The morning sun filtered through the palace's latticed windows, casting warm patterns on the resting room floor. Queen Shala and King Harlan lounged on soft cushions, still relaxed from the hot tub, robes loose around them. A few concubines lingered nearby, serving fresh fruits and tea, but the mood was calm, happy—light chatter and easy laughs filling the air.
Shala leaned against her husband's shoulder, a genuine smile on her face. For the first time in days, she felt truly content here, with him. The heat from last night lingered in her body, a warm reminder of their bond. The general's face had faded from her thoughts, like a dream slipping away at dawn.
Harlan popped a grape into her mouth, grinning. "We can stay home for two days, love. Rest properly. Then the general will visit our kingdom—give him a tour of Hira, show off our green lands, and make him feel comfortable with that Hiran hospital we have."
The words hit her like cold water. Sadness bloomed instant and sharp, her smile faltering. She stared at her hands, heart twisting for reasons she couldn't name. The general was the one person capable of causing her heart ache at that moment, she couldn't bear with it not at this moment when she was battling to put duty and vows before lust and affection.
Harlan noticed right away, his brow furrowing calm but concerned. "Shala? What's wrong?"
She forced a small laugh, looking up. "Nothing really. Just… the Magda soldiers looked so sad when I was there. The mood, all that stone and weapons… I didn't like it."
He took her hand, squeezing gentle. "These trips will change that, my dear. Strengthen our kingdom, bring trade and peace. No more sad aesthetics in Magda or Hira—families safe, no more graves filling up. It's for the best."
Like a good wife, she nodded, pushing the feeling down. "You're right, Harlan. As always."
But the ache lingered. She stood smoothly, excusing herself. "I'll go wash my face. Be right back."
The bathroom was lavish—marble floors, a large mirror framed in gold, bamboo faucet dispensing clear water into a wide basin scented with herbs. Shala splashed her face, cool droplets running down her cheeks, trying to shake the sudden gloom.
Then arms wrapped around her from behind—familiar, warm. Lips brushed her neck soft and teasing. She smiled a bit, eyes half-closed in the mirror.
But when she turned, joy froze into terror.
It looked like Harlan—same face, same robes—but his eyes were motionless, dead like glass. No spark, no life. And in the mirror… nothing. No reflection stared back, just empty space where he should be.
A scream tore from her throat. She bolted for the door, heart pounding wild, crashing straight into the real Harlan who had rushed in at the sound.
"Shala! What happened?"
She pointed shaking at the bathroom. "Something's in there—it looked like you but… wrong. Scary eyes, no reflection!" The fear was so real as even tears had started to well up her eyes.
Harlan held her tight for a moment, then stepped inside cautious, peering around. The room was empty, water still dripping from the faucet. "There's nothing here love. Truly, it may have been an intruder, I'll have the guards check it out, you're safe now ." He said pulling her away from the bathroom.
Guards swarmed quick at the alarm, patrolling every hall and corner thorough as if hunting an intruder. Breaking and entering, they muttered—maybe a spy or assassin. But searches turned up nothing. No footprints, no signs.
Shala stayed close to Harlan the rest of the day, unease gnawing quiet.
***
Far above in the heavenly realms, Kia's quarters were dim and still. He lay on the wide bed in human form, body warm and spent. Lia curled beside him naked and glowing, skin still sweaty from their hours together. She snored lightly, rolling over in sleep, her hand draping across his chest.
Kia didn't move, eyes fixed on the shimmering ceiling. Distracted, troubled. The human form made everything feel heavier—emotions sharper, worries deeper.
Then a vision hit sudden and clear, pain lancing through him. He winced, sitting up a bit. Visions were a normal occurrence that he had but his human form made the vision painful. He felt like his eyes were being scooped out , his senses heightened and he shook violently waking Lia up.
Lia stirred, blinking sleepy. "Kia? What's wrong?"
He turned to her, voice low. "The arrow has started its effect—forced bonding. Since the two lovers are each in different relationships, an illusion comes into play. Scary things that look like their partners… to disgust them, scare them until they run from the original ones."
Lia's eyes widened, laziness fading."that's not a normal occurrence , unless someone is behind it, someone powerful,". Kia cleared his throat but said nothing. Lia continued ."A demon's involved, isn't it? Molik—the illusionist. He's the one twisting it like this."
Kia nodded grim, swinging his legs off the bed. "We should suit up. Go talk to him, see if we can stop the mess before it gets worse."
Lia stretched lazy, still in human curves, smiling sly. "In a minute…"
They'd gone at it over and over today—discovering things neither knew before. Lia had realized arousal could build again right after finishing, wave after wave. Kia, stubborn as ever, hadn't admitted out loud that he didn't know humans—or shapeshifted Cupids—could have multiple orgasms like that. But his body had learned quick, pleasure crashing repeated until they were both laughing and gasping.
She rolled closer now, hand rubbing his chest slow, up to his shoulders, fingers tangling in his golden hair. "One more time? Then I'll come with you. Promise." Her ethereal eyes were like an attraction spell cast . Very hard not to look at, very easy to fall for , and also quite dangerous as well.
Kia hesitated, but her touch was fire—soft lips brushing his jaw, body pressing warm. He gave in with a low groan, pulling her on top.
They kissed deeply, hungry again.