Jax woke to the soft sound of a door closing.
He opened his eyes just in time to see a familiar figure slipping out of the bedroom.
Dark red hair. Comfortable pajamas. Bare feet.
Nyxian.
He glanced toward the window. Dawn was only beginning to brighten the sky over Moondrip.
She's up early.
That alone was unusual.
Normally, Nyxian considered waking up an unfortunate interruption to whatever she had planned for him the night before. She was perfectly capable of sleeping until noon, provided she had someone interesting to sleep on.
Today, however, was different.
Today, Nyxian Nightveil was getting married.
Again, technically.
Jax smiled at the thought.
He dressed quietly, careful not to disturb the other Vixens, and headed downstairs.
He found Nyxian sitting at the kitchen table, her legs tucked beneath her, staring thoughtfully into an empty cup.
"Morning, beautiful."
She looked up.
"Morning, beloved."
Jax approached and kissed her forehead.
"Should I eat somewhere else?"
Nyxian blinked.
"Why would you do that?"
"Well, there's that tradition about the groom not seeing his bride before the wedding. Corwin seemed pretty concerned about it last night. I wouldn't want to ruin our luck."
Nyxian smiled.
"Darling, if luck had anything to do with my life, it certainly wouldn't have arranged for me to discover a naked human bathing in a lake a year ago."
Jax chuckled.
"Fair point."
"Destiny brought us together, beloved. Not luck. Seeing me before our wedding isn't going to change our future."
She reached for his hand.
"Besides, if something as insignificant as breakfast could ruin our marriage, I would be terribly disappointed in both of us."
Jax laughed and kissed her.
"Well, in that case, what would you like for breakfast? Anything you want."
"Anything?"
"Dragon steak and eggs? Cheesecake French toast with fruit toppings arranged into a smiley face? The kind you pretend is childish but secretly love?"
Nyxian smiled.
It was a beautiful smile.
But something about it made Jax pause.
She looked happy. Content. Almost serene.
And that was what concerned him.
Nyxian was many things. Beautiful, affectionate, mischievous, occasionally outrageous, and almost always plotting something.
Serene was rarely among them.
He knew she wasn't having second thoughts. She loved him, and she'd been looking forward to this wedding since the day they'd agreed to it.
But today was important.
Not because of the ceremony itself. Nyxian loved attention, and a wedding in front of half of Moondrip was practically her idea of a relaxing afternoon.
It was important because this was her family. Her home. Her people.
And today she would leave behind the name she'd carried her entire life.
Jax squeezed her hand.
"How about that French toast?"
"Would you mind going out to the carriage and getting some of that special coffee?"
"The cappuccino?"
"Yes! Extra sugar. Extra cream."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"So you want a little coffee in your sugar-and-cream drink?"
Nyxian nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, please."
He laughed.
"Coming right up."
Jax turned toward the door.
A hand playfully grabbed his backside.
He stopped.
Slowly, he looked over his shoulder.
Nyxian smiled innocently.
"What?"
"Nothing," Jax replied. "Just checking."
"Checking what?"
"That my bride hasn't been replaced by some suspiciously well-behaved impostor."
Her smile turned wicked.
"Oh, beloved. I haven't even started misbehaving today."
"It is just now dawn, so I guess you have time."
Nyxian blew him a kiss.
Jax headed toward the carriage, smiling to himself.
She was nervous.
A little quieter than usual.
But she was still Nyxian.
And he wouldn't have her any other way.
By midmorning, the Nightveil estate had become a battlefield of flowers, fabric, and increasingly urgent instructions.
Corwin directed the household staff with the calm efficiency of a general preparing for war.
Florists carried arrangements toward the gardens. Musicians rehearsed beneath the covered pavilion. Servants hurried between the kitchens and reception area, ensuring that everything was ready.
The Nightveil Gardens had been transformed.
Flowers in shades of crimson, violet, and white lined the stone pathways. Delicate lanterns hung from the branches of ornamental trees, waiting for evening. At the far end of the gardens stood a beautifully decorated arch, beneath which Jax and Nyxian would exchange their vows.
Velmora had spared no expense.
And judging by the number of people rushing around, she had spared no employees, either.
Upstairs, Nyxian stood before a full-length mirror while two attendants made the final adjustments to her wedding dress.
The gown was magnificent.
Its elegant silhouette complemented her figure, while delicate embroidery shimmered along the fabric whenever she moved. The design was sophisticated without being overly traditional, beautiful without concealing the personality of the woman wearing it.
Nyxian turned slightly.
"Well?"
Pixelle hovered nearby in her human-sized form, studying the dress with exaggerated seriousness.
"I think Jax is going to forget how to speak."
Bunny nodded.
"He might forget how to breathe."
"That would be inconvenient," Zee observed. "I'd have to heal him before the ceremony."
Llandra smiled.
"I suspect he'll manage."
Lexi clasped her hands.
"Nyxian, you look beautiful."
Nyxian beamed.
"Of course I do."
"There's our modest little bride," Sera said from the doorway.
Nyxian turned.
"Sera!"
Her sister entered wearing her Matron of Honor dress.
For a moment, the two simply looked at one another.
Then Nyxian smiled.
"You look wonderful."
"So do you."
Sera approached and carefully adjusted a small detail near Nyxian's shoulder.
"Are you nervous?"
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
"Absolutely not."
Sera raised an eyebrow.
Nyxian held her gaze.
Then sighed.
"Maybe a little."
Sera smiled.
"That's perfectly normal."
"I know. It's just..."
Nyxian looked toward the mirror.
"I've never wanted something quite like this before."
Sera's expression softened.
"I know."
"And now it's actually happening."
"Yes, little sister. It is."
Nyxian took a breath.
Then grinned.
"Also, this dress is considerably more difficult to remove than I anticipated."
"Nyxian!"
"What? It's an important consideration!"
The room erupted in laughter.
A moment later, Velmora entered.
She stopped just inside the doorway.
For once, the elegant Nightveil matriarch had nothing to say.
Nyxian turned toward her.
"Mother?"
Velmora approached slowly.
"Oh, darling."
She took her daughter's hands and stepped back to admire her.
"Look at you."
Nyxian smiled.
"I know. I'm spectacular."
Velmora laughed softly.
"Yes, sweetheart. You are."
She reached up and straightened a strand of dark red hair.
"I've never seen you quite like this."
"Beautiful?"
"Happy."
Nyxian's smile softened.
Velmora studied her daughter.
"You know, for years I wondered whether you would ever find someone who truly understood you."
"Mother..."
"Someone who wouldn't try to make you quieter. More respectable. More conventional."
Nyxian wrinkled her nose.
"That sounds dreadful."
"It does, doesn't it?"
Velmora smiled.
"And then you brought home a human who somehow manages to encourage your worst behavior while making you happier than I've ever seen you."
Nyxian laughed.
"He's very talented."
"So I've heard."
"Mother!"
The other Vixens burst out laughing.
Velmora embraced her daughter.
"I'm proud of you, Nyxian."
Nyxian hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Mother."
For a few seconds, neither spoke.
Then Nyxian leaned closer. Sometimes, a mother's embrace is all a daughter needed on her wedding day.
Across the estate, Jax stood before a mirror, adjusting the collar of his formal attire.
His wedding clothes were elegant, tailored to his frame, and considerably more elaborate than anything he'd have chosen for himself.
He studied his reflection.
"Well, at least nobody put me in a crown."
A voice behind him chuckled.
"There's still time."
Jax turned.
Rikard Nightveil stood in the doorway, dressed in his finest ceremonial attire.
"Afternoon, Rikard."
"Jax, my boy."
Rikard approached, looking considerably more sober than he had the previous evening. But not without some slow movements.
"How's the head?"
"Perfectly fine."
"Show-off."
Jax laughed.
Rikard studied him for a moment.
"Big day."
"That it is."
"My little girl is getting married."
"She certainly is."
Rikard smiled.
"You know, when Nyxian was young, I used to worry about the person she'd eventually marry."
Jax grinned.
"Because she'd drive them insane?"
"Oh, no. That is inevitable."
They both laughed.
Rikard's expression grew thoughtful.
"I worried she'd find someone who tried to change her."
Jax listened.
"Nyxian has always been... Nyxian. Even as a child, she could turn a perfectly ordinary afternoon into an event that required three servants, a physician, and an explanation to the neighbors."
"Sounds about right."
"Some people saw that as a problem."
Rikard shook his head.
"I never did. She's got her mother's fire, but there's something entirely her own about the way she sees the world."
He placed a hand on Jax's shoulder.
"I'm glad she found someone who sees that, too."
Jax smiled.
"I wouldn't change her for anything."
"I know."
Rikard squeezed his shoulder.
"That's why I'm happy you're marrying my daughter."
For a moment, the two men stood quietly.
Then Rikard cleared his throat.
"Of course, if she drives you completely mad, you're welcome to come drink with Josric and me."
Jax laughed.
"After yesterday, I'm not sure that's the solution you think it is."
"Fair point, but any excuse to drink the liquor you brought, is alright by me."
The ceremony began beneath a clear afternoon sky.
The Nightveil Gardens were filled with guests.
Succubi, incubi, demonkin nobles, merchants, family friends, and countless others had gathered to witness the marriage of Nyxian Nightveil and Jax Darquebane.
Music drifted through the gardens as the wedding party took their places.
Jax stood beneath the decorated arch, watching the procession approach.
The Vixens entered first, each wearing the beautiful dresses prepared for the occasion.
Llandra walked with her usual quiet elegance. Zee offered Jax a reassuring smile. Bunny looked delighted by everything around her. Pixelle and Lexi followed, both looking thoroughly pleased with themselves.
Seralya came last, taking her place as Matron of Honor.
Then the music changed.
The guests rose.
Jax turned toward the entrance.
And forgot everything else.
Nyxian appeared at the far end of the garden, her hand resting on Rikard's arm.
Her dark red hair framed her face beautifully. Her dress caught the afternoon light, shimmering with every step.
She was smiling.
Not her usual wicked grin.
Not the mischievous smile that generally meant someone was about to become the victim of a very elaborate joke.
This was something different.
Pure happiness.
And it was directed entirely at him.
Jax stood motionless.
Across from him, Zee quietly cleared her throat.
"Jax."
He blinked.
"What?"
"Close your mouth."
A few nearby guests chuckled.
Jax smiled.
"Right."
Nyxian had noticed.
Of course she had.
Her smile widened.
When she finally reached him, Rikard placed her hand in Jax's.
"Take good care of my little girl."
Jax looked at him.
"Always."
Rikard nodded, kissed his daughter's cheek, and stepped away.
Nyxian moved closer.
"Beloved."
"Beautiful."
She leaned toward him.
"You were staring."
"Still am."
"Good."
The officiant cleared his throat.
Nyxian glanced toward him.
"Oh, yes. We're supposed to do something first."
The guests laughed.
The ceremony continued.
There were words about commitment, loyalty, and the joining of two lives.
Promises made before family and friends.
And when the time came for their vows, Jax took Nyxian's hands.
"Nyxian, from the day we met, you've managed to surprise me almost every time I turn around."
Several guests chuckled.
"You've made me laugh, challenged me, and occasionally made me wonder whether I should be worried about whatever you're planning next."
Nyxian grinned.
"You still should."
Jax smiled.
"But you've also given me something I never expected. Someone who loves life so completely that she reminds everyone around her to enjoy it, too."
Her expression softened.
"I love your courage. Your kindness. Your ridiculous sense of humor. And yes, even your talent for causing trouble."
"Especially that part," Pixelle whispered.
Jax continued.
"I promise to stand beside you, support your dreams, and never ask you to become someone you're not."
He squeezed her hands.
"Because the woman standing in front of me is exactly the woman I want to spend my life with."
Nyxian blinked rapidly.
For once, she didn't have a clever response.
The officiant turned toward her.
"Lady Nyxian?"
She took a breath.
"Right."
A few guests laughed softly.
Nyxian looked into Jax's eyes.
"Beloved, when I met you, I thought you were the most fascinating man I'd ever seen."
She paused.
"Admittedly, you weren't wearing any clothes at the time."
The gardens erupted in laughter.
Rikard covered his face.
Velmora looked delighted.
Jax shook his head, smiling.
"Of course you went there."
Nyxian grinned.
"But then I got to know you."
Her voice softened.
"And I discovered that the most remarkable thing about you wasn't your strength, or your insane abilities, or even the impossible things you seem to accomplish on a daily basis."
She squeezed his hands.
"It was the way you made ME feel."
Jax listened quietly.
"You never asked me to be less than I am. You never treated me like something dangerous that needed to be controlled."
She smiled.
"You looked at me, saw all the chaos, and somehow decided you wanted more of it."
"Still do."
Her eyes glistened.
"I promise to love you, stand beside you, defend you, and make certain you never have a boring day for the rest of your life."
Jax laughed.
"That last part sounds suspiciously like a threat."
"It's a promise, beloved."
The officiant smiled.
The final words were spoken.
The vows were accepted.
And at last, the officiant announced that Jax and Nyxian were husband and wife.
"You may kiss your bride."
Nyxian didn't wait.
She threw her arms around Jax's neck and kissed him.
The gardens erupted in applause.
She then jumped into him, wrapping her legs around him, going for an even deeper, more passionate kiss.
Some of the wedding guests were shocked at the antics.
Zee, "That's our Nyxian."
When they finally separated, Nyxian looked absolutely triumphant.
"Mine."
Jax laughed.
She turned toward the cheering guests, raised their joined hands, and shouted:
"NYXIAN DARQUEBANE!"
The applause grew louder.
The reception began almost immediately.
Music filled the gardens. Tables overflowed with food, wine, Pixie Mead, and Fairy Cider. Guests moved between the dance floor and beautifully decorated dining areas while servants ensured that nobody's glass remained empty for long.
Nyxian was in her element.
She greeted guests, accepted compliments, laughed at jokes, and displayed her new husband with the pride of someone who had just acquired the most valuable treasure in the world.
Unfortunately, she also wanted to take that treasure somewhere considerably more private.
Her first attempt came shortly after the reception began.
"Beloved?"
Jax turned.
"Yes?"
Nyxian leaned close.
"Would you like to christen our wedding?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"We just had the ceremony."
"So?"
Jax glanced around the garden.
"Sweetheart, there are hundreds of succubi at this reception."
"Yes?"
"Do you honestly think we'd get away with something like that?"
Nyxian considered that.
Then smiled.
"Probably not."
"Exactly."
"But wouldn't it be fun to try?"
Jax laughed.
"Later."
She sighed dramatically.
"You're a terribly difficult husband."
"And you will have your entire life to try to change me."
A short while later, the musicians announced the father-daughter dance.
Rikard approached Nyxian and offered his hand.
"May I have this dance, sweetheart?"
Nyxian smiled.
"Of course, Father."
Jax stepped aside as Rikard escorted his daughter onto the dance floor.
The music softened.
For a while, they simply danced.
Rikard looked down at his daughter with unmistakable pride.
"You look beautiful, Nyx."
"Thank you, Father."
"And I'm proud of you."
She smiled.
"Oh, Father. You're going to make me cry."
"I mean it. You've become such an extraordinary woman. So much like your mother, it's almost frightening."
Nyxian winced.
Fortunately, Rikard was too busy smiling to notice.
"But you're also entirely yourself. Always have been."
Nyxian looked up at him.
"Even when I was causing trouble?"
"Especially then."
He chuckled.
"Sweetheart, you once convinced the kitchen staff that the pantry was haunted."
"It was very convincing."
"You hired an illusionist."
"And he was excellent."
Rikard laughed.
Then his expression softened.
"You know what I've learned, Nyx? The world needs people like you."
She listened.
"People who aren't afraid to question things. People who refuse to accept that something must remain the way it's always been simply because that's how it's always been done."
He squeezed her hand.
"You have a gift, sweetheart. You walk into people's lives and change them. Sometimes you cause chaos. Sometimes you fix things nobody else even realized were broken."
Nyxian smiled faintly.
"But the people who truly know you are better because you're in their lives."
Her eyes began to glisten.
"Father..."
"Never stop being yourself, Nyx. That's the woman Jax fell in love with."
He kissed her forehead.
"And that's the daughter I've always been proud of."
Nyxian wrapped her arms around him.
"I love you, Father."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
The music continued as they held one another.
And for once, Nyxian had absolutely nothing inappropriate to say.
When the dance ended, Velmora approached Jax.
"Lord Darquebane."
"It's actually King Darquebane," Pixelle corrected.
"My correction, your Majesty," as she bowed.
Jax smiled, while shaking his head.
"Lady Nightveil."
She extended her hand.
"Would you care to dance with your mother-in-law?"
"I'd be honored."
He escorted her onto the dance floor.
Velmora moved with effortless elegance, perfectly comfortable beneath the attention of the assembled guests.
For a few moments, they danced in companionable silence.
Then Velmora smiled.
"You've made my daughter very happy."
"She's made me happy, too."
"I know."
She studied him.
"Nyxian has always been a handful."
"That's one way to describe her."
Velmora laughed.
"And yet you seem remarkably comfortable with it."
"She's never boring."
"No. She certainly isn't."
Velmora's expression softened.
"Thank you, Jax."
He looked at her.
"For what?"
"For being the person she needed, even if you aren't the one she thought she wanted."
Jax smiled.
"I think you have it wrong. I think I'm the one that needed Nyxian in my life. She's the one who's blessed me."
Vel paused the dance. The music continued, but Velmora just stared at Jax intensely. His eyes told her, he was telling the truth. This man lived for her daughter. And she had already seen in her eyes, that she lived for his.
She composed herself and stepped backwards.
"Good."
The music ended.
Jax bowed politely.
"Thank you for the dance."
"The pleasure was mine."
He turned to leave.
A hand firmly squeezed his backside.
Jax stopped.
Slowly, he looked over his shoulder.
Velmora smiled with perfect innocence.
"What?"
Jax shook his head and laughed.
Twice today.
First the daughter. Now the mother.
Apparently, it runs in the family.
Velmora returned to Rikard, looking entirely pleased with herself.
By the time the next round of speeches began, Nyxian had decided that weddings involved an unreasonable amount of waiting.
She approached Jax and took his hand.
"Beloved."
"Yes, beautiful?"
"I have a problem."
"What's that?"
"My dress."
Jax glanced at it.
"Looks fine to me."
"Something is terribly wrong with it."
"Really? What is it?"
"It is still on me."
She smiled seductively.
"Somewhere private, now!"
Jax stared at her.
Nyxian stared back.
"You're not even trying anymore, are you?"
"Trying what?"
"To be subtle."
"Darling, subtlety is for people who lack imagination."
He laughed.
"After the speeches."
Nyxian groaned.
"How many speeches?"
"Two, I think."
"Two?"
"Possibly three."
She looked genuinely horrified.
"Beloved, that's cruel."
Jax kissed her forehead.
"You'll survive."
"Any longer, and I'll spontaneously combust."
From a nearby table, Pixelle watched the exchange.
"How long do you think she'll last?"
Llandra sipped her drink.
"Not long."
Bunny grinned.
"I'm surprised she's made it this far, to tell you the truth."
Zee smiled.
"Jax is enjoying this entirely too much."
Pixelle laughed.
The final speech concluded as the evening lanterns began illuminating the gardens.
Jax stood beside Nyxian, watching the guests applaud.
His bride had been unusually quiet for the last several minutes.
He glanced toward her.
She was staring at him.
Not blinking.
Not smiling.
Just staring.
Then he looked around the reception.
The music was playing. The guests were happy. Velmora and Rikard were dancing together, while Sera and Josric laughed with friends nearby.
Everything had gone beautifully.
And there was absolutely no reason to keep his bride waiting any longer.
Jax took her hand.
"Come on."
Nyxian blinked.
"Where?"
He leaned closer.
"Somewhere private."
For the first time all evening, Nyxian seemed genuinely surprised.
Then her face lit up.
"Really?"
"Really."
She grabbed his hand with both of hers.
"EVERYONE!"
Several nearby conversations stopped.
Jax closed his eyes.
Here we go.
Nyxian raised their joined hands.
"MY HUSBAND IS TAKING ME AWAY!"
The garden erupted in laughter and applause.
Velmora raised her glass.
"Try not to destroy the guesthouse, darling!"
Nyxian grinned.
"Jax is rich!"
Jax laughed as his bride practically dragged him toward the exit.
Behind them, Pixelle called out:
"Remember! We want details!"
Zee covered her face.
"Pixelle!" She pulled her in close and whispered. "We have iPoints. We get the scene by scene replay."
"Oh, Yeah! Like at Zee's."
She looked at Zee, who was shaking her head.
"Such an invasion of privacy."
"Anyone grab snacks?" Pixelle inquired.
Llandra simply shook her head.
Bunny waved enthusiastically bye to the married couple, oblivious to the conversations behind her.
"Have fun!"
Nyxian didn't look back.
She had waited long enough.
The guesthouse stood on a secluded portion of the Nightveil estate, surrounded by flowering trees and softly glowing lanterns.
It was a beautiful little residence, complete with a private kitchen, comfortable living room, and an upstairs bedroom prepared especially for the newlyweds.
Velmora had arranged everything.
Fresh flowers decorated the tables. A chilled bottle of Fairy Cider waited beside two glasses. The windows overlooked a quiet garden, and the entire house offered the privacy Nyxian had been requesting since the reception began.
They reached the front door.
Jax stopped.
Nyxian looked at him.
"Beloved?"
"One more tradition."
She narrowed her eyes.
"If this involves another speech, I may actually bite you."
Jax laughed.
"Nothing like that."
He swept her into his arms.
Nyxian squealed in surprise.
"Jax!"
He smiled.
"Where I come from, there's a tradition. The groom carries his bride across the threshold of their new home."
Nyxian looked at him.
Then at the doorway.
Then back at him.
Her expression softened.
"Oh, beloved."
Jax carried her inside.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Darquebane."
Nyxian wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I like that."
"Being carried?"
"That too."
She kissed him.
"Mrs. Darquebane."
Jax smiled.
"Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?"
"It sounds wonderful."
For a moment, she simply held him.
Then her familiar grin returned.
"Now, beloved..."
"Yes?"
"Would you kindly put me down?"
"Of course."
He lowered her gently to the floor.
Nyxian looked around the beautiful guesthouse.
The flowers.
The candles.
The carefully arranged furniture.
The immaculate decorations.
She smiled.
"Mother really did think of everything."
"Looks like it."
"Such a shame."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"What's a shame?"
Nyxian reached for him.
"That we're about to ruin all her hard work."
Jax laughed.
And the guesthouse's peaceful evening came to an abrupt end.
The first casualty was a lamp.
It had stood innocently on a small table near the entrance, minding its own business.
Unfortunately, it had been placed in a particularly inconvenient location.
There was a startled laugh, a muffled thump, and the unmistakable sound of something expensive meeting the floor.
Nyxian glanced down.
"Oh."
Jax followed her gaze.
"Well, that's one."
"One what?"
"Casualty."
Nyxian considered the broken lamp.
Then smiled.
"An acceptable loss."
The kitchen table fared better, although its carefully arranged centerpiece did not.
By the time the newlyweds reached the living room, several decorative cushions had migrated to entirely unexpected locations.
A chair had somehow turned sideways.
A rug had developed a suspicious fold.
And the loveseat had finally earned its name.
At some point, Nyxian had decided to keep count.
That had seemed like an excellent idea at the time.
Unfortunately, her arithmetic became increasingly unreliable.
Was that ten?
She considered the question.
No. Eleven.
A pause.
Or was it thirteen?
She tried to remember.
The last three had been particularly difficult to distinguish.
Perhaps they counted separately.
Perhaps they were simply one long experience divided into several increasingly memorable stages.
Eventually, she decided that mathematics was an unreasonable burden to place upon a newly married woman.
And abandoned the effort entirely.
Much later, the guesthouse had settled into something resembling silence.
The flowers were no longer where Velmora had arranged them.
The living room furniture had been rearranged without anyone consulting the household staff.
And somewhere near the entrance, the unfortunate lamp remained a casualty of the evening.
Jax and Nyxian rested together, exhausted and thoroughly content.
Nyxian's dark red hair was a magnificent mess.
Her cheeks were flushed.
She was still struggling to catch her breath.
And then she noticed something.
Jax was breathing harder than usual.
Not dramatically.
Not nearly as much as she was.
But enough.
Nyxian stared at him.
Then smiled.
A slow, victorious smile.
Finally.
She rested her hand against his chest.
"Jax..."
He looked down at her.
"Yes, beautiful?"
She drew another breath.
"You are now officially stuck..."
She paused, trying to recover.
"...with me..."
Another breath.
"FOREVER!"
Jax smiled.
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"No, Mrs. Darquebane."
He pulled her closer.
"You are now mine. Forever."
Nyxian's expression softened.
For a moment, the mischievous succubus disappeared, leaving only a woman looking at the man she loved more than anything in the world.
They kissed.
And when their lips finally parted, Nyxian looked around the room.
At the overturned cushions.
The displaced furniture.
The broken lamp.
Then back at her husband.
That familiar wicked smile returned.
"Round two?"