The halls of the palace felt colder at night.
Most nobles feared the dark hours, but I found it comforting—less noise, fewer judging eyes. Just shadows and secrets. And tonight, I was after both.
[Target located: Lady Sera. East Wing. Laundry Quarters.]
I followed the system's path, keeping my hood up and steps light. This part of the palace was quiet, far from the glamour of the main halls. No velvet carpets. Just stone and silence.
I turned a corner and paused.
There she was.
Bent over a large water basin, sleeves rolled up, scrubbing a noble's robe by hand. Her silver-blonde hair was tied in a loose knot, her face glowing in the torchlight with soft, gentle features. She wasn't flashy. She wasn't loud. But she had that natural softness—elegance buried under exhaustion.
She didn't see me at first.
So I said her name.
"Sera."
She gasped and looked up. Her eyes widened.
"Y-Your Highness?" she stammered, quickly lowering her head. "I—I didn't expect—"
"You don't need to bow," I said, stepping closer.
She glanced up, confused.
"You're… different," she said, standing. "You never came down here before. You barely even looked at me."
So he really did ignore her.
"I look now," I said simply.
Her eyes searched mine. "Did something happen?"
You could say that.
"I just… remembered some things I shouldn't have forgotten," I said quietly. "Like how kind you were. Even when the rest of the palace mocked me."
Her eyes trembled.
"I didn't do it for praise, Your Highness."
"I know," I said. "That's why it mattered."
Silence fell between us, but not the awkward kind. The kind where something unspoken lingered—something buried.
[Affinity detected. Emotional resonance forming. Proceed to Bond Initiation?]
"System," I whispered in my head. "What happens when I bond with her?"
[If successful, you gain a unique Trait based on her emotional connection and inner power. You will also boost your stats and unlock sexual energy reserves.]
I took a step closer.
"Sera," I said gently, "do you hate me?"
Her breath hitched. "No. Never."
I reached out, brushing a wet strand of hair from her cheek. She shivered but didn't pull away.
"You're shaking."
"I—I don't understand what's happening," she whispered.
"Neither do I," I said. "But I want to."
She stared up at me, lips parted slightly. Her cheeks burned red.
"Do you want me to stop?"
Her response came in a breathless whisper. "No."
I cupped her face and kissed her.
She gasped softly, leaning into it as if she'd waited a lifetime. My arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close. Her hands rested on my chest, hesitant but warm.
[Bond Initiation Successful.]
[Trait Gained: Healer's Grace (Rank D) – Passive regeneration of minor injuries and stamina recovery increased.]
[Charisma +1 | Stamina +2 | Lust Energy Reserve Unlocked: 15%]
[New Ability: Heartlink (Sera)]
She pulled back slowly, eyes glassy.
"Your Highness…"
"Call me Raiden," I whispered. "Just tonight."
She nodded slowly, then wrapped her arms tighter around me, resting her forehead on my chest.
"They'll hate you more if they find out," she said. "They'll say you're polluting royal blood with a lowly maid."
I chuckled. "They already think I'm worthless. Might as well give them a reason."
I kissed her earlobe and murmured, "Come with me. To my room."
She didn't hesitate.
We walked in silence through the sleeping palace, shadows stretching around us. When we reached my chambers, I closed the door behind us with a soft click.
Sera stood near the bed, fingers trembling as she played with the edge of her apron. Her lips were still pink from our kiss, eyes wide, watching every move I made like she couldn't believe I'd come back.
Neither could I, honestly.
Everything about her pulled me in—the way she looked at me like I was more than a fallen prince, the way her soul lit up when I called her name. This wasn't just lust. It was fire. And I could feel the System humming in approval.
[Lust Level: Critical. Target: Lady Sera – Compatible. Bond can now be completed physically. Do you wish to proceed?]
"Yes," I said aloud.
Sera blinked. "You're talking to yourself again."
I smiled and walked toward her. "Not exactly. Just making a choice."
She tilted her head, lips curving up. "I like this side of you," she whispered.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
I slid my hand up her arm slowly, feeling her shiver under my touch. She looked up at me, cheeks flushed, chest rising and falling quicker.
"Sera," I said softly, "I don't want to take if you're not willing."
She didn't hesitate.
"I've never felt safer," she whispered. "I want this. I want you, Raiden."
That was all I needed.
I kissed her again—deeper this time. She melted into me like her body had been waiting for this. My hands found her waist, gripping the curves beneath her dress. She moaned softly, arms wrapped around my neck.
Her scent hit me—sweet, soft, arousing. The Lust System surged to life.
[Initiating Physical Bond… Enhancing Sensory Feedback…]
Every touch became electric. I lifted her easily and laid her down on the bed, hovering above her, watching her eyes glisten.
"You're sure?" I asked one last time.
She nodded, breathless. "Make me yours."
I didn't rush it.
My hands traced her skin like a sacred map. Her clothes slipped away piece by piece, revealing skin that glowed in the candlelight. She reached for my shirt, tugging until I let her pull it over my head.
Her fingers danced across my chest. "Gods," she whispered. "What happened to you?"
"I died," I said honestly. "And came back with a second chance."
She didn't question it.
She pulled me down, and our bodies met—skin to skin.
The first moment inside her was overwhelming. She gasped, arching beneath me, clutching the sheets. I groaned, gripping her hips, barely holding back the wave of sensation.
[Lust Resonance Achieved. Syncing Traits… Boosting Physical Parameters.]
I moved slowly, letting her adjust. Her eyes fluttered. Her lips parted. She wrapped her legs around me, drawing me deeper.
"Raiden," she moaned. "Don't stop."
I didn't.
I kissed every inch of her—neck, collarbone, the curve of her breast. Her fingers raked down my back, her voice growing louder with every thrust.
The room filled with the sounds of our bodies. Soft gasps. Desperate moans. The creaking of the bed. Heat. Skin. Fire.
Her nails dug into my shoulders.
"I can't—Raiden—I'm—"
"Let go," I whispered against her ear.
She did.
Her body tightened, trembling as her climax hit. A burst of energy exploded through me like lightning.
[Lust Core: Activated.]
[Trait Unlocked – Maid's Devotion (Rank C): Temporary strength boost when defending bonded partner.]
[Lust Points Gained: +45]
[Vitality +3 | Endurance +2 | Libido +5]
[New Ability: Heat Pulse – Emits a short-range aura that weakens enemies and arouses bonded targets.]
I groaned as the system flooded me with power. It was electric. Addictive.
She clung to me, lips on my neck. "You're glowing," she whispered. "Literally… glowing."
"I feel it," I said, holding her tight.
We moved again—slower this time. More connected. She kissed me back like her soul was anchoring to mine.
The second climax was quieter, but deeper.
When it was over, I collapsed beside her, pulling her into my arms.
She traced circles on my chest, smiling sleepily.
"Was it supposed to feel like that?" she asked.
"No," I said. "It was supposed to be a system bonding… but that felt like something else."
She looked up. "Something real?"
I nodded.
[Note: You have formed a Level 1 Lust Bond. Emotional loyalty increased. Shared energy pathways established.]
"Do you regret it?" I asked.
She laughed lightly. "Only that I didn't do it sooner."
I brushed her silver hair from her face.
She laid her head on my chest, eyes fluttering shut.
"You're not worthless, Raiden," she whispered. "You never were."
Her words stayed with me long after she slept.
And as I stared at the ceiling, feeling the raw power pulsing through my veins, I finally understood what the system had given me.
Not just strength.
But purpose.
[System Message: First Physical Bond Complete. New Skill Tree Unlocked – Lust Path: Tier 1. Future partners will grant specialized traits. Beast blood and bonded lust will determine ascension level.]
I smiled faintly.
"Bring it on."
Because now I had her.
And I wasn't done rising.