We entered the Guild Hall through the back entrance, slipping past the training area and avoiding most of the building’s attention. Still, a few heads turned as we moved through the quieter halls of the administrative wing.

  In the corner office, I saw the old desk I used when this all started still cluttered with papers and tools, but now holding a heavy wooden box sealed with the Guild’s sigil. My requested materials had arrived. I opened the lid to check ingots of mithril and neatly bundled crystals. The rest, we’d finish at the Tower.

  Across the room, Seraphina was already dusting her desk, muttering about how men couldn’t be trusted to clean up after themselves. That’s when the Guildmaster pushed the door open and stepped inside with his usual loud cheer.

  “David! Lady Seraphina!” he called out. “How are things this morning?”

  I grinned and leaned toward Seraphina. “He’s chipper for someone who hasn’t had to fight demons this week.”

  She smirked and shook her head.

  I turned and met the Guildmaster’s outstretched hand with a firm shake. “Doing well. Just here to collect the materials. We’ll be building the Disruptor in the Tower workshop.”

  Verran raised a brow. “Not here in the Guild?”

  “Better tools over there,” I said. “Plus, the rest of the parts are already on-site. Two days, maybe less.”

  Verran scratched at his beard. “And if I need to get a hold of you in the meantime? You know something always comes up.”

  Before I could answer, Allira stepped forward. “At the Tower door. Speak to Misty.”

  The Guildmaster chuckled. “Another wife?”

  I gave him a flat look. “No. Just my receptionist and no, she’s not human.”

  That made him pause. “Human or not, I’ve seen some damn fine elven women in my day. So who or what is Misty?”

  “She’s an information golem. Like Allyson here,” I said, motioning toward the ever-watchful figure beside me. “If you talk to Misty, she’ll relay the message through Allyson. And don’t give her any trouble, she’s got two guardians posted with her at all times.”

  Verran let out a low whistle. “Well, damn. Things are changing.”

  He gave a parting nod. “I’ll stop by later. I’ve got a few curious folks itching to see what you’re building.”

  “Let Arch Mage Vael know too,” I called after him. “There are things I want to discuss with him.”

  He waved over his shoulder. “Will do.”

  As his footsteps faded, I noticed Marlena watching me with narrowed eyes. I raised both hands in mock surrender.

  “I know that look,” I said. “But listen. I want to speak to Vael because he might be able to really help with your family’s situation. If I can show him that you’re part of this, that you’re with us now, we might be able to untangle this whole Sinthurk mess without it turning into a war.”

  She didn’t respond right away, but Seraphina stepped beside her and gently rubbed her back. Allira slung an arm over her shoulder and gave her a reassuring squeeze.

  “You three are mine,” I said quietly, “as much as I’m yours. I’ll fight for you. That’s a promise.”

  Marlena sniffed, nodding slowly. “Okay.”

  I lifted the box of materials from the desk, tucking it under my arm. “Ready to go home?”

  Allira grinned. “Lead the way, my lord.”

  Back at the tower, I got straight to work. The box from the guild hit the workbench with a satisfying thud, and I began sorting the building materials into neat piles: mana-conductive alloy, surge dampeners, a polished core frame, and finely coiled silver filament. I laid the blueprint flat, smoothing the creases with both hands, and let the shape of the Gate Disrupter take form piece by piece in my mind.

  Hours later, I stretched my back and wandered into the living room. Marlena was curled up on the couch, flipping through the advanced water magic textbooks I’d pulled from the private library. She looked completely absorbed. Her bare feet tucked under her, her hair loose around her shoulders. Peaceful, for once.

  “Where’s Seraphina and Allira?” I asked, noticing the quiet.

  “They left a couple of hours ago,” Allyson replied, stepping in from the hallway. “Shopping for food and some personal items. One of the staff went with them.”

  Before I could reply, Allyson’s eyes shimmered for a moment. “Master, Misty reports we have guests. The Guildmaster has arrived with three others and requests an audience.”

  “Send an escort to bring them in,” I said. “And can we get some tea going?”

  “Already brewing,” she answered with a nod.

  A few minutes later, there was a knock at the main door. One of the staff answered, and the four visitors stepped inside first the Guildmaster, then the Duke, Prince Rhoen, and finally, Arch Mage Vael. Their entrance paused as they took in the view, the layout, the polished floors, and the tall glass windows, which revealed a city bathed in fading sunlight.

  “Quite the view,” the prince murmured.

  “Still getting used to it,” I said with a slight grin. “Took me a few days to even stand near that window.”

  The duke nodded. “We’re mostly here to check on your progress. How close are we to completion?”

  “Follow me.”

  I led them into the workshop, the scent of oiled metal and warm stone hitting them first. Their footsteps echoed on the tiled floor as they took in the hybrid space, half forge, half arcane lab. Blacksmithing gear was stacked neatly on one side, while arcane rigs and delicate arrays blinked and pulsed on the other.

  The Gate Disrupter was halfway assembled on the center bench, a fusion of crystalline lattices and hardened alloy plates, cables snaking from the housing like steel vines.

  “I’m in final assembly now,” I told them. “Should be done in the morning. I plan to run field tests in the afternoon.”

  “Then we could march north the following day?” the duke asked.

  “Yes. I have one more sword to complete before then, something better suited for my wife.”

  Vael raised an eyebrow. “Not bound this time?”

  I smiled. “Just a well-fAorged blade. She deserves that. Sharp, balanced, and made by her favorite blacksmith.”

  That got a round of chuckles.

  We returned to the lounge. Allyson appeared with a tray of tea and cookies we’d picked up earlier. As we settled, I noticed Vael had wandered over to Marlena’s books. He traced the edge of one open page with a finger and looked over his shoulder at her.

  “You managed to get the Sinar water series?”

  Before Marlena could speak, I answered. “That’s part of what I wanted to talk about with all of you.”

  I looked at the Guildmaster. “This stays in the room. Please.”

  Verran nodded solemnly. “You have my word.”

  I leaned back and folded my hands. “A few days ago, things escalated. Myself, Seraphina, Allira, and Marlena ended up in a situation.”

  “The arranged marriage,” the prince cut in.

  I held up three fingers. “She’s my wife now. Married by the gods, same as the others.”

  Vael winced. “That’s going to be a problem.”

  Verran, the duke, and the prince weren’t caught up, so I explained everything: Marlena’s engagement to the Sinthurk heir, the arrangement between the mage families, and how our new bond had turned it all upside down.

  When I finished, Marlena slid onto the couch beside me, staying quiet but close.

  The duke spoke first. “Frankly, I don’t see the issue. You’re an Earl, appointed by the King. A divine bond outweighs an arranged match.”

  “Maybe, but her family’s caught in the crossfire. I’d rather not burn them in the fallout.”

  “When will you inform them?” Vael asked.

  “After we close the rift. One crisis at a time.”

  That got a round of chuckles. Marlena smiled softly as I squeezed her hand.

  Vael turned to her, his voice gentler. “When you’re ready, I’ll administer your High Mage exam personally.”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  The men stood and made for the door, but I had one more request.

  “Guildmaster, can I borrow a runner tomorrow? Someone who can relay messages and fetch things?”

  Verran stroked his beard. “How about Mark? You trust him.”

  “He’ll do nicely.”

  Once they were gone, I turned to Marlena and wrapped her in a kiss that left no room for doubt.

  “I told you I’ll protect you. You’re mine, and I won’t let this tear us apart.” She melted against me. I smirked. “Now we’ve got time before the others get back.”

  Her robe was already half undone as she laughed and darted toward the bedroom.

  “Cowgirl!” I called after her. “And reverse cowgirl!”

  “What’s a cowgirl?” she shouted just before diving under the covers. Oh, you’ll learn, I thought as I followed her in.

  I lay stretched next to Marlena, propped up on one elbow, with the sheets tangled around our legs. Moonlight seeped through the tall windows, casting a gentle glow over her bronze skin. My fingers moved slowly in absent-minded circles across the top of her right breast, tracing the inked pattern there, a constellation of runes spiraling out from her areola, delicate and precise.

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  “You know that tickles,” she murmured, her voice warm with amusement as she watched me trace the glowing lines.

  “I can’t help it,” I said, grinning. “This is fascinating, the way it channels your mana. You use these to control your magic?”

  “All of us mage classes have them,” she replied, her fingers brushing lightly against my wrist.

  I hesitated. “But Allira, she only has markings on her right shoulder and down her sword arm. I thought she was a mage, too?” I pressed a kiss to Seraphina’s shoulder, letting the question hang there.

  “My dear Allira isn’t a mage,” Seraphina corrected gently. “She’s a magic swordsman. Did you notice the difference between our tattoos?”

  “Oh, I’ve noticed,” I smirked. “Yours run all the way down your body. I’ve… traced them enough times to know exactly where they go. The symmetry drives me crazy.” I nuzzled into her neck for emphasis.

  She giggled, wriggling slightly, then laughed harder as I teased along her thigh. “Stop, no, listen,” she managed between breathless laughter. “Her tattoos only extend from her core, down her sword arm. That’s where her strength is focused.”

  I relented with a kiss, my hand retreating, but my eyes stayed on the intricate blue lines across her skin. “I can read some of it,” I admitted softly. “At least the letters. The structure. But I don’t know what it means.”

  Marlena raised an eyebrow as she rolled onto her back, her golden hair spilling across the pillow, and looked up at me. “You can read it?” Her voice was low, almost reverent. “That’s… odd. The tattoos are part of our class. They grow as we grow. Even scholars argue about their meaning. But to actually read them,” she shook her head slowly, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. “That’s something else entirely.”

  “It’s there, the shapes, the geometry. And it’s blue.”

  She gave a soft laugh. “Yes, dummy, blue. Water affinity, remember? I’m a water mage.”

  “I didn’t realize the color mattered.” I looked up at her. “Let me guess red for fire?”

  “Exactly. Red for fire like Allira, white for air, and brown for earth. There are also hybrid colors for deviations.”

  “The more I learn,” I said with a small smile, “the more questions I have.”

  She shifted onto her side, her curves glowing faintly in the moonlight. “Ask away.”

  “Here, this one,” I said, brushing my fingers between her breasts where multiple rune lines intersect. “It’s gold. Why is it gold?”

  Marlena’s body stiffened. Her smile vanished.

  “What did you say?” she asked, her tone suddenly tight.

  “This ring here.” I pointed again, gently placing my hand on her. “It’s gold. A full circle. Right in the center of what I believe is your array or core?”

  She pushed my hand away and sat up, the sheet falling from her shoulders. “Gods above, did you do something weird to me?”

  “Weird?” I blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

  She slid from the bed without another word, scooped her clothes from the floor, and dressed with brisk, jerking movements. Then she stormed out, bare feet silent on the stone floor.

  “What did I say?” I muttered, grabbing my trousers and following after her.

  I found her in the kitchen, hunched over a thick spellbook spread open on the counter, pages fluttering in the breeze from the nearby window. Marlena’s fingers trembled as she turned another page, jaw clenched, breathing shallow. The soft glow of the kitchen lanterns cast long shadows across her golden skin. Allyson stood nearby like a statue, hands folded neatly at her waist, watching silently.

  “Marlena,” I said softly as I stepped behind her, rubbing her back gently.

  She didn’t look up. Just a soft, broken sound escaped her throat, not quite a sob, but close. When I turned her toward me, I saw her eyes rimmed with red, her cheeks damp with tears she hadn’t wanted anyone to notice.

  “I can’t take this,” she murmured.

  “Take what?” I asked, already guiding her away from the counter, one arm around her waist.

  “All of this,” she whispered, voice cracking. “The tower. Marriage. The pressure. I’m supposed to be a mage, and instead I feel like I’m being pulled in too many directions.” She sank into the couch beside me and curled into my arms, burying her face in my chest. Her shoulders shook, and her fingers clutched my shirt like a lifeline.

  I held her close, gently rubbing circles into her back. “Hey, six months ago, I was happy just sitting on my couch eating popcorn. Now I wake up next to three amazing women who keep me grounded and drive me crazy at the same time. And that’s not a complaint.”

  She let out a quiet, hiccuping laugh between her sniffles. “What’s popcorn?”

  I smiled. “It’s a snack. Crunchy, soft, salty, or sweet. I like it with sugar and cinnamon. I’ll make you some soon.”

  She peeked up at me, her eyes still watery but brighter. “You’re weird.”

  “Yeah. But I’m your weird one. Gods, I’m all three of your weird. And I’m not going anywhere, Marlena. I’d never hurt you. Never leave you behind.”

  She leaned up and kissed my cheek, then rested her head against me again, quieter now.

  I waited a few moments before I teased, “Now, let’s take another look at that status panel of yours. We might be able to figure out why you’ve got a gold ring between your beautiful breasts instead of on your finger.”

  She let out a long sigh and shook her head, the corners of her mouth twitching into a smile despite herself. With a flick of her fingers, the soft-blue glow of her status panel filled the space between us.

  [Marlena Robertson (Velan)]

  Race:   Human

  Status:   Married (David Robertson)

  Age:    23

  Title:   Countess of Brakenreach

  Mage

  Class:   Mage

  Affinity: Water (Primary)

  Secondary Affinity: Unknown [Dormant]

  Attributes:

  Strength: 17

  Intelligence: 20

  Wisdom:   17

  Agility:  18

  Charisma:  18

  Vital Stats:

  HP:    120 / 120

  MP:    300 / 300

  SP:    110 / 110

  Skills:

  Counterspell lvl 3

  Archane Ward lvl 5

  Archane Writing lvl 4

  “I have two affinities?” Marlena blinked at the glowing screen.

  “Is that normal?” I said, studying it.

  She nodded slowly. “No. You’re either water, fire, or earth, or some deviant. Never more than one.”

  “I guess we’ll have to find out what’s going on,” I said. “Allyson?”

  The golem stepped forward, her voice as flat and steady as ever. “No known records exist of a mage possessing more than one elemental affinity, Master. The Tower system has noted this anomaly for further observation.”

  “Anomaly?” Marlena echoed, glancing down at herself. “That’s not comforting.”

  I squeezed her hand. “It’s not something to be afraid of. If it’s new, it just means you’re special. And we’ll figure it out together.”

  She nodded again, calmer now, but with that fire in her eyes, curiosity awakening beneath the fear.

  “You’re not alone, Marlena,” I said. “Not in anything. But,” I patted her thigh. “I have to finish that disruptor. If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the workshop.” I kissed the mage on her head and stepped into the workshop.

  Seraphina tightened her robe's belt as she tiptoed into the kitchen. The aroma of tea and fresh bread softly filled the air. Allyson and the other house staff quietly moved around, setting the table, drying dishes, and preparing for the day. But David was missing.

  “Allyson,” Seraphina asked, her voice calm yet firm. “Where is David?”

  “The Master is in his workshop,” the golem replied.

  “All night?”

  “Yes, ma’am. He entered the room shortly after the others went to rest and has not emerged since.”

  Seraphina exhaled sharply. Her bare feet padded across the cool floor toward the workshop. She stopped in front of the sealed door, dark grey, runed at the edges, and utterly still.

  She tried the handle. It didn’t budge.

  “Why is this locked?” she asked, voice rising.

  “That door may only be opened by the Master. It is Tower protocol,” Allyson responded from behind her.

  “Allyson.”

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Why?”

  “That was the protocol set by the previous masters. It ensures project integrity…”

  “Allyson, open this door. Now.”

  “That is not…”

  “Allyson,” Seraphina snapped, spinning to face her. Her emerald eyes burned with intensity. “Open this door.”

  The golem’s posture stiffened, eyes dimming as if processing more than a simple command. In that moment, something passed through her an unfamiliar recognition. Seraphina wasn’t just another consort to the Tower Master. She didn’t accept boundaries. She loved David. Fiercely. Protectively. It was something the previous masters never had.

  Allyson tilted her head slightly. “Understood.”

  With a low hum, the workshop door clicked and slid open. Seraphina didn’t hesitate. She stepped inside, already anxious about what she might find.

  The glow from the workshop crystals lit the room with a pale blue hue. Tools and gears were scattered across the workbenches. And there, hunched over the disrupter frame, with trembling hands and shoulders tense from exhaustion, was David.

  His back rose and fell in uneven breaths. He gritted his teeth as he tried to tighten a coupling. The wrench clattered to the floor.

  “David…” she whispered, rushing to his side.

  He didn’t look at her. “Have to finish,” he muttered. His eyes were bloodshot, unfocused.

  “No,” she said firmly. “Not like this.”

  “I have to before we move north. I have to…”

  “David,” she knelt beside him and took his face in her hands. “You’re not doing this alone. You’ve done enough for today.”

  His fingers twitched. His body shook. But he didn’t fight her when she gently pulled him away from the bench. She led him out of the room, step by slow step.

  Back in the common space, she lowered him to the couch and sat beside him, letting his head rest in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair, soothing him as his breathing began to slow.

  “Allyson,” she called without turning. “Get a blanket for David. And one more thing.”

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “That door. Never lock it for me again.”

  The pause was quick. “It will never be locked again, My lady.”

  One of the house staff quietly moved across the room and placed a thick, woolen blanket over David’s body. He mumbled something incoherent and shifted slightly, curling up against her.

  Seraphina looked down at him, her expression soft but laced with quiet steel.

  “Allyson,” she said finally, “wake us in four hours. No sooner.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Seraphina leaned back and closed her eyes, one hand still gently brushing through David’s hair as the tower settled into quiet.

  I woke to the familiar softness of the couch cushions beneath me and the even more familiar warmth of Seraphina’s lap under my head. How many times had this happened now? Too many. Maybe not enough.

  When I opened my eyes, I found her looking down at me, that same worried smile tugging at her lips as her fingers slowly combed through my hair.

  “My love,” she whispered, “you’re awake.”

  I blinked up at her, confusion swimming behind my eyes. “I thought I was in the workshop…”

  “You were,” she said softly at first. “And then you weren’t. David, you’re an idiot. You nearly pushed yourself to the brink of exhaustion. I brought you here.”

  I pushed myself upright with a groan, every muscle tight, my head throbbing from pushing past the limit. “These damn all-nighters…”

  “I know.” She moved closer and wrapped her arms around me. “Don’t do that again. You worried me.”

  I didn’t argue. I returned her embrace and leaned into her for a moment longer. No words could ease the guilt in her eyes, but the warmth of her hug made keeping the promise easier.

  When I finally stood, I looked toward the kitchen. Marlena and Allira were sitting at the table, drinking tea and whispering. Seeing them like that, comfortable, laughing, gave me just enough energy to keep going.

  I stole a piece of bread and a slice of cheese from the counter. My stomach growled in approval.

  “Back to it?” Seraphina asked.

  “Yeah,” I nodded, rubbing my eyes. “Time to finish that damn thing. I love you.”

  “I know.”

  She smiled, but worry still lingered in her eyes. I gave her one last kiss on the forehead before turning toward the workshop. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I swore I’d heard that line in a galaxy far, far away, but it fit. The door was now open, just as it should have been from the start. I stepped back into the quiet hum of the forge lights and the smell of oil and steel. Now, let’s see this through.

  It only took a few hours to finish the disruptor. I must have been closer than I realized before I blacked out. The pieces practically snapped into place, as if they had been waiting for my return. Every bolt was tightened. Every rune was carved. It was complete, signaling a series of notifications.

  [Ding]

  [Quest Completed]

  [Gate Disrupter Created]

  5,000 Class XP Given

  Are you ready to put a whammy on something?

  [Ding]

  [New Quest]

  [Close the Rift]

  25,000 Class XP upon completion

  Let’s go and kick some rift.

  I shook my head, waiting for the echoes to die down. Someday, I want to meet the person behind that feminine voice. It’s strange how the voices in your head always seem sexy. Coincidence? Probably not. The thought stayed with me as I stepped out of the workshop.

  Mark was already in the kitchen, halfway through something flaky and sweet, crumbs dusting his shirt like snow. I still had no idea where he packed all the food he ate.

  “David!” he grinned through a mouthful. “Heard you needed a runner, so here I am.”

  “Good morning, Mark.”

  He laughed. “Morning? It’s afternoon.”

  I looked around, and sure enough, everyone was awake and bustling. The air was light, even relaxed. Smiles were present where I didn’t always expect them. It felt good.

  Mark finished his tea, wiped his hands on his pants, and stood. “So, boss, what’s first?”

  “Simple task. Go to the Guildmaster and tell him the disrupter is finished.”

  “Can I see it?”

  “Sure, sure.” I motioned for him to follow and led him into the workshop.

  There, on the workbench, sat the device about the size of a thick wine bottle, mounted on a rotating base etched with fine markings. A single clear crystal topped the cylinder, catching the light and throwing faint patterns onto the walls.

  “That’s it?” Mark said, squinting at it. “Doesn’t look like much.”

  I chuckled. “No, it doesn’t. It was hell to build, though.”

  From a drawer, I pulled out a handful of coins and dropped them into his hand.

  “Would you get some pastries from the shop when you hear back from the Guildmaster. Bring ‘em back to Misty at the front.”

  He was already smiling when I handed him more.

  “You still seeing Mira?”

  “Oh yeah,” he grinned. “Sweet girl. And those hips…” He started doing this exaggerated see-saw motion with his hands.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Here,” I said, tossing him another small pouch. “Take her out after. My treat.”

  “Are you serious?” he asked, blinking.

  “Yeah. You’ve earned it.”

  I escorted him out of the shop with a pat on the shoulder. “Tell the Guildmaster I’ll be ready to move out tomorrow morning.”

  As I turned toward the bedroom, Seraphina appeared beside me, looping her arm into mine and guiding me along, probably because I was about to collapse, which wasn’t far off.

  Over her shoulder, I caught a glimpse of Allira stepping outside with Mark, probably off to make sure he didn’t get distracted chasing butterflies.

  I needed a bath. My clothes clung to me with sweat. My bones felt like they were grinding together. Tired didn’t even begin to cover it.

  “Come on, my love,” Seraphina whispered as she took my arm. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” I wasn’t going to protest.