The familiar aroma of roasting meats and spiced cider greeted us as we entered the Copper Candle. Despite the heaviness of the day, the cozy atmosphere brought a bit of warmth to my bones. We took our usual spot near the hearth, and it wasn’t long before Mark came bouncing in, eyes bright and face flushed from the street chill.

  “David!” he called, sliding into the open chair like a man late for a duel. “We got everything you asked for at the guild. Took longer than we thought. That mithril order almost turned into a disaster.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

  Mark waved a hand dramatically. “Some greedy family tried to jack the price up at the last second. Total extortion move. But the Duke stepped in and smoothed it over.”

  I felt my stomach tighten. “What family, Mark?”

  He scratched the side of his head. “Sinthunk? Simthurk? Something like that.”

  Marlena’s groan was audible. She didn’t look up from her plate, just muttered, “They’re going to be trouble. I told you.”

  Allira reached over without hesitation and clasped Marlena’s hand gently. “It’ll be alright. They don’t get to dictate your future anymore.”

  Mark gave the two of them a curious look, like he was missing half the story, but shrugged it off with a smile. “So, David,” he said between mouthfuls of roast potato, “what’s next?”

  I leaned back in my chair. “We’re moving out of the inn after dinner.”

  Mark nearly choked on his bite. “Moving out? To where?”

  “To the tower. There’s more space there. Seraphina and I will stay in a residence suite, and Allira and Mage Valen are returning to their barracks for now. I’ll be back at the guild tomorrow morning.”

  Mark let out a panicked gasp and almost tipped his chair over. “Crap! I forgot I promised Mira I’d take her to get pastries!”

  Seraphina arched an eyebrow. “Are you eating again?”

  Mark grinned. “Yeah. Second dinner. Almost as good as second breakfast!”

  With that, he darted off like a man escaping pursuit, nearly colliding with Vaktar on his way out.

  Vaktar blinked after him, then looked at me. “Crazy kid.”

  He settled into Mark’s vacant seat, letting his gaze drift around the table. His eyes landed on Marlena, who immediately shifted uncomfortably under his stare.

  “So,” he said with a knowing smirk. “Let me guess, my lady Valen?”

  Marlena turned pale. Seraphina and Allira both grinned, betraying the truth.

  I sighed. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because I know you,” Vaktar replied, tapping the table. “And their expressions just confirmed it.”

  I leaned forward. “Keep that under wraps. No one outside this table hears about it until I say so.”

  Vaktar nodded slightly. “Of course, my lord. May I ask why?”

  “In private. I’ll explain everything. Additionally, I would like you to investigate the Sinthurk family. I want to know who they’re connected to, what their movements are, and if they’ve made any recent political plays. From what we found out from Mark, they are causing issues.”

  “That’s going to cost coin to get the right eyes and ears.”

  I reached into my satchel and slid a pouch across the table. The sound of the gold coins clinking together made Marlena’s eyes widen in shock.

  “That should cover it,” I said. “Use what you need. If you need more, tell me.”

  She stared at me like I’d just casually dropped a kingdom’s ransom.

  “Also, we’re moving into the tower tonight,” I added. “Allyson?”

  The golem appeared beside the table like a shadow from nowhere. “Yes, Master?”

  “Are there any suites available for Vaktar?

  “Yes. There are four unoccupied suites on the floor beneath yours.”

  “Tomorrow morning,” I said, turning back to Vaktar. “You can move in then. I’ll be at the guild.”

  Vaktar gave a low whistle. “A suite? I’ve never stayed anywhere that fancy.”

  Seraphina smirked. “There’s warm baths.”

  That got a grin out of him. “Then it’s going to be fun, I guess.”

  The innkeeper was clearly sad to see us leave. She whispered a few quiet words of thanks as we paid, her eyes staying on us like she was watching family depart. I nodded back in mutual respect and stepped out into the cool night.

  As we walked toward the tower, the atmosphere was quiet. The city still displayed the scars of the recent attack: shuttered windows, burned-out lantern posts, and the lingering smell of scorched stone. Marlena finally broke the silence.

  “Why did you ask Vaktar about the Sinthurk family?” she inquired softly.

  I glanced over at her. “Because he’s a damn good scout. If there’s dirt to be found, Vaktar will find it. I want to know what kind of hornet’s nest we’re stirring before things get messy.”

  She nodded slowly, lips tight, eyes straight ahead.

  As the tower appeared, I felt it again, a prickling along the back of my neck, a pressure just out of sight. We were being watched, not by soldiers or spies, but by those who knew how to blend into shadows. I scanned the rooftops and alleyways but saw nothing. Still, I knew they were there.

  “Allyson,” I said without breaking stride. “I want an information unit posted at the entrance tomorrow morning for reception duties. Put a combat golem beside her; it has to be very visible. No one gets to me without going through them first.”

  Seraphina looked over at me. “And the combat golem?”

  “She’ll need protection,” I said. “That’s non-negotiable.”

  The moment the large black doors creaked open, the cool air of the Tower flowed out to greet us. Inside, the grand common hall was silent, with polished floors gleaming under the glow of the overhead lights. Then I heard heavy footsteps. A massive figure lumbered out from a side corridor like a walking wall of steel.

  The combat golem stood seven feet tall and was fully covered in black-enameled plate armor, with a tower shield strapped to its arm and a greatsword resting across its back. It moved with unsettling grace for something so significant. It stopped in front of me and remained perfectly still, waiting for inspection.

  I walked a slow circle around the construct, noting the reinforced joints and precise craftsmanship. “This’ll do nicely,” I said.

  “Allyson,” I added, “let’s deploy two of these outside the entrance tomorrow. One on each side. But hold off until I finish some renovations to the entryway.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  As if summoned by thought, a second golem stomped through the hallway and took its place beside the first. I turned to them, smiling.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Alright, gentlemen,” I said. “You’re Alpha and Beta now.” I pointed to the one on the left, then the right. Both gave a slight nod, almost in sync.

  Just then, a second golem female in form, delicate yet purposeful in movement, approached Allyson’s side.

  “And who are you?” I asked.

  “I am information unit 45333, Master,” she said.

  I winced. “Yeah, no. You’re Misty now.”

  “I am Misty, Master,” she said without hesitation.

  “Good. Misty, starting tomorrow, you’ll be the tower’s receptionist. If someone wants to see me or anyone else who lives here, they go through you. Alpha and Beta will guard the doors and protect you.” The two combat golems immediately turned their heads to Misty, acknowledging their new ward.

  “If someone’s approved for entry,” I continued, “another information unit also with a proper name, we’ll fix that, and escort them to the right place. Misty, you understand?”

  “Yes, Master. I will assess visitors and only allow authorized individuals to enter.”

  “Perfect,” I said with a nod. “We’ll start construction on your reception station first thing in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Master.”

  Behind me, the women chuckled at my sudden burst of organizational madness.

  “What?” I asked, grinning. “If I’m going to run a tower, it’s going to be a proper one.”

  Allira snorted. “I married a man who names golems like they’re his pets.”

  Seraphina smirked. “At least he has good taste.”

  Marlena, despite herself, was smiling too. The storm around her was still there, but now, at least, she had shelter.

  By the time we returned to the residence, my bones felt like lead. The moment the door shut behind us, I made a beeline for the couch and collapsed face-first into its cushions with a heavy groan.

  “What was supposed to be a normal day,” I muttered into the upholstery, “turned into a siege of nobles, family politics, and tower logistics.”

  Seraphina chuckled softly and settled beside me, her fingers running through my hair. Allira sat on the armrest, arms crossed, with that gentle, relaxed smile she always wore. Marlena sat on the couch, as far away as possible, still a little unsure of her place, but I could see her softening by the minute.

  “Allyson,” I said, not lifting my head, “could you fetch that book set for Marlena?”

  “Yes, Master. But before I retrieve it, I will prepare tea for you and your wives.”

  “Much appreciated,” I mumbled.

  I pushed myself up and walked over to Marlena, who blinked as I dropped to one knee in front of her. Her eyes widened when I reached for her boot.

  “Wait, what are you doing?” she asked, pulling her leg back slightly.

  I gave her a quiet smile and caught her foot again. “Relax. Let me take care of you tonight.”

  Seraphina leaned back, draping her arm over the couch. “Go with it, girl. David, I’m next.” She smirked.

  Allira just gave a knowing nod and crossed her legs. “This I have to see.”

  I carefully unfastened the straps on Marlena’s boot and slid it off, then peeled her sock away. Her foot was warm from the long day, with skin slightly flushed. I repeated the process with the other boot, then rested her feet in my lap and began to massage gently. Her body tensed at first embarrassment, nerves, maybe both, but as I worked my thumbs on the arches of her feet, the tension eased from her body.

  When Allyson returned, she carried a silver tray with steaming cups and a plate of cookies. She silently placed it on the low table, then briefly disappeared only to come back moments later with a stack of three thick tomes, each bound in deep blue leather with silver embossing.

  I looked up from Marlena’s feet to the books.

  “Here they are,” I said. “The Sinar Principles of Advanced Water Magic, all three volumes. Just as promised.”

  Marlena blinked, startled. “You weren’t joking?”

  “I rarely do, especially when it comes to promises. Turns out I inherited a pretty substantial library.”

  She stared at the books like they were sacred artifacts. Her fingers hovered over the covers, then slowly traced the etched script. “David,” she whispered, eyes wide.

  I stood, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “My new wife deserves nothing less.”

  I stretched, still sore from the day, and headed toward the bedroom, leaving the women to their tea and murmured conversation.

  Behind me, Seraphina set her cup down. “Marlena,” she said with a sly smile, “tonight is yours.”

  “What?” Marlena blinked.

  “You’re his first tonight,” Seraphina repeated. “We’ll join you both later. First wife’s orders.”

  “She’s the lady of the house,” Allira added with a shrug. “It’s protocol.”

  Marlena appeared unsure, caught between anxiety and something much more flustered. But beneath their warm smiles and playful nudges, she finally stood, clutching the books to her chest, and slowly moved toward the bedroom door.

  Seraphina waited until the door closed behind her before turning to Allira and grinning. “She’s in for a long night.”

  Allira smirked back. “He’s earned it. So has she.”

  They clinked their teacups together and leaned back, the quiet comfort of family settling over them like a warm blanket.

  I sat on the edge of the bed, legs stretched out, hands resting on my knees, waiting. The room was quiet, just the faint hum of the tower and the soft rustling of curtains stirred by the breeze. I had a feeling it would be Marlena who came through the door. It was her wedding day, even if none of us had said it aloud.

  The door opened with the faintest creak, and she stepped inside, closing it softly behind her.

  She looked unsure, a bundle of nerves wrapped in grace. Her robe clung loosely to her frame, her fingers fidgeting at the edges of the fabric. She opened her mouth to speak, but I raised a finger gently to my lips.

  No words.

  I stood and walked toward her. My clothes consisted only of a simple pair of shorts, while everything else was folded neatly on the chair beside the bed. The lamplight cast a gentle glow across the room, revealing the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

  When I reached her, I gently pulled her into my arms. Her hands clung to my sides as if holding on for dear life. I leaned in to whisper against the shell of her ear.

  “Is this your first time?”

  She nodded, almost imperceptibly.

  “If you ever want to stop,” I said quietly, “just say the word. We stop. No questions.”

  Another nod. Then her breath hitched, and I felt the wet warmth of tears against my shoulder.

  “Why are you crying?” I asked, concerned.

  “I’m happy,” she whispered, voice trembling. “I didn’t think I’d ever feel this safe.”

  She pressed her face into my neck, and I wrapped my arms tighter around her. For a long moment, we just stood there. Just breathing.

  With one hand, I reached for the clasp of her robe and undid it slowly. The fabric slid from her shoulders and pooled silently to the floor, revealing the golden sheen of her skin and the intricate blue ink curling across her body like magic made flesh. Her eyes stayed locked on mine, vulnerable but trusting.

  I lifted her in a slow, careful motion, one arm beneath her legs, the other around her back.

  She didn’t look away.

  As I carried her across the room to the bed, I didn’t rush. She deserved more than that. I lay her down on the soft sheets, brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek.

  For the first time tonight, she smiled a small thing, fragile and full of emotion.

  I woke up under a warm, contented heap of three sleeping women. Legs entwined. Arms draped. Hair everywhere. Allira had my arm pinned beneath her; Seraphina was curled tightly against my back; and Marlena had somehow managed to lie crosswise across the two of us.

  It took a careful shuffle to free myself from an art I was quickly becoming skilled at. I slid off the edge of the bed, barely disturbing the peace, and reached for the clothes folded on the nearby chair. After slipping into a shirt and pants, I padded barefoot into the kitchen.

  Allyson was already there, quietly organizing the golem staff for their morning duties. The smell of tea and fresh bread filled the air.

  Three other golem women moved around the kitchen with practiced precision, serving, prepping, and carrying trays. I leaned against the counter, studying them. Each had a slightly different build, hair color, and demeanor. They deserved names. Maybe something simple. Something that fits.

  Before I could think too long about it, soft footsteps padded up behind me. Marlena entered wearing only her undergarments, her hair tousled and sticking to her shoulders. She yawned and offered a sleepy but satisfied smile before leaning in to kiss me on the cheek.

  “Good morning,” she murmured.

  “Good morning also,” I replied, catching her hand in mine as she pulled back.

  She noticed the open sketchbook in front of me and tilted her head.

  “What’s this?”

  “Design for the receptionist’s desk and tower entrance. I want Misty stationed there properly. Not just standing in front of stone walls all day.”

  Marlena smiled and leaned her head on my shoulder, watching the lines on the page.

  “Allyson,” I called, “let’s build this.”

  “Yes, master,” she replied instantly. “Sending the construction golems now.”

  I closed the sketchbook and took Marlena’s hand. “Come on,” I said. “Let’s go rouse the other two before they decide to sleep until noon.”

  Together, we made our way back to the bedroom, ready to start another day in a life that kept turning stranger, stronger, and more ours.

  It took some coaxing and the promise of pastries from the shop on the green, but eventually we got Seraphina and Allira up, dressed, and on the move. Seraphina insisted on wearing her dark blue corset dress, while Allira chose a more practical tunic-and-trousers combo, her new armor stored for later. Marlena, surprisingly chipper after last night, wore a simple cream blouse and leggings beneath her mage’s robe. She walked with a slight hitch in her step, though she tried to hide it.

  Before we left, I stopped at the entrance to examine the newly built receptionist booth. The smooth stone had been polished to a shine, with dark wood trim and a small overhang for shade. It looked like it had always been there. Misty stood behind it, her crisp tunic and silver sash making her look calm and composed. Alpha and Beta, the combat golems, flanked either side of the door like unmoving statues, swords sheathed but within easy reach.

  “Misty,” I said, “we’re heading out for a bit. Running errands. We’ll be back soon.”

  She bowed slightly. “Understood, Master. I will receive all visitors and defer requests per your standing instructions.”

  “Good.” I gave one last approving nod before we stepped into the street.

  The sun was rising higher over the city rooftops, casting angled shadows across the stone walkways. At the pastry shop, we chose our usual table under the striped awning. From there, I had a clear view of the tower entrance. A few pedestrians passed by, but I noticed something notable: they kept their distance from Misty. Not out of fear, at least, not yet, but because of uncertainty. Seeing a living golem guarding the front of the infamous Black Tower was a tough adjustment for most.

  “They’ll warm up to it,” Seraphina said, catching my gaze. “Eventually.”

  “Yeah,” I replied, taking a bite of a honeyed tart. “They’ll have to. Change doesn’t wait for approval.”

  We ate in relative peace, enjoying the sun and the rare moment of calm. Allira claimed a second plate, and even Marlena seemed to relax a bit more now that the city was waking up with less panic than the days before.

  When breakfast was done, I wiped my hands, nodded to the others, and stood.

  “Guildhall next,” I said.

  Everyone rose with me, and together we made our way down the street, ready to face whatever came next.