~~~ Author's note - I am going to try moving in a 'Spicy' direction for this chapter. Let me know what you think. I can go full ghost pepper or go back to vanilla bean ice cream.~~~
Day 56 - Morning
I woke to discover that something had fundamentally shifted in how the arachnae population viewed me.
"Knox," Nyx said, already awake and watching me with purely entertained eyes. "We need to talk about your sudden celebrity status."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that yesterday you adopted Web, and apparently that activated some kind of cultural nuclear option in arachnae courtship standards." Her tail swished with amusement. "Every unmated arachnae female in the fortress has been asking about you since dawn."
Through our bond, I felt her entertainment mixed with possessive pride. Not jealousy... curiosity about who might prove worthy.
"That seems excessive."
"According to Thissith, adoption is the highest proof of provider instincts in arachnae culture. You basically announced to every eligible female that you're the ultimate catch." She grinned, showing teeth. "I think it's hilarious. Also potentially interesting. We've never had an arachnae in the family."
"You're not concerned?"
"Knox, I'm a dragon. I understand desire and the value of expanding family with worthy additions." Her amusement radiated through our bond. "Besides, watching you navigate aggressive courtship is going to be entertaining. And who knows? Maybe one of them will be special enough to keep."
"That sounds ominous."
"That sounds like today is going to be fun."
She wasn't wrong.
The Gauntlet Begins
I made it approximately fifteen steps from my quarters before the first incident.
A group of arachnae women had apparently been waiting, and when I emerged, they all turned simultaneously. The coordinated movement was actually kind of unsettling.
"Warden Knox!" One stepped forward, sleek black carapace with silver markings, long white hair, and a figure her silk wrappings did absolutely nothing to hide. "I wanted to personally thank you for the homes. They're exquisite."
She moved into my personal space with surprising speed, close enough that I had to look down to meet her eyes. Multiple eyes, actually, all focused on me with clear interest.
"You're welcome. We wanted everyone comfortable."
"So thoughtful." Her hand rested on my chest, tracing idle patterns. "Most males prioritize their own convenience. But you put others first. That's incredibly attractive."
Through the bond, Nyx's laughter: Oh this is already great. Your heart rate just spiked.
She's very forward.
She's interested. And you're flustered. It's adorable.
"The Warden is also very strong," another arachnae added, this one with crimson patterns on midnight carapace. She somehow positioned herself at my other side. "Defeating an entire army alone? Very impressive. Very... desirable."
A third appeared behind me, her chest pressed flat against my back, how did she get there so fast?, her hands settling on my shoulders. "And adopting Web! Such wonderful paternal instincts! It shows you'd be an excellent provider."
I was effectively surrounded by three beautiful, interested women making their attraction very clear. And despite trying to maintain composure, I was definitely noticing details. Like how the black-and-silver one's silk top was cut to showcase her considerable assets. Or how the crimson-marked one's touch lingered deliberately on my arm. Or the warm breath on my neck from behind.
"Ladies, I'm flattered... "
"We know about your mates," Black-and-Silver said, her hand sliding lower on my chest. "Arachnae don't practice exclusivity. Multiple partners strengthen family units. We're not trying to replace anyone." Her voice dropped intimately. "We're offering to join."
I could feel three sets of eager hands moving lower and lower on my body.
Through the bond, Nyx's interest sharpened: You're definitely attracted. I can feel it. There's nothing wrong with that, Knox.
I didn't expect to be ambushed before breakfast.
Consider it a compliment. They clearly think you're worth ambushing. Her possessiveness wrapped warmly around me. And honestly? Watching you be pursued is arousing. Knowing others want what's mine.
"I should get to breakfast," I managed.
"We'll save you seats," Crimson-Marks purred. "Very close seats."
I extracted myself, not without difficulty or a squeeze given three sets of hands trying to maintain contact, and made my escape.
Through the bond: You need a moment to compose yourself.
Shut up.
I'm just observing. Physical attraction is natural. Especially when three beautiful women just made their interest explicitly clear.
The Dining Hall Ambush
The dining hall was packed with arachnae women who'd all found reasons to be near my usual seating area.
"Warden! I saved you a spot!" One called, patting a notably small space that would require very close sitting.
"No, sit here! I have questions about fortress defense!" Another insisted, wearing what could generously be called strategic silk coverage.
I navigated toward my usual seat and found myself immediately surrounded.
One "accidentally" bumped into me, her substantial chest pressing against my arm with clearly deliberate force. "Oh! Sorry, Warden! So clumsy!" Her hands steadied herself against my chest, lingering longer than necessary.
Then the chaos multiplied.
Someone reaching across me to grab something, ensuring maximum body contact. Another asking me to reach something high, pressing close when I did. A third offering to serve me breakfast, which apparently required extensive physical proximity.
Through the bond, Nyx: You're hard.
There are so tits!
And you're noticing every single one. Her amusement was palpable. Especially their figures. And their touches. And the way they smell.
I'm trying to eat breakfast.
You're trying not to be visibly aroused in a crowded dining hall. Different thing.
Then Web appeared, riding on someone's back, a tall arachnae with warm brown carapace and an embarrassed expression.
"Papa Knox!" Web called out. "This is Lyria! She's teaching me healing magic! She's really good but also really clumsy!"
"Web, I told you not to... oof!" Lyria had apparently tried to bow while Web was on her back, miscalculated, and stumbled directly into me.
I caught her reflexively.
Which meant I was suddenly holding a very curvaceous, very flustered arachnae healer who'd crashed into me chest-first.
"I'm so sorry!" Lyria squeaked, her face flushing deep purple. "I'm always doing this! My mentor says I have the grace of a newborn foal! Which is embarrassing because foals have four legs and I have eight and I should be better coordinated but apparently my spider half didn't get the memo about balance and... "
She was talking rapidly while trying to extract herself, which only made things worse because her multiple limbs were flailing and getting tangled with my arms.
"... and Web is wonderful but she's also heavy for someone so small, no offense Web, and I didn't account for the weight distribution when I tried to bow and now I'm rambling because I'm nervous and when I'm nervous I say everything that comes into my head which my mother says is going to get me in trouble someday and... "
"Lyria," I said gently. "Breathe."
She took a breath. Seemed to realize she was still pressed against me. Flushed darker.
"You're very strong," she blurted. "I can feel your muscles and they're very nice and I just said that out loud didn't I. I'm so sorry. I have no filter when I'm flustered and you're making me very flustered because you're attractive and you adopted Web which makes you more attractive and I'm doing it again aren't I." I could feel her nipples harden against me, almost evoking a deep growl from me... I will have to keep an eye on that.
Web giggled from where she'd hopped off Lyria's back. "I told you Papa Knox makes everyone nervous! But in a good way!"
Through the bond, Nyx: Oh I like her already.
She just told me I have nice muscles.
She also can't stop talking and it's adorable. Knox, she's perfect. Clumsy, honest, and clearly into you.
I helped Lyria fully regain her balance. "It's okay. No harm done."
"No harm except my dignity," she muttered, then winced. "And now I'm muttering my thoughts out loud. This is going great. Lyria's guide to making first impressions: crash into the person, compliment their muscles involuntarily, and then continue talking until the earth swallows you whole."
Despite everything, I laughed.
She looked up, surprised. "You're laughing. That's... actually that's really nice. You have a good laugh. And I just said that too. Someone stop me."
"I like your honesty," I said. "It's refreshing."
"It's embarrassing," she corrected. "But thank you for being nice about it." She finally managed to fully extract herself, adjusting her robes, which I noticed were more conservative than most of the other arachnae's clothing. "I'm supposed to be professional. I'm the chief healer. I shouldn't be crashing into people and rambling about their muscles."
"Chief healer?"
"Yes! I know, shocking given my coordination issues. But I'm actually very good at healing magic. The best in the caravan, Thessia says." She brightened. "I can show you if you want! Not that you're injured, thankfully, because you just recovered and having you injured again would be terrible and I'd have to heal you which would be professional but also stressful because you're... " She caught herself. "I'm doing it again."
Web tugged on my hand. "Papa, can Lyria eat breakfast with us? She's really nice and she knows everything about healing and she promised to teach me and I like her even though she drops things a lot."
"I don't drop things that often," Lyria protested weakly.
"You dropped your spell focus three times this morning."
"That's... accurate but you didn't have to tell him."
Through the bond, I felt Dewdrop's sudden interest from across the hall. Her tiny voice in my mind: Papa found a new friend! She seems silly! I like silly!
"You're welcome to join us," I said with a warm chuckle.
Lyria's face lit up, then immediately flushed again. "Really? I mean, thank you! I'll try not to spill anything or knock anything over or say more embarrassing things about your physique!"
She froze.
"I just said I'd try not to say embarrassing things about your physique by saying something embarrassing about your physique. This is my life now."
Web giggled. "See? She's funny!"
We found seats, Lyria immediately knocked over a cup reaching for bread, apologized profusely, healed a minor cut someone at the next table had with absent-minded competence, then forgot what she'd been reaching for.
"This is normal for you?" I asked, amused.
"This is actually a good day. Yesterday I tripped over my own legs, fell into a web I was spinning, got tangled, and had to be cut out by three people." She said it so matter-of-factly that I couldn't tell if she was joking. "My coordination and my honesty are in constant competition for which will embarrass me more. Currently honesty is winning because I keep telling you things I shouldn't."
"Like what?"
"Like the fact that you smell really good, which is weird to say out loud, but arachnae have sensitive smell and you smell like woodsmoke and something manly I can't identify and it's actually kind of distracting... " She slapped her hand over her mouth. "See? No filter. This is why I mostly work alone in the infirmary."
Through the bond, Nyx was practically purring with amusement: Knox, you have to keep her. She's too perfect.
She's very... unique.
She's genuine, skilled, adorable when flustered, and clearly attracted to you. That's not unique, that's ideal.
"Web speaks very highly of you," I said, steering to safer topics. "She says you're the best teacher."
"Web is wonderful," Lyria's whole demeanor brightened. "She's so eager to learn and she asks the best questions and she's not scared of me even though I'm kind of a disaster and... " She caught herself again. "Sorry. I get excited about my students."
"Don't apologize for enthusiasm," I said. "Web deserves good teachers."
"She deserves the best. And I'm going to be that for her even if I have to trip over things and say embarrassing stuff the whole time." She paused. "Like how you're really good with kids and that's attractive. I did it again."
Web looked between us with a too-knowing expression. "Lyria talks about Papa Knox a lot. She says you're 'remarkable' and 'fascinating' and 'why does he have to be so handsome it's distracting.' and 'why does his bulge have to be so big!?' i dont know what that one means"
"WEB!" Lyria's flush went from purple to nearly black. "I said those things in PRIVATE!"
"But they're true!"
"That doesn't mean you tell him!"
I was trying very hard not to laugh. "It's fine, really."
"It's not fine, it's mortifying, and Web is apparently determined to make sure I never recover from this breakfast." But she was smiling despite her embarrassment. "I'm going to get you back for this, young lady. I'm going to tell Papa Knox all about how you said he gives the best hugs and makes you feel safe."
"That's not embarrassing, that's just TRUE!" Web announced proudly.
Through the bond, multiple partners were now paying attention. Kas: I like the clumsy one. She's entertaining.
Yuzu: She's also clearly smitten. This should be interesting.
Mo: Her magical aptitude is impressive if she's chief healer despite coordination issues. Indicates significant raw talent.
"I should go," Lyria said, standing carefully. "Before I say anything else embarrassing. Or knock over anything else. Or both." She smiled at Web. "Healing lesson this afternoon?"
"Yes please!"
"Good. And Warden Knox?" She met my eyes. "Thank you for being nice about all my rambling. Most people find it annoying."
"I find it charming."
She blinked. Flushed again. "You can't just say things like that. My heart can't take it." Then she winced. "And I responded by telling you about my heart rate. I'm leaving now before this gets worse."
She hurried off, only stumbling once, and I watched her go with a smile.
Web settled into my lap, looking pleased with herself. "Lyria is nice. And pretty. And she likes you."
"I noticed."
"Are you going to court her like the other arachnae want you to?"
"I'm still figuring that out, sweetheart."
"Well figure it out fast because she's really nice and I want her to be part of the family!" She said it with the absolute certainty of a child who'd decided something important.
Through the bond, Dewdrop added her voice: I haven't met her yet but if Web likes her then she's probably good! Web has good taste in people!
The two of them were conspiring. I could feel it.
Mid-Morning Meetings
After breakfast, I was ambushed by various arachnae women throughout the fortress. Each encounter was varying degrees of forward, entertaining, and overwhelming.
One stopped me to demonstrate her web-spinning abilities, which involved showing me intricate patterns while standing very close and explaining how "strong silk requires strong foundations, like strong families require strong providers."
Another asked for help reaching something high in the storage rooms, then used the opportunity to press against me while thanking me extensively.
A third wanted to discuss housing improvements while somehow ending up in very close proximity, her hand on my arm, explaining how "good construction requires attention to detail, just like good relationships."
Through the bond, Nyx was providing running commentary: That one's very direct. I appreciate the efficiency.
She just asked me to inspect her quarters for 'structural integrity.'
That's not even subtle. I love it.
Are you playing with yourself...?
...
Then I encountered someone different.
She was sitting in the fortress library, a space Mo had helped establish, surrounded by books that looked old and forbidden. Her carapace was deep violet, almost black, with silver markings that seemed to shimmer. Unlike most arachnae, she wore long, concealing robes and kept her hair covered with a hood.
She looked up as I entered, and I saw intelligence in her multiple eyes. And something else, caution. Maybe fear.
"Warden," she said, voice soft but controlled. "I was hoping we'd meet."
"I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name during the welcoming?"
"Velara. I... keep to myself mostly." She gestured at the books. "I'm a scholar. Magical theory, primarily."
There was something she wasn't saying. I could feel it in the air between us.
I approached slowly, not wanting to spook her. "What kind of magical theory?"
"The forbidden kind." She said it simply, watching my reaction. "The kind that got my mentor killed. The kind that would get me killed if the Empire knew I practiced it."
"Necromancy."
She flinched slightly. "How did you... "
"The books. I recognize some of those titles." I'd studied magic theory in my early days here, trying to understand this world. "And the way you're holding yourself. Like you expect me to call for guards."
"Will you?"
"Why would I? You're seeking sanctuary. That's what Ashenhearth is for." I sat across from her with a groan. "Besides, necromancy isn't evil. It's just feared."
She relaxed slightly. "Most people don't understand that. They think necromancers raise armies of undead to conquer the living."
"Some probably do. But most magical disciplines can be used for good or evil. Necromancy's just judged more harshly." I paused. "Why tell me? You could have kept it hidden."
"Because I'm terrible at hiding things long-term. And because..." She met my eyes. "Because you adopted a child yesterday. A traumatized child who needed a father. You didn't ask what you'd get from it. Didn't calculate advantage. You just saw someone who needed love and gave it."
"What does that have to do with necromancy?"
"It means you see people as people, not categories. Arachnae. Necromancer. 'Abomination.' These are just labels. You care about what's underneath." She smiled slightly. "I thought someone who can look past that many labels might be willing to look past one more."
Through the bond, Nyx: She's smart. I like her.
She's also a necromancer.
So? You're a demon-dragon-astral chimera. We're not exactly conventional ourselves.
"Your secret is safe," I said. "Ashenhearth doesn't judge people for their magic."
"Thank you." She hesitated. "I should tell you... I'm being asked by half the arachnae population to court you. I'm... not participating in that."
"Oh?"
"I'm not good at courtship. I'm better with books than people. And I have enough complications without adding romance to the mix." But there was something in how she said it. Not disinterest. More like... fear of hope.
"That's fair. But if you change your mind, the offer stands. Ashenhearth welcomes everyone."
"Even necromancers who are also arachnae? That's double the persecution by Empire standards."
"Especially them. We're building something here. Something that says labels don't matter as much as character. Also fuck the Empire"
She smiled properly then. "I'm going to hold you to that, Warden."
"Please do."
I left her to her studies, but through the bonds, I felt my family's interest in this quiet, cautious woman who practiced forbidden magic and expected to be feared for it.
Afternoon Training Yards
Kas had organized training, and somehow half the participants were unmated arachnae women who suddenly needed extensive combat instruction.
"Warden! Could you demonstrate grappling techniques?" One called out, sleek build, confident stance, clearly skilled.
"I can have Kas... "
"We want to learn from YOU specifically." She grinned. "First-hand experience defeating an army seems like excellent credentials."
What followed was technically training. But it involved extensive physical contact, close positioning, and women who made absolutely no effort to hide that "learning combat techniques" was an excuse to get close.
This was as close to exhibitionism as I had ever gotten. I guess the arachnae population was not worried about PDI.
Through the bond, Nyx was actively entertained: She just wrapped all her legs around you for that 'hold demonstration.' Very thorough.
She's learning proper technique.
She's learning what you feel like pressed against her. Different thing.
Then Web appeared, riding on the shoulders of yet another arachnae, this one clearly older, with commanding presence and practical gear rather than decorative silk.
"Papa Knox!" Web called. "This is Thessia! She's the caravan leader! She's really strong and brave and she protected everyone on the journey here!"
Thessia set Web down gently, then approached me with a direct, assessing gaze. Her carapace was dark grey with rust-red markings, her multiple eyes sharp and intelligent.
"Warden Knox," she said, her voice carrying natural authority. "I wanted to thank you personally again for welcoming us. The homes, the organization, the clear effort to make us feel safe, it's more than we dared hope for."
"You're welcome here. All of you."
"I know. That's why we came." She studied me with the evaluation of someone who led others through danger. "You're younger than I expected."
"I get that a lot."
"But stronger. And kinder." She smiled slightly. "The combination is rare. Usually strength comes with cruelty, or kindness comes with weakness. You're neither."
Through the bond, I felt Nyx's possessive pride: She's got you figured out already. I like her.
"Thessia is teaching me about leadership!" Web announced. "She says leaders have to be strong AND smart AND care about everyone!"
"All true," I agreed.
"She also says you're impressive," Web added with that too-knowing expression. "She told the whole caravan that Warden Knox was different from other males. Special."
"Web," Thessia said, but there was amusement in her tone. "We discussed keeping some things private."
"But it's TRUE! You said he was 'exactly the kind of male worth following' and 'remarkable' and 'if I were ten years younger I'd be first in line for courtship!'"
Thessia's expression remained controlled, but I saw the slight flush. "You're a terrible secret-keeper, young one."
"I'm a GREAT secret-keeper for important secrets! This isn't important, it's just TRUE!"
"Apparently I'm surrounded by overly honest arachnae," I said, amused.
"It's a cultural trait," Thessia explained. "We value direct communication. Though most of us have better filters than Lyria or apparently Web." She met my eyes. "But since we're being honest... you should know that the interest in courting you isn't just physical attraction or cultural pressure."
"No?"
"No. It's respect." She gestured at the fortress. "You built something unprecedented. Sanctuary that actually works. Protection that doesn't demand submission. Family that transcends species. Every woman here sees that and thinks 'I want to be part of building this.'"
"That's not courtship, that's partnership."
"For arachnae, they're the same thing. We don't separate romance from purpose. The best mates are the ones who share your goals, who contribute to your vision, who make the work meaningful." She smiled. "So yes, half the caravan wants to court you. But not just because you're strong or attractive. Because you're building something worth joining."
Through the bond, Nyx: Okay, I definitely like her. She gets it.
She's very direct.
She's a leader. Directness is how leaders work. A pause. Also, she's attracted to you. I can smell it. But she's being professional because she's responsible. It's adorable.
"I appreciate the honesty," I said.
"Good. Because I'm going to be honest about something else." Thessia's expression grew serious. "Three of my people have particular interest in formal courtship. Lyria, Velara, and myself."
"You?"
"Me." She said it simply. "I'm practical, Warden. I led these people through months of hiding, danger, and fear. Now I want to help build something permanent. And I think you might be worth building it with."
"That's very pragmatic."
"That's leadership. Identifying valuable partnerships and pursuing them." She smiled. "But I'm not rushing. Courtship takes time. Trust takes longer. I'm just making my interest known so you can consider it properly."
Web looked delighted. "See? Everyone likes Papa Knox! He's the best!"
"He's certainly interesting," Thessia agreed. "Now, young one, let's let your Papa finish training. We have healing lessons with Lyria, remember?"
"Oh yeah! Come on, Thessia! Lyria's going to teach me about bone-setting and she promised I could practice on training dummies!"
They left, and I was alone with my thoughts and about a dozen arachnae warriors who were still waiting for "combat training."
Through the bond, Kas: So you've got the clumsy healer, the mysterious scholar, and the confident leader all interested. This is going to be fun to watch.
I'm trying to figure out what to do about any of this.
Easy. See where it goes. Spend time with them. Figure out who actually fits with our family. Her warmth pulsed through the connection. We're not opposed to expanding, Knox. Just be yourself and see who sticks.
Evening Gathering
That evening, Thissith organized what she called a "cultural exchange dinner" basically an excuse to get everyone together and see how personalities meshed.
My existing family was there. The three arachnae who'd expressed specific interest were there. And somehow Web and Dewdrop had appointed themselves social coordinators.
"Papa Knox sits here!" Dewdrop announced, pointing at a central chair. "And everyone else sits around him so we can all talk!"
"That's very organized, sweetheart."
"I'm very good at organizing! Lira helped! We made a whole plan!"
The seating arrangement somehow resulted in Lyria on my left, Velara on my right, and Thessia directly across. My existing partners were distributed around the table, watching with varying degrees of amusement.
"This feels like a setup," I muttered.
"It absolutely is," Nyx confirmed lazily from her throne. "Dewdrop and Web conspired. We're letting it happen because it's entertaining."
Lyria immediately knocked over her water reaching for bread. "Sorry! I'm sorry! This is why I usually eat alone!"
"It's fine," I said, helping her clean up. "Accidents happen."
"They happen to ME a lot." She finished cleaning, then looked at her now-empty plate. "I forgot to actually get food. This is my life."
"Here," I served her from the central dishes. "What do you like?"
"Oh, um, everything? I'm not picky. Except mushrooms. I hate mushrooms. They're slimy and... " She caught herself. "And you probably didn't need to know that. I'm oversharing again."
"I also hate mushrooms," I said. "They're terrible."
Her face lit up. "Really?! Everyone thinks I'm weird for hating them! But they're objectively slimy!"
"Objectively," I agreed.
Across the table, Thessia was talking with Siraq about leadership challenges, their conversation easy and professional. But I caught her glancing at me with warm eyes several times.
Beside me, Velara was quiet, but when Web asked her about magic, she opened up slightly. "I can show you some safe necromantic theory if you want. The kind that's about understanding life and death, not raising armies."
"Really?!" Web's eyes went wide. "That sounds AMAZING!"
"Most people think it's evil."
"Most people are wrong about lots of things," Web said with child-logic confidence. "Papa Knox says magic is just tools. It's what you do with it that matters."
Velara looked at me with something like gratitude.
The dinner continued with surprising ease. Lyria kept saying accidentally revealing things ("You have really nice hands, has anyone told you that? Oh no I said it out loud again"), Velara gradually relaxed enough to discuss magical theory, and Thessia demonstrated why she was a leader by naturally coordinating conversation and making sure everyone was included.
Web and Dewdrop basically ran social coordination, ensuring no one was left out and everyone got to talk to "Papa Knox."
"You two are conspiring," I said when they passed by.
"We're HELPING!" Dewdrop announced. "You need help finding new family members! You're too slow at it!"
"I found all of you fine."
"That was LUCK! This is PLANNING! Very different!"
Through the bonds, I felt everyone's amusement at being managed by two determined children.
After dinner, people started to disperse, but the three arachnae lingered.
"Thank you for the lovely evening," Thessia said formally. "It's nice to see leadership that includes everyone, not just commands them."
"Thank you for sharing it with us."
"I'd like to do this again. Properly get to know your family, let you know mine." She smiled. "Court seriously, if you're willing."
"I'm willing to see where things go."
"That's all I ask." She nodded once, a gesture of respect, and left.
Velara approached next, still cautious but less guarded. "Thank you for not treating me differently. After I told you."
"Why would I?"
"Most people do." She paused. "Web asked if I'd teach her necromantic theory. Safe things. Is that... acceptable?"
"If you think she's ready to learn responsibly, then yes."
"I do. She's remarkably mature for her age." Velara hesitated. "Warden... Knox... I'm not good at this. Courtship, feelings, any of it. But I wanted you to know I'm... interested. Even though I'm terrible at showing it."
"You just showed it. That's enough."
She smiled, relieved. "Then I'll see you tomorrow. For lessons with Web."
She left, and I was alone with Lyria, who was fidgeting nervously.
"I should go too," she said. "Before I say something embarrassing. Again."
"You haven't said anything embarrassing tonight."
"I told you about your hands! And I almost told you that your voice is really nice! And that watching you with the kids makes my heart do weird things!" She slapped both hands over her mouth. "And I just said all of that."
Through the bond, Nyx: Knox, if you don't kiss her, I will be personally offended at the missed opportunity.
I don't want to rush...
She's been making heart-eyes at you all evening and just confessed that watching you father children makes her emotionally compromised. Kiss the girl.
"Lyria," I said gently.
"I'm mortified and I'm going to leave now and possibly never show my face again... "
I took her hand, stopping her flight response.
She froze, looking up at me with wide eyes.
"I like your honesty," I said. "I like that you say what you think. I like that you're clumsy and don't pretend otherwise. I like that you're brilliant at healing but forget to eat. And I think you're beautiful when you're flustered."
She stared at me, speechless for maybe the first time all day.
"So yes, I'm interested in getting to know you better. In seeing where this goes. If you want that too."
"I... yes. Yes. Absolutely yes." She was blushing furiously. "But you should know I'm going to keep saying embarrassing things and tripping over stuff and probably making a fool of myself."
"Good. It's cute."
"You can't just say things like that! My heart!" She took a breath. "Okay. Okay. Getting to know each other. I can do that. Probably. Maybe. I'll try not to crash into you too many more times."
"I wouldn't mind if you did."
She made a noise that was half-squeak, half-laugh. "You're terrible for my composure."
"You're wonderful for mine."
She fled then, but smiling, and I watched her go with warmth in my chest.
Through the bond, Nyx purred: Well done. Three potential partners, all interested, all different. This is going to be interesting.
Am I really doing this? Adding three more?
You're seeing where things go with three interesting women who want to be part of what we're building. That's different from committing immediately. Her possessiveness wrapped around me. But Knox? For the record... I like all three. They're each unique, each skilled, each genuine. If they prove worthy, I'd welcome them.
"When did my life become a romantic comedy?" I muttered.
"When you stopped being afraid of living it," Kas said, appearing beside me with a grin. "Now come on. We're having a family meeting to discuss your three suitors and take bets on which one wins you over first."
"You're betting on my love life?"
"We're betting on the timeline. Very different." She dragged me toward our quarters. "Yuzu thinks Lyria will win because you're weak for adorable. Mo thinks Thessia because you respect competence. I'm betting on Velara as the dark horse because mysterious scholar appeals to your protective instincts."
"What does Nyx think?"
"That you'll probably end up with all three eventually because you're terrible at choosing and they're all perfect in different ways."
Through the bond, Nyx's confirmation: I know you, Knox. You don't do things halfway. When you commit, you commit completely. Why would romance be different?
Maybe she was right.
Maybe I was building toward something unprecedented again.
A family that transcended not just species, but every boundary the Empire tried to enforce.
And maybe three brilliant, beautiful, complicated arachnae women would be part of that.
[ARACHNAE COURTSHIP: INITIATED]
[LYRIA: CLUMSY, HONEST, ADORABLE]
[VELARA: MYSTERIOUS, CAUTIOUS, BRILLIANT]
[THESSIA: CONFIDENT, CAPABLE, COMMANDING]
[KNOX: ACTUALLY ENJOYING THIS]
[WEB & DEWDROP: APPROVED SOCIAL COORDINATORS]
[FAMILY: ENTERTAINED AND SUPPORTIVE]
[NEXT: ACTUAL COURTSHIP BEGINS]
Tomorrow would bring more chaos.
More forward arachnae women making their interest clear.
More time with three particular women who'd somehow made it past my defenses.
And probably more conspiring from two children who'd decided Papa Knox needed help finding love.
But tonight, I sat with my existing family, let them tease me about my "suitors," and felt genuinely happy about the possibility of expansion.
Maybe Nyx was right.
Maybe I would end up with all three.
And maybe that would be exactly right for this impossible family we were building.