I woke to warmth wrapped around me, 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 memories of last night came back all at once—her hands guiding me, her gasps, the way she had moved above me until everything else disappeared. We had come together three times before sleep finally took us.
Even now, hours later, my body stirred at the thought. Enhanced Vitality, it seemed, had no mercy.
Sara's emerald eyes opened as I shifted. She gave a small, satisfied smile. "Good afternoon, my lord."
I swallowed. "Afternoon already?"
She nodded, tracing lazy circles on my chest. "The Queen's runners came twice. Elara wishes to see you soon."
The name sent a quiet jolt through me. Queen Elara. Ruler of this hidden village of warrior women. 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 me. 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. Some curious. Some openly hungry. Sara kept her hand firm on my arm, guiding me 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 settlement
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 formed 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 seemed 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 moment we entered.
Elara studied me for a long moment, 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 me, her scent of wild jasmine and steel filling the air.
She circled me 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. "Handsome. And untouched by the ways of common men."
She stopped in front of me 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 agreement rose from the gathered Amazons.
She let her hand slide lower, boldly cupping me through the trousers. My body reacted instantly. I drew in a sharp breath.
Sara made a small sound behind me—part protest, part something 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 me 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 same 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 me with cool intensity.
She crossed her arms, expression unreadable, though a faint flush colored her cheeks. Something about the way she held herself, proud, guarded, almost defiant, stuck with me.
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 moment 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 me, 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. Remember that."
I cupped her cheek. "I remember every moment of last night. I always will."
Her tension eased. She nodded, then gestured to the pool. "Come. We have time 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 me.
Queen Elara tonight. The Welcoming Rite after. And somewhere 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 recommended.]
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 something vast and unstoppable.
Her hands found me beneath the surface, gentle and sure. I closed my eyes and let the moment take me.
Whatever came next, I would face it.