I woke to warmth wrapped around , Sara’s body pressed close in the hammock, her slow breaths brushing my neck. Her leg was draped over mine, her bare skin soft against my own.
The mories of last night ca back all at once—her hands guiding , her gasps, the way she had moved above until everything else disappeared. We had co together three tis before sleep finally took us.
Even now, hours later, my body stirred at the thought. Enhanced Vitality, it seed, had no rcy.
Sara’s erald eyes opened as I shifted. She gave a small, satisfied smile. "Good afternoon."
I swallowed. "Afternoon already?"
She nodded, tracing lazy circles on my chest. "The Queen’s runners ca twice. Elara wishes to see you soon."
The na sent a quiet jolt through . Queen Elara. Ruler of this hidden village of warrior won. The one who would decide my place here.
Sara rose, stretching in the sunlight that filtered through the leaf-walls. She dressed slowly in fresh leaf-woven shorts and halter, the fabric clinging to her curves
I followed, pulling on the clean tunic and trousers she had left for . They fit perfectly, as if made for this new body.
We stepped onto the vine bridge outside the treehouse. Verdant Spire spread out below us in daylight—platforms and walkways woven between ancient trees, waterfalls spilling into glowing pools, Amazons moving with purpose everywhere I looked.
Training with bows, carrying baskets of fruit, sparring on open decks. Every woman was tall, strong, beautiful in a way that made my pulse quicken.
And every one of them turned to watch as we passed.
I felt their gazes like heat on my skin. So curious. So openly hungry. Sara kept her hand firm on my arm, guiding forward, chin lifted in quiet claim.
The System flickered in the corner of my vision.
New Affinities Detected: Multiple Amazon Warriors
Charisma Aura Effect: Strong attraction increase across settlent
Current Bonds: Sara (Devoted – Level 2)
[Fertility Blessing active. Caution: High conception probability.]
High conception probability. The words settled heavy in my chest. This wasn’t just pleasure anymore. It was purpose.
We climbed higher, spiraling vine stairs that wound around massive trunks, until we reached the heart of the Spire—a colossal oak whose branches ford a natural palace open to the sky. Guards stood at attention along the outer platforms, spears gleaming.
Inside the great hall, beneath a canopy of flowering vines, sat Queen Elara.
She was everything Sara had described and more.
Taller than most, with long raven hair that fell in waves to her waist. Her skin was deep golden bronze, her eyes a striking silver-gray that seed to see everything at once.
She wore polished green leather armor that left her midriff and thighs bare, accentuating a body both powerful and impossibly curved—full breasts, narrow waist, wide hips. A circlet of glowing leaves rested on her brow.
The hall fell silent the mont we entered.
Elara studied for a long mont, her gaze steady and unreadable. Then her lips curved slightly.
"So," she said, voice rich and commanding, "this is the god-touched male the Goddess sent us."
Sara bowed deeply. I followed, heart pounding.
"Rise," Elara said.
We straightened. The Queen descended the few steps from her living-wood throne, moving with fluid grace.
Up close, her presence was overwhelming... she stood nearly as tall as , her scent of wild jasmine and steel filling the air.
She circled once, slowly, one finger brushing my shoulder, then down my arm. Her touch was light, but it sent fire through my veins.
"Strong," she murmured. "Handso. And untouched by the ways of common n."
She stopped in front of again, silver eyes locking onto mine.
"Sara speaks highly of you," she continued. "Of your stamina. Your generosity. The pleasure you gave her."
Heat flooded my face. Sara had told her everything.
"Your Majesty—" I began, voice rough.
Elara raised a hand. "Our borders grow restless. Human kingdoms press closer. Dark things stir in the deep woods. We need strength. Unity." Her palm settled flat on my chest, warm through the thin fabric. "And we need heirs."
A low murmur of agreent rose from the gathered Amazons.
She let her hand slide lower, boldly cupping through the trousers. My body reacted instantly. I drew in a sharp breath.
Sara made a small sound behind —part protest, part sothing else.
Elara leaned close, lips near my ear. "Tonight, under the full moon, we will hold the Welcoming Rite. All unmated warriors may present themselves. The Goddess will guide your choice."
Cheers echoed through the hall.
"But first," she said, voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear, "I will know you myself. In private. To judge if you are worthy of my people."
She gave a gentle squeeze that nearly brought to my knees, then stepped back with calm authority.
"Sara will prepare you. Bring him to my chambers at dusk."
Dismissed, we turned to leave. As we passed through the outer platform, I noticed a young woman standing apart from the guards, tall like the Queen, with the sa raven hair but cut shorter, framing a sharp, beautiful face.
Her armor was lighter, almost ceremonial, and her silver-gray eyes—Elara’s eyes—fixed on with cool intensity.
She crossed her arms, expression unreadable, though a faint flush colored her cheeks. Sothing about the way she held herself, proud, guarded, almost defiant, stuck with .
Sara noticed my glance and leaned in. "That is Tamar," she whispered. "The Queen’s eldest daughter. She trains the royal guard. Be careful, she does not warm to outsiders easily."
Tamar’s gaze followed us a mont longer before she turned away, chin lifted.
We descended the stairs in silence until we reached a secluded bathing pool hidden behind thick vines. Warm steam rose from the water, scented with herbs.
Sara faced , eyes searching. "The Queen always claims first rights to worthy outsiders. It is tradition." Her voice was steady, but her fingers tightened on my arm. "But you are mine first, Benjamin. Rember that."
I cupped her cheek. "I rember every mont of last night. I always will."
Her tension eased. She nodded, then gestured to the pool. "Co. We have ti before dusk. I will wash you... and help you prepare."
As she undressed and stepped into the water, I followed, the weight of the coming night settling over .
Queen Elara tonight. The Welcoming Rite after. And sowhere in the palace, Tamar watching with those cool silver eyes.
The System updated quietly.
New Event: Welcoming Rite (Tonight)
Potential Bonds: 12 unmated warriors
[Warning: High stamina recomnded.]
I exhaled slowly and sank into the warm water beside Sara. My second life had barely begun, and already it felt like I was being pulled into sothing vast and unstoppable.
Her hands found beneath the surface, gentle and sure. I closed my eyes and let the mont take .
Whatever ca next, I would face it.
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