The sun had already gone down. The sky outside Kuina's cottage bled into purple twilight, while the golden lights inside flickered gently. Steam curled up from the bathroom, and inside, Kuina stood under the showerhead, letting the hot water wash off the blood and sweat from the last mission.
The bathroom door creaked.
"Kuina?" Kylie's voice was sweet, smoky. "Mind if I join you, baby?"
Kuina rolled her eyes. "I just want ten minutes alone, Kylie. Just ten."
"You always say that," Kylie giggled. She stepped inside, her raven-black wings folded behind her back. Her curvy body glistened from the warm air. She snapped her fingers and poof—the wings vanished. "I promise, no funny business. I just wanna shower."
"No. Out."
Kylie's smile faded instantly. Her lips trembled. "You... really mean that? After everything I've done for you? After bringing you to this world?"
Kuina turned. Water dripping down her cheeks, now unsure if it was steam or guilt.
"Fine! Fine," Kuina grumbled. "Come in already."
In one instant, Kylie grinned wickedly. "Heh. You're way too easy, babe."
She stepped in, body brushing against Kuina. "That's what I love about you. You actually give a damn."
Before Kuina could say anything, Kylie pressed her lips to hers. The kiss was wet, heated, deep—tongue sliding, breath hitching. Kuina kissed back—just for a second—then pulled away.
"Kylie. Let me shower, goddammit."
SYSTEM ALERT: Level Up! Kuina +1
They both looked up. Kylie laughed. "Guess kisses count now."
Minutes later, they exited the bathroom, wrapped in towels, glowing from the heat.
At the table, Lika and Mira were chatting.
Lika turned. "Hey, so you're Mira... The Mira? From the Flame Kingdom? The queen who vanished?"
Mira's smile twitched. "I—uh... Yes. That was me."
Lika narrowed her eyes. "Why'd you leave? You were their ruler."
Mira looked down. "I... followed Kuina. We fought. I lost. But... she ignited something in me. We had a moment. Almost had sex, but we didn't. Not like you or Kylie..."
Lika tilted her head. "So... you're jealous."
"No! I mean... maybe. It's complicated."
Lika gave a gentle smile. "Then stop lying to yourself. Kuina saved me too. Maybe it's time you show her some love."
Kuina and Kylie sat down, hair still damp. Mira asked, "Took your time. Shower was nice?"
"Don't read into it," Kuina muttered.
Kylie smirked. "We're shower buddies now. Got a problem with that, Flame Princess?"
Mira turned red. "No... it's fine."
SYSTEM: Dinner Time. Please be seated.
The table filled instantly with juicy steaks, fresh salad, and orange juice.
Kuina froze. Her eyes locked onto the steak... and her mind drifted—
FLASHBACK: 11 years ago
She was 16. Her father glaring across the table, her mother silent and bruised. The meat on the plate felt like ash in her mouth. "Eat," her father said. "You're not going anywhere."
NOW:
Kuina blinked. Back in the warm room. Three girls around her. A different world. She whispered to herself, "I'll get you. One day. You're not safe anymore."
She changed into soft lounge clothes with a flick of magic, sat down beside Mira. Dinner began.
Somewhere deep in the Wildlands...
The infamous Forest of Victims.
No man ever returned alive.
Women never dared enter, except one. Because she owned the place.
Piper.
Hair like jade. Eyes sharp, Blue and electric. Her armor black, tight, revealing. Her cleavage framed by gothic runes. Her smirk permanent.
Beside her trotted a massive unicorn.
"Mortis," she said. "You're such a diva."
The unicorn snorted. Voice deep and oddly British. "I haven't been petted all day. I'm craving affection."
"You're a fucking unicorn."
"Exactly. It's lonely at the top."
Piper laughed, brushing his neck. "You're softer than my ex."
Mortis huffed. "Shut up."
Suddenly, wind howled.
Namo appeared.
He walked with the swagger of a war god. Muscles bulging. Fifty soldiers behind him, but they looked like ants next to his rage.
"Piper."
She smirked. "Well, well. Look what the toxic masculinity dragged in."
"I'm here for your head. And that fucking unicorn."
"Aw. Flattered. I bet you've been dying to see me."
Namo snarled. "I've killed bitches tougher than you."
"And I've killed men with prettier eyes than yours."
Mortis: "She really has."
Piper summoned her staff. Glowing green and purple.
"Come on, big boy. Show me what you got."
Mortis charged at the soldiers like a tank. Screams echoed.
Piper leapt at Namo.
Sparks. Fire. Chaos.
Back at the house...
Kuina sat on the balcony, sipping tea.
The night was peaceful. For once.
Then—footsteps.
Mira stood behind her.
Wearing nothing but panties.
Her breasts shimmered in the moonlight. She trembled.
"Kuina... I can't do this anymore. I need you."
Kuina turned. "Mira? What the hell?"
Mira stepped closer. "They slept with you. I didn't. I want to feel your love too. We have four hours till the next quest... please."
Kuina opened her mouth—
SYSTEM ALERT: Accept Mira's request. Refusing will cost you 100 levels.
"Fucking pervy system..."
Mira kissed her, soft and needy.
Kuina hesitated—then kissed back.
Mira tore off Kuina's clothes. Their breath hot. Skin to skin.
TO BE CONTINUED.