.


    Meanwhile, Emma and Emily looked around with mncholy in their eyes. They started telling him stories of how they climbed that tree, or yed games on that field, and Erik listened patiently.


    But despite the slight mncholy they disyed, he didn''t miss the smiles on their faces. "You two seem happy," hemented when a lull fell in their memories.


    "And why wouldn''t we be, Master?" Emma smiled softly, before sweeping her arm in front of her, as if revealing the estate to him. "When you first arrived here, we hardly knew you, and you hardly knew us. And with everything happening back then, we didn''t really have time to show you the ce."


    Then, she turned to him with a bright smile, "But now we do! In fact, we''ve bothe to love you! And now we''re bringing the man we love home, not only to show him the ce, but to have him meet our parents properly! It''s a happy asion!"


    On his other side, Emily grinned mischievously, "A happy asion indeed. The only that would have made it even better is if I could have seen our parent''s faces when they realize we''re bringing home the same man."


    Emma pursed her lips a little ufortably, "I''m sure they would have epted us eventually¡­"


    But Emily scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Maybe Mom would have, but our father was a traditionalist through and through. You know that as well as I."


    Emma looked at her older sister sadly, "You know he loved you, right? He loved both of us. He just didn''t know how to be a father to two girls¡­"


    Emily grumbled a little, although she appeared to ept her sister''s words, "Well, he could have at least made a little more time for us."


    At that point, Erik decided to step in, "Well, no matter how they would have reacted, I would have liked to meet them. Why don''t you two tell me a little more about them?"


    Happily, Emma started telling her own rose-tinted stories about their parents, and their time growing up in London, followed by a somewhat more realistic telling by Emily.


    In the meantime, they''d made it to the manor proper, and entered inside. There were no more sigils here, so Elora decided to give them their moment, by disappearing back into Erik''s soul.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Here, the stories continued. Although, as it turned out, they would also create some new memories. Three of them, in fact.


    It started when they visited Emma and Emily''s childhood rooms and, to no one''s surprise, Emily teased Erik with the possibility of having some fun in her room.


    A possibility that Erik dly turned into reality, after convincing Emma to join in as well. Thus, they walked out of the older sister''s room about an hourter with satisfied expressions. But it didn''t end there.


    They also stopped by the wine cer where Erik had once been chained up, which prompted Emily to request a punishment, leading to another short, perverted tryst.


    And finally, the third andst time, was in a somewhat surprising location: the study room.


    This was the ce where Emily''s usage of a sigil led to her corruption, and where Emma had been locked away for years, chained to a wall. Erik had been surprised, when Emma insisted they visit this room as well, but naturally wouldn''t try and dissuade her.


    In fact, he was proud that she wanted to face her demons.


    When they entered the room, Emma was stone-faced and determined, while it was actually Emily who looked to be far more nervous and anxious. Guilt was written across her face, and she was having trouble looking at her little sister.


    But Emma knew the cure for Emily''s depression. After they entered the room, she looked around slowly, and took a deep breath, before turning to her big sister.


    She smiled brightly, and hugged her sister tight, much like she''d always done in the past when Emily was having trouble with something, "It''s alright, big Em. I forgive you, really."


    She''d told her this before a few times, but for some reason, it hit harder this time, as a slightly trembling Emily hugged Emma back. She nodded softly without a word.


    Then, Emma turned to Erik, and she put a hand on his chest. A slightly perverted grin appeared on her face, "As for you¡­ I''d like you to use the pleasure and love you give me to wipe away the bad memories of this ce."


    Despite his surprise, Erik didn''t see a reason to refuse her, as the emotions he felt from her were determination and love.


    Thus, they had sex for the third and final time that day.


    Afterward, they continued reminiscing, and even Emily eventually was giggling happily. Emma was d to see her big sister like this. It hadn''t even been two months since Emily had married Erik, and Emma was still getting used to seeing her big sister happy again.


    It almost made her forget about her big sister''s homicidal tendencies.


    The mood was happy as they moved joyfully through the house, but unfortunately, it didn''tst. Erik had felt the slight anxiety they felt through his bond with them, but he knew what it was about it, and let theme to it on their time.


    And that time was now.

 Chapter 377 - Meeting the in-laws

    They found themselves in front of the master bedroom, where once Emma and Emily''s parents slept. The door remained closed as the three of them stood there, merely staring at it.


    Erik panned his gaze sympathetically between the two sisters. He noticed they mirrored each other''s pained and anxious expressions. He knew why they were here, and why it was difficult to open that door.


    He''d seen it in Emily''s memories; what they''d done with their parent''s remains.


    Even Emily, despite the differences she had with them, loved and missed her parents. She preferred being able to rebel against them over not having them in her life at all.


    But dead they were. Neither of them were able to resist the influx of aetherium and survive the rapid growth of their aetherium storage on the day of awakening, and thus, their bodies had been reduced to ash, right in front of the eyes of their daughters.


    At the time, Emma remained far too traumatized by the event to even step foot into the living room again, at least until Erik arrived. So, Emily was the one who had to step up and deal with their parents'' ashy remains.


    Which she did in the only way she could think of back then.


    So, Erik waited patiently. He was there for support, but not to push them. They''d open the door and deal with whaty beyond eventually, there wasn''t any hurry.


    Finally, they both sighed, and through some kind of unexined sister telepathy, they both opened the door at the same time.


    Slowly, the sight of a luxurious bedroom opened up to them. There was only a lightyer of dust on everything, because even in the corrupted, crazed state that Emily was in near thetter years before Erik showed up, she kept cleaning this ce.


    Perhaps not even the corrupted Emily knew why.


    Whatever the case, the room was in no worse state than Emily or Emma''s had been.


    But there was one significant difference. On therge, queen-sized bed, two pillows were each propping up a picture and a wine bottle.


    A few days after the awakening, and after she recovered from fighting off Liam, a heartbroken but determined Emily gathered her parent''s ashes, and put them in the only seble containers she had ess to at the time: wine bottles.


    Then, she created this little altar on her parent''s bed, as a way for her and Emily to visit them. The left picture was of their mother, Isabe, while the right depicted their father, Oliver.


    As soon as they came into view, the sisters started tearing up a little.


    Even the hardened Emily wasn''t immune to this sight.


    It had been a few years since they both visited here, or at all. Emma had not been able toe here from the moment Emily started locking her up, while Emily couldn''t really be considered herself during that time.


    Then, when Erik came, things were hectic. They didn''t have a chance. Nor would they get one, when they were suddenly forced to leave in a hurry. But, when Erik honoured his buried father in Frostvik, Emily was reminded, and asked Erik to bring them here when possible.


    Now, they were finally back.


    "Hey, Mom¡­ Dad¡­ I''m sorry it''s been a while," Emma smiled sadly.


    "That was my fault," Emily muttered a little hesitantly. She found it hard to open up in front her parents, despite their current state. She simply never had such a rtionship with them.


    Emma chuckled softly, "Don''t even start, big Em. What happened was nobody''s fault, least of all yours. You were just as much a victim as me." Her tone became a little sadder, "More, in fact. You''re still suffering the effects of what happened, while I''ve gotten off scot-free."


    For a moment, Emma and Emily looked at each with the absolute love of close siblings.


    Suddenly, Emily''s lips curled into a mischievous smirk, "Notpletely scot-free, though¡­ I''m pretty sure it had something to do with that bondage fetish of yours."


    Emma''s eyes widened, and her cheeks burned. She quickly turned to the small altar, and waved her hands defensively, "D¡ª Don''t listen to her!"


    Your next journey awaits at empire


    At this point, Erik walked up behind them, and smiled softly, "Oh? Are you sure you want to spoil this reunion by hiding the truth, little Glimmer?"


    Emma''s body stiffened and she started panic a little. Suddenly, the husband she shared with her sister entered the conversation, and now she even had to admit to her love for bondage?! Her eyes looked around for relief but found none.


    It didn''tst long, however. Apparently, she came to a decision when her panicking stopped, and her gaze filled with determination. "''F¡ª Fine!" she still slightly stammered. Having always been the good girl who followed her parent''s wishes, this was new to her.


    "I¡ª I''m a pervert!" she eximed somewhat confidently at the pictures of her parents. "I like being tied up, and this man is both my husband, and big Em''s!"


    One could question if she would have showed the same bravery if her parents hadn''t been dead, but why should we question the good daughter''s moment of rebellion?


    Emily wasn''t prepared for thatst deration, however, and quickly shook her head, "Dammit, why are you dragging me into this?!"


    But then her eyes flew to the pictures, and she pouted, her eyes shining with the defiance she usually showed them in the past, "I¡ª I mean¡­ who cares what you think! This is who I am, deal with it!"


    Erik smiled warmly as he looked at the pictures as well and decided to go along with sisters. "It''s a pleasure to meet you, both," he told the pictures with sincerity. "I swear I will take the utmost care of your daughters."


    Then, he turned to Emily with a smirk, "By the way, Emily? Shouldn''t we talk to your father about something?"


    Immediately, Emily''s pale face became even whiter, and she frantically shook her head with wide eyes, "D¡ª Don''t you dare!"


    But Erik''s smirk remained, "Alright¡­ well, I''m sure they''re interested in that cor around your neck, though? How about we talk about that instead?"


    "Y¡ª You¡­!" she eximed and stamped her foot.


    For the next hour or so, the trio continued joking around like this, as the palpitant despair about their parent''s fate was slowly eased. Eventually, they started talking to them of everything that had happened since theyst visited.


    Not all of it was happy, but it did them good to talk about it with their parents, even if they were long gone already.


    Finally, they were all talked out, and both girls had tear-stained cheeks, Emma a little more than Emily, of course.


    They all looked at the pictures with solemn quiet for a moment.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Then, Emma spoke softly, "So¡­what do we do now? We can''t just leave them here, while we go off to wherever, right?"


    Emily looked unsure, "I agree, but¡­ what should we do with them then? We can''t really divide hem, or turn them into a timeshare¡­"


    That was when Elora appeared on Erik''s shoulder again, with a small, yet uncharacteristically kind smile, "Maybe I can offer an alternative."

 Chapter 378 - Eloras gift

    As soon as Elora talked about an offer, Emily narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Fact was, she''d gotten the short end of the stick with far too many of Elora''s so called ''offers''. Even now, there rtionship was still a little cold¡­ at least from Emily''s end.


    When Elora saw Emily''s look, the fairy pursed her lips with amusement, "Don''t look at me like that, Emily. I''m just trying to help out here. What could I have possibly done to garner such suspicion from you?"


    Instantly, Emily''s narrowed eyes red with anger instead, "You¡­!"


    But she didn''t get any further than that, when Emma put a hand on her sister''s shoulder. She smiled calmly at her big sister, "We can at least hear her out, big Em. I know you and her have had your difficulties, but she''s really not that bad. She''d never y with our parent''s fate."


    Emma''sment showed how well she already knew Elora, despite only having known her for a year. Partly, that was because they''d spend quite a bit of time together, but also because of her natural instincts.


    Because she was right. If there was one thing that even a ruthless person like Elora would consider taboo, it was to mess with the sacred love between parents and their children. To Elora, family was everything.


    Of course, even that taboo would be ignored if it came to the safety of her own family, but that was not the case here.


    Emily didn''t lose her suspicious re, but she did stay quiet, proving she was at least willing to listen.


    Seeing Emily back down a little caused a glint of glee to pass through Elora''s eyes. She did like messing with Emily a little. But her offer was sincere. She held out her hands towards the sisters, "Just give me their ashes. I promise you won''t be disappointed."


    "I''m not giving you anything before you exin what this is about!" Emily immediately eximed, while vehemently shaking her head.


    "Come now, Emily," Elora purred with a small grin on her lips. "Don''t be like that. I''m trying to do something nice, and all I ask in return is a little bit of trust. Is that really too much?"


    Emily''s eyes remained narrowed as she grumbled a little to herself. Then, she felt Emma''s hand on her shoulder. The younger sister looked at her warmly, "If you don''t want to do this, then I''ll support you, big Em. But I think we should trust her."


    Emily felt the instinctive urge to take the opportunity and refuse Elora''s offer, but first she panned her gaze towards Erik. He looked at her with a confident smile, and subtly nodded, "If Elora''s promise is not enough, then take mine as proof of her sincerity."


    Meanwhile, Elora pursed her lips, "You know, thisck of trust is starting to hurt my feelings, Emily."


    Emily scoffed, "Well, you deserve it!"


    Yet, Erik''s promise had driven her over the edge, as she decided to take an offer from Elora, onest time.


    So, she sighed, and carefully took the two bottles from the bed, and handed them to Elora, "But fine, take them." Then, she narrowed her eyes, "Don''t you dare screw me again, though!"


    In Elora''s eyes, a little appreciation twinkled. Meanwhile, Emma smiled softly.


    Before anyone could change their minds, Elora''s hands suddenly started glowing in a dark green. She held one bottle in each hand, and they quickly started bing covered in green as well. A soft humming filled the room as she worked.


    Then, the glow began to amalgamate into one sphere of dark green light.


    Immediately, Emily''s ck eyes, still filled with crimson cracks, became a little anxious, as the crazed bloodlust that was always hiding insider her threatened to spill out. Her fingers twitched as whisps of darkness began forming around her hands.


    But Erik and Emma remained calm, as they both put a hand on Emily''s shoulders, causing her to be a little calmer as well, if reluctantly.


    Meanwhile, the glow in Elora''s hands began to reduce. It once again split into two lights, which quickly became smaller and smaller as well.


    It was quickly revealed that the wine bottles had disappeared, which caused Emily''s anxiousness to rise. But soon, the lights in Elora''s hands disappeared, and she was left with two nes, one holding a transparent ck jewel, and the other a white one.


    The two sisters blinked at the two simple, yet beautiful nes. Elora smiled smugly, and held the ck one up Emily, and the white one for Emma, "I do hope you like them."


    Now, they could see the nes more closely, and they finally realized what happened to the ashes. Both jewels were divided into two segments, and each segment was filled with ashes, visible through the coloured, yet transparent material they were made from.


    "Now, you each have half your father, and half your mother," Elora exined, somewhat solemnly. "Don''t worry, while I made them with the ss of those bottles, I made sure they won''t break unless someone powerful deliberately tries to. But that''s not all. Try to pour some of your energy into them."


    Carefully, the two sisters took their jewels, andid it on the palm of their hands. They couldn''t tell at all that these were made from mere ss, as even before the awakening they''d never seen such beautiful jewels.


    At Elora''s suggestion, they poured some of their energy into them, and instantly, two life-like holograms appeared in front of them. They were both the same and depicted a picture that hung in the manor''s living room.


    It was a picture that both sisters had spent quite a bit of time reminiscing over during the tour earlier. It depicted their mother, Isabe, their father, Oliver, Emily, and Emma, all together, standing in front of their home with genuine smiles on their faces.


    Enjoy new chapters from empire


    It was taken just after they''d spend an entire day together, something that Emily had reluctantly agreed to, and that Oliver had barely been able to make time for.


    But in the end, they''d had an amazing time, and it ended up being one of their best memories as a family.


    Now, Emma teared up and smiled as she realized she could carry both that picture, and her parents, with her anywhere. Beside her, Emily trembled a little, but obviously refused to show such emotions in front of Elora due to a gift from her.


    So, she sucked it up.


    But she still clutched the ne tightly and looked up at the somewhat smug fairy. "I suppose this will do... Thank you." she muttered reluctantly, her voice breaking ever so slightly.


    Emma, however, responded far more exuberantly, by quickly pulling Elora into a hug. "I love! Thank you!" she eximed excitedly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elora smiled softly and hugged Emma back, "You''re wee, Dear."


    Then, she turned to Emily, and winked yfully, "And so are you."


    Thus, the rift between Elora and Emily started to be mended, just a little, and the two sisters would be able to carry around not just their parents, or their best memory, but also a picture of the house they grew up in.


    But, with that done, it was also soon time to leave. But first, Emily herself, using the knowledge Elora taught her, inscribed some sigils into the manor, to prevent it from degrading any further over theing years.


    When she was done, the two sisters went back into Erik''s dimension, Elora merged with Erik again, and the man himself snuck back out of the Ashcroft estate, before turning into the direction of their next destination.


    Katya''s brother.

 Chapter 379 - Arias schemes

    At an impressive 80km/h (~50mph) of sustained speed, Erik, in his wolf form, ran through the mostly deserted outskirts of London, until he reached the English countryside.


    Here, at the edge of a forest, he halted as he took an old brick phone from his personal dimension and turned it on. Instantly, he received a number of messages from the only person who had this number: Katya.


    she detailed her brother Dimitri''s appearance and borated on where he could find him. She also reminded him of the ideal time to strike¡ªthe first of the month, when the Council held their monthly meeting, and the Councillor keeping her brother would be away.


    Which, by now, would be the following day for Erik.


    The location she sent him was a ce called Bamburgh, or more specifically, Bamburgh Castle. As it turned out, the human Councillor, Alexandre de Beaumont, was originally a Frenchman who immigrated to the UK after the Council formed.


    At the Council''s formation, Europe was divided into three roughly equal parts, with each race given one part to rule. This arrangement is technically temporary until the Council can smooth over the differences between the races and create a more integrated society.


    However, until then, a French, human Councillor like Alexandre was forced to move to the UK because France was given to the shapeshifters, and the UK to the humans. Since Alexandre was ustomed to living in a castle back in France, he naturally chose one for himself here as well.


    Unfortunately, ording to what Katya had found out, this Frenchman walked straight into a trap by doing exactly what Aria LeFay had expected him to do.


    Aria, the current leader of the Council shapeshifters, was a creature of guile and deceit, who maintained control through threats, ckmail, hostages, and other unsavoury methods.


    Aria originally lived in the middle of the British Isles, before moving to France when the Council formed. But this gave her ample opportunity to leave a few traps behind in ces where human Councillors might end up taking residence.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Katya didn''t yet know how many Councillors of opposing factions where actually in Aria''s pocket, but she suspected at least one more human Councillor, and one or two vampire Councillors as well.


    Naturally, Erik immediately ryed this information to Liv using the long-distance sigil stone Elora had given him, warning her to keep an eye out and to be very careful of Aria.


    At the same time, he received a short update from her, exining that she''d reached Council space and was currently in negotiations with the vampire faction leader, d Drac the Fifth, on how best to get the ghouls the blood they need, and how to handle their integration into the Council.


    ording to Liv, she''d been weed with open arms, and d appeared like an iron fisted ruler and a straight shooter, who cared deeply about his people, so she didn''t predict any trouble with the future proceedings.


    As a confident man, Erik naturally didn''t see the need to remind her of his promise to her, despite the fact she''d be dealing with other men of her own strength in the future.


    She was already his, and she knew it.


    He continued reading Katya''s messages, which stated she did not know exactly what kind of trap Alexandre had walked into, but she knew he wasn''t much more than Aria''s puppet at this point.


    Just like she was, theoretically.


    As a person whose personal power was possibly higher than Aria''s, the wereserpent could only make sure Katya stayed in line, but not much more¡ªand this was where Dimitri came in.


    Since keeping him in shapeshifter-controlled territory would make it too easy for Katya to get to him, Aria had one of her other puppets look after him¡ªAlexandre.


    Fortunately, Erik would soon rectify this situation.


    That was the end of the original message Katya sent him about a year ago, just after she left him and the others in Muonio. The next message she sent him was about a month ago, wondering if he would be saving her brother that month.


    Then, thest message was from a few hours ago, and sounding a little agitated, reminding him that this was thest chance he had ording to their deal.


    Erik grinned slightly, and send her a message, that questioned what deal she was talking about.


    Rather than send a message back, the phone rang almost instantly after sending the message, causing Erik''s grin to widen. ''She truly cares about her brother a lot... I can appreciate that,'' he thought, sympathetically.


    But that didn''t mean he''d take it easy on her. Spending eight years married to Elora, had ensured he gained a love of teasing.


    So, he picked up the phone with an innocent expression, "Hello? Who''s this?"


    "Don''t y with me boy!" Katya''s loud, agitated voice immediately reverberated through his skull. Her eastern European ent became especially obvious when she was like this. "You''ve made me wait long enough! I want my brother back!"


    Erik chuckled and started moving leisurely in the direction of Bamburgh as he answered, "You almost sound like I''m the one who kidnapped him!"


    "Dammit, boy! I told you not to y with me!" she growled angrily, as Erik could almost see her narrowed eyes in front of him.


    Deciding he''d had enough of ying with Katya''s concern for her brother, and probable desire to stomp on Aria''s head, he started smiling softly instead, "Don''t worry, Katya. I''m on my way there now. Should arrive in about seven hours, giving me plenty of time to scout out the ce before this Alexandre leaves."


    Instantly, he heard Katya sighing in frustrated relief. Then, she grumbled softly, yet a little more like she was talking to a friend and not really meaning it, "As soon as we meet again to hold our duel, I''m going to beat that attitude out of you..."


    Once again, Erik started grinning, "I look forward to seeing you try, Katya, but I think it might be you who ends up kneeling at my feet instead. Perhaps I''ll have you kowtow for every time you''ve called me a boy."


    "Ha!" losing some of her dourness, Katya barked an actually pleasant and happyugh. "That will be the day!"


    But then she got serious again, "Anyway, you don''t need to scout the ce, I''ve already sent someone ahead to meet you there. Although I can''t get a squadrge enough to rescue my brother in the vicinity of that castle without anyone finding out, I was able to get a single person. You''ll probably recognize her..."


    Erik''s grin quickly widened when he realized the person Katya was likely talking about, ''Now that''s an interesting development...''


    Next, they started talking about a few more operational details, as well as Erik telling her about an opportunity to integrate the Enve into the Council, like they''ve been wanting to do for more than a year already, thus setting some of their ns in motion. At the same time, he told her that Liv was a friend of his but didn''t go into much more detail.


    When they were done, Erik hung up the phone, send a message to Anne and Nora, and once again sped up to reach his maximum long-distance speed as he took off in the direction of Bamburgh.

 Chapter 380 - A familiar face

    Seven hourster, Erik skidded to a halt just inside a forest clearing. This forest bordered Bamburgh and its castle, home to Alexandre de Beaumont.


    At the edge of the clearing, casually leaning against a tree, stood a woman, whose pale skin and crimson eyes clearly identified her as a vampire. She had shoulder length, ck hair, and an angr face. She wore tight, ck leather clothing that entuated her humble, yet attractive curves, and had arge, two-handed sword strapped to her back.


    This woman was a vampire warden, a powerful agent of the Council''s peacekeeping force, the shadow sentinels, which wasmanded by Katya, aka the iron sentinel. And, probably not so coincidentally, Erik recognized this warden.


    "Seraphina!" Erik immediately eximed with a shit-eating grin and wide-open arms. "It''s so good to see you again!"


    Seraphina, who hadn''t noticed his approach, was surprised by his sudden arrival, and jumped up, pulling the sword from her back. "Who¡­?!" she eximed and pointed her sword in his direction with narrowed eyes.


    But it didn''t take long for her recognize him, causing her to blink in surprise. "You¡­!" she stammered and lowered her sword, still a little shocked. But then she suddenly scowled, and pointed an using finger at him, "What the hell are you doing here?!"


    Erik ignored her aggressive greeting, however. Instead, he continued to advance with open arms and a wide grin on his lips, clearly intending to hug her. "Is that how you greet an old friend!?" he eximed in mock surprise. "Come here and give me a hug!"


    "Screw you!" the angry vampire cried out while ducking under his arms and resisting the urge to attack him. She created some distance and pointed her weapon at him again. "Do you know how much trouble you and that damn woman caused me?!"


    First looking at his empty arms with disappointment, Erik then grinned at Seraphina, "Didn''t I give you some of my blood as thanks for your trouble?" Next, he quickly punctured a finger, causing some blood to flow, and waved it front of her face, "Would you like some more?"


    Seraphina''s eyelids twitched. Erik''s blood had run out quite a while ago, and she still remembered both the amazing taste, and the way it actually refined and improved her body to the point where she was outperforming others of her rank in physical performance.


    Erik was sure he saw a glint of hunger in her eyes. But then it disappeared again, and in an impressive disy of self-control, Seraphina shook her head and jumped back to get away from him. "Keep your blood to yourself! I don''t need it!" she eximed with so much conviction that Erik almost believed her.


    Almost.


    Yet, he didn''t n to push the matter. His original n was to bind Seraphina to him through his blood, but perhaps that be both unnecessary and unfeasible.


    After all, he had already struck a deal of sorts with Katya, who was the shadow sentinel''s leader, and having a single warden under him as well wasn''t really worth the trouble and moral gymnastics involved in bing more forceful with her. She clearly had arge amount of pride and refused to be dependent on anyone.


    So, he just sighed dramatically and shrugged, "As you wish then," before wiping the blood from his finger and allowing the wound to close. Then, he winked at her, "But you just say the word, alright? You can always have a little more when you ask nicely."


    Although Erik had always been a bit of a tease, at least since he got involved with Elora, it was particrly prideful women like Seraphina and Katya that brought out the worst in him.


    It was just more fun with them. Plus, Elora had taught him to do so as an effective way to make people more submissive and willing to follow his suggestions.


    It technically worked on both genders, but the idea of teasing a man like that¡­ didn''t appeal to him. To put it mildly.


    "Fat chance of that!" Seraphina scoffed, as she almost snarled at him with narrowed eyes. But despite her defiance, a hint of relieve shone in her eyes when that alluring smell stopped permeating the surroundings.


    "Anyway, what are you doing here?" she grumbled, her face scrunched up with frustration and hunger, while she finally decided to drop her sword. "And where are Emily and Emma?"


    A year ago, Seraphina showed up in London in the capacity of a warden, because she knew the Ashcroft sisters in the past, and wanted to help them. Now, despite both sisters choosing Erik over her when it came time for them to decide their future, the vampire still cared about the two.


    First, Erik smiled mysteriously, "Emma and Emily are fine, don''t worry." Then, he shrugged casually, "As for why I''m here, one of your council people approached me. I believe her name was Aria? You''ve mentioned her before, right? Anyway, she wanted me to keep a lookout on this ce for a few days."


    He scratched his chin, choosing not to notice the increasing anger quickly spreading on Seraphina''s face, "She said something about a possible kidnapping going down here? Anyway, she made a good offer and asked me to help protect the guy, so here I am. What about you?"


    Seraphina''s expression was stormy, although she seemed more annoyed and frustrated than angry. Still, she sheathed the sword behind her back again, seemingly deciding she wouldn''t need it. But then, without a sound, she suddenly used her first gravity affinity skill to lighten her body and shoot forward.


    Her fist was pointed straight at Erik''s face, and just before she hit him, she reversed her skill, making her body heavier instead, but without affecting its speed.


    Fortunately, just that was far from enough to defeat the current him. It wouldn''t even be enough to defeat Frostfang or Sigurd. Although, it would have definitely been enough to give the him from a year ago a true challenge. Which was still impressive for someone without all his advantages.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    So, just when her attack was about to hit, he suddenly shifted to the left, ever so slightly. Seraphina''s eyes widened when she realized what happened, but she didn''t have time to truly process it, because Erik immediately pressed the advantage.


    Grabbing the vampire''s outstretched arm, he quickly bent it behind her back, immobilizing it. Then, he used his other hand to grab her throat, before dragging her, and the sword on her back, against his chest. Suddenly, she was entirely immobilized and unable to pull her weapon or even exercise any real strength.


    For a few moments Seraphina growled and cursed as she struggled against his hold, all while Erik watched her with amusement, but then she suddenly went ck and groaned, "I can''t believe you''re the mercenary my boss was talking about..."

 Chapter 381 - Reunion

    As soon she told him she''d already realized his real reason for being there, Erik grinned, "And here I was hoping to have a little more fun with you." But despite saying so, he continued holding the immobilized Seraphina.


    "Yeah, because you''re an asshole," the vampire snarled, as she tried to turn her furious gaze and look him in the eye. "Now are you going to let me go, or will you prove how much of an asshole you really are?!"


    Her implication was clear. They were alone in a forest, after all, and Erik was clearly capable of overwhelming this beautiful woman.


    Erik pursed his lips wryly, and decided that this was kind of losing its charm now, but before ending it, he did want to toss one more jab in. So, he leaned forward, and whispered in her ear, "Hmmm, that does sound tempting¡­"


    Instantly, her body tensed, and her expression became one of shock, proving she didn''t actually believe he''d go through with it.


    Fortunately, she was proven right, when Erik let her go in the next moment and took a step back. "But I prefer my partners to be willing," he shrugged casually, as if that was his only obstacle to going through with it.


    Seraphina trembled a little as her body rxed, before she turned around and looked at him even angrier than before, "You really are an asshole!"


    Erik smirked confidently, "So you say. But we both know you kind of like and trust me. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have been so shocked just now, and you wouldn''t have helped me take Emma and Emily with me back then."


    The vampire''s pale cheeks reddened a little, but it was unclear if it was embarrassment or rage when her eyes started practically spitting fire, "Absolutely not! You are arrogant, annoying, and devious! Who would like you?!"


    When Erik just continued smirking confidently at her without answering, Seraphina finally just cursed and stamped her foot.


    Then, she snarled and pointed at him usingly, "Whatever! I still don''t know if helping you escape back then was a good idea or not! You say they are fine, but why should I believe you?!"


    Erik grinned, before waving his hand. Suddenly, four women appeared as if out of nowhere. Beside him now stood Emma, Emily, Astrid, and Alice, who all looked at Seraphina with various degrees of amusement. Naturally, they''d watched the entire thing.


    At the same time, Elora also made an appearance, as she left Erik''s body, and now sat on his shoulder, looking equally amused.


    "What the fuck?!" the object of their attention eximed, as she recoiled in surprise, her face filled with the shock of seeing arge group of people appear as if out of nowhere.


    Erik had no problem showing her this ability of his, partly because most of the Enve had already seen him do it, but mostly because Seraphina was still bound by the covenant not to reveal anything about him to others. Even if she learned that information after the deal was made.


    Astrid and Alice had only heard of Seraphina before, so they stayed in the background for now. But Emma and Emily naturally stepped forward. "It''s good to see you again, Seraphina," Emma smiled kindly. She was polite, but a little distant.


    The white-haired maid looked quite favourably upon the vampire, because she distinctly remembered her concern and attempts to make sure Erik wasn''t forcing her into anything. Plus, had it not been for Erik, it would have likely been Seraphina who rescued her. At least, partly.


    She knew Seraphina, or the Council, would have likely been unable to solve the gic defect that was causing her aetherium storage to grow slowly, or restore Emily to her current, mostly sane level. But effort counted, to Emma.


    As expected, Emily greeted her very differently. She grinned teasingly, "Seraphina! I remember how you raged against people like him in the past, but now you''re falling for one?!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Emily''sment immediately brought Seraphina out of her shock. Once again, she cursed into her surroundings and balled her fists, while she furiously eximed, "I am not falling for him! Why would you even think so?!"


    "Call it a hunch," Emily shrugged as she continued to grin while closing thest bit of distance between her and Seraphina.


    There she threw her arms around the the fuming vampire and her voice became a little warmer, "It''s good to see you again, Seraphina¡­ I hope we''ll have a little more time to catch up this time."


    Suddenly feeling her childhood friend''s hug, Seraphina groaned in annoyance, but her anger also quickly started draining away. She wrapped her arms around Emily as well and sighed, "I hope so to, Emily."


    For a moment, silence descended, as everyone watched two old friends reunite. The two girls hugged tightly with their eyes closed, both happy the other was still alive.


    A year ago, Emily was still in a very dark ce when she met Seraphina again, even after going through the first treatment by Elora and Emma. But now, she was doing a lot better, and Seraphina noticed that.


    "You seem happy," Seraphinamented fondly as they finally separated. "I guess the corruption is gone?"


    Emily chuckled humorously as she took a step back, "Not exactly, but I''m doing much better, and I''m very happy."


    That was when Seraphina finally took a good look at her old friend, and noticed the new clothes, as well as the crimson lines running through Emily''s eyes.


    She raised a curious eyebrow, "You look¡­ different? I mean, the clothes are on brand for you, but what happened to your eyes?" Then, she pointed with her index finger at Emily''srge cor, "And what''s with the cor¡­.?" before moving downwards at the see-through mesh on Emily''s stomach, "Or that strange tattoo?"


    Before Emily could answer, the vampire panned both her gaze, and her finger towards Emma, who was wearing her maid outfit, and Astrid, who was wearing the armour Erik had created for her, both of which had the same tattoo prominently disyed, "And why do they have the same one?"


    Both Astrid and Emma smiled lovingly while they put a hand on their tattoo''s, proud to disy the proof of their marriage to Erik. Seraphina noticed their behaviour, causing her to look at them strangely, before turning back to Emily with a questioning gaze.


    Frist, Emily simply shrugged, "My eyes are a result of the continued presence of corruption." Before Seraphina could utter any concern, she quickly continued, "Don''t worry, the progression has halted, and I''m fine now, although the eyes are there to stay."


    Then, she grinned yfully as she softly tugged on the ring attached to her cor, "What do you mean? I''ve often worn a cor, haven''t I?"


    Suspiciously, the vampire narrowed her eyes, "No¡­ You''ve worn chokers, some of which had spikes and looked a little like cors, but you''ve never worn anything like that. It even has a ring on it!"


    "I suppose that''s true," Emily answered while her grin widened. She continued pulling on her cor, while she panned a lustful gaze towards a smirking Erik. "But I''ve also never realized my true nature before¡­"

 Chapter 382 - Some tension

    Silence fell, as Seraphina panned her gaze between Emily and a softly grinning Erik, before she started looking at Astrid and Emma as well, and noticed they were throwing loving looks at Erik, too. Meanwhile, Elora was smirking at her with amusement from her perch on Erik''s shoulder.


    Only Alice was just fidgeting impatiently in the corner instead. She didn''t care about any of this, and just wanted to get to the point. She''d been looking forward to this day for a while now.


    But Seraphina focused on the others, and finally came to a realization. Her eyes widened in shock, and she pointed at all of them, "You¡­?! All of you?! With him?!"


    Then, she focused on Erik, "You really are an asshole! What, you''re creating a harem, and marking them all as yours?!" before going back to Emily, "And you''re going along with this?! You of all people?! What happened to the Emily who hated people like him?! You all need to snap out of it!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Her voice was filled with indignation and shock, as she pointed at Erik and his four wives almost usingly. As if she was judging them.


    And that naturally didn''t go over very well.


    When they noticed her look, they all had different reactions. Elora simply looked at her with indifferent amusement, of course. Seraphina was outside her family bracket, and she simply didn''t care about her judgement.


    Emma, too, didn''t really seem to care. Why would she? Ever since her seven years of hell, the number of people whose opinion she cared about sank to just about two, Erik and Emily, with Alice, Astrid, and Elora beginning to slowly work their way in as well.


    You didn''t have to be a generally kind person to care about someone''s opinion, after all.


    But Emily and Astrid were somewhat more emotional people, so they didn''t react so calmly to Seraphina''s judgement. Anger red in Emily''s eyes, and even her bloodthirsty nature started rising. If it wasn''t for her past with Seraphina, she might have already attacked.


    "I don''t need your judgement, Seraphina," she said coldly. "I suggest you calm down if you want our friendship to have a future."


    Astrid had no qualms about past friendships, however, so she instantly pulled her swords out of her storage ring and pointed them at the shocked vampire. "You''d best get that finger out of my face before I cut it off, bitch," she growled furiously.


    As for Erik, he just watched the chaos unfold with a mixture of pride, amusement, and love. He enjoyed seeing the main fighters among his wives defending their rtionship with him.


    Seraphina blinked, as she clearly hadn''t expected this level of pushback. She didn''t much care about this other vampire she didn''t know, but Emily was important to her. "Emily, I¡ª" she began as she turned to her old friend but found only barely suppressed anger.


    "Lower your finger first," Emily interrupted her with a growl.


    As if only now realizing she was still pointing in their general direction, she looked at her own finger, and slowly lowered it. "Right¡­" she mumbled with a frown.


    Regardless of her own feelings regarding this situation, she wasn''t a little girl who didn''t realize when she was outmatched, outvoted, and outnumbered.


    After she appeared to take a step back, Astrid snorted and made her swords disappear again, although she continued looking at Seraphina with hostility.


    At the same time, Emily, who continued working to suppress her own hostility, said this: "I know I''ve changed a lot since west spend any real time together, but that was eight years ago, before the awakening. We didn''t get much timest year, and I wasn''t in a good ce. Is it really so surprising I''ve changed?"


    But Seraphina wasn''t entirely ready to give up yet. She looked at Emily with some concern. "You haven''t just changed a little, though. You''ve changed a lot," she started, carefully.


    Then, she pointed at Erik and Elora, "I already know those two have the ability to affect people in mysterious ways, so how do I know you and Emma are actually with him of your own free will?"


    Before pointing down at Emily''s tattoo, and waving around the covenant mark that still graced the back of her hand, "How do I know that''s not some advanced form of this covenant thing?"


    Emily let Seraphina finish, before simply shrugging nonchntly, "You don''t. But that''s not my problem," her tone was harsh, making the vampire flinch a little. "We were friends once, and I''d like to be so again, but don''t bring usations you have no proof of."


    Obviously, neither Erik nor Elora had done anything permanent to Emily''s mind, and she knew that. She trusted Erik.


    But whatever the case, she didn''t have a way to prove it. Proving you are or aren''t being controlled by another was a ssic catch-22, anyway. If she was being controlled, she''d never be allowed to realize the truth, and any evidence she''d give to the contrary would be tainted.


    In the end, anyone anywhere could only take their independence on faith, because believing otherwise would drive you insane.


    So, finally, Emily closed her eyes and breathed a deep sigh as she got the bloodthirst and hostility under control. Then she opened them again, and looked at her old friend with determination, "So what will it be? Is this going to be a thing, or will you ept the situation as it is and be my friend again?"


    Seraphina gazed back at her with aplicated expression. But finally, she sighed and nodded slowly, "Fine¡­ I''m sorry. I suppose I shouldn''t assume things I don''t know anything about. Regardless of anything else, I''d love to be your friend again."


    While Emily nodded appreciatively, and with a bit of relief, Seraphina then looked at Emma and Astrid, "And I apologize to you two as well." To which Emma nodded kindly, and Astrid scoffed dismissively.


    But then she turned to Erik, pointed her finger at him, and narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "But I still don''t trust or like you, or that fairy of yours!"


    In response, Erik grinned mysteriously and wiggled his eyebrows, "Oh, don''t worry. I have ways to change your mind."


    "You¡­!" Seraphina eximed while taking a step back, entirely caught off guard by his insinuation. She wasn''t sure if he was kidding or not, so she quickly looked around at the others, to see their reactions.


    But rather than get any support, everyone was giggling, including Alice, which quickly caused her to realize he was kidding. Seraphina pursed her lips and huffed, "That''s not funny."


    "I disagree," a grinning Astrid responded, while she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "That was very funny." Which caused Seraphina to narrow her eyes, and Astrid to respond in kind.


    Soon, fighting intent was sparking between the two vampires, and it appeared a small rivalry had formed. Astrid felt threatened and a little jealous by having another fighting-focussed vampire so close to her new husband. A vampire that Erik was clearly interested in.


    Naturally, Erik felt her emotions through their bond, and grinned. In response, he interrupted their ring at each other, by grabbing Astrid''s waist, pulling her against him, and kissing her passionately.


    Instantly, Astrid''s worries retreated into the background as she moaned and melted into his arms. On the other side, Seraphina''s eyes twitched when she saw Emma and Emily looking at Astrid with envy at their disy. ''What am I getting into here?'' she groaned inwardly.


    Meanwhile, one member of their group had waited long enough. "When can we finally get to the fighting?!" Aliceined out loud with eyes turned to the sky and arms spread wide in helplessness.


    Everyone''s eyes immediately turned to her.

 Chapter 383 - Plotting

    Wholly uninterested in all this rtionship business, the now twelve-year-old, first-ranked Alice was getting impatient, because Erik had promised her something: not only would she get to strike a blow against Aria, Victor''s boss, but she''d also get to fight in a real battle.


    With everyone''s attention now on her, Seraphina seemed to only now truly realize her existence. "Who''s the pipsqueak?" she asked curiously, before suddenly turning horrified. "Wait, she''s not a part of this harem thing, right?!"


    Unfortunately for her, after just settling everyone down a little again, thisment once again caused the group to re at her.


    "Pipsqueak?!" Alice eximed furiously, and with clearly defined priorities. She changed into her wereverine form threateningly, despite knowing there was nothing she could do.


    Erik looked at Seraphina with the first genuine anger he''d shown her. "Of course not! Who the fuck do you think I am?!" he snarled, as a shiver of disgust travelled through his spine.


    Over the past year, he''d slowlye to see Alice as more than just a student, or a stray he''d picked up somewhere. She was bing more like an adoptive daughter.


    Although he''d yet to do anything with that knowledge, partly because he didn''t know how Alice felt about it. He''d been partially responsible for her biological father''s death, after all. It felt wrong to offer her adoption now.


    But that was an issue for another time.


    Right now, seeing the others ring at her, Erik''s vehement denial, and Alice''s wrong priorities, caused Seraphina to purse her lips and fold her arms in front of her chest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Don''t pretend like it would have been so impossible," she grumbled stubbornly. "There''s plenty of terrible people out there, and I don''t actually know you all that well yet."


    She''d already apologized once, and she wasn''t going to do it again so soon after. It was mostly just Emily who caused her to back down before, anyway.


    Regardless, it was clear that she still seemed insistent on finding faults with Erik wherever she could, something that neither Erik nor Elora failed to notice.


    She imed not to know him that well yet, but there was no way she didn''t realize he could have done far worse to her a year ago. Plus, just before, she automatically assumed Erik wouldn''t do anything to her, clearly showing she had some idea of his character.


    But that begged the question, why was she so insistent on finding fault with him?


    "I think she''s a lot like Emily was at first," Elora mused inside his mind. "She''s probably trying to deny her own interest in you with aggression and hostility." Then, she giggled a little, "I''d love to see what lies beneath that upperyer of denial. Emily proved to be pretty interesting."


    Erik mentally smirked a little when he remembered the fun process of guiding Emily out of her denial shell. But then he shook his head in amusement and answered his partner, "I doubt there''s a masochist hiding under there like there was with Emily."


    Elora pursed her lips with a slight smile, "Maybe not, but she still has a powerful affinity, is a vampire who can easily be strengthened through your blood, and has a Councillor for a father. Making her fall for you, and turning into one of your wives, would be beneficial for us."


    Her lips curled into a knowing smirk, "Besides, you can''t tell me you''re not interested in her. She''s prideful, powerful, loyal, talented, and beautiful. Totally your type." Then she giggled, "I''m sure she has a great many suiters back in the Council, wouldn''t it be great to take her away from them?"


    Elora painted quite the enticing picture, and Erik couldn''t deny she was right, but there was one problem, which caused him to sigh with regret, "You''re right, of course¡­ but I won''t have time. We''re out of here by tomorrow evening, and that''s not enough time."


    At that point, Elora started chuckling in the way she did when she was scheming against someone. A sound that Erik actually found one of the most attractive things about his first wife¡ªhe loved when she started plotting.


    Elora''s told him her n, which was short and to the point, but should still aplish their goal.


    As always, their conversation only took a few seconds, which meant the initial shock and outrage over Seraphina''sment only just passed.


    With his previous anger abated, Erik now chuckled at an indignant Alice who was still ring at Seraphina over the pipsqueakment, rather than anything else.


    To calm her down a little, he walked over and started petting her furry head. Immediately, the transformed wereverine''s lips curled into a satisfied smile, despite still looking offended.


    "Little Alice here is my student," a calmer Erik now exined to Seraphina. "I promised her she''d be allowed to fight today after a year of training with me."


    Then he turned to Alice with a raised eyebrow, "But only close to me, right?"


    "Yeah, yeah," Alice pouted, before finally losing her indignant expression, turned her re away from Seraphina, and looking at Erik with excitement sparkling in her eyes. "So, when are we getting started?!"


    Erik chuckled indulgently, "We won''t be fighting until tomorrow, remember? Today we''re just here for recon."


    Ignoring the frustrated groaning from Alice with a small grin, Erik turned back to Seraphina. "So, Katya mentioned you had already started scouting ahead. Care to fill us in?"


    To which the vampire sighed, "Right¡­" and then turned around while waving them along, "Come on. I''ll show you what we''re dealing with."


    * * *


    For the next few hours, Seraphina showed them the surroundings of Bamburgh, and the mostly restored defensive walls of the Bamburgh castle.


    Of course, had those walls been their unaltered, pre-awakening walls, they would have provided no obstacle at all to this group of second rankers. But unfortunately, it came as no surprise that this Councillor had made sure to fortify his home with sigils and other defensive measures.


    There was also a veritable army of first rankers stationed there, along with a small group of second rankers.


    All-in-all, it looked like a ce that would be hard to take for just five second-rankers and a first ranker, which was why Seraphina reacted with shock at Erik''s n.


    "What do you mean frontal assault?!" she eximed with a ck jaw.

 Chapter 384 - Assault of Bamburgh Castle [1_2]

    They were once again standing in the same clearing as before, which was only a short distance from the castle walls, and Seraphina was looking at Erik with disbelief at his n.


    "Surely we cane up with something better than that?!" she eximed, questioningly. "Maybe we can sneak in? Or blow a hole in the back of the castle?"


    Erik smirked a little, and shrugged, "Maybe we could, but I don''t want to. Sneaking in has far too many things that could go wrong, and blowing a hole in the wall would cause them to alert Alexandre immediately, which is when our timer starts."


    Seraphina scoffed sceptically, "And a frontal assault wouldn''t?"


    This time, it was Elora who answered with a confident smile, "Not immediately. An explosion with unknown cause would make the guards panic. They would assume the worst, and immediately contact their leader."


    Erik shrugged and continued Elora''s exnation, "But if they see using from the front, they''ll react sceptically, just like you''re doing, and underestimate us. They won''t contact Alexandre until it''s toote."


    Seraphina''s eyebrows twitched, because she hated how that actually made some sense. But that didn''t mean she was done. She helplessly threw up her arms, "But that still doesn''t exin how we''re going to survive this frontal assault of yours!"


    "You''ll see," Erik grinned mysteriously, not intending to tell her much, because he liked teasing her.


    Seraphina''s eyes widened and she nearly did a spit-take at his arrogance. "That''s not good enough!" she cried out. "And who put you in charge, anyway?!"


    This time, Erik just kept quiet and stared at her, as did everyone else in their group. Blinking, Seraphina looked around at the other''s and finally groaned when she realized the truth, "Right¡­ I''m alone here."


    Fact was, even if Katya told them Seraphina was in charge, Emma, Emily, Astrid, and Alice would obviously listen to Erik before her.


    In the end, a leader''s authority is merely the shadow cast by the collective will of their followers, because leadership is granted by the people that choose to follow orders, not the other way around.


    Emily grinned slightly as she approached Seraphina and put aforting arm around her shoulder, "I wouldn''t say you''re alone, Sera. Just not in charge."


    Seraphina sighed, "Yeah, yeah." But despite her attitude, she did feel a littleforted by Emily''s disy of friendship,


    Emily started guiding Seraphina away from the others, "Come, now that we''re done scouting, all that''s left is to wait. So why don''t we use this time to catch up." Her grin widening, she stealthily winked at Erik behind her, "I''ll tell you all about me and Master."


    "Master?!" Seraphina eximed in shock, which allowed Emily to easily lead her away, while the others in the group giggled at her reaction. After the earlier conversation shifted to the tattoo''s and Erik''s harem, the cor around Emily''s neck had fallen into the background.


    After the two old friends had taken a seat a few meters away from the others, not enough to be out of earshot of these powerful Arcanists and Runebound, but enough to get the illusion of privacy, the others took a seat as well.


    It was now time to wait and prepare.


    * * *N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Several hourster, the sounds of a moving helicopter echoed across the area, causing Erik to look up calmly. Beside him, Alice, who had been getting somest-minute training in with her teacher, looked excited.


    "Does that mean it''s time?!" she eximed eagerly.


    But Erik was forced to shake his head with a wry smile, "Sorry, Alice. Not yet. We need to wait for Katya to tell us the meeting has actually started. That helicopter takes a little over three hours to reach the Council meeting ce in Brussels, and we need every minute we can get."


    If Alexandre was already in the council meeting, his guards there would likely hesitate to disturb him, which would give them an extra bit of time. This was crucial, because even after freeing Dimitri, they still needed to create as much distance between them and this castle as they could.


    Ideally, it would take up to four hours after they started their assault, before Alexandre managed to return.


    Erik denial caused Alice to pout, but they quickly focused back on training, while impatiently awaiting Katya''s message.


    * * *


    Another few hourster, the news they''d been waiting for finally arrived. Katya had messaged them that Alexandre was in, and the council meeting had started, which meant this was their time to strike.


    Instantly, Erik jumped up and alerted the others, who all stopped what they were doing and prepared themselves forbat. Unsurprisingly, they all had different expressions. Emma appeared indifferent, Seraphina was anxious, and everyone else was excited.


    They quickly made their way to the town of Bamburgh, which was a small vige that housed maybe five hundred people before the awakening and was now entirely inhabited by a simr number of Arcanists, who followed Alexandre here from France.


    Fortunately, they wouldn''t need to worry about most of them.


    Setting aside that almost no number of first rankers would be a real threat to them, they''d also taken precautions to ensure they wouldn''t be disturbed in the unlikely event that these five hundred or so Arcanists would even feel the desire to assault their group.


    Thus, their group now quickly made their way through the town, and on to the castle. The town''s inhabitants naturally noticed them, but didn''t dare to interfere due to the clear power radiating into the surroundings.


    But unsurprisingly, there were some lookouts located in the town, which quickly became clear when Erik noticed the top of the castle walls had be a bustle of activity. ''Probably warned through one of the Council phones, or a short-rangemunication sigil,'' thought to himself, uncaringly.


    If he cared about being discovered, he wouldn''t have opted for the frontal approach. The whole idea was that the guards now knew theirposition and would underestimate them.


    The second rankers in the castle outnumbered them, after all, not to mention that the one or two hundred first rankers stationed there had the capacity toe together into formations or use defensive sigils.


    A normal group of a mere five second rankers and one first ranker would stand no chance at all.


    But this was no normal group.


    As soon as they left the town and stepped upon the road leading directly to the castle, which was now just about two hundred meters away, a loud voice reverberated across the area.


    "Intruders!" the male voice stated with authority and arrogance, likely amplified by sigils. "State your business at the residence of Lord Alexandre de Beaumont!"


    But Erik and the others entirely ignored them, speeding up instead. Unfortunately, they had to adjust their speed to the far slower Alice, Emma, and Emily. Since Erik didn''t want to advertise his ability to make people appear and disappear at will, he kept everyone outside his dimension for this.


    Even so, they speed was fast enough to cross the distance in no less than 20-30 seconds. Seeing they had no intention of exining themselves, the guards quickly reacted.


    A mere five seconds into their charge up to the gates, the air crackled with energy when arge volley of variously coloured bolts of energy were fired from a great many sigils lining the castle walls.


    The assault of Bamburgh castle had begun.

 Chapter 385 - Assault of Bamburgh Castle [2_2]

    Their charge slowed down a little as they watched the rain of destruction approach from above. While those bolts individually weren''t very powerful, there were a lot of them, and there was no way to dodge.


    If they hit, Alice would definitely die, and if Emma and Emily failed to use aetherium to defend themselves, their lives would be in jeopardy as well. Only the second-rank Runebound under them would presumably survive with heavy wounds.


    Clearly, Alexandre didn''t mess around with the protection of this house. But they knew that already.


    "Dammit!" an annoyed Seraphina cursed, as she looked up. "Now what''s your n, genius?!" she then eximed furiously towards Erik, while quickly taking up position in front of the Ashcroft sisters in an effort to protect them.


    To her surprise, however, she was the only one that panicked.


    Erik nced at her with amusement, "I appreciate the effort, but I''m perfectly capable of protecting my own family."


    With the bolts only a few seconds away from impact, Erik looked up with a serious frown, before extending his hands upward and calling upon his second-ranked thundersnow spell: Thundersnow Dome.


    The air became charged with even more power. Two icy white, crackling magic circles appeared, and a simrly coloured dome formed around their group, sparking with cold, electric power.


    "What the¡­" Seraphina muttered as she lowered her protectively raised arms. "What the fuck is that?!"


    Not only was this an ability she hadn''t seen him use before, but it was also clearly a new affinity, whichpletely confused Seraphina, who had no idea that fusion was possible.


    Yet, she didn''t have much time to wonder, because the bolts thunderously impacted the shield, and the ground around them, with the deafening sound obliterating all thought.


    But, although the offensive power was great, the shield held. Erik''s blood surged with three bloodlines, each empowering his usage of ice, lightning, and thundersnow, culminating in a power that reached the lower edges of third-rank Arcanists.


    Yet, the power drain was great. Erik groaned slightly under the massive amounts of aetherium this shield dragged out of the storage he shared with Elora.


    Fortunately, Elora was a third rank, and while that didn''t actually increase Erik''s power as an Arcanist, it did mean that the aetherium storage he shared with her was of third rank as well.


    Still, power was draining quickly, so they had to move quicker. It was clear the guards noticed what was happening, and decided not to let up, as bolts of power continued raining down on the battlefield, making the ground shake.


    "Let''s go!" Erik grinned confidently while picking up the pace again, even as he continued holding the shield aloft.


    While Seraphina still looked confused, the others matched his confident grin and quickly followed after him. They were moving slower now but would still reach the castle in about a minute.


    Unfortunately, they were blocked by another obstacle. A barrier surrounded the castle, much like the one they used at the Karolinska institute, and Erik had his hands full.


    Fortunately, he wasn''t the only one there. "Allow me," Astrid grinned as she pulled out both her swords. She approached the barrier in front of Erik as her body started burning with sr power. Just as with the institute, this barrier simply wasn''t designed to obstruct second-rank individuals.


    The council likely didn''t yet have any sigil crafters capable of creating a shield that was bothrge, and strong enough to do so.


    Thus, Astrid plunged her swords into the barrier, and ripped it apart in one move, before the group continued moving.


    * * *


    On top of the wall, the guards weren''t surprised by their ability to destroy that barrier, but they were getting increasingly annoyed by Erik''s barrier.


    "How the hell is he keeping that barrier up?!" one male second ranker asked the female second ranker next to him in disbelief.


    But she didn''t have an answer for him, so she just shrugged helplessly, "Who the fuck knows? Surely, he must be getting tired, though, right?"


    Another female guard, who was leaning forward on the castle''s battlements to look down, appeared a little more rxed. She shrugged nonchntly, before raising a curious eyebrow, "I''m more interested in who they are, and what they want. Do you think one of the other Councillors is making a move against lord Alexandre?"


    "It doesn''t matter," a fourth guard harumphed sternly. This was the same man whose voice asked the attackers about their intentions earlier. "Our job is to¡ª"


    But before he could finish, the first female guard interrupted him as she looked down the battlements, "Uuh, Boss? They reached the gate. Do you think it''s time to warn our Lord yet?"


    The first male guard scoffed before the Boss could answer, "Hmpf, and get our asses chewed out because we''re disturbing him for a group of five-second rankers? No thank you."


    The woman scowled, and clearly preferred the safe approach, as proved when she turned to the fourth guard, saying, "Don''t listen to him, Boss. I think we should warn lord Alexandre. Better safe than sorry."


    The man they referred to as Boss narrowed his eyes, and looked down as well, where Erik''s group had now reached the gate, and the artillery sigils couldn''t reach them anymore.


    Yet, despite the fact they''d broken through the first line of defence, the man''s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile, because of what he saw.


    Erik had sunk to one knee and panted heavily, as if entirely drained of energy.


    But, despite that, there remained a shrewd glint in his eyes. "We shouldn''t have any problem, but we should still send a message to the Lord''s guards about what''s happening."


    At that point, he turned to a nearby first ranker. "Go do so but remind them not to actually warn the Lord himself unless we don''t report back in half an hour."


    The guard saluted sternly, "Yes, Sir!" before running off to do as ordered.


    Then, the guard captain turned to the nearby second rankers, "Now let''s prepare to receive our guests."


    * * *


    Meanwhile, at the gates, Erik really was panting and kneeling, but it was mostly an act. His and Elora''s aetherium storage really was drained, but his Runebound body and energy were both rearing to go. It was just another way to dy these guards from warning Alexandre for as long as possible.


    "You''re up, little Shadow," he told Emily through their bond as he continued pretending to pant.


    "Yes, Master!" she eximed enthusiastically. Then, she walked up to the gate while conjuring arge number of her inky ck sphere''s.


    Shebined them into onerge circle, much like she''d done back in Frostvik, and started dissolving arge part of the reinforced gate, using her knowledge of sigils to destroy those as well.


    This took a tense minute, while the others waited in various states of anxiety, before a hole had formed, and arge courtyard filled with guards was revealed in front of them.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Now was the time for blood to spill.

 Chapter 386 - Outnumbered, but not outmatched [1_2]

    Instantly, Emily, Emma, Astrid, and Seraphina jumped through the hole. Seraphina felt only a little better about their chances for sess, but Emily and Astrid were clearly excited, while Emma was calm, even looking at the guards with a hint of pity.


    Erik and Alice, meanwhile, remained behind. Erik was still pretending to be exhausted, while Alice was attempting to join the others, with excitement and fighting intent shining in her eyes. Unfortunately, she was being held back by Erik''srge hand gripping her head.


    "You''re not going anywhere, Alice," he grinned at her, talking softly so as not to give up his act to the guards. "You''ll stay with me, remember?"


    Alice''s lips pressed into a tight pout, her re sharp enough to cut through Erik''s feigned indifference, to which Erik simply responded by rolling his eyes, "You''ll get to fight soon enough, don''t worry."


    Although still seeming unhappy, Alice was forced to ept that statement. She crossed her arms in front of her chest with a snort and settled for looking at the action through the hole in the gate.


    On the other side, the four attackers had lined up, with Astrid and Seraphina in front, and the sisters safely behind them. A few tens of meters in front of them stood six second rankers, nked by at least a hundred first rankers, who were all divided into groups.


    Unsurprisingly, all these people were human Arcanists, which meant they kept a safe distance. They did have ways of fighting Runebound in close quarters, but it was always safer to start from a distance.


    As soon as the four of them broke through, the second-ranked Arcanists began conjuring magic circles, while the various groups of first rankers started activating formations. The air thrummed with electrifying power, as several different affinities red up.


    These formations were different from the one they saw in Frostvik, which essentially involved several second rankers empowering their leader up to a level mimicking the third rank.


    These formations conjured 3-meter tall, spiritual warriors, d in heavy armor and wielding a sword and shield, while those on the walls did the same thing, except they wieldedrge bows.


    These warriors appeared to move independently of the groups that summoned them, while summoners remained in ce, kneeling down as they fed their energy into their creations.


    Emma, Emily, Astrid, and Seraphina took a second to look around at what they were up against, while the guard captain stepped forward to address them. His booming voice echoed across the courtyard, "Intruders! State your intentions and stand down! You are surrounded, outnumbered, outm¡ª"


    But that was as far as he got. The four of them were on the clock and had no time to waste, not to mention that any mention of Dimitri might give these people ideas about using the man as a hostage.


    Thus, they left them in the dark about their objectives and charged forward. Or, at least, Astrid and Seraphina did, while Emma and Emily conjured their own magic circles.


    Instantly, the castle descended into chaos.


    The guards roared. Various spells were sent flying, and explosions reverberated. The spiritual warriors charged forward or began firing their arrows at the intruders.


    Unfortunately, the guards quickly realized what they were up against, because their initial salvo resulted in nothing.


    Six massive, light-blue arrows, made up of pure aetherium, wereunched from the walls, but they were either nimbly, and easily avoided by the two vampires in front, or crumbled against the defenses of Emily and Emma.


    At the same time, the spellsunched by the six second rankers, which consisted of various things like arrows of fire, sprays of acidic mud, orrge boulders, met much the same fate as the arrows did.


    Thorn walls, a zooming golden disc, and hanging puddles of darkness absorbed the iing attacks, reducing them to nothing.


    At the same time, however, Astrid and Seraphina kept charging. Unfortunately, they were quickly waid by ten spiritual warriors, five from each side of the courtyard.


    These warriors possessed power that reached the lower edges of the second rank, which meant they were really no danger to them in a straight-up fight, if it weren''t for the fact that damaging them really didn''t seem to do much.


    Thus, their only choice was to turn focus from the six second rankers they were charging at before and turn to the ten groups of first rankers on the side.


    Despite the fact they didn''t like each other much, Astrid and Seraphina needed only a single nce before they quickly split up, with one going left and the other right.


    Instantly, the first rankers instructed the spiritual warriors to chase after the vampires in an attempt to protect themselves. Unfortunately, that left Emma and Emily alone to deal with the six second-ranked guards and ensure they didn''t attack Astrid and Seraphina in the back.


    With great efficiency and skill, Emily and Emma harassed the six most powerful guards with ranged attacks. Emily''s orbs of darkness were an extremely dangerous offensive presence, hard to curtail or protect against, while Emma''s defensive ability was making it hard for them to strike back.


    To the delight of the sisters, the guards were quickly growing increasingly frustrated, as they realized they couldn''t find an opening, yet were forced to stay engaged with their attackers, lest the orbs of darkness pierce their own defenses.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Meanwhile, the six archers on the walls had already been forced to stop firing after the first salvo because they had their own troubles.


    Even before the four women started their attack earlier, when the guard captain was still talking, the guards attempted an ambush of the seemingly tired Erik.


    Still on one knee, and with one hand on Alice''s head to hold her back, Erik waited patiently for the ambush he knew perfectly well wasing. Elora had naturally warned him, using her omnisense, that one of the second-ranked guards was still on the wall above them.


    That was the reason he waited there. Well, one of the reasons. The main reason truly was his depleted aetherium storage, because if he still had the energy, he could have probably settled this matter by killing most of these guards with two or three of his lower-third-rank thundersnow sts.


    But, since he needed that energy to reach the castle in the first ce, this was the next best thing.


    When the supposed ambusher jumped down from the wall, he grinned at Erik maliciously while charging a spell of some kind, "I don''t know what you people want, but you''ve made a grave mista¡ª"


    That was how far he got, because suddenly, Erik smirked contemptuously. Before the guard could react, Erik quickly stood up while activating his nearly instant transformation into wolf form, before lunging forward to tightly grip a hand around the man''s throat.


    "Wrong," he growled with a smirk. "I think this will benefit me greatly."


    The guard''s eyes widened when realization and recognition shed in his eyes, "Y¡ª You are¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Erik smashed the man''s head against the castle wall, not hard enough to kill him, however, just to knock him unconscious. While Erik had no problem killing anyone, he also realized that second rankers remained a precious resource in the Council, and Earth as a whole.


    A precious resource he might have to make use ofter. Thus, he preferred leaving them alive if he had the choice.


    Regardless, this guard would be incapacitated for a good while, so Erik quickly threw a yelping Alice on his back before scaling the castle walls with incredible speed and agility.


    Then, just as therge spiritual archers located there nned to release a second volley on Erik''s allies below, a terrifying howl echoed through the sky.


    Instantly, the first rankers froze in fear.

 Chapter 387 - Outnumbered, but not outmatched [2_2]

    On the main battlefield in the courtyard, a cacophony of sounds reverberated around the area, from yelling and screaming to explosions and blood sttering.


    Spells were flung back and forth between the Ashcroft sisters, and the six second-ranked guards, who were bing increasingly frustrated at the fact they couldn''t disengage from a mere two people.


    Meanwhile, Seraphina and Astrid had managed to dodge, parry, and weave through the formation-spawned spiritual warrior''s attacks, until they each reached one of the clustered groups of first rankers that were conjuring those spiritual warriors.


    Once there, they began a ughter.


    Over thest seven years, both of these women had killed enough people to be desensitized to it. Not only did these first rankers stand between them and their goal, but the stakes were actually pretty high as well, and that was more than enough reason for them to ignore their terror-filled screams.


    Then, Erik''s howl echoed, and the girls knew everything was going ording to n.


    Emma, Emily, and Astrid ignored the sound and focused on their tasks, despite a small smile ying on each of their lips, but Seraphina was different, unsurprisingly.


    The raven-haired vampire avoided a spiritual warrior''s blow, even as she split a man open with her sword, before turning around to watch the others. And she couldn''t believe what she saw.


    "Unbelievable," she muttered, as she saw the Ashcroft sisters working together seamlessly to upy three times as many opponents, while Astrid was clearly doing no worse than she herself was.


    The problem was, for thest two years she''d been considered the rising prodigy of the Council and was now indisputably the most powerful second ranker among them, despite the controversy she''d faced over the past year.


    And yet, that status would instantly be challenged if any of Erik''s wives joined the Council.


    "Where the hell did he find them all," she muttered absentmindedly to herself, as the prospect of victory suddenly became far more real.


    Seraphina was disciplined and wouldn''t let her own fears and doubts influence her part in a battle, which was why she didn''t hesitate to charge in, but a part of her constantly expected to be attacked from behind, when these other women failed to hold up their part.


    Suddenly, before her thoughts could get any further, she felt a heavy impact on her side, and she flew a few meters through the air with a pained scream.


    Her distraction had cost her, as one of the spiritual warriors had smashed into her side with its shield.


    Yet, she was far from done. She gracefullynded on her feet, and snorted, wiping away any useless thoughts, and went back to dismantling these formations.


    Astrid and Seraphina didn''t actually kill every first ranker they find, they merely killed enough to disrupt the formation, before moving on to the next. Without their formation, these first-rankers were harmless.


    Meanwhile, on top of the walls, the first rankers who''d conjured the spiritual warriors with bows, were all momentarily stunned in fear.


    In the midst of preparing tounch another salvo at the distracted fighters below, the group was suddenly jolted by the impact of a massive shapeshifter crashing onto the castle gate. This formidable being radiated terrifying waves of power and grinned down at them with menacing intent.


    The castle''s architecture featured two walls extending outward from the gate at a slight inward angle, providing amanding view of the courtyard. These walls were lined with three formations of first rankers on either side, leaving the walkway directly above the gate exposed.


    It was on this very spot that Erik hadnded.


    Despite not actuallynding among the first rankers, his appearance, howl, power level, and echoing crash, were still more than enough to stop the formations from firing their arrows.


    But, after that, he didn''t actually go on the offensive straight away. Obviously, he could theoretically kill them all rtively quickly, but¡­ he''d made some promises.


    So, rather than attack himself, he released Alice from his back on one side, while on his other, suddenly appeared the shimmery image of a heavily armoured minotaur named Eira. She was wielding a one-handed hammer, which was t on both sides, and arge round shield.


    Her expression was no less excited than Alice''s.


    Today was the first time for both of them to be able to fight in a battle themselves, and while Eira was less excited about the fighting itself, and more about the adventure, she was still nning to enjoy herself.


    "Go on then," Erik grinned at both of them. "Have fun. I''ll be watching from over here."


    Instantly, the two of them darted of, each to one side, just as the first rankers were starting to recover from their surprise. Meanwhile, Erik remained behind to keep an eye over the entire battlefield, including the courtyard, to see if anyone needed help, although most of his attention was on Alice.


    She was the weakest, after all.


    The young wereverine''s expression was full of excitement as she ran towards the first rankers, but while she did so, a change took ce. First, she transformed into wereverine form, a process that didn''t hurt her anymore after Elora helped her, and then her stretched out clothes were reced with armour.


    It was a sturdy armour, which was less agile than Astrid''s, and more fitting to Alice''s fighting style: hand-to-hand. For that purpose, her arms were well-protected, and the gauntlets were designed to enhance her ability to use the destructive ws that wereverine''s were known for.


    Before the first rankers could react to her approach, she crashed into the first group. Her ws red up with the power of her first ability, Frostfire Talons, and she started rampaging through the crowd with a wild expression.


    Although she was technically a first rank as well, several factors allowed her to keep up. First of all, there was Erik''s training, her armour, and her rtively powerful affinity, but most of all, it was the fact she was engaging these thirty or so Arcanists in closebat.


    Not only were Arcanists, and especially first rankers, very bad in close quartersbat, but they were also still stuck in their formations, which didn''t allow them to fight back immediately.


    Meanwhile, Alice stayed low to the ground, usually even moving on all fours, and raced through the three groups like a raging¡­ well, wolverine.


    Blood sttered as she focused her attacks on legs, crotches, and bellies. Before any of them could react, ten of the thirty people were already down for the count.


    After that, they started to fight back, but Alice proved to be an elusive target. It was still extremely dangerous for her, but that was also the best moment to learn, especially while Erik was close by to bail her out if necessary.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Although, despite his close proximity, Erik watched the young Alice with a hint of anxiety.

 Chapter 388 - Eira and Alices first battle

    On Erik''s other side, Eira was approaching the first rankers with less energy and bloodthirst but with equal amounts of enthusiasm. She didn''t care as much about the fighting as she did about being helpful on her adventure with Erik, the harbinger she had waited literal millennia for.


    The biggest difference between her and Alice was that she first tried to talk to them.


    Since she had the ability to fly, Eira decided to use that to her advantage. After leaving Erik''s side, she flew into the air and now floated right in front of the first ranker formations on the left, positioning herself right between the spiritual archers and her allies down below.


    "Hi!" she eximed loudly, with a bright smile while waving the hand holding a hammer in the air as a greeting. "My name is Eira!"


    Then, she charmingly scratched her head with the same hand in a gesture of embarrassment while chuckling, "This is my first time talking to a crowd¡­ it''s a little embarrassing."


    With Eira grabbing their attention, the first rankers hesitantly turned their gazes away from the objectively scary Erik and focused on Eira. When they did, they became understandably confused.


    First of all, Eira''s horns, stretched-out furry ears, and long, thin tail with a bushy end were a strange sight for them¡ªat least on someone who looked predominantly human.


    But that wasn''t all; she was also a little shimmery and transparent, and finally¡­ well¡­ she could fly. Very rarely did someone get a skill or spell that allowed flight, but this girl didn''t appear to be using anything, as if flying was a natural state for her.


    "Is everyone seeing a floating, transparent cowgirl?" one of them hesitantly asked, apparently questioning his own reality. This man, along with all his colleagues, was still half-kneeling on the ground as they fed their energy into the spiritual archers.


    He received some hesitant nods and murmurs of agreement, confirming that the bizarre vision was shared by everyone present.


    Eira began to pout a little due to their apparent confusion but quickly shook it off and smiled again.


    "Do you guys mind disabling those formations?" she asked, innocently scratching her head again. "Those are my friends down there, and I don''t want them to get hurt, you know? We''re on an adventure to find my mistress and save the world, you see!"


    Before the Arcanists in front of her could respond, she suddenly pouted again and appeared thoughtful. "Well¡­" she muttered, a little sad. "Maybe not friends yet¡­ some of them weren''t all that nice, and I admit I ignored them a little as well at first."


    Then, she smiled again, even more brightly, "But I think we''re getting there, you know?! All it takes is a little time! Eventually, we''ll all be the best of friends as we go on this adve¡ª"


    Boom!


    Suddenly, Eira''s eyes widened as she quickly raised her shield to defend against the three arrows that came flying at her simultaneously. With a loud crash, they exploded against Eira''s shield, but the minotaur girl didn''t seem fazed.


    "Dammit!" one of the guards cursed. "How did she resist that?! She doesn''t even give off any power!"


    "What''s it matter?!" another cried out. "Fire again!"


    But before they could, she lowered her shield again and red at the first rankers in front of her. "That was mean," she pouted angrily at them. "I guess people like you are the bad guys in our adventure¡­"


    Then, she suddenly charged the formations and crashed against one of the guards with her shield. Instantly, the man was sted away, with every bone in his body broken and blood leaking from every orifice.


    "Shit!" the surprised guards eximed, not having expected this girl to possess such power.


    But that was their mistake, because while Eira didn''t give off any appearance of power due to herck of affinity and was unable to cast any spells or use any skills, her status as a solid-form construct meant her body was far from weak.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Her quasi-physical form possessed the strength of a second-ranked Runebound. Moreover, her body was practically indestructible because it was really just a projection. The real Eira existed as the core embedded within Erik''s armour. Oh yeah, and she was able to fly.


    Thus, while her operating capacity still depended on proximity to Erik and avable power¡ªcing an actual limit on the time she could spend in this form¡ªEira remained a dangerous presence on any battlefield, even without spells or skills.


    Something that these first rankers were soon to discover, as an angry Eira started a bloodbath among them.


    * * *


    Meanwhile, on the other wall, Alice had seeded in dismantling all the formations and incapacitating fifteen of the guards, but was now facing the other fifteen first-rank Arcanists.


    Groans of pain and screams of panic filled the air as those guards frantically tried to get a grip on the small, low-moving creature that was slowly tearing them apart. Her biggest advantages were her small size and the fact that these guards were packed very closely together.


    It was like a cat rampaging through a pack of dogs, except the cat was covered in razordes.


    However, now that the guards were free of their formations and starting to get a grip on the situation, spells and affinities were quickly starting to re up as they tried to take down the wereverine in their midst. At the same time, they also started coordinating with each other by yelling back and forth.


    They were finally getting rid of their panic and confusion. They were getting ready to fight back.


    Yet it wasn''t fast enough to stop an enthusiastic, blood-soaked Alice from killing three more before the situation finally changed.


    Now, Alice found herself in the middle of the remaining guards, where sheughed excitedly and pounced on another Arcanist, plunging her frostfire-enhanced ws into their chest.


    Unfortunately, she had been so focused on the fighting that she''d barely paid attention to the guards nning their next steps by yelling it at each other. Which is why it came as a surprise to her when the remaining eleven guards suddenly spread out in every direction and created distance.


    Alice, hunched over hertest victim, blinked in surprise when she noticed her surroundings were suddenly far more open. "Huh?" she mumbled and looked around, only to notice she was now surrounded by eleven Arcanists, all of whose faces were distorted in rage.


    "Now!" one of them cried out, and suddenly, three of the Arcanists unleashed their prepared spells.


    Alice jumped up in rm, but it was toote. She was assaulted by a fiery rope and a chain of electricity that quickly wound themselves around her body, while at the same time, the stone of the castle walls moved and enclosed itself around her feet.


    She stumbled and fell to her knees while she released a high-pitched roar. "Ack! Dammit!" she cried out, struggling and ring menacingly at the surrounding guards. "You''ll regret that!"


    "Hmpf, I don''t think so, pipsqueak," one of the guards snorted before raising his hands and conjuring another magic circle. His actions were mirrored by the other guards as well. "Now die!"


    But before they could unleash their spells, their eyes suddenly widened, and their bodies trembled, as if frozen in ce. A threatening snort echoed, "That''s enough ying around."

 Chapter 389 - I dont think they want us dead...

    In the end, taking on thirty first-ranked Arcanists, even with all her advantages, proved too much for the young Alice, so Erik had to step in.


    Slowly, and menacingly, a transformed Erik, without his armour, casually pushed aside one of the guards and entered their encirclement of Alice.


    Currently, he was using abination of his second-ranked pressure, and his Runebound frost aura skill, to keep these guards from moving an inch. They now felt like they were in a frozen hell, where a tight rope had wound their bodies tight, while frost slowly creeped up their bodies.


    For a moment, Alice had made them forget about Erik''s existence, but now it was time to remind them. Their eyes were wide in fear as they watched the powerful shapeshifter move slowly, but decisively, as power undted around him, and powerful muscles rippled under his fur.


    Still bound in ce, the transformed Alice grinned smugly at her surroundings, "I told you you''d regret it!"


    But in response, all she got was a flick on her forehead by Erik. "Don''t be smug, Alice," he snorted disapprovingly. "You got lost in your own excitement and stopped paying attention to your surroundings. These idiots were talking about their ns right in front of you, but you didn''t even register it!"


    Still bound, kneeling, and unable to even rub her forehead, Alice pouted with stubborn aggrievement, "But teacher, the¡ª"


    Once again, Erik flicked her forehead, interrupting her. "Shush," he quieted her down. "I''m not done yet. You also made plenty of other mistakes. First off, that right turn you made there before swiping at that woman''s tendons would have been very dangerous in any other situation, and here''s why¡­"


    But before he could continue, Elora interrupted him in his head. "Erik, love, we don''t have time for this," she chuckled with a mental roll of her eyes. "Teach herter. For now, I think it''s about time you get down there."


    Erik grumbled a little, but still nodded. "Never mind. We''ll talk about thister," he sighed down at the blood-soaked Alice. Then, he frowned solemnly, "But paying attention to your surroundings is very important, understood?"


    Alice grumbled a little, but despite her stubborn personality, she respected Erik enough not to dismiss his teachings. So, she nodded with a slight pout, "Yes, Teacher. I''m sorry¡­"


    "Good!" Erik grinned and nodded, before he easily ripped apart her restraints, and tossed her over his shoulder while she yelped, "Ah! I can walk myself, Teacher!"


    But Erik ignored her, causing Alice to cross her arms and pout aggrievedly again while she hung over his shoulder.


    Then, he suddenly remembered the surrounding guards. They were still standing till, frozen in fear, literally and figuratively, as a toughyer of frost was already covering most of their legs.


    He swept his gaze over them with a raised eyebrow. "I guess you guys have earned the right to your lives, because you did get the upper hand on her," he muttered casually. Then, he raised an eyebrow, "But I''m sure we all understand that if I see any formation appearing again, your lives will be forfeit, right?"


    There wasn''t any danger to leaving them alive. A single, first-ranked formation wouldn''t be enough to cause them any harm. It wouldn''t even serve as a distraction.


    The guards couldn''t move or talk to indicate their understanding, but Erik figured they probably did, and simply stepped out of the encirclement, before jumping down the walls, into the courtyard.


    As soon as he did, the frost aura and rank suppression disappeared from the guards, causing them all to stagger, and fall t on their faces. Their legs were still frozen, so they couldn''t catch themselves on their knees, but they didn''t care. They were just happy to still be alive.


    With a reverberating boom, Erik crashed down onto the ground below the walls.


    He quickly noticed that both Seraphina and Astrid had managed to dismantle their assigned formations, with many first rankers dead, and others simply incapacitated or kneeling with their hands in the air.


    Now, the two of them were now closing in on the second-ranked guards engaged with Emma and Emily. Naturally, those guards were moving from frustration to panic, as they had no way to defend themselves, while they were only barely hanging on against the Ashcroft sisters.


    There was a lot of angry and panicked shouting going on over there, but Erik was ignoring it for now. Instead, he looked to his side, where a chirpy Eira flew down from the other side of the gate andnded next to him with a bright smile.


    "I killed the bad guys!" she eximed happily.


    "You¡­ killed them all?" Erik questioned with a raised eyebrow and a surprised tone.


    Eira lost her happy grin and was a little taken aback by his tone. "Y¡ª Yes?" she muttered softly as she poked her fingers together. "Was I not supposed to? I¡ª I tried to talk to them, but they were mean!"


    Erik looked at her a little incredulously, but then sighed, "Well, I suppose it''s fine, but remind me to teach you about proportionate responses."


    Perhaps it was a little hypocritical of him, expecting Eira not to kill so many people on a whim when he wasn''t exactly reigning in Emily or Alice, but for some reason he felt like he should be a little more responsible with Eira.


    She was just to innocent. She''d been locked away for too long, with her only knowledge of the outsideing from books she read, or stories she heard. Plus, Emily''s behaviour had a good reason, which they couldn''t really do anything about right now, but Eira simply didn''t know any better.


    In his head, Elora giggled callously. "It''s quite a bloodbath up there," she said, having checked the situation with her omnisense. "I didn''t think she had it in her."


    "But¡­ I did a good job?" Eira muttered, a little sadly as she looked up at Erik with big eyes, seeking approval.


    Naturally, Erik wasn''t able to resist her. So, he sighed, and caressed her head, "Yeah, you did a good job, Eira. Thank you for helping."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Instantly, Eira''s mood improved. She smiled brightly again, cutely leaning into his hand.


    Naturally, Erik could only sigh, before putting Alice on the ground, and turning his attention to the middle of the courtyard.


    Spells were still flying back and forth between them and the sisters, but it was done half-heartedly at this point. With Erik having arrived, and the two vampires closing in on them from the sides, the guards were quickly losing hope.


    "What do we do, captain?!" one of them eximed at the man in front. "Mark''s ambush probably got him killed, and we are clearly outmatched here!"


    The other guards looked at the captain with panic and hope, praying he could find a way for them to survive the day.


    The man in question had a stern expression on his face. Looking around, he noticed Emily and Emma had shifted to defence only, while the two vampires were simply grinning at them threateningly, without actuallying closer. Meanwhile, Erik was slowly walking up to them, a bloody Alice, and happy Eira by his side.


    He put his hands down and dispelled his magic circles, then he gestured for the others to do the same. "Stand down," he said sombrely. "I don''t think they want us dead¡­"

 Chapter 390 - Rake

    Slowly, and with every step closer to the guards, Erik changed back to his human form. Tension build among the guards as they watched him cautiously. When he was back into human form, he remained naked for a second, just to mess with the guards, who all had various reactions, from annoyance to interest.


    Although, when he realized the interest wasn''t onlying from the female guards, he quickly had Elora conjure a casualbat outfit on him.


    Finally, he stopped a few feet in front of them, but before he could say anything, the guard captain took the intiative. "You must be Erik Gunnulf," the man grumbled. "We''ve heard about you, although that was at least a year ago by now."


    It wasn''t much of a surprise that news had spread about the powerful, second-ranked werewolf who had more abilities than he should. And now that he came closer, it was easy to recognize him from his description.


    "But I was under the impression you were a rogue element," he continued. "So, what could you possibly want from the residence of a Councillor?"


    Behind Erik, Emma and Emily came traipsing towards them, who both earned some wary, frustrated, and even awed looks from the guards. Meanwhile, Astrid and Seraphina continued taking up positions on the guard''s sides for intimidation purposes.


    Alice and Eira, however, had already disappeared. He had sent Alice back into his dimension to clean herself up and get some rest, outside of anyone''s view, of course, and Eira had returned to her core, as her energy was already running low.


    "Your reputation proceeds you, Master!" Emily grinned wickedly as she revelled in the guard''s reactions.


    "Only of the mysteriousness of his origins, and the rumour that he has more abilities than he should," the captain continued without taking his eye of Erik. "We don''t know anything of his personality¡­"


    Then, he looked around sombrely at the many dead first-rankers, "But you clearly don''t have an issue with death."


    Erik frowned, and his expression became a little more serious. "Death is a part of life, and while I don''t revel in it, I believe that when someone takes up their weapons, they should be prepared to die with it in their hand."


    The guard captain snorted, although whether that was out of uninterest in Erik''s beliefs, or simply disbelief in general, was unclear. "Regardless," he grumbled grumpily. "I doubt you came her to debate philosophy, so what is it? And what is to be our fate?"


    Erik shrugged nonchntly, "I don''t care about your lives. Don''t do anything stupid, and the rest of you can keep yours. So, first of all, tell me, does Alexandre already know about our attack? Don''t bother trying to lie, it won''t work."


    To second rankers, Elora''s omnisense was no worse than a powerful lie detector.


    At first, the man stared at him silently for a moment, but then shook his head. "Not yet. I''ve told his personal guards to warn Lord Alexandre when we don''t respond back in time, but that time hasn''te yet."


    At that point, Erik raised an eyebrow as he stared at the man, his meaning was clear. He wanted the captain to signal Brussels and tell them everything was fine.


    Unfortunately, the guard captain''s gaze hardened, and he shook his head, "Forget it. I may not be willing to die needlessly, but I won''t betray our lordpletely, even if you do end up killing us. He''s a good man. The same counts for the others."


    He didn''t look behind him at his fellow guards, apparently sure in the knowledge that they will agree with him. And, indeed, when Erik panned a curious gaze across the other five second-ranked guards, they all showed the same level of conviction.


    ''I guess this Alexandre knows how to inspire loyalty in his people¡­ they don''t seem to be doing this out of fear either,'' he thought curiously to himself. But then he shrugged, ''Whatever. Not like I care what kind of person he is.''


    Instead, he started panning his gaze towards the surrounding, incapacitated first-rankers. Surely one of them would be amenable to help, with a little bit of pressure of course. But the captain quickly shot those thoughts down. "It''s pointless," he said. "They will only ept our assurances."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Erik turned back towards him and sighed wryly, "Well, whatever. I suppose we got plenty of time. Should be at least another three and a half hours, before this Alexandre shows up here."


    Theoretically he could have Emily take control of one of them, but that would take too long. These guards were far frompletely subdued, and there was no way they''d let her enve one of them without a fight.


    They would obviously win if it came to that, but they might not be able to subdue them in time. Not to mention that Alexandre''s personal guard might not even be fooled by the somewhat robotic voice that all of Emily''s ves shared.


    Besides, some of these second rankers would obviously die at that point, and it just wasn''t worth it. Those who managed to get into the second rank were a precious resource, that Erik wasn''t ready to squander just to give himself a little extra time which he likely didn''t need.


    Of course, the guards immediately tensed up a little, thinking he mightsh out at their unwillingness to help, but Erik had no intentions of doing so. He appreciated loyalty, and it wasn''t overly important anyway.


    "So, let''s get on with why we''re here," he continued sternly. "You''re holding an Eastern European man here. We want him."


    The captain''s eyebrows shot up in surprise, before he quickly calmed down and almost seemed relieved.


    But then he snorted disdainfully, "I guess that sleazeball wasn''t lying when he said people woulde for him. I don''t know what rtionship you have with him, but I''d keep all these women away from him if I were you, assuming you care about them."


    At the same time, every female guard behind that captain started blushing a little. Noticing their reactions, an amused smirk formed on Erik''s lips, "Oh? Why''s that?"


    "He''s a rake!" the captain cursed; his face distorted in anger. "All he''s done sinceing here is seduce the guards, or even the lord''s wife! To be honest, I''ll be d to be rid of him. I don''t even know why Lord Alexandre was keeping him here!"


    In his head, Elora giggled, "Sounds like an interesting character. I doubt he''d have much luck with my dear sister''s however, but maybe you''ll want to keep Seraphina way from him?"


    All the other women reacted much the same way. The idea that anyone might seduce them away from Erik was anathema, while Seraphina just scoffed with disdain. Clearly, she already had a bad opinion of this man.


    Meanwhile, Erik was, of course, not even a little worried. His women were his, and it was impossible for anyone to steal them away from him.


    Still, his curiosity for Katya''s brother grew, and so he indicated toward the entrance of the castle. "Well, then I''ll be happy to take him of your hands. Why don''t you lead the way, while my wives keep the otherspany."


    "Wives my ass!" Seraphina immediately eximed angrily, which just caused her allies to chuckle, and the guards to look confused.

 Chapter 391 - Somethings happened...

    "They''re all your wives?" the guard captain asked, raising an eyebrow, and looking incredulous.


    Erik nodded with a small grin, "Yes they a¡ª"


    "No!" Seraphina instantly interrupted, seething.


    "Well, some of them may still need a little convincing," Erik chuckled. He did enjoy poking fun at someone like Seraphina.


    Seraphina snarled a little, but then just turned silent with an annoyed expression and arms crossed in front of her. She realized she was embarrassing herself a little.


    Meanwhile, Astrid, Emma, and Emily all looked at Seraphina with various levels of amusement.


    Astrid even taunted her a little. "Just give up, Seraphina. We all know you can''t stop thinking about him. You probably have for thest year, right?"


    Emily, too, tossed her own two cents in, by grinning at her old friend. "Don''t you want us to be sisters, Sera? Just think of all the fun we could have!"


    "You¡­!" the raven-haired vampire eximed while pointing defensively at both her attackers with wide eyes.


    But, while Seraphina was thinking of aeback, Erik decided it was time to move on. So, he indicated towards the castle door again, and started walking that way with the captain. Behind them, the girls continued arguing, under the confused gazes of the guards.


    Before he entered, however, he suddenly heard Seraphina yelling behind him. "Hey! Don''t screw this up, you hear?!"


    Erik grinned and waved his hand without looking back. He knew Seraphina just acted out a little, because what she really wanted was to get Dimitri herself.


    Unfortunately, she''d already lost the argument over leadership, and she was disciplined enough to know this wasn''t the time to rehash that. She also knew she couldn''t go with him, because that would leave Emma, Emily, and Astrid alone with all these guards, who were still somewhat battle ready.


    Thus, all she could do was feel like she was having an impact, by telling him not to screw this up. And Erik didn''t mind. After yelling at him, however, she continued defending herself against Astrid and Emily''s taunts.


    Meanwhile, as soon as Erik and the captain entered the castle, the man grumbled under his breath, "I guess you''re no better than he is. It''s no surprise you show up for each other."


    Erik smirked a little with amusement, "Oh, I don''t know about that. I haven''t tried to seduce your guards yet, and I''d never go after a happily married woman. Unhappily, however¡­"


    "The Lord and his wife are very happy!" the captain immediately growled defensively. Erik chuckled when he realized this was a sore topic for the man, who was likely extremely loyal to Alexandre.


    Seeing him chuckle, the captain snorted and rposed himself, before grumbling again, "Whatever. You yboys are all the same, and you deserve each other."


    At this point, Erik just shrugged and decided not to engage anymore. He clearly had a stick up his ass about this.


    "He probably had his love stolen by someone once," Elora giggled derisively in Erik''s head. "Ignore him, my love. You are perfect the way you are. Womanizing and all."


    "Don''t pretend you''re making some kind of sacrifice here, Elora," Erik chuckled through their bond. "I was basically a nk te when we met, and if I''ve be a womanizer, then that''s all on you. You love to see me messing with them a little."


    Elora giggled yfully, "Well¡­ You got me there. But you weren''t a nk te! You had plenty of good things about you! Determination was there, as was a desire to love. Thatst one I didn''t appreciate enough back then, but I do now¡­ Oh, and that b of meat between your legs! I never had to erge that!"


    Erik burst out intoughing out of nowhere, causing the guard captain to look at him like he was crazy. But Erik ignored him, and continued flirting with his first wife, "Well don''t stop now, what else did you like about the original me?"


    Thus, as a grumpy captain continued leading them through the castle halls, Erik and Elora continued flirting with each other telepathically.


    Along the way, Erik was surprised at noting across any kind of servants, but quickly realized that they were likely taking shelter in a panic room of some sort and stopped caring about it.


    At the same time, Elora also swept her omnisense across the nearby rooms and floors. In the process, she found a few people who might be servants or guests, but no one who looked like the picture Katya had send them.


    Finally, they arrived at a door, and the captain procured a set of keys with the clear intent of unlocking the door. The door thrummed with power, proving it held the sigils necessary to contain a second-ranked Runebound like Dimitri.


    Only, Elora quickly noticed a problem that she shared with Erik.


    Raising an eyebrow, Erik ignored the captain who was trying to find the right key, and snaked his arm around the man, to softly push against the door.


    With a creak, the door swung open. Clearly, it was not locked.


    The captain blinked in surprise and mumbled, "What the¡­"


    "The door''s open, and there''s no one in there, captain," Erik growled threateningly. Naturally, Elora had also warned him that the room was empty. "I''ve been civil so far, but if you try to deceive me, it will not only be you who ends up hurt¡­"


    However, the captain looked genuinely confused and panicked as he stormed into the room and looked around at the empty furniture. He quickly shook his head, fearful of the consequences for his fellow guards. "No, no! This really is the right room," he eximed quickly, with wide eyes.


    Then, his face distorted in anger, "Where the hell did that bastard go?!"


    Erik frowned thought and panned his gaze towards the windows, but they were covered with sigil encased metal bars.


    "He couldn''t have escaped through the windows," Elora mumbled at him telepathically. "Which means he left through the door, and someone let him out. But where did they go afterwards? They didn''t leave through the front door, or we would have seen them¡­"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Unfortunately, Elora''s omnisense was not yet powerful enough to sweep across the entire castle and surroundings. She could only see a few tens of meters of circumference around Erik.


    Since Erik didn''t particrly care who let Dimitri out, he focused on where they went afterwards. "Where could he have gone after leaving the room?" he asked the captain sombrely. "Is there a secret passage out of the castle?"


    Still frustrated, the captain nodded gruffly, "Yeah, there is, but onl¡ª"


    But Erik didn''t listen beyond that point, because suddenly, a voice sounded in his head. "Uhm, Master¡­?" Emma''s voice sounded, with a hint of guilt and anxiety. "Something''s happened over here, I think you''d beste back¡­"


    Frowning, Erik stopped caring about Dimitri and quickly turned around. Emma wouldn''t warn him like that if it wasn''t important, so he rushed back the way he came, not caring if the captain was following him.


    Less than half the time it took to get there, Erik was standing outside again, and blinked when he saw the situation there.

 Chapter 392 - Chaos

    It was chaos.


    Rather than the rtively calm atmosphere he''d left behind, the entire courtyard was now in an uproar.


    The second-ranked guards, faces twisted in fury, had once again conjured their magic circles while they barked out warnings: "Let her go, right now!" "We won''t ask again, bitch!" "Don''t you dare hurt her!"


    Across from them stood Astrid and Seraphina, weapons drawn, and equally prepared to attack. Or at least, Astrid was, as Seraphina was only barely paying attention. Instead, her head was turned to look at what was behind her. "Dammit, Emily!" she eximed helplessly. "Don''t harm him!"


    Astrid, on the other hand, remained focused on the danger in front of her, but also yelled over her shoulder, "I understand your anger, Emily, but let''s just wait for Erik to get back!"


    Meanwhile, in the back, first-ranked survivors appeared to be gathering silently, as if trying to use the chaos for aeback.


    As for the cause of all this chaos, that was located in the middle of the courtyard. There, a man and a woman were suspended and restrained by a wall of thorns and branches.


    The man was roaring and struggling while his body was in a constant state of near transformation as he attempted to break free by changing his shape, clearly identifying him as a shapeshifter. Unfortunately for him, anytime he tried, the branches would strangle his body harder, causing him to roar in pain, until he was forced to stop, lest he destroy his own body.


    Meanwhile, the equally restrained woman next to him had silvery magic circles on her hands, conjuring simrly coloured wind des that attacked the wall fruitlessly. At the same time, she was pleading for mercy from the raven-haired woman standing in front of the struggling man.


    This was, naturally, Emily. Pitch ck magic circles floated in front of her hands as she looked at the man wide grin and somewhat crazy eyes. Around the man''s legs, a pitch-ck substance was slowly advancing towards the man''s jewels, while he screamed in pain and panic.


    "L¡ª Leettledy! Y¡ª You must forgive Dimitri! I was only givingpliment! Pleese, don''t dissolve sacred parts! Very important parts to me!" the man pleaded with a light Eastern-European ent while struggling uselessly against his restraints.


    "Shut up!" a seething Emily screamed at her surroundings, before focusing back on the man in front of her. "You dared to try and defile my temple to Master, and there''s only one punishment for that!"


    To punctuate her words, she clenched her left fest and caused the ck substance to crawl up a little further, causing the man to scream again, although whether from pain or terror was unclear. Emily was clearly taking her time, but her darkness was now only inches away from its target.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Besides her big sister stood a surprisingly stern Emma. Her hands were pointed forward, and light green magic circles were floating in front of them. She was using her second-rank nature spell, something she''d unlocked on their journey to London, which did as exactly as shown. It restrained.


    Whether by ident or design, Emma was clearly drifting towards a defensive specialist with some healing pped on.


    Emma stayed quiet, but that, and the aid she was giving, clearly indicated her stance of support towards her sister, despite having been the one to warn Erik.


    As Erik took in the scene, a headache began to throb at his temples. He groaned and rubbed his forehead, while almost able to piece together the events that led to this chaos. In this mind, Elora giggled, "Looks like we found Dimitri."


    "Right¡­" Erik grumbled to himself. However, right now, he didn''t care that he didn''t have to go searching for the man. Rather, his anger was rising quickly over what Dimitri may have done to cause his kind of reaction in Emily.


    His expression became stormy, and he quickly moved in the direction of Emily and her adversary. However, now just his expression became stormy, even his surroundings did. Electricity sparked around him, as the temperature took a dive. Tiny grains of thundersnow swirled around him.


    Everyone instantly fell quiet and stopped what they were doing as they felt a shift on the battlefield. A conduit of power swirled around an angry Erik as he moved across the courtyard. At the same time, he slowly changed into his wolf form, and activated his Runeguard, which quickly spread across his body, allowing Eira to begin supporting him.


    Everyone watched him in intimidated silence. They all felt like a w-filled hand was pressed against their throats, causing his enemies to gulp and tremble a little.


    So far, Erik hadn''t actually fought here yet, so they hadn''t truly realized the difference between him and them. But now they did. Erik had already entered the power level of third rankers, and none of them couldpare.


    The only ones who simply smiled were his wives, as even Seraphina looked at him cautiously, somewhat afraid he was going to hurt Dimitri.


    Finally, he reached Emily. The raven-haired woman appeared to have calmed down significantly after his arrival, and even looked up at him with excited glee, as if she barely cared about Dimitri anymore. "Look what we caught for you, Master!" she grinned at him, seemingly looking for praise.


    Her chirpy attitude caused him to calm down a little, but he still narrowed his eyes at the struggling Dimitri, who now looked at him with a glimmer of hope, despite the obvious anger.


    "Ah! Y¡ª You are¡­ Who?" he stammered, with a shake half-smile, still scared to death of the dark substance clinging to his legs. "Could you, ehm, ask those two very formidabledies to, eh, let me go, please? Yes?"


    "Please don''t harm him!" the woman next to him, who was also encased in the thorn wall, pleaded with Erik. "He didn''t mean any harm! Please don''t let there be more death because of me!"


    Neither of them knew who he was, but the power they felting off him,bined with Emily''s clear deference, caused them to realize he was the one they needed to speak to.


    Erik shortly panned his gaze towards the woman with a curiously raised eyebrow. He had some suspicions about who this was, and while he wondered why she was there, he had other priorities right now. So, he turned back to Dimitri, and scoffed, "That depends on why you''re up there."


    He turned to Emily and demanded, "Show me what happened."

 Chapter 393 - Unwanted affection

    The bonds that existed between Erik and his wives are versatile and powerful. They are, essentially, budget versions of his bond with Elora, and allow for many of the same things, including the sharing of memories.


    Thus, Emily was perfectly capable of doing so, but surprisingly, she groaned with a hint of frustration, "Do I have to?"


    Erik instantly realized the problem when he felt Emily''s emotions through their bond, causing him to smirk and calm down a lot. "You overreacted didn''t, you?"


    Immediately, Emily frowned, shook her head, and eximed an emphatic, "No!"


    But then her expression softened, and she poked her fingers together, much like Emma often does, "At least¡­ I don''t think so. But you might disagree."


    "Oh?" Erik chuckled, continuing to smirk. "Well, if that''s so then I''ll have the perfect excuse to punish you. And if I don''t actually disagree, I might reward you instead, so I think we''d both be winners in either situation, right?"


    Dimitri, the woman next to him, and most of the guards in the courtyard all had twitching eyebrows at that strange logic. Yet, to their surprise, Emma and Astrid chuckled, Seraphina palmed her face while groaning, and Emily grinned excitedly.


    "I suppose that''s true, Master." she purred with some lust shining in her eyes.


    Before Erik needed to prompt her again, he suddenly felt a flood of memories pouring into him through his bond with Emily. Since he didn''t resist, he immediately noticed a scene ying out in front of his eyes, as soon through the eyes of Emily.


    It started after he left, at which point Astrid and Emily continued taunting Seraphina for a while longer, until they were suddenly interrupted by a voiceing from the castle gate.


    "Hello, hello! My name is Dimitri, are you lovelydies looking for me?" the voice began in a casual, upbeat tone. "My dear sister, Katya, she send you, yes?"


    At the same time, some of the guards began to exim with surprised tones: "My Lady?! What are you doing there?!" "Lady Eloise, quicklye over here so we can protect you!" "Lady Beaumont, be careful!"


    Erik''s allies quickly turned in the direction of the gate and noticed a rough looking man with brown hair and a beard, dressed in loose, casual clothesing up to them with a wide smile and open arms.


    Next to him, was an elegant and pretty, yet weak-looking woman in an expensive-looking dress. In contrast to the man''s casual cheer, she looked sad and pained as she looked around the courtyard at the dead and wounded around.


    Among Erik''s allies, his wives frowned cautiously, but Seraphina was more enthusiastic, and the first to respond. "Yes!" she eximed immediately, and with a hint of glee. ''Hehehe, that bastard Erik wille out with empty hands now,'' she chuckled devilishly to herself.


    "We were sent by Lady Katya," she quickly continued. "I''m her only direct subordinate, however, these others are just mercenaries." She clearly wanted to draw a line between her and them, although she continued to mumble, "Not that they''re not good people¡­" when she noticed Emily raising an eyebrow at her.


    Dimitriughed loudly, and deeply when he had his suspicions confirmed. "Good, good! I knew dear Katya would find a way to get out from under that snake!"


    In the meantime, he and the woman continued advancing on Emma and Emily, who were closest to the gate, but the two sisters were still cautious of him.


    "It''s good that we''ve found you," Emma began with a voice that was both soft and determined. "But that''s close enough. You can stay there and wait for our Master to return."


    But Dimitri didn''t stop. He continued walking, and smiled jovially, "Oh, don''t be like that! We''re all allies here! Come,e! Let Dimitri thank you properly!"


    There didn''t appear to be any malice in his eyes. He simply gave off the feeling of a charming, jovial, flirt. But neither of the sisters cared about that. They both conjured magic circles as they red at him.


    "Don''t just dismiss my sister''s words, you slimy ball sack!" Emily cursed at him, her eyes ring with anger. "Katya wanted you alive, but I don''t mind taking some fingers if you don''t stop where you are!"


    The sister''s caution was perfectly understandable, because they didn''t know this man, and letting a Runebound get close to you was dangerous as an Arcanist.


    But Dimitri was oblivious to this. His smile remained and he waved his hands as if dismissing their concerns, "Oh, so scary and serious! It''s fine! Dimitri is no threat to you! He just wants to hug and show affection!"


    He opened his arms wide, and continued walking, but the sisters weren''t amused. "Alright, that''s it! If you won''t listen, you''ll learn the hard way!" Emily snarled, as ten dark orbs appeared around her poised to attack.


    Although Dimitri felt Emily''s power, he clearly had no idea how dangerous those orbs actually were, as he continued without any concern.


    Meanwhile, the woman snapped herself out of looking at the surroundings, and quickly shook her hands with a panicked expression, "Wait, wait! He really means no harm, he''s just friendly and not good with personal space!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But it was toote. Not that it would have necessarily helped any.


    Emily didn''t care about her words, and was about to attack, when her arms were grabbed by another''s. "Wait, Em!" Seraphina eximed, after having left her post in panic. "Don''t harm him! That''s Lady Katya''s brother!"


    At the same time, Emma''s attention was drawn to Seraphina''s interruption as well, and before they knew it, Dimitri was already upon them.


    "Come,e, let me hug you beautifuldees who''vee to rescue me!" heughed joyfully as he aimed his wide arms for Emily and Seraphina at the same time. Clearly, he was eitherpletely oblivious, or confident in his strength and simply didn''t care.


    But as soon as he came within arm''s reach, and his hands brushed past Emily''s shoulders, the raven-haired woman snapped. Disgust and fury rose up inside her as her worst instincts welled up.


    "I said hands-off you intolerable creep!" she screeched, as madness filled her gaze. Unexpectedly, she awakened something within her, and the crimson lines crisscrossing her ck eyes red up.


    Suddenly, a burst of crimson power pulsated out of Emily''s body. It was powerful and raw. So strong, in fact, that it sent the second-ranked Runebound bodies of Seraphina and Dimitri, stumbling backwards uncontrobly as they groaned painfully, their eyes wide in shock.


    And that was when the chaos unleashed.


    The woman with Dimitri was also slightly caught up in the edges st. She wasn''t hit with much power, certainly not enough that it should have caused much damage to a second-ranked Arcanist, but it was enough to cause the guards to go crazy.


    They unleashed their magic circles and became aggressive, hurling threats. They voices tinged with concern for their ''Lady Eloise''. They were clearly about to attack, which caused Seraphina to curse and turn around to focus on them again, together with Astrid.


    Astrid, to her credit, had continued to focus on the guards the whole time, trusting her sister-wives to handle themselves, because she knew someone needed to continue keeping an eye on them.


    Meanwhile, Emma had reacted to Dimitri''s insistence and intrusion with uncharacteristic anger. After he stumbled back from Emily''s surprising outburst, Emma immediately used his confusion to restrain him using her entanglement spell, which ended up taking the woman along with it.


    She didn''t say a word, but quickly warned Erik at that point, while continuing to stare at Dimitri with anger.


    At the same time, Emily was a little surprised. She had no idea where that burst came from and was looking at her hands in confusion.


    But when she looked up and saw Dimitri restrained by Emma''s spell, she grinned maliciously.

 Chapter 394 - Leaving

    What followed was a few more minutes of chaos, during which Emily started by thoroughly demonstrating the erosion abilities of her darkness, before exining exactly what she was going to do with it, and then slowly creeping the darkness up his legs.


    For some reason, she had a quick shback of the moment she tortured and killed Liam, back in London, which only exacerbated her anger.


    Naturally, this process ingrained Dimitri with terror at the idea of his brave little soldier suffering a terrible fate, which made every man in that courtyard flinch a little. Unfortunately, neither his, nor anyone else''s, plea had any effect on Emily.


    That is, until Erik showed up.


    At that point, the memories ended, and Erik snapped back to reality. He blinked slightly, and quickly realized that only a few seconds had passed for everyone else.


    He turned to Dimitri with a raised eyebrow and a frown, "You''re not good at taking no for an answer, are you?"


    Although he felt annoyed at this man''s behaviour, he wasn''t particrly angry. In the end, nothing happened, and Dimitri didn''t seem like a malicious person. Rather, Erik judged him as someone who''d been skating by on charm for most of his life and was used to turning a no into a yes.


    And Erik could see why. Dimitri was an objectively handsome man, with a charming smile, an exotic ent, and a cheerful vibe. It wasn''t surprising that many people fell prey to his personality.


    Only, this time, he''d met his match. Neither Erik, nor his wives, were so easily impressed. Erik was no less handsome, and while he might be a little too rough around the edges to be considered traditionally charming, he didn''t care to be either.


    Regardless, neither Emma nor Emily was impressed. In fact, Dimitri''s attempts at charm just annoyed them instead.


    Of course, had this man touched any more than just Emily''s shoulder, Erik would have had to take more drastic measures. But, as it stood, he decided that Emily had already punished him enough, seeing as this man was just about ready to soil his pants out of sheer terror towards Emily''s darkness.


    Dimitri tried to shrug helplessly, despite the restrains, while his eyes were still wide in panic. "M¡ª Most people enjoy hugs!" he eximed desperately. "I didn''t want to offend! Very sorry! Please, talk to her for me, yes?!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Erik grinned at him a little, somewhat enjoying the man''s panic, because he still felt annoyed with Katya''s brother. Then, he turned to a slightly anxious Emily, who was looking at him, wondering what he''d think. In response, Erik grabbed her chin, still grinning, and nted a heavy kiss on her lips.


    Instinctively, Emily responded in kind, moaning softly. At the same time, she dropped her hands with the magic circles and caused the darkness clinging to Dimitri''s body to disappear.


    Instantly, both Dimitri and Eloise rxed and breathed sighs of relief, despite still being restrained, because Emma had no intention of letting them go before Erik told her to.


    At the same time, however, they looked at Erik and Emily a little incredulously, because the terrifying woman from before was now melting obediently into Erik''s touch.


    After a few seconds, Erik separated from Emily, and smiled as he looked into her eyes, hazy with love and devotion. "You did good, little shadow. No other man can touch you besides me."


    Emily grinned widely in response, happy to be praised by the only man whose opinion she cared about.


    Then, he raised an amused eyebrow. "But I think he''s been punished enough, don''t you think? We still need to deliver him to Katya, after all. Besides, I think he''s learned his lesson¡­"


    He turned to the somewhat relieved, yet still anxious Dimitri, and smirked a little, "Haven''t you?"


    Unsurprisingly, Dimitri nodded enthusiastically, "Da, Da! I''ve learned lesson!" Then, he shook his head with an equal amount of fervour, "No more hugs! Dimitri will behave!"


    Grinning, Erik looked at Emily again. "Well, what do you think?"


    Emily pouted a little, but still nodded. "I suppose if you say so, he can go, Master. But tell him to stay well away from me!"


    Naturally, Dimitri could hear her, but the raven-haired beauty simply had no more interest in interacting with him. At this point, realizing he''d received a stay of execution, Dimitri decided to just be obedient and quiet.


    Erik noddedcently at his wife, but did not tell Emma to release the constriction spell just yet. He could tell she had enough energy to keep it up for a little longer, so he first turned to Eloise, who he presumed to be the wife of Alexandre, based on the guard''s reactions.


    "Well, now that we''ve dealt with that, how about you tell me what you''re doing here?" he asked her curiously. "Did you fall for his charms?" While he didn''t particrly care, it was Elora who''d asked him to inquire about this, promising to exinter.


    Despite her earlier relief, the woman''s eyes were downcast and depressed, as she shook her head. "No, nothing like that... Dimitri is a nice man, but I''d never betray my husband," her voice was full of conviction and love, presumably aimed at Alexandre.


    She angled her head to look Erik in the eye, still clearly depressed, "I just wanted the killing to stop¡­ I''m sure Alexandre will be disappointed, but I didn''t want any more death because of me. I just want this thing to end. I want my husband to be released and able to follow his conscience."


    Everyone in the courtyard looked confused, as they had no idea what she was talking about. Not even the Dimitri or the guards appeared to know.


    Eloise turned a little wry, "I wasn''t sure you were here for Dimitri, but I took a gamble. And since Carl and the others likely would have stopped me if I''de through the front door, I decided to sneak around." She smiled, although it was still a sad, almost heart wrenching smile, "I''m d it worked out."


    Erik immediately assumed Carl was the guard captain, but also quickly discarded that realization as unimportant. He did, however, grow some respect for this woman. She was clearly a devoted wife, and a generally good person.


    But that didn''t matter right now, because her answer was what Elora had expected, which meant she quickly shared her newest scheme with him. What he heard made him grin a little, as the love he felt for his scheming first wife grew once more.


    Before he could move on her n, however, Carl the guard captain finally stormed out of the front door.


    Surprisingly, it had only been a rtively short time since Erik had left Carl without telling him why, and since Erik, as a Runebound, was far faster than him, it took the captain a while to realize where Erik was going, and then to catch up.


    Of course, his arrival heralded some more chaos when he realized thedy of the castle was restrained by greenery and the other guards felt emboldened, but it didn''tst long.


    Erik finally asked Emma to release the spell, after which Eloise quickly settled the guards down, and convinced them to let Erik and the others leave without any more conflict. Not that doing so was particrly hard to do, because the guards were perfectly aware of the oue that battle would have.


    They just didn''t care about their lives when Eloise was in danger, showing a degree of loyalty that could only be admired.


    However, before Erik left, he pulled Eloise out of earshot from the guards, to discuss something with her.


    Finally, no more than 45 minutes after they first stormed the castle, Erik and the others quickly left Bamburgh castle behind. On the castle''s ramparts, Eloise watched them go with a face that showed some concern, as she rubbed the small, dark-green mark of a covenant gracing the back of her hand.


    But her contemtion was short lived. She turned around and sighed sadly at the tens of dead first-rankers this battle had left behind. With determination, she began coordinating the guards to arrange for the burial of theirrades.

 Chapter 395 - Corruption scare

    After leaving the castle, Erik and his allies encountered arge mob, consisting of hundreds of first rankers from the vige of Bamburgh itself. They were gathering on the road towards the castle, clearly trying to find out what was happening at the castle.


    Unfortunately for them, they were stopped by a barrier, blocking their assent to the castle. Now, they were mouring outside it as they looked up at concern.


    This was the method Elora had implemented to ensure these vigers wouldn''t disturb them. It was a sigil barrier that she''d created before they even stormed the castle.


    It only covered the road, making it far smaller than the barrier that covered the castle, but it was also much stronger. It was perfectly capable of holding back hundreds of first rankers for at least an hour or two.


    Of course, that also meant they could go around, but that would have meant scaling rocks, and none of them had decided to go that far to test the barrier''s width.


    When Erik and the others came out, these people naturally made a path for them. There were a few that had more concern and outrage than sense, asionally yelling curses at the trespassers, but they were quickly pulled back by their more sensible neighbours and family members, allowing the powerful group to leave unmolested.


    Looking around, Erik noticed a strong sense ofmunity among these people. He realized that the vigers of Bamburgh had survived for six years together in France under Alexandre''s leadership, before moving to the UK with him, and those eight years of hardship had forged them into what they were today.


    Seeing such amunity actually brought back some feelings of nostalgia to Erik, as he thought back to Frostvik. He sighed softly but felt no guilt of what they''d done here. Conflict and death were a part of life, and there wouldn''t always be a clearly defined good and bad side.


    Sometimes, it was just two sides who were both fighting to secure better lives for those they cared about.


    Regardless, after Erik was gone, the vigers were finally able to ascend the road and check on the castle. Today of all days, they needed to stand together.


    * * *


    The group quickly entered the forest, where they aimed for the clearing, they waited in earlier. Erik didn''t immediately toss everyone into his dimension and start sprinting, because he first needed to talk to Emily about something and ensure Dimitri''s silence about anything he might see.


    So, while they walked, Erik opened amunication channel between himself and all his wives at the same time. While it mostly concerned Emily and Elora, he didn''t want any secrets to exist within the family. Besides, Emma especially deserved to know.


    The Ashcroft sisters were lost in thought, when Erik''s voice suddenly echoed through their heads, causing them to startle a little. Astrid, however, was calmer.


    "I didn''t ask about this earlier, because we had other things to deal with, and Emily seemed fine," Erik began, with a serious mental frown. "But what happened back there?"


    He didn''t need to borate, because they all knew what he was talking about. In fact, it was the thing that was on Emma and Emily''s minds just now: the strange, corrupted sphere of power that Emily expelled to push away Seraphina and Dimitri.


    "I''m¡­ not sure¡­?" Emily muttered, a little hesitant, while her right hand yed with the iron ring hanging from her cor.


    Her voice was concerned, but not particrly afraid. Her fear of the corruption had lessened significantly with her own victories over it, and her trust in Erik. "When that intolerable stain came so close to me, I just acted on instinct," she continued.


    "You''re fine, though, right?" Emma interjected with a hint of worry. Although she firmly believed it was impossible for Emily to truly slip back into her old state, it was natural for her to worry about her big sister.


    "I think so," Emily nodded, still a little hesitant, but also sounding confident. "I don''t feel any different, anyway. When it happened, it felt like a wellspring of negative emotions welled up inside me, but then it all instantly exploded into that sphere of power, and the emotions disappeared."


    Despite her own self-assuredness, she continued frowning, and ying with the iron ring hanging from her neck. To her, that cor was not only the symbol of her submission to Erik, but also the symbol of her freedom from corruption.


    Finally, however, she sighed, shrugged, and rxed her brow, "It felt unpleasant for a moment, but then it was over... I don''t think we need to worry about me bing fully corrupted again," she assured them at the end, sounding confident.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Relieved emotions spilled from Emma, while both she and Astrid also send herforting stream of emotional support through the bond. They wanted Emily to know, that they''d be there for her if anything went wrong.


    The three sister wives shared a rtively close bond. Although they''d only truly been bonded through Erik for the past two weeks, after Astrid finally got her marriage, they''d quickly been growing closer in that time.


    Astrid was inherently very different from the two Ashcroft sisters in multiple ways, but she''d been epted by the both of them with open arms.


    Emma, in particr, loved to hear stories about the old Erik from his childhood friend, which Astrid loved to tell, while Emily bonded with Astrid over their simr age, no-nonsense attitudes, and love for excitement.


    Initially, Astrid and Emily both had trouble opening up, but Emma was the connecting factor between them. In the end, it was hard to resist Emma''s innocent charm, despite the pervert hiding beneath.


    Erik nodded slowly, sending his own feelings of support, but remaining practical. "That''s a relief, little shadow, but we still need to find out what happened. Elora? Any idea?"


    Although Elora didn''t have the same kind of close-knit-bond with the other wives as they had with each other, there was no doubt that she was the matriarch of the family.


    Emma had always shown the fairy due respect, while Astrid had already given up her suspicions regarding Elora and was quicklying to respect her for the seemingly infinite knowledge crammed into that doll-sized head.


    Even Emily was slowlying around. In fact, Emily had always felt some awe and respect for the fairy, it had simply been overshadowed by anger and frustration at the fairy''s maniptive games. Fortunately, Elora''s gift with her parent''s ashes had begun to mend those fences.


    Besides, they all knew that Elora was an invible existence in Erik''s life, and while they were rtively sure he loved them more or less equally, they weren''t ready to put that to the test when it came to the domineering fairy.


    Thus, they all fell silent when Erik addressed his first wife. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    Elora was thoughtful for a moment, but then finally spoke up, "I think I know what might be happening¡­ but it''s exceedingly rare, so I might be wrong."

 Chapter 396 - Corrupted core

    "As you all know," Elora began her exnation, having entered teacher mode. "More powerful affinities have proportionally powerful corruption effects, which is why corruption isn''t much of a problem in most Arcanists."


    She mentally indicated towards Emma and Emily, "You two have fifth rank affinities, which are both very dangerous. Fortunately, I''ve been able to guide Emma from the start, so she hasn''t had any problems with it. And she won''t, so long as she remembers the things I''ve taught her¡­"


    "I will!" Emma promised with an uncharacteristically serious expression. She''d been warned about the possibility of light corruption essentially burning away any and all emotions, and the thought terrified her. She was fine with growing slowly, but steadily. She didn''t care much about power anyway.


    Of course, the future was uncertain, and the possibility of corruption remained an ever-present danger for people with high-rank affinities. No matter their convictions. Even Emily wasn''t safe. If anything, she even more vulnerable, because she''d already sumbed to it once.


    For a moment, Erik flooded the sisters with his concern, impressing on them the importance of being careful, and respecting the dangers. With little surprise, the sisters responded by flooding him with love and assurances.


    Meanwhile, Elora continued, "Anyway, fourth rank affinities are in danger as well, although the risk is minimal inparison, but rank three and lower are all essentially safe. Corruption is a factor for them, as it can influence their personality a little, but nothing that would have as dramatic an effect as it had on Emily."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After reminding them of the basic corruption facts, she finally got to the point. "As for Emily''s current situation¡­ she might be in the process of developing a corrupted core."


    Before she could exin any further, tensions and concern rose exponentially among those listening to her. "Should we be worried?" Erik responded with a frown.


    But Elora was quick to alleviate their concerns. "It''s actually not so bad," she calmly continued. "At least, not ording to what I know about it. But, let me exin," she said solemnly, "because before we get to the core, you should know that corruption can be divided into two types."


    She held up mental finger, "First, there is root corruption. This is what Emma and I cleansed from Emily''s soul. It is a kind of sludge, that is created when someone absorbs or expends energy too quickly. It takes on the properties of the affinity used to absorb that energy, and then adheres to the soul, where it starts to affect a person''s personality."


    Then, she held up a second finger, truly taking on the spirit of a teacher, "Second, there is vein corruption. This is a kind of crimson, corrupted aetherium, that is generated by the root corruption. It is basically a byproduct, that is not particrly harmful but does permeate the body. It is the cause of a corrupted person''s crimson eyes."


    Everyone listened to her exnation with rapt attention, their expressions showing mixes of concern, anxiety, and curiosity. "Okay, so I guess we only cleansed the root corruption?" Emma asked, with a worried tone. She thought back to the two times she helped the fairy to cleanse Emily using her light affinity. Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire


    Taking down her fingers, Elora nodded seriously, "Exactly. But there''s no need to be concerned over that. Root corruption is the real danger, because when that is taken are off, the vein corruption will simply seep out slowly. Usually, anyway."


    Instantly, Emily turned a little wry, "And I guess it wasn''t a usual case this time?"


    Elora chuckled yfully, an attitude that calmed much of the tension among their family. "Right. And that is where the corrupted corees in," she continued. "They are formed when the body of a corrupted Arcanist with a fifth rank affinity, is so saturated with vein corruption, that it can''t handle any more. At that point, a core is formed to handle the overflow."


    Astrid weighed in as well, frowning solemnly, "Makes sense, but Emily isn''t generating vein corruption anymore after you cleansed the root corruption, right? So why do you think she''s formed a core now?"


    Elora shook her head, "I don''t think she formed a core now. In fact, thinking back, I think she formed a core when her eyes ''broke'' and gained those crimson lines. Back then, her emotions were turbulent, she''d just had a corruption reup, and she wasn''t entirely cleansed, meaning she was still generating vein corruption."


    Instantly, Emily frowned with confusion, "Wait, so I''ve had this corrupted core thing for a year already? Why haven''t I noticed anything?!"


    "Because it''s still in the embryonic phase," Elora exined patiently. "After the core formed, you spend about ten months feeding it with your vein corruption, before we cleansed thest of the root corruption, shutting down your ability to generate more."


    She frowned thoughtfully, "Except, your body was still saturated with the stuff, which has since been flowing into the core, rather than seeping out of your body as it''s supposed to do. And now¡­ the core is almost finished forming."


    Erik frowned and asked the question that was now on everyone''s mind. "Alright, so now we know how it came to be, but what does it do? How will it affect her?"


    Elora chuckled again, although not a meanspirited one, more like a mother, delighting in the concern her children show for each other. "Don''t worry, I promised she''d be fine, and I meant it. A corrupted core brings no danger of corruption in and off itself, because the vein corruption is merely a byproduct of the real culprit, rather than being able to corrupt anything on its own."


    Then, she frowned seriously again, "In fact, a corrupted core is the main reason why corrupted Arcanists are extremely dangerous. It basically allows you to use the vein corruption like another affinity. A fifth rank one, to be precise."


    Unsurprisingly, that news caused some surprise. Emily especially immediately seemed interested when the emotional feed from her bond became filled with greed and excitement.


    "Are you saying I''ve got two fifth rank affinities now?!" she eximed with an enthusiasm that failed to stay confined to their mental conversation, because the corners of her lips turned up into a wide grin.


    Unfortunately, Elora had to stomp on her expectations. "If only it was that easy," the fairy chuckled with amusement. "First of all, darkness attuned vein corruption is still filled with negative emotions, which will likely flood your mind anytime you try to use it."


    Instantly, Emily''s face fell a little when she remembered the feeling she got earlier, just before she released that st of vein corruption.


    But Elora wasn''t done yet.


    "Second of all," she continued, "I''m still not even sure that this is actually what we''re dealing with. Third of all, even if it is a corrupted core, it will still need some more time to grow."


    Finally, she sighed, "Andstly, what I''ve told you so far is basically all I know about the subject. I''ve seen no live ounts of a fifth rank Arcanist who survived the process of corruption with an intact corrupted core. So, while I doubt you actually are the only one this has ever happened to, we''ll still be diving into unknown territory here¡­"

 Chapter 397 - Getting underway again [1/2]

    With everyone''s expectations sufficiently tempered, they remained quiet for a moment, until Erik spoke up again, as if suddenly thinking of something. "So¡­ you said it wouldn''t be so bad, based on everything you know, but you don''t actually know all that much?"


    For the first time in a while, Elora flinched, and actually shrunk back a little. Her emotional feed actually showed some guilt as she sighed and nodded wryly, "That''s right. I don''t think it''s dangerous, but this is one of the few things my knowledge falls short on. I''m sorry, love."


    Then, she turned her attention to Emily with a grave voice. "And you, too, Emily. I know you still don''t like me much, and I''ll admit that studying your situation is extremely interesting to me, but I swear I''ll make your safety and wellbeing my top priority."


    Elora was a typical fairy, in that she loved to experiment and umte knowledge. Thus, the prospect of studying a phenomenon that even the Obsidian Enve''s libraries had little recorded knowledge off, was truly a dreame true for her.


    Yet, Emily was also family. And if she was to follow the ideals that she herself imed to aspire to, then she had to put her sister-wife''s life ahead of her own desires.


    Thus, while the emotions pouring from her emotional feed were filled with greed and desire, they were overshadowed by determination and concern.


    Naturally, Emily could feel that as well.


    The raven-haired beauty actually felt a little anxious regarding this whole thing now due to the uncertainty that came with it. Yet, Elora''s assurance actually made her feel better, despite the tension that still existed between them, because she could feel the fairy''s genuine concern.


    Thus, she nodded with a small smile, "I know, Elora¡­ thank you."


    Afterwards they continued talking about the potential consequences, and how to handle them, for a little while longer. At the same time, while their minds were in deep conversation with each other, their bodies continued moving towards their destination.


    * * *


    A few minutester, Erik and his allies walked into the same clearing as before. Erik, Emily, Emma, and Astrid were walking up front, while Seraphina was walking behind them together with Dimitri.


    Unsurprisingly, Katya''s brother had decided to keep a healthy distance between himself and his previous tormentors. Otherwise, however, he appeared to have returned to his charming self, and had now decided to focus his efforts on Seraphina.


    Surprisingly, she responded positively to his attention, but whether that was out of genuine interest or simple courtesy because of his rtion to her boss was unclear.


    Elora had her own theories, however. She noticed that Seraphina asionally nced at Erik with a hint of frustration, and the fairy couldn''t help but giggle at that. She suspected Seraphina was just hoping to annoy or spite Erik, because she knew he was interested in her.


    Ultimately, however, Erik simply didn''t care. He did like Seraphina, but he didn''t consider her as one of his women just yet, so if the vampire decided to shack up with Dimitri instead, that was fine with him. He already had plenty of women in his life.


    Time would tell where their rtionship went. That said, Erik wasn''t one for second chances when it came to starting a rtionship, so if Seraphina chose Dimitri this time, for whatever reason, that would be the end of Erik''s interest in her. Enjoy exclusive chapters from empiren/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For now, however, he needed to stop for a moment, because there was something he needed from Dimitri.


    To that end, he turned around, causing his wives to follow suit. Dimitri quickly interrupted the story he was telling Seraphina, to look at Erik with a hint of curiosity. It was clear that Dimitri was a confident, carefree man, and while his pride had taken a hit, he was quick to recover.


    Seraphina, on the other hand, now almost looked at Erik smugly, although for what reason was unclear.


    "Before we go on to deliver you to your sister, I need something from you, Dimitri," Erik told him in a casual tone. Meanwhile, Emma and Emily red at him, while Astrid simply smirked.


    "Ah! Da?" the man eximed, a little surprised, but his expression quickly morphed to an expression of sincerity and pride. "Please tell me! Dimitri will do anything for saviours!" he continued while hitting his chest with his fist.


    Erik grinned a little at the man''s response. ''You know what, he and I are pretty different, but he''s not so bad. Perhaps we could be friends someday,'' he thought to himself as he looked at Dimitri''s sincere expression.


    But then he quickly focused on the current situation. They likely had a full three hours before Alexandre would arrive back in Bamburgh, after which he would still have to somehow track and pursuit them, but that still didn''t mean they could just sit back and rx.


    So, he noted Dimitri''s apparent willingness with a nod, and stuck out his hand, which quickly started to glow dark-green. "I need you to agree not to mention a word of anything you see or hear during your time with us, to anyone except the people here right now."


    "Ah?" Dimitri muttered, as he looked at Erik''s glowing hand with curiosity. But then he quicklyughed, grabbed Erik''s hand with no hesitation, and nodded, "My lips are sealed, friend! I cannot wait to see Sestra again!"


    Erik blinked at Dimitri''s willingness to grab something so clearly magical in nature. Then, he grinned while shaking Dimitri''s hand as the covenant formed. "Boundary issues aside, you''re an interesting man, Dimitri," Erik chuckled.


    Katya''s brotherughed heartily, "How you dare to say such thing to me, when you are clearly more so! I don''t need to fight you to know you are stronger than me¡­ and then there are your wives¡­!" He whistled softly through his teeth with twinkling eyes, "Magnificent¡­"


    When the covenant was formed, Dimitri looked at the back of his hand curiously, while Erik smirked at him. "They are amazing indeed, but hands off, right?"


    Dimitriughed and nodded, "Da, da. Hands off!"


    Then, he showed Erik the mark and raised a curious eyebrow, "So¡­ what''s this?"


    Erik quickly exined the basics of a covenant, while Seraphina actually looked a little aggrieved, as if she''d been expecting something else.

 Chapter 398 - Getting underway again [2/2]

    After they''d made sure that Dimitri wouldn''t be able to reveal all of their secrets, it was time to start moving seriously. With a wave of his hand, Erik suddenly created an oval shaped hole in the air that took both Dimitri and Seraphina by surprise.


    While Seraphina had actually seen him conjuring people out of thin air before, she''d been so preupied with the separate situations of Emily and Dimitri that she''d forgotten to ask about it and, eventually, just forgot all together.


    Both their eyes opened wide as they looked at the hovering doorway. Dimitri muttered, "Oro¡­" presumably being some expression of amazement.


    Seraphina recovered quickly, however, and returned to a serious expression. "What the hell is that?" she asked, with an almost usatory tone.


    Erik ignored her, however, and instead kissed Emma, before sending her through the portal. Then, he turned to Seraphina and shrugged, "It''s your ride, if you want it."


    Since Seraphina was a Runebound like him, she was perfectly capable of running along with him. Technically, Emma and Emily could do the same if they used Emma''s golden disc, but there was no need to go through the effort if they could just travel inside their home instead.


    Without waiting for the dark-haired vampire''s response, he turned towards Dimitri, "Unfortunately, this ce is my home, and only for family, or friends of family. Right now, however, you are neither, so you''ll have to travel with me."


    Dimitri was still staring at the portal in awe when Erik''s voice tore him out of it. Fortunately, he didn''t seem to mind, because heughed and smiled, "Haha, of course, of course! I understand. Your wives would be ufortable with me there."


    Then he scratched his head and chuckled a little awkwardly, "And honestly, so would I¡­! Hahaha!" Heughed boisterously, before waving his hands, "Anyway, I like to run, so is fine."


    Erik nodded with appreciation, before turning to Astrid. "Would you like a drink before you head in?" Erik asked Astrid, smiling mysteriously.


    Astrid wasn''t very hungry, because she hadn''t really expended that much energy in the previous battle, but she still intended to take him up on his offer, because she knew the real reason behind it¡­ and she waspletely onboard.


    So, she smirked, while ncing smugly at Seraphina, and nodding at Erik, "Don''t mind if I do."


    She stepped forward into Erik''s arms, and carefully pierced his neck with her fangs. Instantly, she relished the taste and power of Erik''s blood, pouring down her throat.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, Seraphina couldn''t stop a look of desire, hunger, and jealously appearing on her face. His blood smelled even better than it did a year ago, and she couldn''t help herself from desiring it. To say she was addicted would be an overstatement, but she definitely wanted more.


    After Astrid was done, she licked the wound while it closed, before turning to Seraphina and licking her lips. "Delicious," she grinned, before kissing Erik as well, and then stepping through the portal.


    Seraphina''s eyelids twitched a little. She was especially annoyed because she actually was a little hungry. It had been a few days since shest drank any blood. Her previous n had to been to drink some from one of the castle guards, but for some reason she couldn''t bring herself to.


    Actually, she knew the reason, she just didn''t want to admit it to herself.


    Regardless, she wasn''t actually in need for blood just yet, so she kept her mouth shut.


    Meanwhile, Emily smirked at her old friend''s obvious struggle, "Well? Are youing? It''ll be at least sixteen hours before we meet up with Katya, so we''ll have plenty of times to truly catch up. Plus, there''s amazing training facilities in there~~" She ended her pitch with a sing-songy tone full of enticement.


    Her provocation worked. Seraphina''s eyes shone with interest at both of Emily''s suggestions. But first, she turned to Erik with narrowed eyes, "No tricks, right?!"


    Erik smirked, but he was used to Seraphina''s attempts to paint him as worse than she actually believed him to be. "What would be I be trying to aplish with these tricks of yours? And do you actually believe I''d pull them?"


    In response, Seraphina just grumbled grumpily, snorted nomittally, and then walked up next to Emily, apparently havingpletely forgotten about Dimitri already. A fact the shapeshifter noted with a wry smirk.


    Emily and Erik then shared their own kiss, before the two friends disappeared into the portal as well. Naturally, Erik had offered Seraphina her own kiss, but for some reason she declined.


    For a moment, Erik''s eyes followed them into the portal, and he wondered if Seraphina would request the chance to drink Emily''s blood. He hadn''t forbidden anyone from feeding her, and he wouldn''t really mind if they did.


    That said, he couldn''t deny liking the idea that she''d continue to hunger for him.


    Shaking himself free of this thoughts, he closed the portal, turned towards Dimitri, and changed into werewolf form. "Ready to go?" he growled at him.


    Despite this being the first time he''d seen Erik transform, he wasn''t surprised. Even if he hadn''t heard about Erik''s status in the castle earlier, it wasn''t so hard for a shapeshifter to recognize another.


    Dimitri transformed as well. Unsurprisingly, he was a werebear, just like his sister. Then, he nodded, "Da! Let''s go see my sestra."


    Thus, they took off towards the south. Unfortunately, Dimitri was a bit slowerpared to Erik, so rather than his previous 80 km/h (~50 mph), they now travelled at 70 km/h (~43.5 mph). And even that was pushing Dimitri''s limits.


    But, of course, he knew the stakes, so he didn''tin, and pushed his muscles to the max. They still had a small three hours before Alexandre would arrive back home, and they had to make as much distance as they could that in time.


    They knew Alexandre would hear about the events in Bamburgh soon, of course, but he''d have no idea where Erik would travel from there. It was safe to assume that he would first go to Bamburgh to asses the situation, before starting to search for them, but even then Erik and his allies could have gone in any direction.


    Fortunately, they''d also left a dying tactic behind in Bamburgh¡­


    All in all, they should have plenty of time to make their escape, but that didn''t mean they should take more risk than necessary.

 Chapter 399 - Reunion with Katya [1/2]

    Their goal was Milford Haven in Wales. This was the ce Erik had told Nora and Anna to take the boat to, so that they could meet up there and travel south as quick as possible.


    It would take them at least six hours to reach the ce, considering that they also had to avoid any popted areas, lest news reaches Alexandre regarding their trajectory.


    Not long after they left, Erik got a new message from Katya, saying that Alexandre had left the Council in a hurry after receiving some news from his guards.


    She didn''t ask after the mission''s sess, however, because she continued by saying the Council would continue its deliberations, and she had to continue attending, lest she call any suspicion on herself.


    Then, she finished by confirming she''d be waiting at the agreed upon meeting ce in ten hours.


    Erik nodded contently, and decided to have a little mercy on Katya for once, rather than tease her about this, by sending a message saying the mission was a sess.


    While they ran, the two men also started talking, and quickly realized they had a lot inmon. They even bonded a little over their mutual love for women, which immediately led them to make a pact, saying they''d never go after anyone the other was interested in.


    Naturally, Erik immediatelyid a im on Seraphina¡ªsomething she''d likely attempt to kill him for if she overheard it¡ªbased on the fact that he''d known her longer.


    Erik had to admit that Dimitri truly was pleasant to interact with. He wasid back, friendly, and easy going, but there was also an inner strength there. Erik realized that, beneath this jovial exterior, was a core of iron that wouldn''t bend or break easily, or at all.


    Perhaps it would justpress.


    Regardless, they managed to travel the entire way without interruptions. Thus, six hourster, they were greeted by Nora and Anne, waiting in front of the ship.


    Of course, Dimitri was amazed by the invisible ship, but had no time to admire it, because Erik quickly ushered him inside. He wanted to make use of the invisibility as an extra precaution, even though it probably wouldn''t help much.


    After all, the discement of water was pretty easy to spot for a human, especially so for one with omnisense.


    Regardless, after they were on board, the ship immediately took off in the direction of France.


    It was time to finish this, so they could start the search for Erik''s mother.


    * * *


    Eight hourster, their ship sailed into the harbour of a small, abandoned French town by the name of Le Conquet.


    This town was on the very edge of the north-western French coastline, and perfect as a stop between the UK and Afrika.


    Unsurprisingly, Erik had spent most of that time sleeping and resting inside his dimension. Setting aside all the running and fighting he''d done in thest two days, he''d also emptied out the aetherium storage he shared with Elora. Honestly, he deserved some rest.


    As for the others, most of them had spent their time training and resting. Dimitri was, once again, forced to remain outside the dimension, and had spent his time on the boat. Fortunately, he didn''t seem to mind. In fact, he seemed happy to stay out in the open, after being locked inside the same castle for two years.


    On the harbour stood a lone woman. She was tall and muscr, but in a way thatplimented her beauty, rather than taking away from it. Her muscles were sleek, rather than bulging.


    Short brown hair framed her angr face, and her arms were crossed in front of herrge chest, while she tapped her foot nervously.


    The boat was still invisible, so she didn''t notice it at first, but then her omnisense picked up the disturbance in the water, and her eyes widened.


    "What the¡­" she muttered with confusion, while pushing her omnisense to the limit. Yet no matter how she tried, she was unable to find the cause for the disturbance.


    She followed the moving water with a suspicious eye, until it appeared toe to a stop right in front of her. "Erik?" she muttered cautiously, while slowly rolling her muscles in preparation for a fight. Grey metal coloured runes appeared on her skin, and power reverberated in the surroundings.


    For all she knew, this might be some kind of powerful, mutated, invisible sea beast making its first appearance.


    Fortunately, that was when Erik suddenly appeared in front of her, and she sighed in relief.


    "Don''t worry, it''s just me," he smirked at her. "It''s not time for our duel yet, you know? Also, why do you look so nervous? Where is the confident, powerful Katya I''vee to know and love?"


    With his appearance, Katya quickly rxed and grinned at him, "Oh, you love me now? I don''t really like to get romantically involved with anyone I can easily fold into a pretzel, though."


    Erikughed heartily, before grinning wildly and releasing some of the strength he''d gained in thest year, "I''m afraid you won''t find me such an easy target anymore."


    Katya blinked in surprise at the power she felting from this arrogant second ranker. She actually felt a hint of a threat from him now.


    Yet, when she fully realized that fact, the corners of her mouth curled into a wild grin to match her opponents. Suddenly, in a move faster than any mortal eye could follow, she punched forward, straight at Erik''s face.


    Boom!


    A deep rumbling reverberated in the area. But when she saw the result of her attack, Katya''s grin widened. Erik''s arms trembled as they blocked Katya''s fist by making a cross in front of his face. He''d skidded back a meter or two, but he was clearly fine, and his grin was undiminished.


    "Are you sure you''re still a second ranker?" she asked Erik with amusement, without taking her fist away. "Last year that strike would have knocked you halfway back to Ennd."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Things change¡­" Erik smirked while he locked eyes with her. "Tell me, are you still so sure of your victory when ites time for our duel?"

 Chapter 400 - Reunion with Katya [2/2]

    "Ha!" Katya barked augh in response to Erik''s provocation, while finally taking her fist away. "You know I could still fold you into a pretzel right now, right? Might just have to expend a tiny bit of effort."


    Amused, Erik grinned at her while he shook his arms to stop their trembling. "Sure, right now, but what about after I reach the third rank?"


    Katya crossed her arms again while returning his grin, "You''d have to reach the third rank first, boy!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She raised an eyebrow and stared at him tauntingly, "How young are you even? Do you know that the youngest Councillor is forty years old? And that''s not even mentioning that old monster d, who''s past the two hundred mark already! Meanwhile, our match is set for the next time we meet. Do you intend to disappear for ten years!?"


    Lightning sparked between their eyes as they stared at each other with yful fighting intent.


    Then, Erik returned a taunt of his own, "You know, now I''m just starting to wonder how old you are, Katya. Are you afraid I won''t im you before you be an old spinster? Well, d0n''t worry. I''ll have you warm my bed before long."


    Instantly, Katya''s eyes started spitting fire. "You¡­!" she growled furiously while taking a threatening step closer to Erik. But to her surprise, Erik stood his ground, and just continued smirking at her.


    "Seems like you''ve lost the first match, Katya," Erik taunted, pointing to the fact she''d lost her cool.


    Katya blinked, before suddenly taking a step back and starting tough. It was a deep, rumblingugh, that didn''t fit her beautiful image, but only made her more interesting to Erik.


    "Fine, you got me good, boy!" she eximed jokingly. "But don''t forget I beat you up pretty bad back in London, so at most this makes us even!"


    Erik chuckled mysteriously, "That''s true, but have you ever heard about ''the rule of three''? You beat me once, now we''re even, and ording to that rule, I, as the protagonist, am fated to win our third and final contest."


    Katya''s eyes widened and she nearly did a spit-take at his arrogance. "You arrogant little shit! You are no more some kind of protagonist than I am!"


    Inwardly, Erik chuckled as he thought to himself, ''Well, I am fated to save the world or whatever, ording to Audu, so I''d make a pretty good candidate for protagonist status.''


    Yet, before he could respond to her, another deep, rumblingugh interrupted their back-and-forth. It was the sameugh as Katya''s, suddenly causing Erik to wonder which parent they got that from.


    Dimitri stepped off the boat, bing visible, as heughed loudly. "I cannot believe it!" he began, in a vic ent that was notably stronger than Katya''s. "The big strong Sestra I knew would have already made sure my friend here was eating food from straw for next few weeks."


    "But here you are, joking around instead!" he continued jovially. "Don''t tell me my Katya is pervert who loves the younger boys?!"


    At first, when Dimitri appeared, Katya lost her trail of thought because of the relief that appeared in her eyes. But as her little brother continued talking, her face became stormier. Her eyes closed, her brows twitched, and her nose wrinkled. Her irritation was quickly rising.


    "Dim-Dim, you little shit!" she snarled, before grabbing him by the cor, and dragging him over to her. Dimitriughed awkwardly and didn''t resist. Instead, he started talking to her in anguage that Erik didn''t recognize. It was obviously vic in origin, but he didn''t know enough about it to determine a country.


    Whatever he said, however, Katya clearly wasn''t impressed, because the next few minutes were filled with Dimitri''s pleas for mercy, as Katya taught her little brother a lesson.


    Meanwhile, Emma, Astrid, and Emily, all joined their husband on shore, together with Seraphina. Once there, they all looked wryly at the sibling violence taking ce in front of them.


    Seraphina, however, actually focused Erik. She looked at him strangely. "When the hell did you and my boss get so close?" she asked incredulously, ignoring the fighting.


    Erik shrugged and chuckled, "I guess we just hit it off."


    Unsurprisingly, Seraphina was unsatisfied with that answer, but didn''t continue asking about it. Instead, she snorted and focused on the beatdown Dimitri was getting from his sister.


    Of course, Katya didn''t use her real strength, and as a second-rank werebear, Dimitri''s endurance was extremely high. He even managed to fight back a little. It was obviously not the first time this happened.


    "I guess this is how they show love?" Erik quipped as he watched Katyay down thew with an amused smirk.


    Next to him, Astrid grinned, "I approve!" while casually punching Erik''s shoulder, causing him to chuckle, and everyone else to roll their eyes.


    Finally, Dimitri was on the ground with Katya''s foot firmly nted on his chest as he waved his arms around. He was still speaking in their mother tongue, but he was clearly waving the white g.


    Having secured his submission, Katya snorted contently, before taking her foot of his chest, and offering her slightly bruised brother a hand in getting up.


    After taking her hand, Dimitri was forcefully pulled into a tight hug, which he quickly returned. A few more emotion filled words were exchanged, before the hug ended, and the pair turned their attention back to Erik and the others.


    "So¡­ Dim-Dim, huh?" Erik smirked at the younger of the two siblings.


    Dimitri chuckled awkwardly as he straightened out his scuffed clothing, and dusted himself off. "Da¡­ Please do not copy, yes? Is Sestra exclusive."


    Erik chuckled and nodded, "Sure."


    Meanwhile, Katya walked up to Erik, and grabbed his shoulder, before looking at him with sincerity. "Thank you, Erik. You don''t know what a relief it is to have my brother back¡­" She fell silent, only for her sincerity to transform into a vicious grin, "And having the chance to finally strike back at the snake bitch."


    "It''s not like I did it out of the goodness of my heart," he grinned back at her. "I''ll be looking forward to our fight¡­ and ordering you to kowtow for every time you''ve called me boy."


    Katya''s grip on his shoulder tightened, but he didn''t flinch. Instead, they now stared at each other for moment, with gazes full of fighting intent. "You know, I could just detain you for a week," she grinned a little yfully.


    Erik chuckled, full of confidence, "You could, but you won''t. You want to see if I can actually do it."


    Katya smirked, but didn''t say anything. Instead, she tacitly agreed, by released his shoulder, and turning to Seraphina instead.


    Erik was surprised when he noticed Seraphina looking at Katya like she was a loyal puppy waiting for praise. He wondered what Katya had done to earn suchmitment from Seraphina in thest year, because he was sure the vampire didn''t have that look in her eyes back then.


    But, before Katya could say anything, her eyes snapped towards the horizon with rm.

 Chapter 401 - Betrayal?

    "Shit!" Katya eximed, before turning to Erik with surprise and anger. "You idiot! You were followed!"


    Seraphina''s eyes opened wide in shock and dismay. "What?!" she eximed, as she turned in the direction Katya had just been staring at. "No, no, no! I was finally going to repay her!"


    She snapped towards Erik, eyes spitting fire, "How could you let him follow us?! Fuck!"


    Surprisingly, however, Erik and his wives remained calm. Looking towards the horizon, Erik smirked mysteriously. "Good¡­ I was starting to think he would arrive toote."


    Instantly, silence fell. Slowly, Seraphina''s eyes turned to a gaze of betrayal and hatred. At the same time, Katya''s gaze turned to hurt, disgust, and disappointment. Surprisingly, however, it was Dimitri who looked at him no differently. His gaze was one of mainly curiosity, but no anger or surprise.


    "You betrayed us?!" Seraphina eximed with a surprising amount of surprise. "I can''t believe I trusted you!"


    "And you!" she turned to Emily with a hurt expression. "I refuse to believe you didn''t know!"


    She quickly distanced herself from her previous allies, and pulled the massive sword from her back. Her face filled with anger, hurt, and sadness.


    Meanwhile, Katya looked at him with eyes as cold as the river styx. A far cry from her usual confidence mixed with amusement. "I guess you were never the man I thought you were," she scowled.


    She remained silent for a second while she stared in Erik''s calm eyes, looking for remorse, but finding none. Then, she turned towards the horizon again. "I suggest you leave now, before I change my mind."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But Erik didn''t leave. Instead, he smirked mysteriously, "Leave now? Just when the good part is about to start? No, no. I think you''ll want me here a little longer."


    At that moment, the second-rankers also began to hear the rapid ''chop chop chop'' of helicopter des slicing through the air, growing louder with each passing second.


    Yet, it was Erik''s refusal to leave that truly set off Katya. Eyes ring with barely contained rage, she turned back towards him. "I think I''ll want to rip your head off if you stay any longer!" she snarled furiously at him. Her beautiful face twisted in anger.


    To the side, Emily turned to the far angrier Seraphina and pursed her lips yfully. "Come now, Sera. Have a little faith! You trust me, and I know you trust my husband, too. Don''t give in to your worst instincts now."


    But Seraphina wasn''t so easily calmed. "I trusted you once! But you''ve changed so much, I barely recognize you!" she barked furiously. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she didn''t choose to engage with Emily''s im of her trust in Erik.


    Erik still remained calm as he smiled at Katya, "Why are you so sure I''ve betrayed you, anyway? Our deal was that I''d save your brother, and you''d serve me, starting from when we meet again. Why would I put that in jeopardy?"


    Katya''s instant reaction was snorting at his insinuation, "Only if you defeat me."


    Erik shruggedconically, and with the corners of his mouth curved into a confident smirk, "Same diff."


    Surprisingly, a small smile threatened to appear on Katya''s face, just before she caught herself and narrowed her eyes at him again. "Don''t y with me, boy! Why the hell are you still acting like we''re friendly?!"


    Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder, causing her to turn around. It was Dimitri. Her brother looked at her with a small, jovial smile. "I think my new friend might have an exnation for this, if you listen to him for a moment, yes?"


    Katya blinked. Her brother''s instincts for social situations and people''s intentions had always been better than hers. So, she frowned, and turned back to Erik. His confident smirk had turned into a yful one, as he shrugged mysteriously without a word.


    In the background, the chopper was fast approaching and would be on top of them in a mere few minutes, so she growled at Erik. "Start talking boy, but you better make it fast and good, before Alexandre''s omnisense can reach us."


    Erik chuckled, and opened his mouth to quickly exin the n. It wasn''t veryplicated, so it only took about a minute, giving them some more time before Alexandre arrived.


    The reactions were varied. Dimitri grinned and gave Erik a double thumbs up in approval. Katya blinked, and looked at him as if she wasn''t sure what to think now. Seraphina, meanwhile, actually still appeared angry and hurt.


    "Why the hell didn''t you tell me any of this?!" Katya and Seraphina both eximed at the same time, although Seraphina actually directed her question to both Erik and Emily.


    Erik shrugged casually and pursed his lips, "First of all, because ny percent of the n requires Alexandre to know nothing about all this, and telling anyone would increase the chances of him somehow finding out. Second of all, because neither of you needed to know."


    Before continuing, he smirked, and pointed at Katya, "Third of all, for you, because that would have ruined the surprise, and I honestly wanted to see how much you''d trust me. Which is clearly not enough, meaning you would have called this thing off if I told you."


    Then, he turned and pointed at Seraphina, "As for you, third of all, why would I tell you anything? You''re not my wife nor my friend, and you''ve made it clear you don''t want to be either."


    While those words may sound harsh, it was the truth. He was interested in her, but he had no reason to include her in his and Elora''s nning. She was hurt because she thought Erik and Emily cared enough about her to tell her, despite her behaviour towards Erik¡­ and now she discovered to be wrong.


    It was a lesson Erik needed her to learn.


    "If you want to be included in the decision making next time, try not treating me as the enemy. I like you, Seraphina, but I''m not some simp who will treat you like a queen while you''re acting like a bitch," he finished in a harsh tone, before turning back to Katya.


    Seraphina blinked, before her face became distorted with pain. "F¡ª Fuck you," she muttered, but before any more emotion could show on her face, she suddenly turned around and hugged her body with her own arms. She actually shivered a little, and Emily quickly approached to talk with her.


    Erik, however, had already moved on by pursing his lips yfully at Katya. "As for you, I''m obviously a little disappointed by yourck of trust, but I suppose I do understand. Despite the two of us clearly hitting it off, you don''t really know me that well yet. Not to mention it involves your brother."


    After listening to all his exnations, Katya now narrowed her eyes at him for a second, before snorting. "Fine then. Here''s the deal. If everything goes ording to this n of yours, then all is forgiven, and I''ll apologize on my knees for myck of trust, but if anything goes wrong, I''ll rip your head of your shoulders. Deal?"


    Erik''s confidence in both himself and Elora caused him to grin widely and nod, "Deal."

 Chapter 402 - Alexandre de Beaumont [1/2]

    It wasn''t long before the helicopter was overhead, and they all looked up. Seraphina and Emily were still off to the side together, where they''d spend thest few minutes talking, but they, too, interrupted their conversation to look up with concern.


    Only, rather thannd, the helicopter continued hovering, and a man appeared in the open door. Erik raised an eyebrow in surprise. His mind went back to a year ago, when Katya jumped out of a hovering helicopter, but she was a powerful Runebound.


    ''Surely he''s not going to jump?'' he thought to himself. ''Even a third ranked Arcanist would die from a drop that high.''


    But his eyes widened, when the man did exactly that.


    Katya, however, didn''t seem surprised at all. Instead, she looked at Alexandre solemnly.


    "Alexandre is one of the most dangerous fighters the human faction has," Katya exined without taking her eyes of the rapidly approaching man. "Because he can fly."


    Suddenly, dark, shing clouds began to form around Alexandre''s feet, and his descend was quickly slowing down. Above his head, the helicopter remained hovering.


    "Second ranked storm affinity," Elora immediatelymented in Erik''s mind. "Not too unusual to find one with the ability to fly at the third rank."


    Erik nodded with a frown. He had fought a few flying opponents before back on S?l, but he had an advantage over other shapeshifters, in that he had ranged Arcanist spells as well.


    So, without taking his eyes of the man slowly drifting down towards them, Erik asked the woman next him curiously, "How would you fight a flying opponent?"


    "I thought this wasn''t going to get to a fight?" Katya snorted, clearly still a little annoyed at Erik''s stunt.


    Erik grinned widely, "It won''t. But can you really deny me the chance to learn from a valuable teacher like you?"


    Katya tried to keep a straight face, but in the end she chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You really are a shameless bastard, you know that?"


    "I''ll take that as apliment," Erik answered, continuing to grin.


    "I''m sure you will," Katya sighed helplessly, and then remained quiet for a second. At this point, Alexandre was about twenty metres (~65 feet) above them, and he continued closed as he looked down at them sternly.


    Finally, Katya spoke again, "As a Runebound without a ranged attack, there''s only two things you can do against a flying opponent. Either you find a way to get to them anyway, or you defend until they tire out. Most flying spells are either easily destroyed, or extremely draining. Alexandre has thetter kind."


    Erik nodded with understanding. He knew she was right, as Emma actually had the former kind of flying spell. Her golden disc allowed her to fly by using it as a vehicle, but it was easily destroyed, making its flying capabilities almost useless inbat.


    While they talked, Erik''s second-ranked allies all gathered behind Erik and Katya, rtive to the point where Alexandre was soon going tond.


    After that, no one spoke, until Alexandre finally reached the ground. It was clear he didn''t intend to keep on flying. Instead, hended about ten meters (~33 feet) away from them, his hands cupped behind his back.


    Unsurprising, of course. Not only was getting close to a Runebound as an Arcanist very dangerous, but Katya was also one of, if not the, most powerful Runebound in Europe currently.


    Alexandre was a tall, middle-aged man with blond hair, blue eyes, and a soft chin. He wore an elegant outfit, including straight blue pants, ck shoes, a white shirt, and an open blue zer to match his pants.


    "Katya¡­" a tense Alexandre started in a sombre voice, before continuing with a noticeable French ent. "You know why I''m here."


    Katya snorted dismissively with her arms crossed in front of her chest. "You''re here to try and fail to get my brother back, despite what your wife told you. You''d best put that thought out of your mind, Alexandre. At best you could force me into a stalemate, but there''s no way you can defeat me."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There''s a reason Katya was generally considered to be the most powerful Councillor, after all


    Anger and helplessness sparked in Alexandre''s eyes. His face distorted a little, but he didn''t move, and kept his arms behind his back. "So what do you suggest I do instead? Leave the fate of my wife up to the random second ranker who killed more than fifty of my men?!"


    Technically, Erik didn''t actually take a single life during the assault on Bamburgh, but he naturally wasn''t going to quibble over that. He believed a leader was responsible for every life taken by those following their orders.


    Katya shrugged uncaringly. She wasn''t unkind, but if she had to choose between a stranger and her brother, the choice was clear. "I don''t care, Alexandre. You can do as you like, but you''re not getting my brother back."


    Then, she thumbed to her side, "But if you want my advice, Erik here is far more than just a second ranker. I''d suggest hearing him out."


    Alexandre didn''t take his eyes of Katya, even narrowing them. Stormy clouds began to gather around him as the aetherium in the surroundings reacted to his turbulent emotions.


    For a moment, tensions rose it appeared like he was about to attack.


    But then, finally, he sighed and closed his eyes. The storm clouds disappeared again. Alexandre knew the futility of fighting here, not to mention the ramifications it might have on the Council in the future, as there was no way for such a thing to remain a secret for long.


    So, he finally turned his gaze towards Erik, as if acknowledging his existence for the first time. Erik and Alexandre stared at each other, as if taking the other''s measure.


    Then, the Frenchman spoke up, "You killed a lot of my people back there, Erik." His voice was tinged with anger and sadness. ''He really does appear to care for his people¡­'' Erik thought to himself. ''Admirable, and probably the reason they''re so loyal to him.''


    Erik nodded solemnly. He respected this man''s regret over his people''s death, so he wouldn''t disrespect it. But, he did need to express his stance on the matter. So, he said calmly, "People die all the time, Councillor. Your people were lucky enough to die in the line of duty, with weapon in hand."


    Alexandre remained calm as he offered a rebuttal, "I hope to die in my bed at a ripe old age, with family at my side. As, I believe, did many of my men."


    This time, Erik shrugged casually, "Who doesn''t? But so rarely do we get what we want out of life. Or the ending of it. When my endes, I''ll ept it as ites, whatever the situation at the time might be. To do anything else would be to betray the life I''ve lived."


    Alexandre snorted softly, "Didn''t take you for a philosopher."


    Then he shook his head, "But fine. This is getting us nowhere. Let''s talk about what you''ve told my wife."


    "I thought you''d never ask," Erik finally grinned and snapped his fingers. Instantly, three icy-blue magic circles appeared¡ªtwo behind Erik and Katya, and one behind Alexandre. From each circle rose an icy throne, and Erik immediately took a seat on the one behind him.


    He leaned back, put his left elbow on the arm rest, and casually rested his head against his fist. With his other hand, he indicated towards Alexandre''s throne, "Let''s talk infort, shall we?"

 Chapter 403 - Alexandre de Beaumont [2/2]

    At first, Katya looked at the throne behind her with surprise, but then shrugged casually and sat down as well, with legs wide, and both arms on the arm rests.


    On the other side, Alexandre frowned and looked behind him. Then, he scoffed and waved his hand. Aetherium moved, a dark blue magic circle appeared under the throne, and a small lightning storm annihted it.


    Unsurprisingly, Erik chuckled wryly as he was reminded of their difference in power. Yet, he didn''t think Alexandre was the kind of person who''d do this just to prove a point, and then remain standing to spite him. So, he wondered what the man was going to do instead.


    The answer came quickly, when the magic circle that destroyed his throne remained, and instead formed a new throne. This time, it was made of surprisingly solid storm clouds.


    "I see," Elora muttered thoughtfully in Erik''s head. "That spell is like your ice maker, but with storm affinity instead. I believe that''s also the way he''s flying. He simply creates storm clouds under his feet, which are partly made up off the wind affinity, allowing him to fly."


    Erik took in the new knowledge with interest, but then refocused on Alexandre. The Frenchman had taken a seat on his newly created storm throne, and narrowed his eyes at Erik.


    "So you really are a shapeshifter with Arcanist spells," he said solemnly. "Are you an actual hybrid?"


    Erik smiled mysteriously, "Not a hybrid, no. In fact, I am, for the most part, just your regr, run of the mill werewolf."


    Standing behind him, Emma, Emily, and Astrid all had twitching eyebrows. While it was true that Erik''s ''base material'' was actually that of a rtively normal werewolf, to gloss over all his advantages with ''for the most part'' was just a gross under valuation.


    Not to mention that the ''rtive'' part of his werewolf origins actually came from the fact he could trace his ancestry to the first werewolf, Fenrir, which gave him a leg up on his fellow shapeshifters.


    Naturally, Alexandre could see the women''s reactions, but even if he couldn''t, he didn''t believe a word of what Erik was telling him. So he scoffed with as much scepticism as he could summon up, "Is that right? Very surprising¡­"


    Erik just chuckled at his scepticism. Still resting his head on his left fist, he waved his other hand dismissively. "Anyway, I doubt this is what you really want to discuss with me. How about we address the elephant in the room?"


    Alexandre''s face scrunched up, and he nced back at Katya. Unfortunately for him, she shrugged with a hard expression, "You''re not getting my brother back, Alexandre. If you don''t want Aria to kill your wife, I suggest you listen to him."


    Next to her, Erik smiled confidently, "I''m offering you a way to free your wife from the de that Aria is dangling over her head. I understand you''re sceptical about my qualifications to do so, but surely you love your wife enough to at least hear me out?"


    Two years ago, it was Eloise, Alexandre''s wife, who ended up falling for the trap Aria had set up in Bamburgh castle. It was a powerful poison that was linked to Aria somehow, although how exactly was still unclear. What was clear, however, was that Aria could kill Eloise anytime she wanted.


    Anger red in Alexandre''s eyes, and he shot up from his throne to point usingly at Erik, "Don''t you dare question the love I bear for Eloise! For two years I''ve suffered under that despicable snake''s heel to keep my wife safe, and I''ll suffer as long as I need to! You might be offering me a way to get out from under Aria, but what if it doesn''t work?! What will happen to Eloise then?!"


    Erik shook his head sombrely, "We both know your wife''s health has been deterioratingtely. Even if Aria is dying the poison coursing through her system, it''s still affecting her. You say you''ll suffer under Aria as long as you need to, but will Eloise survive that long? Aria certainly doesn''t care about her life.


    Who knows if she''ll cure your wife when the dayes that Eloise can''t hold on any longer?"


    Erik leaned forward on his throne, and looked deeply at Alexandre, "I''m offering to cure your wife today. No more sword over her neck. No more serving a dishonourable mistress."


    Then, he went back to his previous posture, and shrugged, "Or you can keep wasting time here, while Aria might decide to kill your wife at any time, because she''s probably already found out about Dimitri."


    Instantly, a deep, primal fear appeared on Alexandre''s face. He trembled as he sat back down and gripped the arm rests tightly. Anger, helplessness, depression, and marital love all tried topete for a top spot in the melting pot of emotions showing on his face.


    But, finally, he leaned back, defeated, and gripped his forehead. "Fine¡­" he whispered just loud enough for Erik to hear. "If you''re my only hope here, then what other choice do I have? So, assuming you really do have the power to cure my wife, what do you want in return?"


    Erik grinned victoriously, "I want to create a covenant with you."


    Alexandre frowned in confusion, "A covenant¡­?"


    While all the Councillors knew of the mark on Seraphina''s hand, the full capabilities of the covenant, or even its name, still eluded them. So, Erik quickly exined everything to him.


    Understanding shone in his eyes as he nced at the raven-haired vampire in the back with a raised eyebrow. "So that''s what you used to keep Seraphina quiet. I suppose that exins some things, and I also know the power of this covenant¡­ Mother Zara has been trying to break the spell for a year now, without sess."


    Erik knew that Mother Zara was the current faction leader of the Council humans, and that the faction was practically a cult, honouring Zara Yaga as an infallible mother.


    Alexandre turned back to Erik. "You say the covenant affects you, too. Assuming I''m wiling to believe that''s true, will you include the promise to cure my wife in our covenant?"


    Erik nodded calmly, "Of course."


    Alexandre breathed a sigh of relief and closed his eyes. Then he nodded as well, "Okay¡­ tell me what you want me to agree to. I''ll do anything to save my wife, so you have all the cards."


    In response, Erik smiled softly. "I have four wives, Alexandre, and while some may say that such a thing would divide my love in four, I say it quadruples it instead. Therefore, I understand and respect your love. I won''t gauge you. What I want is very simple¡­"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 404 - Already done

    Green energy began to coalesce around Erik''s arm as Elora activated the covenant magic. At the same time, he stood up from his throne, and walked in the direction of Alexandre.


    "What I want, is for you to shift loyalties," Erik exined while he moved. "Rather than serve Aria, I want you to serve Katya and me."


    Instantly, Alexandre''s face scrunched up in disgust, "What, so in order to save my wife, I need to serve you instead? How is that any different from our current situation?"


    Halfway to the other''s throne, Erik stopped, crossed his arms in front of his chest, dark green energy still covering one of them, and curled his lips into an amused smirk.


    "Come now, Alexandre," he chuckled, almost condescendingly, but not quite. "We both know this is a very different situation."


    He held up one finger on his covenant-magic-covered arm. "For one, your wife won''t be living with a sword of Damocles above her head. Yes, you''ll have chosen to serve us in order to save her, but you won''t continue serving us to keep her safe, you''ll do it because we''ve already saved her."


    Then, he stuck up a second finger, "For two, you might not know me very well, but I''m sure you realize Katya will be a far better mistress than Aria ever was or will be. Which is good, because I''ll leave soon, and won''t be back for a while, meaning you''ll mostly be dealing with Katya."


    Finally, he raised a third finger, "Third, andstly, Katya is gunning for revenge on Aria, and I have this inkling that you''ll be wanting the same thing."


    Smirking, he crossed his arms again, and shrugged, "I''m not saying your situation, or my offer, is perfect, but you can''t deny I''m offering you an improvement on your current life, no?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Alexandre''s face rxed a little, but still remained scrunched up in frustration. At the same time, he sagged back in his throne and slowly rubbed his face with one hand.


    Finally, he waved his other hand and groaned, "Fine¡­ I won''t deny that''s true."


    Before Erik could answer, Alexandre''s face hardened, "But I have some conditions. First, this deal obviously onlyes into effect after my wife is cured. Second, it needs to be set in stone that neither of you will harm or threaten my wife in any way, shape, or form. And third, if it turns out you can''t cure my wife, I want Dimitri returned to me."


    Katya immediately shot up from her own seat and growled, "Forget it! I''m not bargaining with his freedom!"


    Erik turned back to her with a wry expression, "It''s a safe bet, Katya, and you know it. Do you really trust me so little?"


    But Katya looked at him with determination, "It''s not about trust! I simply refuse to bargain with his freedom out of principle."


    On the other side, Alexandre shook his head resolutely, "My main concern is my wife. I won''t make any deal that doesn''t include every possible angle for keeping her safe."


    Tension rose as Alexandre and Katya red at each other, both clearly unwilling to bend on this issue. For a moment, they appeared to be suck at an impasse.


    Fortunately, while Erik and Elora were wracking their brains over a solution, one was provided for them.


    "You should ept deal, Sestra," Dimitri smiledfortingly at his sister, while stepping up from behind her throne. "I trust my new friend, and I know you do, too. Besides, even if I do have to go back, is not so bad, you know?"


    He winked yfully, "His castle has beautiful guards, yes?"


    For a moment, the siblings looked at each other. Dimitri calmly, and sincerely, Katya with frustration and uncertainty.


    But eventually, Katya scoffed and scowled, before turning back to Alexandre, "Fine! But I don''t like this!" Then, she turned to Erik, "And if this goes wrong¡­"


    Her threat was clear. Even if she and Erik had some rapport, she obviously valued her brother higher, and Erik couldn''t me her for that. So, he nodded solemnly, to indicate he understood.


    Fortunately, there was absolutely no danger here, and even Katya knew that, technically.


    With that problem solved, a confident smile reappeared on Erik''s lips. "Well¡­! With that settled, let''s get to it."


    His right arm was still covered in dark-green covenant magic, which he now stuck forward, before repeating every part of the deal they''d agreed on.


    "The deal is this," he began. "I promise that, after today, Alexandre''s wife, Eloise, will no longer have any poison in her system. If I fail in this promise, Katya will return Dimitri to Alexandre. But, if I seed, Alexandre will serve both myself and Katya until we release you. However, Alexandre''s service to us can never be used to harm or threaten Eloise.


    Furthermore, if either of us tries to do so, your service to us will automatically end."


    Alexandre frowned with concerned confusion, "Why did you use such strange wording? I''d prefer you just promise not to harm Eloise."


    But Erik shook his head, "This is best you''ll get. I have my reasons for wording it like this, but I refuse to expand on them right now. If you want me to add anything, I can, but only if it links to you, not me."


    Elora and Erik despised having their covenants affect them for too long. At least, most of the time.


    In this case, if Erik promised not to hurt Eloise, they''d be bound to that promise for the rest of their lives, or at least until they became strong enough to break a covenant made by a third-ranked fairy. But, the way he''d worded it now, meant that only Alexandre was affected in any way.


    A little unhappy, Alexandre thought for a moment, but eventually decided that, this way, there was no more danger from Erik and Katya towards his wife, then there was from anyone else. Thus, he nodded with resignation.


    Seeing that Alexandre hade around, Erik nodded. "If you both agree, I''d like to invite you two toe take my hand," he said while panning his gaze between the two third-rankers.


    While they both still seemed somewhat unhappy and unsure about this, they did get up from their seats and walked towards the middle cautiously. Neither of them was entirely happy with this deal, but such was the nature ofpromise.


    While Katya and Alexandre continued staring at each other cautiously, they both grabbed Erik''s hand, turning it into a three-way handshake, before agreeing to the deal.


    Immediately, the covenant magic got to work, and everyone involved gained a covenant mark. For Alexandre, it was his first, for Katya it was her second, as the other concerned her deal with Erik, and for Erik it was his third mark.


    Although he and Elora tried their best not to remain stuck with any covenant for too long, they''d still inevitably gathered a few. Currently, the only ones still affecting them were their deal with Katya, and with Bj?rn.


    Fortunately, both this new covenant with Alexandre, and the one with Katya, should release them from any further obligations after today, with only the other two parties remaining bound by them.


    As for their deal with Bj?rn, that would remain for so long as Alice wished to be with them, which meant that was actually the only covenant Erik hoped he''d be bound by for a long time toe.


    After it was done, they all pulled their hands back, and Alexandre inspected the mark on his hand with a frown. But, even after probing it with his energy, he realized that it appeared like nothing was there, and yet he felt its power winding around his soul.


    He quickly decided to move on by turning to Erik with an impatient frown. "Alright¡­ now what? How will you cure my wife?"


    Erik smirked softly, before shrugging. "No need for that. It''s already done."

 Chapter 405 - Setting off again [1/3]

    After Erik revealed Eloise was supposedly already cured, silence fell for a moment while Alexandre blinked. Finally, his eyes flew open, "What are you talking about?!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Erik smirked mischievously, "You don''t think it was weird how your wife only told you about where we''d meet Katya, hours after we''d already left?"


    Alexandre''s eyebrows twitched. He realized he hadn''t really thought about it. When he arrived in Bamburgh, Eloise first needed someforting, and then he started searching for the attackers.


    It was only hours after that, in the middle of his search, when Eloise suddenly contacted him, to say that Erik had told her where he''d meet with Katya, and that Alexandre should go there if he wanted to save his wife.


    At the time, Alexandre simply didn''t care about the implications, or the likelihood of a trap.


    Anger started spitting from his eyes as he looked at Erik. "What the hell did you do to Eloise?" he growled threateningly. Since his service to them wouldn''t kick in until Eloise actually made it to the next day without any poison in her system, he could still attack them right now.


    Dark blue magic circles appeared around him and crackled with furious energy. Third-ranked Arcanist power began radiating into the surroundings, promising pure destruction.


    Erik naturally felt a little threatened, but he remained calm, because he wasn''t alone. Katya stepped in between the two of them, obvious in her intention to defend Erik.


    The werebear looked calmly at her fellow Councillor, "Calm down, Alexandre. Just hear him out for a moment."


    Smirking confidently, Erik popped out from behind Katya''s back. "Your wife''s fine. Better than before I came to your castle even, because I didn''t lie about her being cured. All I did was make a covenant with her, like I did with you. A covenant she''ll bepletely released from by the end of the day."


    Of course, any time he mentioned making covenants and curing Eloise, he was actually talking about Elora''s aplishments, and technically, the covenant already barred Alexandre from talking about such secrets, but whyplicate things now? Elora certainly didn''t mind.


    Alexandre''s magic circles started dimming a little and his brows furrowed. "What kind of covenant?" he asked, hesitantly, without taking his eyes of Katya.


    "Simple," Erik shrugged casually. "I would cure her of the poison, and in return, she''d dy your search efforts, and tell you our location at the right time. All while forbidden from telling you about all this, of course."


    Back in Bamburgh, Elora discovered the poison in Eloise''s system almost immediately, and from there, it was an easy road to extrapting the truth, anding up with this n. Especially after talking with her.


    Alexandre blinked, and his magic circles disappeared as his arms fell limp next to his body. "She¡­ risked both our lives like that?" he muttered in shock, clearly having never expected such a thing from her.


    "Don''t judge her too harshly," Erik told him calmly. "She made me word the covenant in such a way that it wouldn''t work if I nned to bring you harm here. She realized this was the only way to release you from your service to Aria, without dying herself."


    Seeing Alexandre was still processing this news, Erik continued. "Did you know she was essentially ready to die, so that others would stop dying over her, and you''d be released from under Aria''s heel?"


    Erik cocked his head with a frown, "I hope you won''t turn out to be a prideful idiot, ready to throw away the deep love you clearly have for each other, all because she made such a decision without you when she had no chance to discuss it. Ask yourself this: would you be sad if youter discovered she had the opportunity to be cured, but refused it?"


    While Erik could be quite callous at times, he was also a man who respected love more than anything. If his actions caused a marriage full of love to split, he wouldn''t loose any sleep over it, but if he had the chance to try and prevent it, he absolutely would.


    Fortunately, it didn''t appear to take much convincing. Alexandre first opened and closed his mouth a few times, but then shook his head as if to clear his mind, before his gaze filled with determination.


    He nodded, "You''re right. I would be devastated. She made the right decision¡­" He turned to Erik with an anxious look, "So¡­ is she really cured?"


    Erik nodded, his lips curled up confidently, "Of course. Why not go home and find out? If it turns out she isn''t, Katya will still be forced to bring Dimitri back to you, and if she is, then you should probably enjoy the rest of this day of freedom, because tomorrow starts your service to Katya."


    Surprisingly, a small tear actually fell from one of Alexandre''s eyes as he nodded again. "I''ll do that¡­" he muttered hoarsely, his eyes looking into the distance. Clearly he''d already decided that Erik was probably telling the truth, causing him to be filled with a desire to rush off and see Eloise.


    But first, he collected himself, and turned to Erik, before looking him over a few times, as if inspecting him.


    Then he spoke again, his voice now under control. "Perhaps I misjudged you. I won''t thank you, and I don''t like the fact you killed my men, people I was supposed to protect, but you have principles, and I''ll follow a principled man before a devious snake like Aria any day."


    Erik grinned and nodded, "Good man."


    Without answering, Alexandre turned to Katya and nodded respectfully. "Katya¡­ I suppose I''ll be hearing from you soon."


    Once again, he didn''t wait for an answer, Instead, he conjured storm clouds under his hands and feet again, before rapidly ascending up to the helicopter that was still hovering over their heads.


    Mere momentster, Erik and his allies were watching the helicopter disappear into the distance.


    When it was gone, Erik turned to Katya with a wide, smug grin. "Well? Worked out pretty well, didn''t it? Dimitri is free, and rather than making an enemy of Alexandre, we''ve made him an ally. I do believe I''ve gone above and beyond here."


    He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, "I''m waiting for that apology about not trusting me."


    Katya''s eyebrows twitched as she looked at his smug face and felt a strong desire to punch it instead. Yet, just like Erik was a man of principle, Katya was a woman of the same. Not only had she promised him an apology if everything worked out as nned, but in the heat of the moment, she''d promised to do it kneeling, too.


    So, she sighed, and slowly started bending down, under the wide eyes of her brother and Seraphina, and the smug grins of Erik''s wives.


    Erik, however, pursed his lips a little, because in truth, he didn''t really want to humiliate Katya. So he grabbed her shoulder and chuckled awkwardly, "No need for all that, Katya. A regr apology will do."


    But Katya shook of his hand, and her head, before continuing to her knees. "No. Pride is nothing without the determination to follow through on a promise," she told him sternly, now looking up at him from below. "If your stunt had made me loose Dimitri again, I would have ripped of your head like I promised as well."


    Naturally, that caused Erik''s eyebrows to twitch a little, but Katya simply continued talking from below him, "So, if you don''t want to humiliate me, then take my kneeling apology like a man."

 Chapter 406 - Setting off again [2/3]

    Erik sighed, and decided Katya was right. But, he also realized he wasn''t entirely meless either, and he actually didn''t want Katya to feel any lingering resentment over the fact he did all this without talking to her about it.


    So, before Katya could say anything, he went down on his knees as well. Now they were both on their knees, sitting across from each other.


    Katya frowned. "What are you doing?" she asked.


    Erik shruggedconically and smirked slightly. "I respect what you''re doing, Katya, and I''ll ept your apology like a man, but only if you ept mine as well. I put your brother in danger and changed the n without talking to you, and although I had my reasons, I still feel I should apologize for it. It showed ack of respect."


    The werebear blinked for a moment in surprise, but then she chuckled. "Good. Then I apologize for myck of trust. The fact is, that I really would have called it off if you''d told me about the n before, and that would have clearly been a mistake."


    Erik nodded, his lips curled up in a small smile, "Then how about we agree that next time, you''ll trust me, and I''ll keep you in the loop on any n changes."


    "Next time?" an amused Katya questioned. "Next time we''ll be fighting to determine master and servant, so I''m not sure if that n tracks. But I do appreciate the sentiment."


    "Fair enough," Erik chuckled, before elegantly getting back on his feet, followed by Katya.


    However, when they were standing, and Erik wanted to get back to the others, Katya stopped him with a yful smirk. "Hold on. You apologized to me, but I believe you owe Dimitri one as well, don''t you? Although, if you ask him nicely, maybe he''ll forgo the kneeling?"


    At the end of her sentence, she turned to Dimitri, expecting to see himughing it off, but instead, he was scratching his head awkwardly.


    "A¡ª Actually, uhm¡­" the man mumbled, clearly nervous about something.


    Katya frowned in surprise, before panning her gaze between a smirking Erik, and an awkward Dimitri. Finally, Erik shrugged with pursed lips, "Actually, I''d already told him about it when we were still traveling to the boat, back in the UK. He was fine with it."


    "What?!" Katya flinched and eximed furiously, before turning around to re at an awkwardly chuckling Dimitri. "Dim-Dim! I believe you and I have something to talk about!"


    Naturally, what followed was another session of a loving sister providing her brother with some disciplining.


    Erik chuckled while he waved his hand to make the two remaining thrones disappear and re-joined his wives. There, he was surprised to find a pouting Seraphina, apanied by a mischievously smiling Emily trailing slightly behind.


    Erik raised a questioning eyebrow, wondering what Seraphina wanted from him. He realized he''d been a little harsh with her earlier, but he also believed she deserved it, so he wasn''t nning to apologize.


    And, as it turned out, she didn''t want him to. In fact, it was the opposite.


    "I''m sorry," she muttered under her breath while looking away. She didn''t sound insincere, but she clearly didn''t exactly want to be there either.


    Naturally, Erik raised an amused eyebrow as his lips curled into a small smirk. "Oh? What for?" he asked.


    But before Seraphina could answer, a mischievous Emily prodded her from behind. "You can do better than that!"


    The raven-haired vampire groaned, but this time looked Erik in the eye. "Look!" she pouted aggrievedly. "Don''t take this to mean that I suddenly like you or anything, but I''m sorry for going out of my way to find fault with you! It''s just¡­ ugh¡ª"


    She rolled her eyes, and groaned again, before finally looking him in the eye. This time, with more pride and determination. She sighed, "Okay look, we should have a conversationter, alright? It''s just¡­ this past year has been hard on me. And we should talk. But not now!"


    Then, she just turned around and walked away, sulking slightly while waiting for Katya to finish disciplining her brother.


    Erik looked at her leave with a surprise, before turning to Emily. "Do you know what that''s about?"


    Emily nodded with pursed lips, "Yeah, she told me a little, and I convinced her to talk to you. If you want me to tell you I will, of course, but¡ª"


    "No, no," Erik waved a hand, interrupting her. "That''s fine, let her tell me herself. But why did she assume we''d have a chance to talkter?" He raised an eyebrow, "Did you tell her about Elora''s n?"


    "I might have," Emily giggled mischievously. "The good news is that she''s actually interested in the idea." Then, she winked, "Don''t worry, Master, she''ll marry you like a good girl, soon enough."


    Erik chuckled at Emily''s antics, but couldn''t deny that he loved her apparent intention to corrupt her friend into marrying him.


    Meanwhile, Katya was done, and joined them again while dragging a scuffed up, groaning Dimitri by his cor. When she reached them, she pulled her brother to his feet, and dusted off his back. "Sorry about that," she told everyoneconically. "Just needed to teach my brother a lesson about sharing."


    Dimitri chuckled in defeat, "Big sestra can be very dangerous when agitated." But then he turned to Erik and grinned, "Is warning for you, yes? I don''t need to be big brother, threaten you to treat Katya likedy she is, because she''ll do that for me, hahaha."


    Unfortunately, Katya didn''t appreciate that and narrowed her eyes at him, causing Dimitri to quickly cough and wave his hand. "A¡ª Anyway. Erik, new friend, thank you for the rescue. I understand you''re leaving now, but next time we meet, let''s drink together, yes?"


    Erik chuckled and nodded, "Deal."


    With that, it was time to leave, but there was one more thing to deal with. Erik, his wives, and Dimitri watched patiently while Katya turned to Seraphina with a frown. "Little Sera," she began. "Thank you for your help in rescuing my brother."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Seraphina smiled surprisingly shyly, "Of course, boss. It''s the least I could do..."


    "Maybe so," Katya smiled in response. In the end, they were still boss and subordinate, after all. "But thank you all the same. I know you''re not a shapeshifter, but you still might have informed Aria."


    Instantly, Seraphina scoffed with disdain, "Hmpf, of course not. I might as well stick a dagger in my back myself. Faster that way."


    Katya grinned, "True enough. But right now, there''s something I''d like to offer you as a thank you. If you want it."


    Seraphina looked at Emily, Erik, and the others, before pursing her lips slightly. "I know. Emily told me already."


    "Alright¡­ so?" Katya asked, curiously.


    Seraphina frowned with a hint of sadness, before giving Katya a determined nod, "I''ll do it. Thank you, Lady Katya¡­"

 Chapter 407 - Setting off again [3/3]

    Not long after that, Emma, Emily, and Astrid went back on board the ship. Surprisingly, however, they were followed by Seraphina, who did her best to avoid Erik''s curious gaze.


    It''s not that Erik was surprised about the vampire apparently joining them, though. No, because back in the UK, Elora had suggested to Erik that he talk to Katya about taking Seraphina with them to Africa. The idea was that she could act as a liaison between Erik and his growing allies within the Council.


    At least, that was the way he phrased it when he messaged Katya about it back in the UK.


    The real reason was, of course, a little more devious. The fact was, that Erik wanted more time with Seraphina. Partly to seduce her, but at the very least he wanted her loyalty, so that through her, he could have her father''s loyalty.


    The surprise came in the quick agreement from both Katya and Seraphina. He expected at least Seraphina to put up a bit more of a fight. ''Obviously there''s more going on here,'' Erik thought curiously to himself. ''Emily knows a little, but Seraphina did say she''d talk to meter, so I guess I''ll find out eventually¡­''


    Regardless, after Erik, Katya, and Dimitri were the only ones left on the harbour, Erik frowned at the third ranked werebear. "By the way, Katya, I''ve been meaning to ask. How is the situation in the east now? A year ago, I heard rumours about a war with the human-centric faction in Asia."


    At first Katya was surprised by his question, but then she nodded solemnly. "It''s limited to skirmishes between first rankers for now. They''re testing our strength and defences along the border," she began exining, clearly having no issue sharing what was likely sensitive information with him.


    "They''ll probably keep testing us for a while longer," she continued seriously. "But assuming they won''t be deterred, we''re expecting second rankers to get involved within a few months, and full-blown war within the year¡­"


    Erik nodded thoughtfully. He and Elora knew that the upheaval and chaos brought by war would be the perfect time for them to swoop in and take control of the Council, like they''ve been nning.


    But that did mean they had to be ready to do so before it was toote. If either side of this war won before Erik and Elora were ready to take over, that would make matters far moreplicated.


    Suddenly, Elora appeared on his shoulder and looked curiously at Katya. "What do you think your chances are in this war?" she asked at the same time.


    "Eh?" a bbergasted Dimitri made a strange, startled noise as he flinched backwards a little. Meanwhile, Katya blinked as her gaze panned to the tiny human on his shoulder. "You¡­. Elora?!" she eximed in surprise, recognizing the woman she''d once taken on a helicopter ride.


    Erik chuckled at their reactions, "Right, neither of you have met her like this yet. Katya, Dimitri, meet my first wife, Elora. Yes, she''s small. I suggest we move past that."


    A shocked Dimitri didn''t answer. Instead, he continued staring at the tiny, beautiful creature on Erik''s shoulder.


    Katya, fortunately, had a slightly easier time of it, because she knew Elora existed, she just hadn''t seen her again since the fairy disappeared from her helicopter a year ago. The only difference was that she was regr human size back then.


    After recovering from the surprise, the powerful werebear frowned, "I see¡­ You really aren''t human, are you? But that aside, I''ve still got a bone to pick with you¡­"


    Elora grinned and giggled with one hand in front of her lips, "You and many others." Then her eyes shed with the cunning intelligence that Erik loved about her. "Although I admittedly must apologize for essentially calling you stupid back then. You are clearly smarter than I gave you credit for."


    Katya narrowed her eyes at the fairy, before scoffing, "I would thank you, if that didn''t somehow still sound condescending."


    Elora pout-grinned slightly, "Just trying to be nice! Since we''ll be family in the future, we should bury the hatchet, don''t you think?"


    Katya snorted dismissively, "Are you not afraid I''ll just use Erik as a foot stool when he bes my servant-boy in the future?"


    But the fairy''s grin only widened, "To worry about that, I''d first have to worry about you defeating him when we return."


    Katya cocked her head, but then turned to Erik with a grin of her own, "I see now where you get all that undeserved confidence from. Where did you meet her, anyway? I''m not so much surprised she''s not any of the three races already existing on Earth, as I''m wondering where you found her."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But before Erik could answer, it was Elora who did in a somewhat cutting tone, and with narrowed eyes, "Underserved confidence? It''s a sign of fear when you put others down, rather than lifting yourself up, you know? Besides, you shouldn''t getcent. I''d like you to give my husband a challenge, otherwise he won''t enjoy it."


    Katya''s eyes almost bulged at the fact Elora was talking like Erik wasn''t the underdog in this match-up, and she looked at Erik with disbelief.


    Erik simply chuckled, and shrugged, "Elora can be a little defensive of me. But she''s actually the one doing most of the nning, so do you mind answering her questions?"


    Katya grumbled a little under her breath, but then turned to the tiny human on Erik''s shoulder with a sigh. "Fine. What was yourst question again?"


    For the next half an hour or so, the three of them continued talking about the current and possible future state of the Council, while Dimitri began by staring with fascination at Elora, before focusing on the conversation. After having been out of the loop for a few years, he was curious to find out more.


    Finally, they were done, Elora disappeared back into Erik''s body, and Erik extended his hand towards Katya with a grin. "Katya¡­ See you next time."


    With a matching grin, Katya took his hand and shook it. Painfully. "Best prepare yourself, boy. I''ve been wanting a servant."


    Despite the painful handshake, Erik didn''t flinch, instead chuckling lustfully, "You''ll make a fine addition to my harem."


    They bothughed loudly then, before Erik joined the others on the boat and they sailed off into the distance.


    Next stop: Afrika.

 Chapter 408 - Yes, I am***

    Invisibly, a boat was quickly making its way along the western European coast, towards the African continent.


    Surprisingly, however, the boat usually only had a single person onboard. Two people were swapping the responsibility of steering, with one taking the steering wheel, and the other mysteriously disappearing in the middle of the boat.


    Naturally, this was Erik''s vessel. Nora and Anne continued to alternate the responsibility of sailing, while the other got to enjoy the luxuries of Erik''s dimension to rest and train.


    At least, Nora did. Anne, however, was still caught in the middle of Erik''s attempts to make her fall into debauchery.


    That said, he didn''t want to be entirely unfair, so he''d made her a deal. If she could resist until the next time they went onnd, he would stop. She would still have to serve, of course, but he''d stop attempting to lure her into having sex with him and allow her to share a room with Nora.


    Of course, on the other hand, if she gave in even once, that would spell the end of his restraint.


    And it was difficult for her.


    Because, unsurprisingly, the residents of Erik''s dimension kept themselves busy with a number of activities, from studying in the library or training diligently, to working in the crafting hall, but none of these were so vigorous as the debauchery in Erik''s bedroom.


    Debauchery that Anne was continuously forced to bear witness to, while Erik''s pheromones filled the room.


    So it was, that a few hours after leaving Katya, Erik found himself in his bedroom, propped up with pillows. Both his arms and legs were spread wide, with his arms resting on the headboard.


    He was grinning with lust at what was happening in front of him. The sounds of wet skin hitting more wet skin reverberated around the room.


    "Y¡ª You just¡ªhngh¡ªgoing to sit there¡­ and¡­ watch?!" Astrid panted and moaned while she bounced up and down on his cock. Her gushing pussy, tightly gripping Erik''s intruding member.


    The tips of her toes were the only thing keeping her upright, as she was fucking him in crouched cow-girl position, rather than kneeling.


    This position was more stressful, but also allowed for faster movement, and it''s not like a second ranked Runebound vampire like her needed to worry about physical exertion.


    She wasn''t leaning forward either, she kept her back straight, and her hands on her head, giving Erik a great view of her bouncing breasts, despite her words.


    "Yes, I am," Erik grinned slightly.


    "A¡ª Asshole!" Astrid cursed, despite not stopping or even putting on less of a disy. "I¡ª I''mmmm your wife! aaaah! N¡ª Not your toy!"


    "You''re absolutely right," Erik chuckled while enjoying the cramping of her pussy around his dick. "But that argument would hold a little more track if you didn''t have tiny orgasms any time I''m a little mean to you. You love serving your powerful ''lord-husband''."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Unfortunately for Astrid, that was true. While she wasn''t a natural submissive like Emma or Emily, she, like her mother, respected strength more than anything. And that tranted into a kink for serving someone stronger than her, even if she tried to deny it.


    Although, the question was what would happen if she ever rose above Erik in strength. Erik suspected she would start enjoying a dominant role instead, which was a major incentive for him to stay ahead of her.


    "Uuugh!" Astrid groaned as pleasure assaulted her brain whenever hisrge cock rubbed the most sensitive spots inside her. "I¡ª I me¡­ my mother!" she panted without stopping,ing closer and closer to orgasm.


    "She''s not here, though," Erik smirked and groaned a little thanks to Astrid''s hard work. "And you''re putting yourself on disy all on your own."


    But Astrid didn''t listen anymore, as she was focusing on her own pleasure now. Her eyes rolled up in her head, thoughts of stopping where nowhere to be found, and her moans filled the room.


    Meanwhile, Erik turning his head to the right, where a life-sized Elora was nestled into his chest and grinning at Astrid''s efforts. He curled his right arm around her shoulder, and grabbed her chin, before bending her head in his direction. Then, he took her lips.


    Elora happily responded as their tongues began a contest of their own, while Astrid continued riding him.


    They were not the only three people in the room, however, because in between Erik''s legs, hidden behind Astrid,y Emma. The white-haired maid-wife had her arms restrained behind her back, and she was currently busy treating his balls to a tongue-bath.


    While most would probably be surprised, this was actually one of Emma''s favourite things to do. After all, serving him made her happy, and being restrained by him made her feel safe.


    Of course, she didn''t go ignored during this. The emotional feedback from Erik to her was wide open, and she constantly received feelings of love, pleasure, and encouragement from him. All of this put her almost in a trance, as she couldn''t feel safer and happier, right then and there.


    Finally, thest person in the room was, of course, Anne. Ever since the first time she was there, she had gradually moved from the couch to the bed with quickly declining restraint.


    Now, she was lying in her underwear on a corner of Erik''srge bed, where her right hand was furiously working inside her panties, and the other was groping her moderate breasts. Meanwhile, she looked at Erik and his wives with growing frustration and lust.


    "J¡ª Just a few more days¡­" she desperately muttered and panted to herself. Unfortunately, every day she spent like this, she was getting hornier and hornier, but it also became harder and harder to orgasm. Her fingers simply weren''t doing the job anymore.


    Meanwhile, Astrid was on the verge of cumming for the third time in an hour, causing her to speed up. Her hips became almost a blur as her body went up and down like a piston. Her moans became louder, and Erik felt her insides squirm around him.


    His head leaned back as he felt pleasure assault him from all sides. Elora''s bombshell of a body was pressing itself against his side, while she''d even begun kissing his neck, Astrid was impaling herself on his cock at inhuman speeds, and Emma was licking and sucking on his balls.


    Erik began to pant a little as well until finally, Astrid mmed herself down for thest time. His cock buried itself into her deepest depths, and she moan-screamed her pleasure into the surroundings. At the same time, Erik wasn''t even trying to hold himself back.


    With Astrid''s folds squirming around him, he exploded inside her. After Emma had coaxed his balls into producing even more than normal, he absolutely flooded Astrid''s insides.


    The strawberry-blond vampire finally sagged down and fell against Erik''s chest. There, shey limp with a silly smile while Erik pumped her full of his cum, causing her to tremble and shake from pleasure.


    But the night wasn''t done yet.

 Chapter 409 - Manipulative Elora*

    After Erik was spent, he sighed contently, and remained lodged inside Astrid for a moment longer, while she was recovering from her own orgasm.


    "She''s good, right?" Elora giggled in his right ear, while her voluptuous body continued to press against his side. "I''m d you made a friend like her in your childhood."


    Erik chuckled warmly, before kissing Elora again. "Of course she''s amazing. All my wives are," he then whispered in her ear, causing the fairy to smirk confidently.


    Meanwhile, Astrid had recovered as well and groaned while she pulled herself off his cock. "Hngh," she moaned while crawling up Erik''s body and depositing herself against his left arm. "That really feels criminally good," she groaned while stretching her body with a content smile.


    She was leaking some of Erik''s spunk, of course, but Elora quickly took care of that with a wave of green aetherium. Now, only his dick was still covered in fluids. But Elora left that alone for now. After all, those contained the strongest pheromones, currently driving Anne wild.


    Erik grinned lovingly, before doing the same thing he did with Elora earlier. Wrapping his left arm around her shoulder, he grabbed her chin, and turned her face towards him, before kissing her deeply.


    Astrid smiled and responded in kind. Their kiss was wild, sloppy, and akin to a battle. Meanwhile, Astrid caressed his sturdy chest with her left hand, while her right snaked around Erik''s back.


    When they separated, she panted and looked at him with fierce love, while he grinned, "You''re right. That did feel good. You are amazing as always, little spark."


    Astrid scoffed yfully while she turned her body body back to the left, now lying on his arm, "I know I''m amazing, but I''m not ''modified by a lusty fairy'' good. I mean, I still came three times before you came one, and I had Emma to help me out!"


    Suddenly, she pursed her lips, and looked over at Elora on Erik''s other side, "No offense, of course."


    Elora giggled softly, "None taken."


    Speaking of Emma, she was stillvishing her attention on Erik''s jewels, which was also preparing him for another round, as his fluid-covered cock was quickly hardening again.


    Erik couldn''t help but sigh contently once again, as appreciation for his wives filled him.


    When he was once again challenging the heavens, he grinned slightly, "Okay, who wants next? Elora?"


    On his left side, a still softly groaning Astrid rolled her eyes, "God, you really are a terrible person. You''re not even clean from fucking me yet!"


    Erik grinned at her, "And you haven''t even recovered from your three orgasms yet. It''s not my fault I need multiple women to contain my libido."


    "Uuuuugh," Astrid rolled her eyes evenrger this time. "I can''t believe I fell in love with a perverted asshole." Despite her words, she nestledfortably into Erik''s chest, with a small grin on lips, "Well, go on then, have your fun. You''re lucky I like to watch."


    Erik chuckled and shook his head in exasperation, before turning to his first wife with an amused grin and a raised eyebrow, "Well?"


    He didn''t ask Emma, because she was already having her own fun right now.


    Elora giggled with eyes full of lust pointed at his stiff member, "I would, but¡­" she fell silent, before turning her eyes to the fifth person in the room. "Perhaps we should give Anne another chance?"


    Truly, Elora loved corrupting others at least as much as Erik did. Not that it was meant maliciously. Erik never mistreated the women in his life, not even servants like Nora.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Sure, go ahead," Erik grinned while panning his gaze over to to the furiously masturbating Anne.


    Elora''s lips curled into a devious grin, before suddenly pushing off, and making wings appear on her back. She flew over to Anne, whose hazy eyes were locked on Erik''s hard cock.


    Elora took Anne''s chin between her fingers and forced the horny werelynx to look into her emerald eyes. Her devious grin had now morphed into apassionate smile.


    "Is it getting harder to cum, dear?" she whispered softly. "You''ve been using your hands to release your lust for more than a week now, but it''s getting harder, isn''t it?"


    Anne''s hands didn''t stop, but she did lose some of her haze and started ring at Elora. "S¡ª Screw you¡­!" she panted, her brain still a mess. "I¡ª I won''t¡­ give in!"


    But Elora didn''t give up so easily. "Really? But why do you resist him, anyway?" she smiled kindly. "You don''t hate humans anymore, and you chose to serve him of your own free will. Not to mention that he''s the son of your beloved teacher! What''s stopping you?"


    A hazy Anne''s mouth opened and closed a few times, while her gaze was frustrated and confused, as if struggling to find the right answer.


    Naturally, that just caused Elora to grin deviously again. "You''re just doing it out of spite, aren''t you? You think my beloved protector is arrogant. That he doesn''t treat his women right. Perhaps you even think he doesn''t deserve you."


    She came closer to Anne''s ear, "But you''re wrong. It''s you, who doesn''t deserve him. That''s why you''re just a servant, not a wife. I mean, just look at yourself. Not even strong enough to stop yourself from masturbating in front of us."


    Anne flinched and tried to turn her face away from Elora, but the fairy wouldn''t let her. Of course, as a second ranked Runebound, Anne was physically far stronger than Elora, but the Bond of Service wouldn''t allow her to resist the fairy''s grip.


    "What you''re doing is futile, Anne," Elora continued in a soft tone. "Just look at the people on this boat. The only happy ones are either underage or having sex with Erik. But you, even before you met my husband, you were always far too serious and dour, weren''t you? But what''s that gotten you? Let yourself go.


    Have a little fun. Give in to the pleasure."


    "I¡ª I don''t¡­ want to be¡­ owned," Anne panted desperately, despite her crumbling resistance.


    Elora shook her head, "He already owns you, Anne. You made that choice back in Norway. He''s just not exercising all of his rights over you, out of respect for your consent. But is that tiny bit of defiance really worth all this agony?"


    She grinned like an enticing little devil, "Even if you hold on until we reachnd again, you''ll just be surrounded by happy people sharing in something wonderful, while you sulk on the outside. Is that what you want?"


    Finally, thest resistance in Anne''s hazy mind crumbled when she shakily shook her head. "N¡ª No¡­" she muttered with a slightly hoarse voice.


    Instantly, a victorious grin appeared on Elora''s lips while she quickly released Anne, and flew upwards, leaving the way open between Erik and her. "Then go take what you want."


    Anne''s eyes locked on to Erik''s erect cock, and she hesitantly licked her lips.

 Chapter 410 - Annes fall [1/2]

    While Elora worked her maniption on Anne, Erik and Astrid simply watched with fascination at the fairy''s effect on the werelynx. They both new Anne had already been on edge for a while, but it was still impressive how quickly Elora had caused Anne to change her mind.


    Slowly, Anne struggled to her hands and knees, a gaze full of desire remained fixated on the pir of flesh about a meter (~3.3 feet) away from her. Elora''s words had shattered whatever remained of her resistance. Now, all she could think about was finally satisfying the bursting lust inside.


    Everyone in the room, except for Emma, who remained focused on her own fun, fixated their gazes on Anne as she slowly crawled closer to the master she had chosen for herself.


    An amused Erik smiled slightly, a smug Astrid smirked, and a mischievous Elora grinned.


    But Anne didn''t pay attention to any of that. She only had one goal in mind now. Finally, she reached her goal, and hesitantly extended a hand towards the base of it.


    The cock in front of her was still covered in juices from both Erik and Astrid, but she didn''t care. Not anymore. The overwhelmingly powerful smell was annihting whatever little doubt she had left, as the modified pheromones pushed her lust to ever higher limits.


    Her pussy gushed, her mind melted, and her body trembled.


    Meanwhile, Elora had turned into her smaller form and was flying next to Anne''s ear. "There''s a good girl," Elora purred devilishly. "Remember this, Anne. Your master''s pleasure, is your pleasure."


    Anne hazy mind no longer had the mental acuity to argue with the fairy. So she simply nodded slowly, storing the information away somewhere, while her hand finally gripped the base of Erik''s fleshy pole.


    "Do you feel that?" Elora whispered in Anne''s ear. "Can you feel the throbbing power inside? You''d be helpless against that, wouldn''t you? You''d cum, over, and over, and over again, turning you into nothing but an orgasmic puddle of pleasure. Doesn''t that sound nice?"


    Anne''s fierce independence wanted to scream no, but the lust assaulting her mind made her nod instead. "Y¡ª Yeah¡­" she mumbled absentmindedly. "I want that¡­"


    Victoriously, Elora grinned as she continued weaving her enticing rhetoric, "Of course you do. But remember, you are not a wife, you are a servant. Your duty is to please him, not the other way around. Do a good job, however, and he might reward you. If that''s not what you want, you should stop now."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At that reminder, the spiteful, angry, and independent part of Anne''s mind did one more attempt at aeback¡­ but failed.


    "H¡ª How do I do that?" she gulped, her voice hoarse with desire, and her eyes continuing to fixate on the pole her left hand was grabbing.


    "Well, your master and his wife just had sex. If you want to earn a reward, you could start with cleaning him up," Elora whispered domineeringly.


    Anne gulped again, as thoughts about how that strange, yet delicious smelling cock would taste. She barely even thought about it, before she started bending forward, and took the tip between her lips.


    At that point, Elora quickly flew up in Erik''s view and did two thumbs up, underscored by a wide, victorious grin, before quickly going down again to give Anne more directions, straight from an honorary subus''s mouth.


    Erik chuckled at Elora''s behaviour. He had basically been reduced to a prop at this point, but he didn''t mind. Not only did Anne''s warm mouth feel great, but he loved watching Elora corrupt someone into willingly falling into debauchery with them.


    "I''ve never seen Elora like this," Astrid spoke in awe of the big-sister-wife in her polyamorous marriage to Erik. "I mean, I know she''s always had a dominant streak, she certainly showed that when we were with my mother, but¡­ this is something else."


    She looked sceptically at Erik, "And she certainly doesn''t act that way with you."


    Casually enjoying the pleasure Anne and Emma were giving him, Erik sighed softly while he exined. "Elora is a perfect switch," he shrugged nonchntly. "She loves to both dominate, and be dominated, depending on the person."


    Astrid grinned yfully, "Uhuh, and which people does she like to be dominated by?"


    "Only me, of course," Erik chuckled with a hint of arrogance. But then his arrogance deted, and he smirked a little, "Although, dominate is really a big word in her case. She hasn''t ever truly submitted, and I wouldn''t want her to, either."


    While they talked, Anne was slowly taking more of his cock inside, and although she was clearly inexperienced, Elora''s tips were quickly helping her improve.


    Anne''s pussy was leaking like waterfall, but she wasn''t touching it right now, because of Elora''s words about prioritizing her master''s pleasure.


    But now that her mouth was filled with half of Erik''s length and his tip was prodding the entrance to her throat, Elora whispered in her ear again, "Touch yourself now. Feel how wet you are for him and make yourself moan and tremble. The sound, and cramping of your throat, will increase your master''s pleasure."


    Instantly, her hand flew towards her cut, and she buried three fingers inside, causing her to moan deliciously.


    At the same time, Elora''s eyes shed as she activated the power of the Bond of Service. "Good girl. Now, rx your throat, and swallow."


    The chains around Anne''s soul moved, Elora''s order resonated in her mind, and her body obeyed. Ignoring the gag-reflex, her actions instantly caused Erik''s cock to lodge itself fully into her powerful, stic, Runebound throat.


    But Anne barely seemed to notice. Her eyes rolled up in her head as even more pleasure assaulted her brain. Her tongue desperately massaged his cock, while her fingers furiously worked on her snatch. Her moans tickled the intruder in her throat, while her trembling muscles cramped around it.


    She couldn''t breathe, of course, but as a second ranked Runebound, she could hold her breath for an exceptionally long time.


    Erik groaned slightly at the sudden influx of pleasure as he rested his head on the headboard of his bed with a soft grin on his face.


    "There, there," Elora smirked as she patted Anne''s head. "Doesn''t that feel right? Everything is now as it should be. You are finally happy, and the pieces you''ve been looking for are falling into ce. This is where you belong. If you agree, then cum now."


    Whether actually by Elora''s order or not, Anne hit the right spot between her folds, and her eyes flew open wide.


    Her body trembled wildly; her throat cramped uncontrobly. She screamed her pleasure into Erik''s crotch, while her hand was forced out of her cunt by the powerful explosion of fluids squirting out from it.


    Endless pleasure assaulted her, and she felt herself sinking deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole Elora had created for her.


    Finally, after squirting out a bucket load and everyone began to think it would never end, she finally sagged down to the bed, Erik''s cock still lodged in her throat.

 Chapter 411 - A lustful intermezzo***

    Meanwhile, Erik''s lust was rapidly rising. Currently, he was hilted inside a delirious Anne''s, softly spasming throat, but that was far from enough to finish him off.


    Anne had certainly cleaned him up


    He appreciated what Elora was doing, but he also felt a quickly rising need to do unleash himself on someone. Emma''s continuous attention to his balls certainly wasn''t helping the issue.


    There was no way Elora didn''t feel his impatience and lust, but for some reason, she ignored them. Instead, she turned back to her life-sized form, and grabbed the delirious Anne''s head, before softly pulling her off the pole inside her, so that she could breathe again.


    Erik''s cock sprang free to challenge the ceiling again. The only fluid left on it now was Anne''s saliva, but it also felt very lonely, horny, and unattended now.


    Anne immediately started to pant when she got the opportunity, but her eyes remained unfocused. Elora took the opportunity, and whispered in Anne''s ear again, "That was the pleasure of serving your master. Can you imagine what it feels like to be rewarded by him?"


    The panting Anne blinked while shey in Elora''s arms. She was still recovering, and didn''t answer, but rather than hurry her, Elora slowly caressed Anne''s tinum-blond hair. "Take your time, Anne," she purred softly, with a mischievous grin. "When you''ve recovered, you can ask him for your reward."


    Sitting against the headboard, Erik looked at his first wife in disbelief. It wasn''t like her to leave him like this, and ignore his clear desire for release. Even Astrid raised a surprised eyebrow.


    But then, Erik suddenly grinned. "Oh, I see how it is."


    He leaned to the left, where he quickly kissed Astrid, and then he pulled himself up to a crouch, leaving Astrid. At the same, this move also finally pulled his jewels away from Emma, which caused her to blink. Previous, she''d been in an almost trance like state of happiness, and this was a somewhat rude awakening.


    Meanwhile, Erik didn''t waste any time. He lunged forward, and grabbed the fairy from behind, before falling back on the bed.


    "Ah!" Elora yelped, while Anne fell back on the bed as well. "You brute!" Elora eximed, despite the wide grin of desire on her face.


    They were now lying on their side, with Elora''s short yet voluptuous body in his arms, and her back pressed against his chest. Incidentally, their heads were also right in front of Emma''s, who was still in the process of waking back up to reality.


    "Don''t pretend you didn''t want this, you slutty little ember!" Erik grinned, while his right hand snuck up between herrge breasts to grab her throat, and the other snaked beneath her body, to grab both her arms, and keep them in ce.


    At the same time, he hooked one of her legs behind his own, and lifted it, so that the fairy was forced to spread her legs, putting her dripping folds on disy. Then, he started rubbing his cock against it.


    Elora was entirely trapped now, with her body at his mercy. She panted slightly with a wide smirk, and lust in her eyes, "It''s so easy to¡­ manipte you into fucking me¡­"


    "Yeah?" Erik chuckled amusingly. "I don''t mind that, though. I think it would be far worse if you actually had trouble getting me to fuck you."


    Elora continued smirking, but didn''t answer, even as she began to moan softly due to Erik''s cock rubbing her pussy.


    Before anything else, however, Erik turned his head to Emma, lying just above him. He quickly manipted some aetherium to clean her mouth, before kissing her on the lips and bringing her fully back to reality.


    "Oh¡­ Hello, Master," the white-haired girl immediately smiled, after their lips separated. "Was I good?"


    "You felt amazing, Emma, thank you." Erik smiled at his second wife. "Unfortunately, my Empress deserves a little punishment now, so I had to move."


    In his arms, Elora started panting a little harder when he called her his Empress. That was always her kink, after all, to be the woman behind a powerful, conquering Emperor.


    Emma smiled brightly at him, like his words couldn''t be more normal, "Of course, Master! Should I make some tea?"


    "That would be lovely, thank you," Erik nodded with a soft smile.


    Still smiling, Emma nodded, before asking, "Then, do I have permission to free myself?"


    "You do," Erik nodded, now a little more dominant.


    The fact was, that they never used any bondage devices on Emma that she couldn''t get out of herself, for safety reasons. But, in response to that, Emma had made a promise that she would only free herself with permission, outside of emergencies. Without that promise, the whole bondage experience would feel hollow to her.


    So, a while light shed, and the harness that was keeping Emma''s arms locked behind her back fell off. Immediately afterwards, Emma jumped off the bed, and elegantly traipsed out of the room, still naked, to go make some tea.


    Then, Erik finally focused back on Elora, who''d been patiently waiting while she enjoyed her husband''s touch, and rubbed her pelvis against his cock.


    "Now then, my naughty Empress," he whispered in her ear, while tightening the grip around her throat a little. "I think I need to teach your body who it belongs to again."


    Elora''s face was split into a wide grin, "Y¡ª Yesss. Teach me a lesson¡­ my E¡ª Emperor," she wheezed through her slightly closed wind pipe.


    Erik didn''t need to be told twice, before he rammed hisrge cock into her wet, slithering cunt.


    Instantly, Elora howled in a mixture of pain and pleasure, turning into a loud moaning and panting when he started pistoning in and out of her. Naturally, he was intimately familiar with all of her most sensitive spots, making it easy for him to drive her into ecstasy.


    On the other hand, however, so did she. Her pussy spasmed and massaged his dick in just the right way to drive him crazy, and she made ready use of that.


    "Fa¡ª Faster!" she moaned, while arching her back. "Ah! Aaah! I¡ª I''ll never, hnghh, learn my lesson¡­ like this! Faster! D¡ª Dooominate my body, m¡ª my Emperor!"


    Erik''s enthusiasm rose, and he went even faster, hammering her insides with precision. Since the fairy wasn''t trying to yfully resist this time, she simply let herself go. Thus, it wasn''t long before Elora had her first orgasm.


    Her body shook, and an explosion of liquid squirted from her pussy, even hitting Anne, who was only just starting to recover behind them.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Aaaah, y¡ª yesss, that''s it! Punish me, my love! Conquer me!" she screamed and shook.


    Erik, however, wasn''t done yet, and he was now driven wild by lust. So, he turned them both 45 degrees, until Elora was lying t on her stomach and his farrger body was covering her entirely, before continuing to ravage her.


    Meanwhile, Astrid was grinning wildly with several fingers working furiously on her pussy, and Anne was slowly starting to sit up. Her eyes were a little confused as she remember what happened earlier, but her gaze wouldn''t leave the scene of Erik dominating his beloved first wife.

 Chapter 412 - Annes fall [2/2]

    Erik continued driving into his beloved partner from behind. His arm was now wrapped around her neck, while his other hand was furiously working the poor fairy''s clit.


    Meanwhile, Elora was simply gripping the sheets, moaning loudly, and giving her body over to Erik. In the end, despite her dominance and mischief, she loved simply getting fucked by her husband relentlessly.


    Oftentimes, sex between Erik and Elora was a y they liked to put on, during which Erik tried, and ultimately failed, to make her submit, other times, it was just an expression of love. This time, however, it was simply an expression of lust.


    Elora''s efforts with Anne earlier,bined with Emma''s attention to his balls, had made Erik a little frustrated, and now he needed to vent. Of course, Erik was perfectly aware that Elora had orchestrated the entire thing.


    It was obvious that, today, the fairy felt like being ravaged by the emperor she''d chosen for herself, and Erik was all to happy to oblige.


    In the end, however, Elora was still the only one among his wives who could truly match both his sex drive, and his stamina. Even if Elora had already cum once.


    Thus, it wasn''t long before Elora orgasmed again, but this time, she took Erik with her. Elora moan-screamed into the surroundings, while her body trembled, and her pussy walls cramped around Erik''s invasion. At the same time, Erik groaned, and exploded inside her, filling up the beautiful woman''s womb.


    When he was empty, Erik sagged down on top of Elora, his face entangling in her soft, crimson hair. Elora continued trembling from aftershocks for a while. But eventually, they were both done and panting heavily.


    Erik pulled himself out, and rolled off to the side, to lie next to her on his back. They turned their heads towards each other and both grinned in orgasmic bliss. Nothing needed to be said. They loved each other, body, mind, soul, and they both knew how much they loved sex.


    Suddenly, as they stared at each other, Erik suddenly felt a wet tongue licking his soft cock. He raised an eyebrow, and his head, to look down his body. There, he noticed a blushing Anne, carefully cleaning his dick while looking up at him with parts frustration, part embarrassment, and part lust.


    "Oh?" Erik grinned slightly, while his little soldier was quickly rising once again. "I figured it was just Elora''s provocation and overwhelming lust before, but you seem more lucid now."


    A smirking Elora also sat up next to him, to look at the embarrassed werelynx trying to please her master.


    "I¡ª It was¡­ and I am¡­" Anne muttered softly between licks. "But¡­ I still feel¡­ so hot inside¡­ and you taste so good¡­ so, since I''ve already given in anyway¡­ I just want to feel as good as the others¡­ S¡ª So please reward me¡­"


    Still grinning, Erik sat up, before extending his hand, and caressing Anne''s head. She shivered a little from his touch. "Is that so?" he asked devilishly. "But what if I give you a second chance? What if I said that only vaginal sex counts for our deal?"


    Immediately, Anne stopped, and shivered harder, her gaze now cast downward. She remained quiet for a moment, before finally mumbling, "W¡ª Why are you doing this to me?"


    Erik trailed his hand down her face and lifted her chin to make her look into his piercing amber eyes.


    "Because I want you to be mine, Anne," he told her possessively. "I won''t love or marry you, but I still want you to be mine, body, heart, mind, and soul. You may say that''s unfair, and it is. But I''m a selfish person. I want what I want, and I''ll work hard to get it."


    His other hand caressed her body, and worked it''s way down to her breasts, where he started fondling them, much to Anne''s frustrated delight. The werelynx shivered under his touch.


    "So give yourself to me, Anne. Fully,pletely, and without pretence or caveats," he continued passionately. "You''ll still get your revenge against the hunters, and I won''t treat you badly. You''ll always have my support, so long as I have your service, and you''ll feel immense pleasure during all of it."


    Anne continued shivering as she looked up at him. For a moment, she remained silent. Then, she gulped, and whispered hoarsely, "E¡ª Ever since my mom died¡­ my life''s been grey, and I''ve felt only partly alive¡­ Can you give my life colour back?"


    "I can promise I will try," Erik said sternly.


    Anne gulped again, but then nodded, "T¡ª Then¡­ okay."


    Erik''s grin returned, and he pulled her up slightly by the chin, "Will you be a good girl for me?"


    The werelynx''s breath quickened, and she nodded slightly, her eyes wererge and slightly wet.


    "Then get on your back, and spread your lower lips for me," he ordered her dominantly. Then, he released her, causing her to sag backward.


    But, Anne wasted no time. She quickly lost the underwear she was still wearing, and did as he asked, presenting her pussy for him to do with as he pleased.


    Meanwhile, a smirking Elora had used her wings to fly up, and deposit herself next to the masturbating Astrid. From there, they both began to enjoy Anne''s fall.


    Erik bend himself over thetest addition to his harem. His cock rubbed against her lips, which she was still holding open for him, causing her eyes to flutter. "You''re not a virgin, right?" he asked her, curiously.


    She shook her head and stuttered, "N¡ª No. S¡ª Sorry, Master. There were one or two others¡­" She was clearly trying her best, but calling him Master still came with some difficulty.


    But that woulde with time.


    "That''s okay, Anne," Erik smiled while caressing her cheek. "But from today forward, I will be your only man, no matter what, understood?"


    Anne gulped and nodded, looking up at him with eyes full of fear and lust.


    "Don''t be afraid, Anne," he soothed her, while prodding her entrance with his cock. "Just enjoy."


    Then, he pushed forward.


    * * *


    About ten minutester, Emma re-entered the room with a tray of tea. Erik was now once again resting against the headboard, with Astrid and Elora nestled against his chest on either side. Their eyes were closed, as they were clearly resting.


    Meanwhile, in the middle of the bed was Anne, shivering, cum leaking from her pussy, and a silly smile on her face. Only, her eyes were closed, as appeared to have fainted from pleasure.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Emma only had eyes for her husband, however. She quickly filled a cup of tea for him, and then crawled onto the bed with it, before handing it over with a bright smile. "Here you are, Master," she chirped happily.


    It was truly a mystery how she could be so happy merely serving another, but Erik had stopped asking himself those questions. He''d made it clear to Emma she could be whatever she wanted to be, and until she indicated otherwise, he was going to enjoy his second wife''s proclivities.


    "Thank you, Emma," he smiled at her. "I could use some hydration."


    "You''re wee!" she eximed with a gaze full of love. Then, she looked down, and noticed his cock was still stained with fluids. So, she looked back up. "Would you like me to clean you, Master?" she asked, causing Erik to truly wonder what kind of saint he''d been in a past life to earn this kind of karma.


    But, of course, he wasn''t going to refuse, and nodded. "You are truly a treasure, my beloved Glimmer. I would love that. But afterwards, we all need to get back to training, alright?"


    Emma giggled and nodded, before bending down and getting to work, while Erik drank his tea.


    Truly, their home was one of sexual debauchery. It was only thanks to their discipline and strict nning that they still managed to get any training done.

 Chapter 413 - Seraphinas story [1/2]

    Over the next few days, Erik''s boat travelled along the coast of Europe and Africa, aided by strong winds, and a continuously working electric motor. The motor was, of course, charged by the sigil Elora had stolen from the Council, which created electricity from the aetherium in the air.


    First, they came across Spain. This was somewhat of a contested region, as African warlords often crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to try and conquer more territory, or at least raid people and resources.


    They never got very far, however, at least not since the Council formed. Before that time, it was simply African warlords fighting against their European counterparts, with varied results.


    But now, the Council''s professional army of mixed Arcanists and Runebound stood guard on the border, and a single second, or even third ranked warlord with an army a few thousand strong had no hope of crossing it.


    From there, they continued sailing towards the south. Elora periodically left the dimension to check their directionpared to what the piece of Runa''s soul she possessed was telling her, and it appeared Runa had travelled quite far ind.


    Thus, they continued sailing along Afrika''s western coast. They decided to continue using the boat, because otherwise Erik would have to run, rather than train.


    This continued for six days, but when they entered the Gulf of Guinea, things changed for the worse.


    * * *


    It was scorching hot. As the poles were, so too was the equator affected by more extreme temperatures. Back in Scandinavia, they noticed this mainly due to almost year-round snow.


    Now, however, it was simply scorching hot. It wasn''t even dry per se, as there was plenty of rainfall, but it was at least 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) on a cold day.


    Fortunately, however, it made no difference to Erik and the others. They sometimes had to resist actual fire when in the midst of battle, so a little sunburn wasn''t going to do them in.


    Even the vampires, Astrid and Seraphina, weren''t deterred. Not that they cared about the heat, but even the sun''s radiation¡ªa vampire''s actual weakness¡ªwas stronger here. Of course, with Astrid that was due to her affinity, which allowed her to ignore that weakness altogether.


    But even Seraphina was able to handle it easily. She wore dark, leather clothing that hugged her body and kept very little skin exposed to the sun. She even wore gloves, meaning that the only part of her body exposed to the sun was her face, which she kept safe by simply keeping a smallyer of Runebound energy between her skin and the sun.


    Now, she leaned against the invisible ship''s railing and gazed at the African coast they were sailing by. They''d just passed the Sahara, meaning the coast was now filled with an endless expanse of rainforest, interspersed by small, usually abandoned settlements.


    Her long ck hair was tied into a ponytail and resting on her back, together with therge sword that was her weapon. She''d seen the storage jewellery everyone was using, but she hadn''t asked about it yet. Not that it would have mattered, because Elora only handed those out to prospective family.


    While she stood there, Erik suddenly appeared behind her, after stepping out of the invisible cabin. Now, it appeared like the two of them were floating above the water. Fortunately, they were perfectly capable of using their energy to guide their steps, even if all they could see around them was water.


    "Standing here means we''re actually visible to any potentially dangerous sea creatures, you know?" Erik asked her with raised eyebrow.


    The vampire wasn''t surprised by his appearance and shrugged her shoulders without turning around. "I promise I''ll personally deal with anything that shows up," she said casually. "The Council has never found anything particrly bad along the coast."


    Erik rolled his eyes as he walked up next to her and began leaning on the invisible railing as well. "Right, and how much data does the Council have on dangers along the African coast, rather than the European?"


    Seraphina flinched slightly, clearly proving she''d thought of that as well, but then sighed. "Ugh, I know, alright? But you have to agree the chances are low there''s anything worse here! Besides, I just can''t help myself¡­"


    "Oh? Why''s that?" he asked her curiously. Even if he was a little worried about sea creatures, he didn''t think they''d be unlucky enough to encounter one just at the wrong time. Besides, she was right in thinking there probably wasn''t anything worse here,pared to European coasts.


    Of course, Elora was waving a big red g inside his soul. Stay connected with empire


    Regardless, the vampire frowned, and answered his question with one of her own, "You know what the one good thing toe out of this damn awakening so far is?"e


    Erik shook his headconically, "If I''m being honest, the awakening has mostly meant good things for me. Even the attack on Frostvik had nothing to do with it, and without the awakening I would have died there."


    Seraphina scoffed, a little annoyed, "Well, good for you, then."


    Realizing his mistake, Erik chuckled apologetically, "Sorry. I wasn''t there for the first few years, so I shouldn''t say anything. Why don''t you tell me what you meant?"


    Since Seraphina was already bound to silence through the covenant, Erik and the others had already revealed some information to her over the past week, so she wasn''t surprised.


    Instead, she sighed, "It''s fine¡­" and then looked up at the sun with a small smile, "The one good thing is that I can feel the sun''s warm rays on my skin without almost dying."


    The only thing her thinyer of energy stopped was the sun''s radiation, not its warmth.


    Erik frowned and nodded. He remembered Astrid saying something simr once. "Admittedly, I can''t imagine what that was like before."


    Seraphina shrugged casually, "We never really knew what we were missing, I guess. Until we got the opportunity to truly feel it." Before continuing, she chuckled wryly, "Although, vampires with fire rted affinities like Astrid are the truly lucky ones. They don''t even need to protect themselves."


    They remained silent for a moment after that, until Erik raised an eyebrow. "You didn''t ask me here to talk about this, though, right?"


    The raven-haired vampire sighed and shook her head, "No, I guess not¡­Emily has been pushing me to talk to you." Suddenly, she raised her hands, which had previously been resting on the railing, and Erik noticed they were trembling slightly.


    He frowned with a hint of concern when he noticed that. "You need to drink," he stated, matter-of-factly. It wasn''t hard to spot the effects of thirst in a vampire.


    "Yeah," Seraphina nodded wryly. "Which, I guess, is why I finally took Emily''s advice."


    "Okay, but why not simply drink some of her blood then?" he asked with a curiously raised eyebrow. "I haven''t forbidden anything like that, nor would I. You''ve made it clear you don''t want to be dependent on me, so I don''t expect you to drink mine."


    Seraphina sighed again, as her wry expression remained. "It might already be toote for that¡­"


    "Toote for what?" Erik asked, bing more and more confused. "To drink Emily''s blood?"


    But Seraphina shook her head, still wry, but also with a lot of frustration. "No. Toote for me not to be dependent on you¡­ because any other blood besides yours tastes like dog piss now, and I can''t bring myself to drink any other when you''re basically right next to me."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 414 - Seraphinas story [2/2]

    For a moment, silence fell. But then, Erik couldn''t stop a wide, smug grin from appearing on his lips. "Oh? Is that so, huh?"


    Seraphina''s blood-red vampire eyes shed angrily as she turned her head towards him. "Don''t act so smug!" she snarled furiously. "It''s not funny at all!" Then, her entire body followed, and she poked a gloved finger against his sturdy chest, "Do you know the hell I''ve gone through since your blood ran out, huh?!"


    Noticing her real anger, Erik tried to get his face under control, but even after he toned down the grin, his eyes still twinkled mischievously, and his lips remained slightly curled upwards.


    "Okay, okay! Not funny!" he eximed defensively and raised his arms. "I just can''t help it, though! When a beautiful woman tells me my fluids ruined all other fluids for her, I grin! It''s an instinctive response!"


    Seraphina''s eyes bulged slightly, before palming her face and groaning, "Ugh. Right. You''re a pervert."


    She turned back to lean on the railing again with a scowl, "Well, whatever. I didn''t expect much sympathy from you anyway."


    Erik sighed when he actually felt his guilt bone being poked. He went back to his previous position as well, and apologized as sincerely as he could. "Alright, alright. I won''t apologize for what happened, but I''m sorry for making light. It must have been hard on you."


    Meanwhile, he actually talked to Elora through their bond, "Elora? Anything you can do for her?"


    Elora shrugged when she answered him, "With some research and time, probably. But should we? Isn''t this situation exactly what we wanted to begin with?"


    Erik sighed inwardly, "Yeah, but now that it''s not really necessary anymore, I feel a little bad."


    Regardless, Erik focused on back on his conversation with Seraphina, who had started sulking slightly, before sighing reluctantly. "It''s fine¡­ I don''t know why your blood is different, but I felt my aversion to other blood increasing, and yet I kept drinking it anyway. It''s my own fault I''m in this situation¡­"


    Erik blinked, before raising his eyebrows. "Seriously? Why? Don''t tell me it was just too delicious, because even though I''d feel ttered, I wouldn''t buy it. My blood''s not that addictive, and your will is too strong to fall for it."


    Finally, Seraphina smiled slightly at thepliment, causing Erik to realize she cared far more about being called strong-willed than beautiful, like he did before.


    After catching herself, the vampire scoffed and nodded pridefully, "Of course I am!" Before continuing, she pursed her lips slightly, "Although your blood does taste pretty good¡­" Then, she shook her head resolutely, "But that''s beside the point!"


    She turned her gaze back to him, "I kept drinking, because it made me stronger!"


    Erik frowned in confusion, "Why were you so desperate to get stronger that you''d ignore the warning signs?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I wasn''t desperate!" she immediately snarled, while jerking her gaze back to the horizon. Yet, noticing Erik''s calm indifference, she grumbled softly, before continuing softly. "I was just¡­ frustrated and annoyed.


    She remained silent for a moment, but rather than rush her, Erik simply waited patiently. He realised she was opening up, whether willingly or by necessity, and he decided not to interrupt her anymore.


    Finally, she sighed, as if deciding toe clean. "The thing is¡­ aftering back from London a year ago, it wasn''t long before my covenant with you was discovered. Naturally, they put me on leave for a month or so, while Zara Yaga tried to break it, which was an unpleasant time for me, but eventually I was allowed to resume my duties."


    She continued in a resentful tone, "But my so-called ''peers'' suddenly started giving me a wide berth. Even all those slimy little boys angling to get into my pants began avoiding me. Even the Council''s efforts to help me grow stronger were steadily reduced as they started focusing on others. Those assholes didn''t trust me anymore! As if I would ever ept a deal that might harm the Council!"


    Without looking at him, she shrugged, "And yes, I did me you for that for a while."


    "For a while?" Elora smirked inside Erik''s head. "I''m sure there''s still a little resentment there. It would certainly exin her anger with you." Continue reading stories on empire


    Erik nodded inwardly, but didn''t respond. He focused on Seraphina, who was busy venting a little.


    "Anyway," she continued sombrely. "I was always somewhat of a rising star, because of my talent and affinity, but that covenant changed everything. So¡­ I wanted to prove them wrong."


    Understanding shone in Erik''s eyes as he nodded slowly, with a frown, "And that''s why you kept drinking my blood¡­. you wanted to continue outpacing your peers, even if they now got more attention from the Council."


    Seraphina pursed her lips wryly and nodded, "Yeah¡­ Just because my pride was hurt, I decided to ruin my future with a rash decision. Pretty stupid, right?"


    Erik shook his head, "Almost anyone would have made the same decision in your shoes. It hits hard when you realize the admiration of your peers is a fickle thing."


    He didn''t engage with the assertion about her future, because frankly, she wasn''t wrong at the time. Sure, now he was here to provide new blood, or help her find another alternative, but at the time she didn''t know that. At the time, she didn''t know if she''d ever meet him again.


    Scoffing, the vampire shook her head, "Yeah, well, I don''t want to be just anyone."


    Erik nodded slowly, but didn''t engage. "So, what happened after the blood I gave you ran out?"


    An expression of disgust flickered across her face. "I went back to normal blood," she nearly spat, clearly not enjoying the thought. "I still drank it, but just enough to barely keep me in fighting shape."


    She sighed again, "At that point, I was the undisputed champion among Council second rankers, but I had to start hiding away from the public, because despite being technically the strongest, I couldn''t show it anymore."


    Erik understood what she meant. Vampires were at their strongest when they had a belly full of blood, but if they only just drank enough to remain standing, it would severely affect their strength.


    A little depressed, she shrugged, and started wrapping up her story. "Anyway. My parents tried to help but couldn''t, and that was when Lady Katya stepped in."


    Her voice filled with gratitude when she talked about Katya, "She didn''t know the specifics, but she realized I was trying to avoid others, and decided to help by sending me on long solo missions as a warden."


    Then she turned a little wry, "Of course, now I realize she was just hoping to secure my absolute loyalty for rescuing her brother, but I don''t mind that. We all have our reasons for the things we do, and whatever the reason, she did help me. And now here we are."


    A short silence fell as her story sank in. Erik now understood why she was so quick to find fault with him before, despite also deciding toe along with him to Africa.


    She was looking for a reason to me him, whether consciously or subconsciously, and the fact he taunted her with his blood as soon as they met likely didn''t help matters. It just drove her aversion to bing dependent on someone into overdrive.


    Not that he regretted anything. In the end, Seraphina''s choices were her own.


    Suddenly, the vampire growled and scoffed, "I can''t believe Emily convinced me to juste clean."


    Then she narrowed her eyes suspiciously and turned to Erik. "Emily promised honesty would be the best way to get you to treat me fairly, but I have my doubts. So, what will it be? Another covenant? very? How do I get a steady supply of your blood, preferably without you being all weird about it?"


    Of course, Erik was absolutely going to be weird about it. A small, devilish grin appeared on his face, "Oh, I won''t gauge you, Sera. In fact, I have only one condition¡­"


    He opened his mouth to continue, but then, something happened.


    "Erik! Grab her!" Elora suddenly eximed inside his mind.


    But her warning came toote.

 Chapter 415 - Trouble at sea [1/2]

    Erik flinched forward in an attempt to do as Elora said, but it was pointless. A loud crunch echoed, the boat shook, and arge, slimy, purple shape broke through the invisible ship''s deck.


    Several pieces of wood suddenly became visible in mid-air as they became separated from the whole, before the form wrapped itself around a shocked Seraphina.


    "What the¡ª!" she eximed with wide eyes. But that was all she could say, before being yanked into the depths below.


    "Shit!" Erik eximed in shock, before instantly preparing to go after her. Unfortunately, another warning from Elora came first. "Another one!"


    Erik understood this one was aiming for him, and Elora was simply not wasting time on the obvious.


    He cursed again, sank to one knee, and formed icy white magic circles on both hands, before pping them against the boat''s surface.


    Instantly, icy lightning crackled, and a thundersnow shield formed below him, less than half a moment before the next purple shape broke through the ship''s deck, and crashed against it.


    Boom


    The force of the impact destroyed half the ship, before sending a roaring Erik tumbling into the sky. Thankfully, the shield held, and the purple shape was forced to retreat, but Erik was still tossed at least ten meters (~33 feet) into the air.


    Below him, the massive damage sustained by the ship caused the invisibility sigil to fade away, making the other half of the ship reappear.


    "Fuck!" Erik cursed as he looked down below to see what was attacking them.


    Wriggling and writhing in the sea below his destroyed ship was a massive squid-like creature, at least 60 meters (~200 feet) in length, with an arrow-like head, ten tentacles, and a dangerous looing beak. Deadly hooks appeared on the end of its tentacles, and suction cups undted along the length of them.


    "Eira!" he quickly eximed through his link with the minotaur construct.


    Fortunately, Eira knew what he wanted, and instantly appeared next to him. "Yes!" she eximed out loud, and quickly flew down to the remaining part of the ship that was rapidly sinking.


    Meanwhile, Erik transformed into werewolf form, and activated the runeguard armour, which quickly wrapped him in it''s protective embrace. This time, even the helmet made its appearance, yet he chose to leave his feet uncovered.


    At that point, no more than a second had passed since Seraphina was pulled under, and Erik started falling back down to the water, where he was greeted with two more tentacles flying his way at the speed of a bullet.


    "Elora?!" he eximed at the fairy, while twisting his body in strange ways to avoid the tentacles in mid-air, making full use of the serpent blood flowing through his veins.


    "It''s only at the second rank!" she immediately responded. "But you''re not fighting onnd here!"


    "I know, I know!" he responded with grit and determination, as his body plunged into the water below. He wasn''t thinking much yet, simply acting on instinct to deal with the threat. He wanted to save Seraphina, yes, but he also needed to get out of there with his dimension and everyone in it.


    Find adventures at empire


    Either way, that beast needed to go.


    Fortunately, they''d truly taken into consideration every scenario when designing the runeguard. Some might even say they over-designed it. Although, in this case, that was to his benefit.


    For example, his helmet was hermetically sealed, and even included a sigil turning aetherium into breathable air. But that wasn''t all, because as soon as he hit the water, metal links formed between the fingers on his gauntlets, turning them into webbing. At the same time, he also used ice maker to create webbing between his uncovered toes.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Once inside the water, he was immediately hit with a terrifying screech, straight from the creature''s beak. "Fuck!" Erik cursed again. "I can''t believe aetherium created an actual kraken!"


    Fortunately, he had two sources of light to illuminate his surroundings: the sun, and a brightly shining sigil on his helmet. Unfortunately, it mostly showed the terrifying depth full of unknowable dangers all around him.


    Suddenly, he felt very small and vulnerable. Being surrounded by the eery darkness and pressure of a cold, murky ocean unnerved him a little, despite his rtive power.


    But he quickly shook his head and cleared his thoughts. There was no time to think any more on this, because the kraken went on the attack.


    Five of the creatures'' tentacles were now aiming directly for him, while four more where tearing apart the remains of his ship, and one was held back, holding the struggling Seraphina.


    Unfortunately, the vampire was at a severe disadvantage right now. Not only was she weakened by ack of blood, but her affinity, gravity, was rtively pointless here.


    But the worst part was that she didn''t have ess to oxygen, like he did. As a second rank Runebound, she should be able to hold out for at least twenty minutes of heavy struggling, but she''d be continuously weaker along the way and, eventually, it would be over.


    Fortunately, she''d been able to free her arms and weapon, but her sword was more akin to arge b of metal that was simply too unwieldy in the water. Even with her Runebound strength, she proved unable to pierce the kraken''s flesh.


    Thus, Erik knew his main objective.


    There was no hesitation, as he used the webbing between his digits tounch himself at the tentacle holding Seraphina. The kraken attempted to intercept. The five tentacles dedicated to Erik''s capture were sweeping and bullet punching through the water like it was air in an effort to take him down.


    But Erik wouldn''t make it that easy for the creature. Unlike Seraphina, his strength was not diminished, he had the protection of his armour, and two of his four affinities were of great help. After all, using lightning or thundersnow was dangerous, but ice and space were extremely useful.


    He raced through the water as fast as he could, eyes fixated on Seraphina''s struggling, and swaying form.


    Suddenly, a tentacle punched at him as if out of nowhere, but Erik shifted slightly with spatial discement, and the tentacle flew past.


    A second tentacle swept at him under loud screeching of the kraken, but Erik conjured an icy blue magic circle to spawn a wall of ice. The tentacle smashed against it, sending ice shrapnel everywhere, but still halting it, while Erik was already passed.


    Two more tentacles attacked him, one sweeping from below, and the other from above, essentially boxing him in. Erik ignored them though, keeping his eyes on Seraphina.


    Only when both tentacles were less than a meter (~3.3 feet) away from him did he conjure a dark blue magic circle. Instantly, a bubble pulsed around him, pushing away both water and tentacle with irresistible force.


    For about a single instance, Erik was floating in a vacuum, but then he flew through to the other side, and the vacuum imploded behind him as water filled it up again.


    Meanwhile, above him, thest remains on his ship were taken down by the kraken''s remaining tentacles. At the same time, the core of his armour shed, and Eira''s voice echoed in his head, "She''s safe, Master! Quickly close the portal!"

 Chapter 416 - Trouble at sea [2/2]

    A few moments earlier, Eira crashed through the roof of the ship''s cabin, where a bewildered Nora looked up at her. Currently, it was Nora''s turn to steer the boat. She''d obviously noticed the sounds of wood breaking, and the boat being flung around. "Eira?! What''s going on? Is Master okay?!"


    "He''s fine, but we need to get you to the portal!" she eximed, while flying behind Nora''s back, and beginning to push. But Nora quickly changed to wolf form and rushed for the door.


    Her fur was grey, and the servant outfit Elora created stretched to its limit, but still managed to hold as it was designed to do. "I''m not going anywhere!" she growled while crashing through the door. "If we''re being attacked, then I need to fight!"


    Eira pouted and narrowed her eyes, before going after Nora. Unfortunately, she didn''t have the authority to order Nora around through the Bond of Service, and she didn''t want to distract Erik by asking him to do it telepathically. He''d given her a task, and she wasn''t going to fail him.


    But Eira didn''t have to chase Nora for long, because one of the kraken''s tentacles crashed through the boat''s undercarriage right in front of them. Once again, the boat shook wildly. Fortunately, although the ship had be visible again, the kraken couldn''t actually see through the wood and attack them directly.


    Nora stumbled and stared in shock at the section of a purple, suction-cup-filled tentacle, bisecting the boat in front of her. But she immediately realized this was their enemy and reacted quickly.


    Raising her transformed arms, she howled, as light blue runes appeared on her fur. Water formed on her ws before she swiped forward in a cross section. Water slicersunched themselves forward and cut into the tentacle. Unfortunately, cutting was all they did.


    Blue blood seeped out of cuts that were no more than a few inches deep, proving the creature''s defensive capabilities. But that was no surprise. Mutated beasts generally had more inmon with Runebound than Arcanists, even outside of Earth.


    Despite the shallow wounds, however, the creature''s reaction was quite exaggerated. A screech filled the air, coinciding with Erik hitting the water, and the tentacle quickly retreated.


    It wasn''t done, however, as four tentacles now wrapped themselves around the boat''s remains and started squeezing. Although the boat was strategically reinforced, it clearly couldn''t stand up to this kind of pressure.


    The ship began to creak and shake as the walls started caving in.


    "Fuck!" Nora cursed as she realized what they were up against, and doubt began to appear in her eyes. That was when Eira caught up with her. The sigil construct had her weapons drawn and red at Nora angrily. She pointed her weapon at the werewolf.


    "I said we need to get you to a portal, you dumbo!" she eximed, likely sounded cuter than she intended. "If you want to help him, then make it so I can return to him as quickly as possible!"


    Helplessness and frustration appeared in Nora''s eyes for a moment.


    One second. Two seconds.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But then she nodded resolutely. She''d seen what little she could do against this creature. "F¡ª Fine! Let''s go then!"


    "Finally," Eira pouted and rolled her eyes.


    They started working together to get to the boat''s living room, where the portal to Erik''s dimension was anchored. They didn''t care about the boat anymore, so they crashed through walls and demolished floors, rather than run through the narrow corridors.


    Fortunately, using this tactic, they managed to reach their destination in mere seconds. Water was already filling this room to Nora''s knees, and the boat''s creaking was getting louder. Nora threw a quick nce at Eira, hoping she conveyed both her thanks, and the hope Eira could help Erik.


    Then, she jumped through the portal, mere moments before the ship gave in, and everything imploded in on itself.


    * * *


    Hearing Nora was safe, Erik quickly thanked Eira and closed the portal, making himself the only ess point once again. With renewed focus, he turned to face the massive squid looming before him. He needed to hurry, because with the boat''s destruction, the squid had freed up more tentacles to harass him with.


    The oppressive weight of the ocean pressed down on him, and the cold, murky water distorted every movement, turning the simple act of dodging into a gruelling test of endurance.


    Erik surged through the water in Seraphina''s direction, his every motion slowed by the surrounding currents, yet fuelled by an unyielding determination.


    The aquatic environment was unforgiving, but he wasn''t too deep yet, so the sun still shared its light, and his armour helped protect against the pressure. The armour''s weight was an issue, of course, but not significant enough to make him give up the benefits.


    The tentaclesshed at him from every angle, and with the chaos around him, he could barely see Seraphina in the distance, her figure a faint blur struggling against the Kraken''s grip.


    With Eira''s return, Erik now wielded the full power of the runeguard, amplifying his abilities even in this hostile environment.


    Seraphina, whose panic was rising exponentially with her oxygen leaking away, noticed his approach. Her wide eyes, full of conflicting emotions, locked onto him, but there was no time for contemtion. She continued her desperate struggle, her body growing weaker by the second, each movement feeling like it was dragging her deeper into the abyss.


    The Kraken, for all its might, was still just a beast¡ªdriven by primal instinct rather than strategy. It made no effort to separate them, focusing only on its vicious attacks


    Thus, he was steadily making his way closer, determination and fury glinting in his eyes. ''That''s my woman you''re holding, you overgrown squid,'' he growled possessively in his mind. ''She may not have agreed yet, but I''m not about to give up on her so easily.''


    But with each push forward, the pressure grew heavier, and the darkness swallowed more light, slowly turning the fight into a struggle against both monster and environment.


    Inevitably, the odds turned against him. Nine powerful tentacles whipped towards him, and in the chaotic underwater dance, Erik found himself overwhelmed. He dodged two, blocked three, and repelled another three, but the ninth tentacle, with its relentless momentum, found its mark.


    A furious howl escaped him, muffled by his helmet as the tentacle mmed into him, the impact reverberating through the water. Suction cupstched onto his armour, anchoring him in ce with an iron grip. The Kraken, sensing its advantage, let out a victorious roar that vibrated through the ocean, the sound waves distorting in the dense water. Explore more stories with empire


    The creature began to drag him closer to its beak, a maw of terror ready to crush and swallow him. But Erik was not so easily defeated.


    With the suction cups adhering to his armour, the tentacle wrapped around him, and the unfavourable environment he fought in, Erik found himself unable to get out of its grip with pure strength, despite the fact he was technically stronger.


    Fortunately, unlike the kraken, he had ess to affinities.

 Chapter 417 - Battling the kraken

    Erik snorted with disdain, before hugging the tentacle tighter, and sting it with both frost aura and ice maker at the same time.


    The icy energy coursed through the tentacle, spreading rapidly. The water around them chilled even further, the cold seeping into the Kraken''s flesh.


    He tightened his grip, muscles straining against the immense pressure, and unleashed burst after burst of icy energy. The water around him froze, crystals forming in the currents.


    The kraken screeched a low, rumbling moan that vibrated through Erik''s bones. Its pain resonating through the water as it thrashed violently, trying to dislodge him. But Erik held fast, even as the world spun around him, the sense of up and down lost in the disorienting darkness.


    "Let me show you the mistake you made!" Erik roared in the depths. His voice was dampened by the helmet, and swallowed by the water, but it resonated with power. Raising both hands, he pulled his warhammer from the dimension inside him and gripped it tightly.


    Then, he brought it down on the kraken''s frozen limb with devestating power.


    Although the water made it difficult to properly swing his hammer, his strength was more than enough to make up for it, ensuring his hammer was still a better choice than his fists.


    A deep rumble reverberated in the dark, ocean depths of the Guinean Gulf when his hammer struck home. Cracks spread from the point of impact, jagged lines of destruction splintering across the frozen tentacle.


    The kraken screeched in pain and thrashed wildly, its massive body twisting in the water, sending shockwaves through the surrounding currents.


    Erik was thrown about like a ragdoll, but he held on, teeth gritted, his focus unyielding, despite the diziness threatening to spread. ''Just¡­ a few¡­ more¡­!'' he snarled inwardly, while raising the hammer again, each strike driving deeper into the ice, each blow resonating with the kraken''s anguished cries.


    Finally, the frozen limb shattered. Shards of ice and flesh were sent spinning into the water.


    Erik was free, but the battle was far from over. The kraken screeched and iled even louder, now with one fewer limb. Erik quickly shook his head to get rid of feeling like his brain had just gone through the dryer, before tossing his hammer back into the dimension, and focusing back on the kraken.


    Erik could still see Seraphina, her form limp, battered, and entangled in the beast''s grasp. Her sword was gone, lost to the depths, but her resolve was not.


    Once again, Erik propelled himself towards Seraphina, as he still intended to save her before getting out of there. His movements were swift and powerful despite the drag of the water. The metallic webbing between his fingers and the icy constructs between his toes, backed by his strength, propelled him with unnatural speed. He cut through the water like a spear, closing the distance to Seraphina.


    He almost reached the tentacle holding Seraphina, but its iling was making it hard for him to get to her. He grumbled in frustration, but finally decided to simply take the same action as before. He charged up his frost aura and ice maker, before heading directly for the steadier base of the tentacle.


    Unfortunately, just as he was about to grab it and start freezing this one as well, the kraken made a smart decision. It fled.


    A jet stream of bubbles suddenly burst out of the underside of the kraken''s body, and it surged away from him, the water churning with the force of its retreat. "Shit!" Erik cursed as his face distorted behind the helmet.


    For a moment, he watched the retreating kraken with aplicated expression. The creature was not only heading away from him, but also going deeper, and Erik couldn''t help but hesitate.


    Seraphina wasn''t family. He liked her, she was important to Emily, and letting her die here would almost certainly turn her father in the Council against him.


    He also still had plenty of ways to get out of here quickly, if it came to that. Pressure, cold, andck of oxygen also weren''t much of a problem for him, and if worst came to worst, he could always retreat into his dimension. It would leave the portal to it in the middle of the ocean''s depths, but at least they''d be alive. Anything else could then be figured outter.


    Yet, the risk of continuing wasn''t minimal. And he had his entire family to think about, because with his death, Elora would quickly follow, and the dimension would copse, along with everyone in it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Suddenly, a hesitant voice sounded in his head. "Master¡­" Emily began softly. She and the others were currently watching from inside his dimension, where the walls of the central room could be turning a 360-degree viewing room. "I¡ª" she continued but was quickly interrupted by a snarling Erik.


    "Fuck it!" he cursed, and went in pursuit of the kraken, and its prey. He didn''t know if Emily wanted to plead with him to save her friend, or if she wanted to tell him it was okay to let her go, but either way, he didn''t want to hear it.


    Your journey continues at empire


    Emily''s voice alone had made up his mind already.


    Unfortunately, the kraken''s jet propulsion was faster than him, and despite Erik''s immense speed, the squid-like creature was gaining on him.


    "Erik¡­!" Elora''s rmed and concerned voice echoed in his head. "I know there''s plenty of reasons for you to save her, even un-emotional ones, but do not get our family killed over her! Do you hear me?!"


    "I know, my little Ember" Erik answered calmly, but with immense grit. "Just trust me. I''d never get us killed over someone who''s not family."


    "You know I trust you, my love," Elora eximed helplessly. "But you are clearly slower, and the deeper we get, the more danger there will be! Not only do we have no idea what''s down there, but pressure will continue to increase!"


    "Just give it a second," Erik answered with determination, and without taking his eyes off the enemy. Despite her anxiety, Elora decided to wait, but she pushed her omnisense to its limits to spot any dangers around them.


    Currently, they were already deep enough that sunlight didn''t reach them at all anymore, and the only light was the sigil on Erik''s helmet, which was squarely pointed at the kraken in front of them. He knew that light would also act as a beacon for any more dangerous sea life, but he had to keep an eye Seraphina''s abductor.


    He was waiting for something.

 Chapter 418 - Pursuit and escape

    Erik''s muscles strained. He swam as hard as he could despite the kraken getting further and further away. But, after just five minutes, its speed suddenly dropped significantly.


    "There!" a victorious Erik eximed with a wide grin. "Growing up near the Norwegian coast with it''srge fishing industry, you learn a thing or two about sea creatures. That thing is clearly a mutated squid, and they only have short bursts of speed, before being forced to resort to regr swimming."


    Elora''s anxiety dropped when she noticed he was right, and the squid was now traveling at a mere fraction of its previous speed. It''s jet propulsion had ended.


    Now, it was merely iling its tentacles to propel itself forward, but with one of it''s ten limbs missing, its movement was lopsided, making it even slower than it would otherwise be when swimming this way.


    With renewed vigour, Erik surged after the kraken, now at a much faster speed than the squid was capable of. The pressure and cold of the ocean''s icy depths were increasing rapidly, but he held on. His armour protected against the pressure, and as someone with the ice affinity, it would need to be far colder for him to be affected.


    He had no idea how deep he was now, but he''d alreadymitted to this, and he wasn''t one to back down. Not so long as he still had a significant chance to get out of there alive. Continue your saga on empire


    He was quickly beginning to close in again, until he was finally no more than a few meters away from his target. Seraphina was still conscious, but barely. Her eyes were unfocused and fluttering rapidly.


    Unable to say anything, she simply looked at him with hope, gratitude, and pleading, while extending both her hands in his direction.


    Erik wasn''t one to leave a woman hanging, so he pushed himself harder, every muscle in his body screaming as he closed the final distance. Just as he was about to reach her, however, things got worse.


    Elora eximed in his mind, her omnisense having picked something up. "To your left!" her voice cut through his focus like a de.


    He turned his head, the light from his helmet slicing through the water, revealing a new horror. A mass of fins and teeth, a mutated predator of the deep, barrelled towards him with terrifying speed.


    He didn''t take the time to properly inspect what this second creature was, however. He had no time to think, only to act. He turned forward again with determination, despite Elora''s rmed yell, "Erik¡­!"


    Seraphina had also noticed the new danger, and her eyes were now filled with panic. She wanted to live! She stretched her body as much as she could to get as close to Erik as possible.


    Anxiety and tension increased, because the second creature was now lost in darkness again. They knew it was there and approaching quickly, they just couldn''t see it.


    But Erik pushed those thoughts aside. Instead, he roared and pushed forward with all his strength, before extending his hand forward.


    For a moment, it didn''t seem like they were going to make it, and Seraphina''s eyes became filled with despair. But then, their fingers touched, and that was enough.


    Instantly, Seraphina disappearedpletely, leaving the kraken''s tentacle with nothing. Erik only needed a single touch to toss someone in his dimension, so long as they didn''t resist, and that was exactly what he did.


    There was no time to cheer, however. The kraken was continuing, clearly either unaware, or uncaring, that Seraphina had disappeared, but the second danger was still there.


    "Elora! Eira!" he quickly eximed into his surroundings, causing the two of them to jump into action.


    Instantly, Erik received a direction from Elora, and he used the agility from his snake blood to quickly twist in that direction. Just as he turned, however, he thought he saw another light shining back at him from the deep. But then he was passed it and put it out of his mind. He had other things to deal with.


    At the same time, his light flickered past the rapidly approaching set of dangerous teeth. But all Erik felt was victorious contempt.


    He had absolute faith his armour could hold up against those teeth, even if he wasn''t about to get out of there. That said, he didn''t know, nor want to know, what other deep-sea horrors were waiting just outside of Elora''s omnisense. Honestly, he couldn''t wait to feel drynd again.


    Fortunately, Eira was working on that. While he turned, the missing sabatons from his armour appeared on his feet, covering up the ice-webbed toes. At the same time, four sigils flickered to life, one on the bottom of each sabaton, and one on each palm of his gauntlets.


    Half a second of tensed silence followed.


    Then, the sigils roared to life. Erik groaned as both his aetherium storage, and his Runebound energy were being drained at immense speeds, but the results were noticeable. Four jets of powerful thundersnow exploded outwards, freezing and electrifying the surroundings, but also propelling him forward.


    Instantly, he wasunched away like a rocket. Behind him, a massive row of teeth just barely missed his body. He couldn''t use this before, for the simple reason that they were one-offs that simply couldn''t be stopped until all his energy was drained.


    Erik roared and his body shook as he surged through the deep sea while his energy was quickly leaking away into those sigils.


    Soon, however, light broke through. He saw the sun again, and a wide smile appeared on his face. Momentster, he broke through the ocean''s surface, and flew into the air,ughing wildly.


    At the same time, however, both his aetherium storage, and Runebound energy ran out, and he almost fainted from the shock. But he gritted his teeth, and kept himself together for a moment longer, because he still needed tond.


    In front of him was the African coast, and it was quicklying closer. He was flying in an arc, out of the ocean, and towards the heavily forested maind of Africa.


    With a final, exhausted roar, he curled into a ball, bracing himself for impact.


    He crashed into the forestednd with the force of a meteor, trees splintering and earth upheaving along his path, until he eventually rolled to a stop.


    For a moment, hey still, breathing heavily, his body aching from exertion, and on the brink of fainting due to all his energy stores having emptied out.


    Yet, before fainting, his lips curled up into a victorious grin, and he raised a trembling hand.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He snapped his fingers, and in an instant, he was gone, leaving behind only destruction as a testament to his passage.


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