Exalted Champion: Ch 16 (rough Draft) (Patreon)

Chapter 16: Strangled Conversation

I woke with cotton mouth and too many limbs tangled under the sheets. Oh, ugh…what. Oh yeah morning. The light of dawning was spilling through the windows and for the first time since coming to this world I woke a little groggy. Strang, almost like the magic of the system, couldn’t contend with the power of a goddess or something. Judging by the press of bodies and the faint, sweet scent of sweat, Sasha and Milly had decided to use me as a body pillow and not let go. The weight of them was strangely comforting, though my arm was completely numb under Milly’s chest and I was fairly certain Sasha had wound one of her tails around my thigh in her sleep. I wasn’t sure if I could even move if I wanted to.

The apartment was silent, save for Milly’s soft snoring and the slight chime of Sasha’s bell every time she shifted in her sleep.

I flexed my toes experimentally. Nothing stabbed me, nothing exploded. Good start.

There was a knock at the chamber door, soft but deliberate. “Master Eric? Shall I prepare breakfast?” Allie’s voice, perky and annoyingly awake.

I groaned. “Yeah, Cossa for everyone. Extra strong. thank you, Allie.” I got the last part out knowing my voice probably sounded harsh and I didn’t want Allie to think io was taking it out on her.

Allie’s voice brightened at once, “Right away, Master! Will you want your usual or something special for breakfast, maybe a bit more protein after last night’s… exertions?”

“Whatever Strafa makes will be amazing, but yeah a few more eggs would be nice.” I said shuffling softly and shaking Milly and Sasha from sleep. I sat back on the pillow and watched their eyes flutter open and warm contended blushes and smiles creep along their faces.

Milly nuzzled up under my arm, her nose cold against my chest. “Mmmm, Master… it’s morning already? I don’t wanna get up. Let’s stay like this all day.” The way she pressed her tits against my arm made it clear she was only half joking.

Sasha blinked sleepily and curled tighter around my thigh, her tails slowly unfurling. “It’s so warm… Please, Master, five more minutes?” Her voice was a whisper, almost a purr, and I felt the soft brush of her tails as she clung to me.

“Brutal. Just brutal,” I muttered, squeezing them both and letting my hand wander up Milly’s flank. She shivered, her skin breaking out in goosebumps as I traced my fingers along the curve of her hip.

Milly giggled, the sound bright and infectious. “Master, if you keep touching me like that, I’m never getting out of bed.”

Sasha’s ears twitched, her blue eyes opening fully, “You worked so hard yesterday. You should rest,” she murmured, her hand sliding over the hard lines of my stomach, nails tracing lightly.

I let myself relax into the press of their bodies, letting the warmth and the soft scent of them settle the last of my fatigue. “If I stay here, I’m not responsible for anything that happens.”

Sasha’s cheeks darkened, but she didn’t let go. “We wouldn’t mind. Not at all.”

Milly was already climbing up my chest, straddling me, her thighs thick and soft against my hips. “Should we serve you here before breakfast, Master? You always seem happier when you start the day with a full belly and a nice… load off.” She giggled at her own joke and pressed her pussy down against my morning wood, grinding just enough to make me groan.

The pressure was good, so good. I let my hand tangle in Sasha’s hair and pulled her closer, her lips finding mine, soft and hungry. She kissed me with slow devotion, her tongue teasing at the corners of my mouth, her breath coming faster as she pressed against me.

Milly rocked her hips, her wet slit leaving a trail of heat against the underside of my cock. “Master’s already so hard… do you want to fuck us before breakfast, or do you want to be milked while you eat?” Her voice was pure mischief, her eyes shining.

I broke the kiss with Sasha and rolled us, pinning Milly under my weight. She gasped, her legs spreading wide, eager and submissive. Sasha immediately moved to kneel at my side, her tails flicking with anticipation.

“I want both,” I said, my voice hoarse with need. “But we have a busy day, so let’s make this a quick one.” I lined up my cock with Milly’s dripping pussy, the head already slick from her grinding, and pressed in with a slow, steady thrust.

Milly’s mouth fell open in a silent moan, her body arching to meet me. “Oh… fuck, Master, yes… more… please…” Her hands clawed at my back, desperate for more contact.

Sasha’s hand wrapped around my balls, squeezing gently as she leaned in to kiss the side of my neck. “You feel so good inside her. I can feel how much you want it…”

I started fucking Milly in deep, slow strokes, my hips moving with a purpose, driving into the velvet heat of her pussy. She was so tight, so wet, every thrust drawing out a needy whimper from her lips.

Sasha’s mouth found mine again, her kiss more urgent now, and I let her guide my hand between her legs. She was already soaked, her folds slick and swollen with need. I slipped two fingers inside her, curling them to find her sweet spot, and she gasped, her ears flattening against her head as she shuddered.

Milly’s pussy clenched around my cock, desperate and greedy. “Give it to me, Master… I want your cum, I want to be filled up…” Her words were broken by pleasure, her body trembling as I pounded into her harder, the slap of flesh on flesh echoing off the bedroom walls.

Sasha came first, my fingers working her clit in tight, fast circles as I fucked Milly. She cried out, her body locking up as she came, her juices flooding my hand. I didn’t stop, didn’t slow, just used her pleasure to fuel my own.

Milly’s orgasm hit a moment later, her pussy spasming around my cock as she screamed my name, her nails digging into my back. I let go then, driving into her as deep as I could, spilling hot ropes of cum inside her. The sensation was electric, every muscle in my body tightening as I emptied myself into her.

I collapsed on top of her, panting, my cock still buried deep in her pussy. Sasha lay beside us, her breath coming in soft pants, her body trembling from her own release.

“Fuck… that’s better than cossa,” I groaned, finally rolling off Milly and onto my back.

Milly giggled, her face flushed and glowing. “You’re the best breakfast, Master. Should we get cleaned up before we eat?”

Sasha nodded, pushing herself up on shaky arms. “We don’t want to smell like sex at the table. Ashley would never let us live it down.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I let them pull me to my feet and drag me into the bathing chamber. The shower was quick, but not rushed. Milly washed my back, her hands lingering on my shoulders and ass, while Sasha took care of my hair, her fingers gentle and sure. They worked together in perfect harmony, their affection for me and each other clear in every touch and glance.

When we were clean and dressed, Milly in her house uniform and Sasha in hers, we made our way to the dining room. The rest of the household was already assembled, the table set with fine porcelain, crystal glasses, and enough food to feed a small army.

Ashley was at the left of the table, her red hair loose and wild around her shoulders. She wore a silk robe that barely covered her curves, the fabric clinging to her body in all the right places. Rachel sat beside her, dressed in a simple blue gown, her hair braided and pinned up with silver combs. Tiffany and Adelia were on the opposite side, both in pale morning dresses that contrasted sharply with their dark eyes and careful expressions.

Ashley spotted us first, her lips curling in a lazy smile. “About time you joined us, Eric. I was starting to think you’d died of exhaustion.”

Rachel rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her gaze. “He’s fine. Just needed a little extra sleep after yesterday’s marathon.”

Tiffany and Adelia both stood as I entered. Tiffany’s curtsy was flawless, her movements smooth and precise. “Good morning, Exalted Prince husband. I hope you slept well.”

Adelia’s bow was more subdued, her eyes lingering on my face for a moment longer than necessary. “Good morning, Exalted Prince. We trust you found everything to your liking.”

I took my seat at the head of the table, with Sasha and Milly flanking me. The aroma of coffee, eggs, and freshly baked bread filled the room, making my stomach growl audibly.

Allie and Brie appeared with trays, their uniforms immaculate. Allie poured cossa for everyone, her tails swishing with pride as she served. Brie set out platters of food, her eyes darting to mine for approval.

“Thank you, both of you,” I said, making sure they heard the genuine gratitude in my voice.

Allie beamed, her cheeks flushed with pride. “It’s our pleasure, Master! Please let us know if you need anything else.”

Breakfast began in a flurry of plates and conversation.

Coffee and eggs weren’t even on my plate before Ashley started in, “The college sent a messenger last night. They want an update on the estate and a timeline for ‘reconciliation of noble assets.’ They’re expecting you to act quickly, Eric.”

She shoved a forkful of eggs into her mouth like she was trying to kill them. “And they want progress reports every day. They’re already getting jumpy about you being a prince and not playing along with tradition.”

Of course they are. “That’s fine,” I said, waving a hand for Allie to top off my cossa. The cup steamed, the bitter aroma cutting through the last of my brain fog. “We’ll start with Leonard’s estate this morning. Rachel, you’re with me. Tiffany, you’ll join us as well. Adelia, you’ll stay here with Ashley and learn how I want my household overseen.” I made brief eye contact with Ashley and she nodded.

Adelia’s spoon paused halfway to her mouth. Her eyes flicked to me, then to Tiffany, then back to me. “As you wish, Exalted Prince.” She said it smoothly, but the micro-expression was pure, concentrated annoyance.

Tiffany’s smile was flawless, but I caught the flash of triumph and fear in her eyes as she glanced at Adelia. “It would be my honor to assist you, Exalted Prince husband. I am… familiar with the estate and its peculiarities.”

“Of course you are,” I said, taking a long sip of coffee. “I want this cleaned up quickly. The King will be expecting us, and I want to be done before noon.”

Rachel’s expression didn’t change, but I saw the way her fingers tightened around her mug. “I’ll prepare the necessary documents and gather any records we might need. Are we bringing anyone else?”

“No. Just us three. Less chaos.” I turned to Ashley. “Once we’re done with the sale, Rachel and I will go directly to the House of Stars.” I watched as a beat of silence settled over the table, the only sound the faint click of Adelia’s spoon against her plate and the way Tiffany’s fingers toyed with the rim of her cup, perfectly poised.

Ashley caught my eye and nodded, her face the picture of polite interest, but I could see the calculation working behind her smile. “I’ll keep things running smoothly here, Eric. Adelia can shadow me and learn the system. Sasha and Milly will take care of the household and the rest of the slaves.” She didn’t bother to hide the faint curl of her lip when she looked at Adelia, who sat rigid and silent, her gaze fixed somewhere just past my shoulder.

Tiffany’s gaze lingered on Rachel, then flicked to me. “I look forward to showing you the estate, Exalted Prince husband. There are certain… features and peculiarities that only a true Palebreaker would appreciate. I doubt Lady Rachel could… fully appreciate the décor’s subtleties. Some of the rooms are… arranged to encourage obedience. but I’ll do my best to illuminate her.” She smiled, and the tension in the room spiked.

Rachel didn’t rise to the bait. She set down her mug, fingers interlaced, and leaned forward with the serene confidence of someone who could vaporize Tiffany with a single well-chosen phrase. “I’m sure all the relevant information will be properly catalogued for the King’s review. I’ll handle the contract and the inventory, unless you require assistance with the… more delicate matters?” Her gaze never wavered.

Tiffany’s nostrils flared, but she gave a shallow nod. “Of course, Lady Albillac. I would not dream of interfering with your… paperwork.”

Adelia’s voice was almost inaudible, but the venom was there. “If you require any of my expertise, Exalted Prince, I will await your command. Otherwise, I will content myself with observing Lady Wintershore’s methods.” She didn’t look at Ashley, but the implication hung in the air like a bad smell.

Tiffany’s tone followed too quickly, almost overlapping. “As properly instructed, Exalted Prince husband.”The words were smooth, practiced, too practiced, and her eyes flicked toward Adelia before she lowered them again.

I finished my cossa and set the cup down with deliberate care. “That’s the plan. We leave in thirty minutes. Rachel, bring the documents. Tiffany, you know the estate. That will be enough. Adelia, I expect a full report from Ashley on your performance as acting household overseer when I return.” I let my gaze linger just long enough for the point to land. “Any questions?”

Tiffany and Rachel both shook their heads, though Tiffany’s smile was brittle as spun glass. “None, Exalted Prince husband. I’ll ensure everything is prepared exactly as instructed. I… look forward to showing you the finer points of the estate’s collection.”

Rachel just rose, her braid falling over her shoulder, her movements efficient and purposeful. “I’ll get the files.” Rachel left the table with her usual economy of motion, her braid swinging like a pendulum as she vanished down the hall.

The three of us moved through the royal apartments, the hush of the suite broken only by the faint clatter of dishes as the slaves set to work. We reached the gilded bronze elevator at the end of the hall. The attendant bowed, his face blank, but I saw him take in the sight of the three of us, calculating. Rachel in blue, Tiffany in silver, me in tailored black with my house crest at my collar. I didn’t return the bow; I simply stepped into the elevator and waited for the others to follow. Rachel entered first, then Tiffany, who made a small show of standing at my right, as if to remind Rachel of her place.

The elevator dropped at a smooth, constant speed. The elevator chimed as we reached the main floor. The doors parted, revealing the marble grandeur of the college lobby. The hush that always accompanied my appearances rolled out in a wave. Heads turned. Conversations stuttered and died. Even the guards at the entrance straightened, eyes tracking our progress as we moved across the polished stone.

“Best to keep our composure, Exalted Prince husband,” Tiffany murmured, too softly for Rachel as she touched her throat. “People notice when we… stray. Only the obedient endure.”

I walked with purpose, Rachel and Tiffany keeping perfect step. Their heels clicked in counterpoint, a cold rhythm that echoed through the hall. The students parted, giving us a wide berth, their faces a mixture of awe and envy. I caught snippets of whispers: “That’s the new prince,” “Is that Lady Rachel with him?” “Lady Tiffany must be so happy.”

Tiffany basked in the attention. She adjusted her gown, every movement calculated to draw the eye. Rachel, by contrast, ignored the spectacle with surgical focus, her mind clearly working through the logistics of the upcoming inspection and transaction.

The east doors loomed ahead, sunlight slanting through the stained glass and casting colored patterns on the marble. Timmothy stood waiting, immaculate in his dark suit, his silver hair catching the morning light. He bowed as we approached, the movement precise and dignified.

“Exalted Prince Grayson. Lady Albillac. Lady Tiffany.” His eyes flicked to Rachel, then to Tiffany, weighing them, measuring. “Your carriage awaits. I have ensured all is prepared for your journey.”

The carriage gleamed in the sunlight, black lacquer and silver trim, the Grayson crest gleaming on the door panels, and Timmothy waiting at strict parade rest beside the open entry. The old elf’s every line radiated control, not a single hair of that silver mane out of place, not even a wrinkle in the gloves.

Rachel swept past him first, her braid swinging like a clock pendulum that had somewhere very important to be. Tiffany followed, making a show of her entrance, one hand lightly touching my arm. I climbed in last, Timmothy closing the door behind me with a finality.

I rapped on the roof, already thinking through logistics, system notifications, and the endless, grinding gears of noble politics. “Timmothy, I want you to send Thera to King Palebreaker, immediately. Tell him to meet us at the Leonard estate at eleven. He can meet me there for the sale. Stress the urgency.” I didn’t bother lowering my voice.

Timmothy bowed, his silver hair shining in the sunlight. “At once, Exalted Prince. I shall see the Blue Lotus Queen dispatched to the king’s palace with all haste. Shall I deliver any particular message to the King, beyond the meeting time?”

“Let him know I intend to resolve the entire matter today. Remind him that the estate is intact and all records are prepared for his review. No surprises.” I didn’t have to say more. Timmothy would relay it with exactly the right level of deference, urgency, and nuance. The man was a methodical master of decorum.

The carriage rattled through the early traffic of the noble district, the wheels humming over polished stone roads that had been buffed until they shone in the morning light. We passed a handful of other estate carriages, each one marked by some variation of house color or crest.

The carriage made a sharp turn past a pair of marble lions that guarded the private drive, and the actual estate came into view. Ten acres of perfection, classic imperial grandeur, everything trimmed and curated.

“The slaves they have all been transferred to the house of Stars, Rachel?” I asked as the carriage made its way down the ordered row of decorative shrubbery.

“Yes, except for five house slaves that are bound to the home.” She said as the carriage turned in the round drive and stopped in front of the main entrance.

The doors opened and five older looking female elves stepped out. translucent white short tunic togas barely concealed their skin. They each had a pale pink complexion though their hair was an array of varied colors. They lined the few steps to the door with their heads bowed.

Timmothy opened the door and I got out first offering my hand to Rachel and Tiffany. Rachel took my hand with a small squeeze, her fingers cool and dry, her step precise as she exited the carriage. Tiffany followed, placing her hand in mine and the trembling in her fingers was the first sign of timidity I had felt from the girl. Timmothy stepped back, letting the five house elves close in to greet us.

The elves bowed lower, the motion practiced but not quite fearful. I could see a lifetime of service in their posture, the way their eyes stayed down, and their hands folded at the waist, toes pointed together. Their tunics were cut high along the thigh, but otherwise they seemed more dignified than decorative.

“Exalted Prince Grayson, welcome home,” the eldest said, her hair an odd shade of pale blue. “We have prepared the entrance for your inspection. The house is ready.”

I nodded, not bothering with small talk. “Walk us through. I want to see everything, though I intend to sell the home back to the Palebreaker’s. Rachel and Lady Tiffany will accompany me. Inform me when King Palebreaker arrives.”

I had thought about what I was going to do with the house. I had no doubt that if I explored the home fully, I would find more abyssal artifacts and corruption. So, I had decided that I was going to return the home as a false sign of good faith to the Order Obedientia. If I seemed to pay the house no mind aside from what I could get from it in coins, I hoped it would keep them from thinking I knew to much about the abyss and what it was trying to do to this world.

I wanted to prevent fighting with them for as long as I could. I needed to make a weapon and start helping Legion clear the corruption in his dungeon before I could think about purging the abyss from where it had taken root in the empire.

A look of relief settled over the elves when I told them I was going to sell the house back to the Palebreakers. The tension in their shoulders faded, replaced by a disciplined, almost hopeful obedience. The eldest, the pale blue-haired one, nodded deeply.

"As you command, Exalted Prince. Please, this way."

We stepped into the foyer, heels and boots hitting marble in a rhythm. The air was cool, a little stale with the scent of preserved flowers and the faint edge of polish. The walls and floors gleamed; someone had spent all night preparing for this. The five house slaves fell into step just ahead, heads bowed, bodies angled to display submission while still radiating the practiced precision of professional staff. Rachel matched my pace, eyes flicking to every corner, already cataloging the inventory. Tiffany glided at my right, hands folded, her posture immaculate and her face a mask of chilly anticipation.

The tour was thorough, which was to say, numbingly detailed. I kept my expression neutral, barely letting my gaze linger on the carved woodwork or the glass cases full of Palebreaker heirlooms. The house slaves opened every door, described every room, and pointed out every single portrait and piece of statuary as if it were vital to the fate of the empire. The entry hall was dominated by a chandelier that looked like it could crush a man, and portraits of Leonard’s ancestors lined the walls in a parade of sneers and jowls.

Rachel’s voice was a scalpel, efficient and precise. “Catalog the chandelier, note the maker’s mark. The paintings should be valued by school and period. Tiffany, did Leonard keep the original ledgers, or were they replaced?”

Tiffany’s smile was frosted glass. “The originals are in the library safe. “I… haven’t accessed them recently. Adelia kept the records in proper order, as instructed. Would you prefer I retrieve them, or will a summary suffice, Exalted Prince husband?”

“Summary. I want this wrapped by noon,” I said, not bothering to look up at the painted ceiling, which probably cost more than my first house.

We moved from the foyer to the main salon, where the furniture had been arranged for maximum effect. Velvet settees, gilded tables, a collection of glass and crystal that would bankrupt a mid-tier noble. The slaves moved ahead, opening curtains, letting in the morning light. They presented the valuables in a practiced sequence: first the Imperial silver, then the art, then the jewelry. I nodded at each item, barely glancing at the details, making sure no one would suspect I cared about anything but the coin.

Rachel took notes, her script meticulous. Tiffany offered commentary, each observation dripping with implied insult. “The Palebreakers always favored crimson. You’ll notice the motif in the drapes and carpets. Some might call it garish, but I find it… memorable.” She smirked at Rachel, who didn’t take the bait.

The house was a shrine to excess, every surface polished, every artifact arranged for inspection. There were no children’s rooms, no evidence of love or laughter. Just wealth, layered and lacquered, waiting to be sold.

We completed the tour just as the clock in the foyer chimed eleven. I didn’t bother to glance at the time; Timmothy’s efficiency was legendary. The eldest house slave led us to the main receiving room, where the light poured in through stained glass and upholstered comfort lined ever sitting surface.

“Your evaluation Lady Rachel?” I asked. I did not really care how much the house was worth; I just wanted it sold and its responsibility transferred.

“Hum, I would not except any less than 20 mithril, Lord husband.” Rachel nodded her head firmly, telling me she thought the evaluation was fair.

“Very well, Lady Tiffany, do you have an opinion?” I asked more to be inclusive than anything else.

“Exalted prince husbanded, I would have to agree with my esteemed cowife Exalted lady Rachel, twenty mithril would be as low as i would go for the selling price.”

“Good, good, Ah here he comes.” A moment later, King Palebreaker’s carriage arrived. Heavy, black, trimmed with red and gold, the Palebreaker crest gleaming. the house slaves seemed relieved to see the carriage pulling up to the front drive of the house.

The air outside the receiving room changed, the five house slaves going from merely nervous to near-religious in their readiness. The eldest sent the youngest running to open the main doors, swift and silent, while the rest fell into a neat line at the threshold, heads bowed, hands folded.

King Odran Palebreaker stopped just inside, eyes sweeping the room. I watched him take in Rachel, then Tiffany, then me. his clothing matched his face tailored and sharp. His face was all angles and a thick black beard, he betrayed nothing. Not a flicker. The silence stretched, a test of nerves, before he inclined his head.

“Exalted Prince Grayson.” His voice had the same effect as a hammer on anvil: formal, measured, but you couldn’t mistake the underlying heat. “Lady Albillac. Lady Tiffany.” He nodded to each in turn, then to the house slaves. “You may withdraw.”

The house slaves vanished with practiced grace, leaving just the four of us in the main receiving room. King Odran Palebreaker crossed the threshold and didn’t waste a single movement. The air shifted. He was all iron and purpose, the black beard making his jaw look like it was carved out of basalt. He didn’t bother posturing, just swept the room with those cold eyes, cataloging me, Rachel, then Tiffany, and finally the vast parade of Palebreaker gaudiness on display.

He ignored the furniture and sat directly across from me, the chair groaning under the weight of his fighting bulk. The man was built for war, for battle and I had no doubt even in his cloth clothing he would be a formidable opponent. “Let’s dispense with the pleasantries, Exalted Prince. You have my family’s estate. I intend to purchase it back, all records and assets intact.” His voice had the subtlety of a warhammer, but every syllable was perfectly measured.

Rachel matched his energy without flinching. “I’ve prepared an inventory of the estate’s contents. The property’s condition is exceptional. We’ve found no evidence of damage or theft since it came under the Exalted Prince’s control.”

King Palebreaker’s eyes leveled on me. “Good, I’m sure lady Rachel has been as diligent with this accounting as she is in all aspects of her life.”

“She has been, what price are you willing pay Exalted King Palebreaker?”

“28 mithril would not be a burden for my family.” he answered.

“Very well, that is acceptable for me.” it was above what Rachel had said so that was good enough for me.

“Good, then we are in agreement.” he said as Rachel handed over the files. The King leafed through them, scanning with speed I found impressive given the thickness of his fingers. “Efficient. Precise. This is how business should be conducted,” he said, never looking away from the papers. Even his compliments sounded like accusations. “You have not removed any items from the estate?”

“No,” I said flatly. “Everything listed is accounted for. The only thing I took was the obligation.”

That seemed to land. He looked up, and for just a second, the heat behind the ice was almost visible. “Then let us conclude.”

Tiffany produced a writing case and arranged the contract. Rachel set the inventory beside it, and the two of them walked the King through the transfer, every line signed and sealed. Not a single wasted breath. I added my signature, and the sale was complete.

Palebreaker counted out twenty-eight mithril coins, stacking them with deliberate precision. “You have your payment. I expect the entire household to vacate by morning.”

I waved my hands over the coins storing them in my spatial ring storage, “We have nothing here, you may occupy it presently as we have no need to linger.”

a look of curiosity crossed his face, but he nodded, “Very well then.”

I stood and offered a polite bow to the pale breaker, “Rachel, Tifffany we shall depart. King Palebreaker, good day.”

“Good day,” he said inclining his head, as we departed.

Thank God that’s fucking over. I thought as we reached the carriage and Timmothy opened the door. we climbed in and the carriage was soon making its way down emperor drive toward the house of stars. it was a few moments before i spoke. “Tiffany, you will take word back to Ashley about the successful sale of the estate. Lady Rachel and I have work at the house of stars to complete. we should be back at the royal apartments this evening.”

“As you command Prince husband.” She inclined her head offering no resistance to me getting rid of her for the rest of the day.

The carriage rattled to a stop in front of the House of Stars. The grand mansion, with its black-tiled roof, seemed to welcome us with open arms. I could feel it now the subtle pulse of Amara's blessing thrumming through the very foundations, invisible to anyone who hadn't been part of the consecration.

Timmothy opened the carriage door and bowed. "Exalted Prince, we have arrived."

I stepped out first, then offered my hand to Rachel. Her fingers intertwined with mine as she descended, her eyes taking in the house with that analytical sharpness that never missed a detail.

"Tiffany," I said, turning to her. "Return to the tower and inform Ashley of our success. Twenty-eight mithril for a property we had no use for is a victory worth celebrating."

She dipped into a perfect curtsy, not a hair out of place. “Of course, Exalted Prince husband. Shall I—shall we have dinner prepared for your return?”

"That won't be necessary. We may be working late."

Something flashed in her eyes, curiosity, perhaps, or was it suspicion, but she masked it immediately with another flawless smile. “As you wish Exalted Prince husband. I’ll ensure Lady Wintershore is properly instructed.”

I nodded to Timmothy. "Take Lady Tiffany back to the college tower. Then return here and wait. We may need you later."

"At once, Exalted Prince." Timmothy bowed again.

I watched as Tiffany climbed back into the carriage, her silver dress catching the light. She didn't look back as the door closed. The carriage pulled away, wheels crunching on the gravel drive, and I felt a tension I hadn't realized I was carrying ease from my shoulders.

Rachel exhaled beside me. "Finally. I thought she'd never leave."

"Was it that obvious?"

"Only to me." Rachel squeezed my hand before releasing it. "She's hiding something, Eric. The way she kept glancing at your spatial ring when you stored the mithril... almost concerned. Do you think she knows about the corrupted coins. Palebreaker paid me in them."

“No, he didn’t…” the shock and disbelief in her voice was enough for both of us.

“Yes, I thought he might. well to be fair only one of the coins was corrupted and barley at that.”

“Still…” she trailed off.

"I know. We'll figure it out later." I turned toward the house, "Right now, we have needles to craft and I need to check the telescope."

We moved through the house, nodding to May in the Kitchen as we made are way into the basement. The accesses tunnel led to the lower workshop and Rachel moved to set things up in the secret workshop behind the basement storage room, as I went up the observatory stairs to the top and activated the telescope.

I used inversion and the stars that sat in the firmament of the heaves twisted and my mind reeled from the change in perception. It was better this time though, as I knew what to expect. Sure enough the same tendrils that writhed from the surface of Forduna were still there only larger. The medium sized tendrils outside of western dusk city was about to contact the abyssal tendril coming from beyond the solar system.

The massive tendril just on the eastern outskirts of the capitol was still there. It had grown marginally, that one is growing slower… I knew when that one made contact with the abyssal tendril coming from outside this world’s dimension and solar system it was going to be over. The abyssal portal it would open would be larger than any other.

We still had time but everyday this world grew closer to the edge of oblivion.

I went back down to the workshop below the observatory tower with new focus. Rachel had the smelter on and the five adamantium coins out on their velvet cushions. The mithril was ready to be melted and we wasted no time in beginning to craft a needle for the emperor’s emissary that would come to collect it tomorrow.

I only hoped our efforts would be enough to save this world.