“Yes. I agree.”

Poena nods. “Then it is decided. I thank you for your loyal service, Rahu. I ask one more task before I return you home. I must gather my champion’s companions, but most of them are currently leading an army.”

Rahu nods, standing. “I will inform the remaining officers. I’m familiar with them, it’s no issue.”

He turns to you. “Best of luck. Perhaps we’ll meet again one day. And congratulations.”

Without another word, Poena waves a hand, and Rahu vanishes. The room seems to lose focus again, and suddenly the table you’re seated at is much larger, with more chairs around it. There’s a moment, and then the chairs are filled. Everyone is here, looking a bit confused. You’re surprised to see even Kaeli is here, holding hands with an awakened Victoria. There’s a cry of joy as Alex leaps from her chair, tackling you in a hug and smothering you in kisses.

Between kisses, she practically sobs. “You did it, my bondmate! And you’re safe! I was so worried!”

Gently, you pry the clinging solar elemental off, picking yourself off the floor. Alex refuses to let go, so you put an arm around her waist. The rest of the girls seem stunned, but Melora is the first to react. The seer finally looks away from you to peer at Ferra, her blue eyes going wide.

“Ferra…you’re different.”

Ferra nods. “I am human now.”

Melora nods, slowly. “Not only that…”

Ferra simply smiles, touching her stomach. Melora smiles in return. Meanwhile, Sarah looks to Lilith. “Is this who I think she is?”

Lilith, somehow looking a bit embarrassed, smiles at the hellhound. “If you’re thinking I’m Lilith, then yeah.”

The girls all start talking at once, so distracted that no one seems to notice Poena, somehow. You wonder if she’s invisible to them, as always, but then there’s a momentary blur, and sudden silence falls. Everyone turns to look at Poena, who folds her hands on the table once again.

“There will be time for all of this. But for now, there is a choice to be made. You are all companions of my champion. Before the ritual to make him a Perpetual, you must each decide. Join him, and become eternal, or do not. The decision is final, and will link you in an unbreakable bond. Choose.”

Immediately, both Ferra and Alex are by your side. Their decision was never in doubt. Melora joins you quickly as well. Cassie and Sarah think for a moment, but nod and move to stand with the group. Lilith stands, kissing you gently, and stands beside Ferra. Finally, Nadia walks over with a smile, standing beside Melora.

Brianna is the first to hesitate. After a moment, she shakes her head. “I’m sorry. We only just met, and it’s too big a leap for me.”

You smile. “I understand. We can still meet up on occasion, I expect.”

Poena nods. “As long as the Perpetual does not neglect his duties, or use his power for selfish ends. He must stand as a neutral guardian.”

Brianna smiles. “I can agree to that. I’ll come knocking when I get a certain itch!”

You laugh. “Fair enough!”

All eyes turn now to Kaeli and Victoria. The technomage and the warlord look at each other, and finally Kaeli nods. “I will be saying no as well. Vicci and I are…we’re tired. We simply want rest. And each other.”

You smile at them both. “I get it. I hope that we can remain close.”

It’s Victoria who answers, her voice a shadow of the commanding presence you remember. “I would like that. Kaeli and I will spend time with you when we can.”

Poena cuts off further conversation. “It is decided, then. I must take my champion to the ritual. We shall return soon. You will be provided with food and rest.”

Before anyone can respond, the room blurs again, and you find yourself back in the bedroom. “What? What’s happening?”

Poena appears in front of you again. She is smaller now, though still considerably taller than you. “We will conduct the ritual. I will bestow upon you a small portion of my power. I think you will find the process pleasant.”

She gestures towards the bed.