The chamber was filled with warmth, soft breaths, and the trembling glow of candles that lined the walls. Lika leaned in, her lips brushing against Molly's with a gentleness that seemed to erase the chaos outside. Their mouths pressed together, and in between the kissing, Lika whispered softly.
"I am with you. Do not worry, Molly. I want you to enjoy this."
Molly's cheeks burned with crimson heat. She closed her eyes, letting the words sink in. For so long she had felt cold, detached, almost untouched by affection. Yet in Lika's embrace, she was melting. Lika's hands moved slowly, carefully sliding Molly's shirt away as if it were the most fragile treasure. She smiled shyly, her face pink.
"Your body is so beautiful, Molly. You are so cute."
Molly giggled nervously, then let out a sigh of surrender. "Lika, you are so sweet."
Their lips found each other again, slower this time, deeper. The taste of innocence mixed with the rising pulse of passion. Lika pulled off her own shirt, exposing herself without shame, only with the softest of smiles. Both girls slipped down onto the bed, pressing closer, bodies bare, skin meeting skin. Their nakedness was not rushed; it was delicate and full of meaning.
Molly gasped when Lika kissed her ear, her breath shaking. Lika whispered again, voice full of warmth.
"I am glad you chose me, Molly. I treasure this. You are soft, you are gentle, and you are mine tonight."
Molly blinked, her lips trembling with a shy smile. "Lika… you are adorable."
They tangled together, their hands exploring gently, their legs brushing, their mouths meeting again and again. The sound of their gasps and moans filled the chamber, not with raw hunger but with intimacy. Molly clutched at Lika's shoulders as Lika caressed her back, her lips tracing over Molly's chest. Both girls sighed, their voices blending into one, climbing toward the edge until finally they collapsed in each other's arms, panting.
Molly nuzzled into Lika's cheek. "This is not the end. When all this is over, I want to do it again. Promise me."
Lika kissed her softly on the cheek, her voice calm and sweet. "Of course, my dear. I am yours."
They held each other for another long moment, before slowly rising and dressing again, their hands still brushing as if they did not want to let go.
Far away in the grand hall, Piper strutted to the bar, her long hair bouncing as she slapped her hand against the counter.
"Hey. Give me a shitty beer, will you?"
The bartender stared at her, unimpressed. "You do not have to curse. And that will be sixty dollars."
Piper's eyes widened. "What? Sixty? You want a fight? Why are you so damn expensive? I thought it was free!"
Suddenly, a shimmer of violet appeared beside her. Ortus stood at the counter, glowing, her presence making the bartender flinch.
"Johnny. Make it free. She is a contestant tonight."
Johnny immediately nodded, trembling. "Y-yes, ma'am." He slid a frosted bottle across without daring to ask questions.
Ortus winked at Piper and vanished in a blink, her scent lingering like flowers mixed with poison.
Piper lifted the bottle, smirking. "She is insane. But wow… she is gorgeous." She took a long sip and leaned against the counter, already warming herself up for the chaos to come.
At another table, Kuina sat slouched, her fiery hair spilling over her shoulders. She stared up at the ceiling, her voice low, almost a growl.
"James. If you are really here, we have much to talk about, bastard."
A pair of hands touched her shoulders from behind, firm yet gentle. Mira leaned in, kneading her tense muscles.
"Who is that?" Kuina snapped, ready to fight.
Mira chuckled softly. "It is me, love. Relax. You are so tense. Breathe for once."
Kuina exhaled heavily, still scowling. "Mira, I do not belong here. I do not understand fashion. I am here for one purpose."
Mira stopped massaging and slid into the chair beside her. "I will help you. I will dress you like a queen. But remember, I am your rival here too. I will not let you win so easily."
Kuina smirked faintly. "I do not mind if you win. If it makes you happy, then I support it."
Mira burst out laughing softly. "Oh Kuina, you are too sweet sometimes. I love that about you." She held Kuina's hand, rubbing it tenderly. Their eyes met, two warriors finding a rare moment of peace.
The peace shattered as the entire arena roared to life.
A million people filled the colossal stadium, every seat occupied, their voices shaking the walls. Holographic screens towered overhead, flashing the faces of the contestants. Thousands of cameras clicked and streamed, broadcasting across dimensions. Spotlights swirled. Laser beams painted the air with streaks of blue and red.
The crowd screamed in unison.
"YES ORTUS! YES ORTUS!"
The lights exploded brighter as Ortus appeared on stage, microphone in hand, violet aura glowing. She raised her arms and the crowd instantly hushed, every soul obeying.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the fashion show of the century!"
The arena shook with deafening applause. Horns blared, fireworks burst, and the chants began again.
"YES ORTUS! YES ORTUS!"
Ortus smiled with wicked delight. "Enough chatter. This show will be short but unforgettable. The rules are simple. You, the audience, stay seated. You may cheer, clap, and scream, but only at the right time. Anti-sexuality or virginity is forbidden. If I detect a virgin among you, the punishment is swift death!"
The crowd rose as one, fists pumping, a million voices roaring together.
"YES ORTUS!"
Ortus licked her lips, eyes shining. "Perfect. The other gods will arrive at the finale, but tonight I am the chief judge. The contestants are Kuina Tyorkin, Mira the former Queen of Fire, Lika, Molly, Clara, Piper the Princess of Water, and Yasmin. Each of you will choose your unique look. Elegant or daring, simple or sinful. Behind the curtains designers wait to help you. You have one hour. Only one winner. Now let us begin."
She snapped her fingers. The stage lit up with laser storms, the audience howling in madness.
Kuina froze in her seat. "Why did she not call Kylie? Where is she?"
Mira frowned. "We need to find her!"
Molly dashed out of her seat with inhuman speed. She bolted upward through the air until she reached a lonely cloud floating above the arena.
There sat Kylie, her wings folded, eyes brimming with tears. She stared down at the stage, her heart heavy.
"The time has come. Soon you will know everything, Kuina. The truth I have hidden. I hope you will not hate me."
She bit into her own arm, frustration carving across her face.
Molly landed beside her. "Kylie! Are you alright? Why are you not down there?"
Kylie turned away. "Leave me, Barbie. I withdrew. Ortus found me a replacement. I lost the will to walk that stage."
Molly threw her arms around her, hugging tight. "Do not quit. Do it for me, please."
Kylie touched her cheek softly, then pushed her back with gentle strength. "I am sorry, love." She spread her wings and flew into the shadows, vanishing.
Molly stood frozen, her heart pounding. "What happened to her? Is it because of Mira's slap?"
Behind her, a voice cleared its throat. Mortis, perched casually on a ridiculous pink unicorn, chewed on a cupcake. He raised a brow.
"Want one? Red velvet. Pretty good."
Molly blinked. "Seriously?"
Mortis shrugged. "What? A god of death has to eat too." He took another bite, frosting smearing his muzzle.
Molly groaned and flew back down, muttering.
Back in the arena Kuina gathered the girls. "Kylie is missing. We need to…"
Molly landed, cutting her off. "She quit. She says Ortus replaced her. She lost the desire."
Mira's face turned pale. "She kept a secret from us. I hit her without thinking. Damn it."
Piper tilted her beer bottle back and chuckled. "Leave her. She needs time. Right, goddess?" She looked at Kuina.
Kuina slammed her fist on the table. "I will not accept this." She rose into the air, but before she could fly far Ortus appeared before her, blocking the way.
"Going somewhere, sexy?" Ortus teased, her lips curling.
"Move," Kuina growled.
Ortus leaned close, eyes glittering. "Prepare for your show. Kylie will reveal herself later. If you hurt her, I will kill you? Adorable. That fire of yours makes me want to kiss you."
Kuina's glare sharpened. "Where is she?"
Ortus smirked. "She wanted you to take the crown. Kylie would have crushed the runway, but she stepped aside for you."
Clara stood up sharply. "Enough, Ortus. Let us prepare."
Ortus's eyes darted toward Molly and Lika. She grinned wider.
"Molly. So you listened to me. No longer a virgin. Well done. And Lika, thank you for helping her. Such sweet girls."
She blew them a mocking kiss before vanishing.
The crowd roared louder, cameras flashing, screens zooming in on Kuina's face, her rage simmering under the spotlights.
Far away, in the shadows beyond the arena, Kylie stood before a dungeon gate carved in black stone. Her hands trembled as she reached for it.
"The time has come to take the Video. The truth, Kuina. All of it. You will see soon."
Her tears sparkled in the dark as the gate groaned open.
To be continued…