Tales told

You settle in as best you can with Alex in your lap, and explain what’s happened since you’ve been in Thalberg. The solar elemental amuses herself by teasing you as you talk, nibbling at your ear and rubbing your chest. Though she’s distracting, you manage to tell the tale. Kaeli and Ferra chime in with their insights as well, as Victor and Amara listen intently.

When you finish, Victor slowly shakes his head. “It’s incredible, somehow everything worked out. Are you sure your magic isn’t simply incredible luck?”

Amara nods. “Indeed. Even the wounding of Alex turned out to be a boon. She’s now unimaginably powerful.”

Alex giggles. “And sexy too!”

You chuckle, giving her waist a squeeze. “I can’t complain about how things turned out, but it hasn’t exactly been easy. We earned these victories.”

Victor nods. “Of course, but at some point your luck will run out. And this mission to go back to the capital? Insanity!”

To your surprise, Amara disagrees. “No, I think he has to do it. If there’s even the slightest chance to restore the Great One, we have to take it. It could win the war in one move.”

Kaeli nods. “And getting Victoria back would be a bonus.”

You shrug. “It’s a huge risk, but it has to be done. And it has to be done soon, before Niran can solidify his control.”

Victor looks at you for a moment, then sighs. “I’ve learned that I can’t argue with you once you’ve made a decision. I just hope your luck holds.”

Alex giggles again. “No worries, we got this!”

She bounces in your lap, clearly showing off. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Kaeli watching her closely. She quickly looks away, but Alex clearly noticed her interest. Bouncing off your lap, she walks over and whispers in Kaeli’s ear. Kaeli’s eyes go wide, and then she nods.

Suddenly, the technomage stands. “Um. Alex and I need to have a…private conversation.”

It’s hard to tell with her dark skin, but you’re almost certain that she’s blushing furiously. Without another word, she hurriedly walks towards an empty bedroom. Flashing a smile, Alex saunters after her, giving everyone a good look at her barely covered backside. Looking over her shoulder, she winks as she heads into the bedroom and closes the door.

Victor chuckles, shaking his head. “The more things change, the more they stay the same. Nice to see Alex is still Alex.”

You laugh. “Oh, you have no idea.”

The panther man glances at the closed door, and then smiles at Amara, who looks just as amused as he does.