“We all need a moment,” Ella agreed softly.
Zapharos immediately reached for her hand.
Dravok’s arm slid around Nadine’s waist with quiet possessiveness.
I looked at Naeris. The pull toward her had only intensified since the battle. The bond between us no longer felt like longing or hunger. It felt like gravity. Like something fundamental. Necessary.
“My palace survived,” I offered quietly.
Naeris’ tired eyes lifted towards mine instantly. "You have a palace."
A nod played along the corners of my lips. "I do."
"Is it as grand as Zapharos'?"
"Grander," I assured her, getting lost in her teasing demeanor. By the eternal life, this female would never cease to amaze me.
"Does it have a bath?"
"Several." My grin deepened, wondering what else she might demand.
"A bed?" Her pupils dilated with desire, and my cock swelled in response.
"The softest you'll ever find."
"Hmm," she put her finger on her lips, lightly tapping her teeth, as if she was thinking it over. "What about food?"
"I will feed you," I promised.
"Okay, then, what are we waiting for?"
Just then, Zapharos walked over, clasping my shoulder firmly as he passed. No challenge. No old tension. Only understanding.
“Try not to destroy your palace too,” he advised dryly.
I snorted. "Yours is in shambles."
"Pretty much," he nodded.
I hated the idea of not being able to be alone with Naeris, but I knew I had to offer. "Do you want to stay with us?"
A knowing grin spread across his lips, "I would, just to mess with you, but I don't want to do that to Naeris. I like her." He winked. "Ella and I will use up Dravok's goodwill until I have a new palace."
It wasn't like there weren't many to choose from in Nox Eternum. The Dark Abyss had swallowed many planets, and some remained in better condition than Earth Prime. There were plenty of places to choose from.
Ella laughed softly against Zapharos' side while Dravok rolled his eyes in visible long-suffering. And suddenly something settled warmly inside my chest. Family. Not by blood. Not by duty. Something stronger. Forged through war and loss and impossible hope: Brothers.
All three of us.
Destiny itself had bound our lives together long before any of us understood why. Zapharos must have felt the shift through whatever ancient instinct connected Arkhevari warriors, because his expression softened briefly as he looked between Dravok and me. No words were needed. We knew now.
Nothing would ever break that bond again. Not darkness. Not time. Not even death.
Zapharos paused beside me before leaving with Ella. “Get some rest, whelp.”
I rolled my eyes automatically. “Yes, oh great Praetor of War.”
But there was no sting in it anymore. Only affection.
