The warnings had been clear.
And completely ignored.
Nyxian and Jax had both tried—carefully at first, then more directly—but it had only made things worse. If anything, Velmora and Seralya Nightveil had become more curious.
More intrigued.
More determined.
The decision was made.
The wedding would take place in three days.
The first night—their arrival—would be treated as normal. Rooms were provided within the Nightveil estate, and to Nyxian's mild surprise, her mother had no objections to the Vixens and Jax sharing quarters.
The second night… would be the ritual.
A test.
A tradition.
Jax would be required to earn the blessing of the Nightveil family.
The third day would be preparation. Pampering. Ceremony.
And then marriage.
The First Night
The mansion was alive.
Elegant. Decadent.
And loud.
The Vixens had originally wanted to stay at the inn.
They didn't get that choice.
By midnight, it was obvious why.
The walls carried sound far too well.
Echoes of pleasure and indulgence drifted through the estate like music. It wasn't unfamiliar to Nyxian—but in this setting, surrounded by others, it felt… different.
Unavoidable.
Velmora Nightveil lay in her bed, staring at the empty space beside her.
Her husband was away—returning tomorrow.
Normally, she wouldn't care.
Tonight, she did.
The sounds that filled the mansion weren't new… but something about them held her attention. The intensity. The endurance.
Hours.
Her fingers traced idly across the sheets as she listened.
Nyxian warned me…
A small smile touched her lips and not on her mouth.
…and yet…
Elsewhere, Seralya lay beside her husband in a modest chamber.
The room was smaller. Temporary.
A quiet reminder of where they stood compared to the rest of the family.
Her husband shifted beside her, already trying to ignore the noise.
She couldn't.
Not tonight.
Because then—
They heard it.
A voice.
Clear.
Distinct.
Nyxian.
Seralya froze.
Her husband stilled beside her, saying nothing—but he heard it too.
Nyxian's voice carried through the walls, filled with raw emotion, intensity, something completely unrestrained.
Not subtle.
Not reserved.
Not anything Seralya had ever heard from herself before.
Vel heard it too.
Different room.
Same realization.
And in that moment…
Both women came to the same conclusion.
They needed to see for themselves.
Morning – The Breaking Point
The next morning was… strange.
Jax was already awake.
Not just awake—working.
He stood in the kitchen alongside the staff, sleeves rolled up, completely at ease as he cooked. The staff moved around him uncertainly at first.
Until they realized—
He wasn't directing them.
He was helping them.
Cooking with them.
By the time the Vixens began to filter in, the smell had already taken over the room.
Warm. Inviting.
Jax turned slightly, smiling.
"Morning. Breakfast is ready."
On the table sat something unfamiliar.
Bread, with a hole cut in the center. An egg cooked perfectly inside.
"Back where I'm from," Jax said casually, "we call it a one-eyed Susan."
Jam. Butter. Plates already set. Meat on the side.
But the food wasn't what everyone noticed.
It was Vel.
And Sera.
Their eyes followed Jax constantly.
Every movement.
Every word.
Every gesture.
Jax… didn't notice.
The Vixens did.
Then another presence entered.
Quietly.
Sera's husband.
He hesitated near the doorway before stepping in fully—an incubus by nature, but lacking the overwhelming presence common to his kind. His posture was reserved. Careful.
Measured.
"Ah… good morning," he said, offering a polite nod.
His eyes landed on the food.
Then Jax.
"…this smells incredible."
Jax smiled immediately.
"Grab a plate. Plenty to go around."
He did.
Slowly.
Carefully.
After taking a bite, his expression genuinely shifted.
"…this is… very good."
There was no exaggeration. No politeness.
Just honesty.
He stepped closer to Jax and extended his hand.
"I don't believe we've formally met. I'm Seralya's husband."
A brief pause.
"I've… heard quite a bit about you. Jax Darquebane."
Jax shook his hand casually.
"All good things, I hope."
The man gave a small, almost awkward smile.
"…impressive things."
Sera watched the interaction.
But her eyes kept drifting back.
To Jax.
The Vixens noticed.
Again.
They all ate.
And the food was excellent.
Far better than expected.
But the atmosphere…
Was shifting.
Especially when Sera spoke.
Casually.
Far too casually.
"We'll be busy tonight," she said, taking another bite. "The ritual."
A pause.
She glanced at Jax.
Then back to her plate.
"I'll be joining that as well."
Silence.
Her husband's hand stopped mid-motion.
Just for a second.
Then continued.
He took another bite.
Swallowed.
"…of course," he said quietly.
His tone was controlled.
Accepting.
But not comfortable.
Jax, completely unaware of the weight of that moment, just nodded.
"Sounds like a packed evening."
Vel watched everything.
Closely.
Breakfast moved forward.
But the tension never left.
Jax eventually stood, carrying extra plates toward the staff.
"Take this to them," he said. "Let them know we appreciate them."
The staff hesitated—then nodded, clearly surprised.
Jax sat down last.
Now the only one still eating.
"What's on the agenda today?" he asked. "I know we've got the wedding in three days."
The table shifted.
Eyes turned.
To Vel.
She didn't hesitate.
"We proceed with the ritual tonight."
The air tightened instantly.
"I suggest you spend today preparing," she continued. "Rest. Focus."
Her gaze lingered.
"Bring your best."
Nyxian's shoulders dropped slightly.
She mouthed silently to the others:
I'm sorry.
Jax blinked.
Then shrugged.
"Yeah, I'm not worried about that."
Silence.
"I just wanted to make sure we didn't have plans," he added. "I'd like to walk around town. Talk business."
Vel and Sera stared at him.
Lexi perked up immediately.
"I'd love to go."
"Glad to have you," Jax said.
Then he turned to Vel.
"Would you mind showing us around?"
Nyxian stood immediately.
"I'm going too."
Sera followed.
"Of course."
"More the merrier," Jax said. "But I am planning to work. I don't want to bore anyone."
He smiled lightly.
"Vel, I'd just appreciate an introduction or two."
Vel leaned back slightly.
"I'd be very interested in seeing you in action."
A pause.
"Before tonight's."
Nyxian's expression darkened.
It wasn't jealousy.
Not the kind people expected.
But this…
This was her mother.
Her sister.
"I'm sorry Father can't satisfy you," Nyxian said coldly, finishing her meal, "so you have to look to my husband."
Vel's eyes snapped to her.
Sharp. Dangerous.
Nyxian didn't look away.
Jax stepped in carefully.
"If this is a problem," he said, "we can get married elsewhere. Or not at all."
He looked at Nyxian.
"I already consider you my wife."
That didn't help.
Nyxian turned to him—angry.
Then back to her mother.
Sera watched both.
Her husband stayed quiet.
Watching everything.
A silent standoff.
Finally—
Nyxian spoke.
"Whatever happens… happens."
A pause.
"I want the blessing."
Jax clapped his hands once, breaking the tension.
"Well then," he said, "any issues leaving in an hour?"
The tension cracked.
Just enough.
Agreement followed.
In one hour…
They would walk the city.
Make deals.
Talk business.
And by nightfall…
Everything would change.