Chapter 591 – The Call Through the Bond
The house had quieted after Yuka's sudden plea, though the air was still filled with expectation. Yuka remained close to him, tugging on his sleeve with both small hands, her black eyes refusing to look away.
Alex exhaled slowly, his voice calm. "You really want to meet her?"
Yuka nodded, lips pressed together in determination.
The room waited, silent but watchful.
Alex closed his eyes. Through the faint connection inside his mind, he reached for the bond—the parasite link he had planted inside Nyx. It pulsed faintly, like a silver thread deep within a vast dark sky.
His thought resonated through it.
"Nyx. Are you free?"
The reply came almost immediately, her voice soft and amused inside his mind.
"For you, always."
He opened his eyes, still holding Yuka with one arm. "Then come," he said, activating the spatial coordinates.
A moment later, the space in the middle of the living room rippled, twisting like liquid. From within the swirl of soft darkness, a figure stepped out.
Nyx emerged, her long black hair flowing like midnight silk. Her violet eyes scanned the room once, taking in the countless women, before settling on Alex.
She smiled, calm and playful as ever. "You called, Master?"
The room fell silent, every gaze on her as the goddess of darkness stood in the center of Alex's home.
And Yuka, still holding onto him, stared at Nyx with wide eyes.
"Nyx-mama?" Yuka whispered.
"Nyx-mama?" Yuka whispered again, her small voice breaking the heavy silence.
Before anyone could move, Yuka slipped out of Alex's arms, landing softly on her feet. Her tiny legs carried her straight toward Nyx without hesitation.
The goddess of darkness blinked, surprised. For a moment, she did nothing, her violet eyes widening slightly as she watched the little girl run up to her.
Yuka stopped in front of her and, without a word, wrapped her small arms around Nyx's leg, hugging her tightly.
The room froze.
Nyx looked down at the small girl clinging to her. No one had ever touched her like this before, not without fear, not without caution.
Slowly, almost awkwardly, she lowered herself to one knee. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulder as she bent forward.
"Little one…" she said softly.
Yuka looked up at her with big black eyes. "Nyx-mama."
Something in those innocent words made Nyx's lips part slightly. Then, in a voice quieter than before, she asked, "Do you really want me to be your mama?"
Yuka nodded without hesitation.
For a long moment, Nyx said nothing. Then she smiled—warm, gentle, completely different from her usual teasing calm—and wrapped her arms around the little girl, holding her close.
"Then," Nyx whispered, "I will be your Nyx-mama."
The room stirred, a quiet mix of surprise and wonder at the unexpected tenderness in the goddess of darkness.
Nyx kept holding Yuka, the faint warmth of the child's small body unfamiliar but strangely pleasant. After a few quiet seconds, Yuka pulled back just enough to look at her face.
"Nyx-mama," Yuka said, tilting her head, "can you stand up with Papa? I want to see you together."
Nyx blinked at the request, then let out a soft chuckle. "As you wish, little one." She rose smoothly to her full height, still holding Yuka's small hand.
Alex walked over, calm as always, and stood beside her.
Yuka stepped back a little so she could see them both. Her black eyes moved from Nyx to Alex and back again. After a moment, she smiled brightly.
"You look so much alike!" she said in a happy voice. "Like the night sky and the moon. Nyx-mama and Papa look the same."
The room went quiet again, the comparison making several of the women glance at each other. Nyx's violet eyes softened slightly as she looked up at Alex, and for a brief moment, even she seemed caught off guard by the words.
Yuka stood there, still holding Nyx's hand and looking up at both of them with a bright smile. After a moment of staring at Alex, her expression became thoughtful, then determined. She tugged on his sleeve gently.
"Papa," she said, her voice full of pleading, "can you make your eyes like Nyx-mama's? Violet, just like hers."
Alex looked down at her, a little surprised. "You want me to change my eyes?"
Yuka nodded eagerly, her small hands tightening on his sleeve. "Please! I want to see it. I think Papa will look really cool, just like Nyx-mama!"
The other women watched silently, curiosity flickering across their faces as they waited to see how he would respond. Nyx, standing beside him, tilted her head slightly, her calm violet eyes watching him closely, clearly interested in whether he would grant the little girl's request.
Alex sighed softly and crouched down so that his eyes were level with Yuka's. "Alright," he said, his tone gentle.
He wasn't wearing his armor this time—just simple black pants and a dark, comfortable shirt. The fabric moved lightly as he reached up and placed a hand on Yuka's head.
For a moment, his black eyes closed. When they opened again, the deep darkness in them began to change. Slowly, like ink dissolving into color, his irises shifted from pure black into a vivid, radiant violet.
The same color as Nyx's.
Yuka's face lit up instantly. She clapped her hands together and bounced on her feet. "Papa! It's so pretty! You look just like Nyx-mama now!"
The women in the room looked at him with interest—Ciel smiling softly, Morgan raising an eyebrow but saying nothing, Hanabi letting out a whistle, and Mira grinning with amusement. Even Nyx, for once, stared at him in silence, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"…It suits you," Nyx said at last, her tone quieter than usual.
Yuka ran up to hug him, pressing her head into his chest. "Thank you, Papa! Now you match Nyx-mama."
Alex reached down and ruffled her hair gently, violet eyes glinting faintly under the warm light of the room.
Yuka looked up from his chest with a big smile, her little hands still holding on to his shirt. She glanced at Nyx, then back at Alex, and tugged on his arm.
"Papa," she said in her small, clear voice, "stand closest to Nyx-mama!"
Alex raised an eyebrow slightly. "You want me to stand next to her?"
Yuka nodded firmly, her black eyes serious. "Yes! Right next to her. No space!"
The room watched in quiet amusement. Some of the women exchanged looks—Hanabi grinning mischievously, while Ciel covered her mouth with a gentle smile.
Alex sighed softly but said nothing. He stepped closer until he was right beside Nyx, so close their shoulders almost touched.
Yuka clapped her hands together happily. "See? Now it's perfect! Papa and Nyx-mama together!"
Her innocent smile made Nyx glance at Alex out of the corner of her violet eyes. For a brief moment, there was a softness there, a faint curve at the edge of her lips that she didn't bother to hide.
Chapter 592 – Side by Side
The living room fell into a hush as Alex stepped right next to Nyx, his violet eyes still glowing faintly from Yuka's request. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, Nyx in her flowing black dress and long, ink-like hair, Alex in simple dark clothes with the same calm presence as always.
Everyone's eyes naturally shifted between them.
Ciel tilted her head slightly, a gentle smile forming. "Yuka might be right… they really do look alike like this."
Morgan's arms crossed, her blue eyes narrowing as she observed them carefully. "Similar presence," she said quietly. "Calm… unshaken. It's strange seeing two people like that together."
Hanabi grinned. "Like a matching set. Papa and Nyx-mama—night sky and stars!"
Reyne's lips curved into a small, restrained smile. "Balance. Two beings of the void, standing like equals."
Nefertiti and Ileana exchanged glances. "They have the same stillness," Ileana said, her red eyes thoughtful. Nefertiti nodded in agreement. "It's like looking at two reflections."
Airi peeked out from behind Ciel, blue eyes a little wide. "I didn't think anyone could stand next to Alex and look… natural. But Nyx does."
Mira leaned in on Mary's body with a grin, whispering just loud enough to be heard. "And don't they look good together? Imagine the possibilities." Mary's shy voice echoed in her mind, embarrassed at the thought.
Vira, holding Yuka again, gave a slow nod, emerald hair brushing forward over her shoulders. "It is strange," she said softly. "For once, someone stands beside him and doesn't look small."
Aphrodite tilted her head and let out a playful hum. "Oh, I can see it. A matching aura. Darkness and more darkness." She smiled slyly. "But I still think I'm brighter."
Athena and Artemis both nodded silently, their proud expressions softening.
Amaterasu, standing a little behind, gave a calm smile. "Two nights beside each other."
Yuka, satisfied with her work, clapped her hands and declared, "Perfect!"
Alex stood there, quietly, not saying anything, while Nyx allowed herself a small, knowing smile. She didn't seem to mind the attention. Instead, she glanced up at him with her calm violet eyes, the faintest flicker of amusement crossing her expression as the room continued to compare them.
As everyone was still talking, Yuka suddenly tugged on Alex's sleeve again. Her black eyes sparkled with excitement as she pointed at Nyx.
"Papa! Can you hold Nyx-mama like a princess?" she said brightly.
The room went silent again. All eyes turned to Alex and Nyx.
Alex glanced at Nyx once, as if asking without words if she minded. Nyx tilted her head slightly, a slow smile forming on her lips, her violet eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I wouldn't mind," she said softly, her tone carrying both curiosity and a playful edge. "If it makes Yuka happy."
Yuka clapped her hands happily. "Do it, Papa!"
Alex sighed quietly but stepped forward. Without hesitation, he slipped one arm under Nyx's knees and the other around her back, lifting her smoothly into his arms. It was effortless, like lifting a feather.
Nyx blinked in surprise for just an instant before settling into the hold, her hair spilling like liquid night over his arm.
The playful calm on her face melted into something softer as she looked up at him from so close.
"I see why she likes this," Nyx said quietly, her voice almost a whisper meant just for him. "I… love this feeling."
Her violet eyes softened, and for the first time, the usual teasing tone in her voice disappeared. She rested her head lightly against his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment.
Yuka cheered loudly, spinning around in delight. "Perfect! Papa holding Nyx-mama like a princess!"
The other women watched, a mix of surprise, amusement, and quiet understanding passing through the room as Nyx's expression, usually unreadable, showed something undeniably genuine.
While Alex was still holding Nyx in a princess pose, Yuka stopped spinning and looked at them very seriously.
"Papa! Nyx-mama!" she said, pointing at them both. "Can you change your clothes? I want you to wear prince and princess clothes!"
The room froze again, several of the women smiling at Yuka's sudden request.
"Prince and princess clothes?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Yuka nodded firmly, her small hands balled into fists. "Yes! Papa as the prince, and Nyx-mama as the princess. You two already look like a story, so now you need the clothes!"
Nyx chuckled softly, the sound quiet and smooth. She tilted her head up at Alex from within his arms, her violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Shall we, Master? It sounds like your little one has a clear vision of us."
Alex sighed softly but nodded.
A faint glow began to spread over both of them. In an instant, the simple dark clothes Alex wore transformed into a formal outfit: a tailored, royal-style coat of black and silver with subtle violet patterns embroidered across the fabric, a high collar, and a polished silver clasp at his chest.
Nyx's long flowing dress changed as well. Midnight black silk shifted into a stunning princess gown, the skirts layered and edged with silver threads that shimmered like starlight. A delicate violet gem rested at her neckline, and a silver tiara adorned her hair, which spilled elegantly over her shoulders.
The room was silent as the glow faded.
Yuka's black eyes widened, sparkling. "Perfect! Papa and Nyx-mama look like a real prince and princess!"
Nyx looked down at herself, then back up at Alex, and smiled—slow, elegant, and beautiful. "I think your little one has good taste."
Alex adjusted his hold on her, and for a moment, their eyes met—violet to violet—while everyone else watched in a mix of awe and amusement.
Yuka's delighted clapping slowed as she tilted her head, thinking. Her black eyes sparkled again, and she tugged gently on Alex's sleeve while still looking at the beautiful prince and princess clothes.
"Papa! Nyx-mama!" she said brightly. "Can you change your clothes again? This time… I want to see yukata! Pretty yukata!"
The room stirred with soft laughter. Hanabi's eyes lit up with excitement, already imagining it, and even Ciel smiled warmly, curious to see how the two of them would look. Mira smirked and whispered something teasing to Mary, making her blush.
Alex glanced at Nyx, who was still in his arms. She raised an elegant eyebrow, her violet eyes glinting with amusement. "Yukata, hm? Your little one has very specific tastes tonight."
Yuka nodded eagerly. "Please! I want to see Papa and Nyx-mama in pretty yukata together!"
Alex let out a soft sigh but nodded. In an instant, his prince's outfit shimmered and transformed. The royal attire faded into a simple yet elegant black yukata, patterned with faint violet streaks that resembled falling stars. Nyx's gown shifted into a graceful deep-violet yukata, its fabric flowing with silver thread patterns like rippling night clouds, tied with a soft sash at her waist.
Yuka's mouth fell open, and she clapped her hands again. "Beautiful! Papa and Nyx-mama look perfect!"
The other women admired the sight, a mix of amusement and approval in their eyes as Yuka bounced up and down with joy.
Chapter 593 – Wedding Clothes
Yuka stared at them in their matching yukata for a while, her small black eyes full of thought. Then, with sudden excitement, she tugged at Alex's sleeve again.
"Papa! Nyx-mama! I want to see you in wedding clothes!" she said loudly. "Papa as the groom and Nyx-mama as the bride!"
The room stirred again, several of the women exchanging smiles. Hanabi giggled. "Oh, she's got ideas!" Aphrodite laughed softly and crossed her arms. "I like where this is going."
Alex glanced at Nyx, who was still resting lightly in his arms. She tilted her head slightly, her violet eyes meeting his with playful calm. "A wedding outfit? Shall we indulge her again, Master?"
Yuka nodded furiously. "Yes! Papa's clothes must be black, and Nyx-mama's dress must be black with violet!"
Alex sighed softly but didn't refuse. A faint glow covered both of them once again.
In an instant, his simple yukata vanished. He now wore a formal black wedding suit—perfectly tailored with a sharp black jacket, black shirt, and black tie. The subtle fabric shimmered faintly in the light.
Nyx's yukata transformed into a long, elegant wedding gown. The gown was a blend of black and deep violet, with delicate embroidery tracing silver stars across the flowing fabric. Her long hair was adorned with a veil that drifted lightly like mist, and a small violet rose rested on her head.
The glow faded, and the room went silent.
"Wow…" Airi whispered, her cheeks flushed.
"They look like a royal wedding," Mira said with a grin.
"More like a perfect match," Ciel added softly.
Yuka's face lit up as she clapped her hands. "Perfect! Papa looks so cool! And Nyx-mama looks so beautiful! You really are bride and groom!"
Nyx glanced up at Alex, a small, genuine smile touching her lips as she whispered just loud enough for him to hear, "This suits you too well… it almost feels real."
Alex said nothing, but his violet eyes softened slightly as he held her.
The room stayed quiet, watching them, as Yuka happily bounced around them in circles.
Yuka stood in front of them, hands on her hips, her little black eyes shining as she inspected the wedding outfits she had just requested. After a long moment, she nodded in approval but then raised a finger like a teacher correcting a student.
"Wait! A wedding needs a ring!" she said, her voice full of authority. "And… a kiss!"
The room immediately stirred with soft laughter and surprise. Hanabi fell backward onto the couch laughing, while Mira leaned against the wall with a wide grin. Ciel pressed a hand gently against her lips, smiling warmly, and Reyne arched an eyebrow with a faint smirk.
Yuka didn't notice any of them. She looked very serious, pointing at Alex and Nyx. "Papa! Nyx-mama! A wedding is not finished without a ring and a kiss!"
Nyx glanced up at Alex, a calm, amused smile forming on her lips. "It seems your little one won't be satisfied with just clothes."
Then she tilted her head slightly, violet eyes meeting his, playful but soft. "Well, Master? Shall we complete her wish?"
The room went quiet again, everyone waiting to see what Alex would do.
"Please, Papa! Please, please!" Yuka begged, her small hands clasped together as she bounced on her toes. "You have to do it! You have to put a ring on Nyx-mama's finger! That's how weddings work!"
Alex rubbed the back of his neck with one hand, his patience slowly tested by her persistence. He glanced at Nyx, who was now looking at him with a soft, quiet amusement that said she had no intention of stopping Yuka.
The little girl's pleading eyes were relentless.
Finally, Alex sighed in defeat. "Alright."
A small flicker of light appeared in his hand. He shaped it with precision, and the glow condensed into a delicate black and violet ring. The band was sleek and elegant, and a small gem of deep violet rested on top, catching the light with a subtle shimmer.
Yuka gasped, eyes wide. "Papa! Now put it on her finger! On Nyx-mama's left hand! That's where the ring goes!"
Alex nodded silently and turned to Nyx. She extended her left hand gracefully, her expression calm but her violet eyes unusually gentle as she watched him.
He took her hand carefully, holding it steady as he slid the ring onto her ring finger. The fit was perfect.
The room was completely silent as he did it, everyone's eyes fixed on that simple but meaningful gesture. Nyx looked at the ring for a moment, then back up at him, her lips curving into a soft, genuine smile that reached her eyes.
Chapter 594 – The Final Part of the Wedding
As soon as the ring settled on Nyx's finger, Yuka's face brightened like a small sun. She clapped her hands, then pointed at them with all the authority a little girl could muster.
"Next is kiss!" she said loudly. "The wedding isn't done yet! After the ring, there has to be a kiss!"
The room reacted instantly. Hanabi burst into laughter, rolling onto the couch. Mira grinned like a cat, nudging Mary, who was already hiding behind her hands, her ears bright red. Aphrodite folded her arms with a smirk, clearly enjoying the show. Even Ciel pressed a hand to her lips to hide her quiet giggle, while Morgan stood with a faint, proud smirk that betrayed her interest.
Alex stood still, staring down at Yuka, who was completely serious. "Kiss," she repeated, nodding quickly as if that settled everything.
Nyx, still standing beside him, tilted her head slightly, her long black hair sliding over her shoulder. She looked at him with a serene but amused smile. "She's quite insistent," she said softly. "It would be cruel to disappoint her, don't you think, Master?"
Her violet eyes sparkled faintly as the room waited, a mix of anticipation and curiosity thick in the air.
Yuka stood there, hands on her hips, waiting. "Kiss, Papa! Nyx-mama! Right now!"
Alex let out a soft breath, glancing once at Nyx. She was already looking up at him, calm and unflinching. Her lips curved in a small, confident smile, but her violet eyes held something softer—acceptance.
The room went silent.
Finally, Alex leaned slightly toward her. Nyx tilted her chin up to meet him.
Their lips touched.
It wasn't long or overly dramatic. It was a simple kiss, but there was a quiet weight to it. The room around them seemed to disappear in that moment, leaving only the faint warmth between them.
Nyx's violet eyes slowly closed, her body relaxing as if she'd been waiting for this.
Inside, her thoughts stirred.
(So this is what it feels like…)
(…I think I love this… far more than I thought I would.)
When the kiss ended, she opened her eyes again, looking up at him. For just a moment, there was no teasing in her expression, only a calm, genuine happiness that she didn't bother to hide.
Yuka squealed happily, bouncing up and down. "Perfect! Now it's a real wedding!"
The room erupted into voices, laughter, and whispers, but Nyx stayed close, her hand lightly holding onto his sleeve as if reluctant to let go.
The room was still filled with Yuka's cheerful laughter when Nyx shifted slightly. She reached out with one hand and placed it gently on top of Yuka's head. The sudden motion quieted the room. Everyone turned to look at her.
Nyx's violet eyes softened as she looked down at the little girl. Her voice, when she spoke, was calm and steady, carrying a solemn weight that silenced even the most playful among them.
"Little one," she said softly, "from this moment on, I vow this: I will protect you, your father, and this home."
Yuka blinked up at her, wide-eyed.
Nyx lifted her gaze, sweeping it slowly across the entire room, meeting every set of eyes there. "Even if I am not as strong as him," she continued, "I will stand at his side, as his follower, and as someone who chooses to guard what he treasures."
Her tone carried no arrogance, no jest. It was a clear, deliberate promise.
"I will shield this family in any way I can," she said, "even if it costs me everything."
The room was silent. Even Mira, who had been smirking moments ago, was watching with widened eyes. Hanabi stopped mid-laugh, Athena and Artemis exchanged glances, and Aphrodite lowered her arms slowly, her pink eyes softening.
Ciel's lips curved into a faint, approving smile. "That is a beautiful promise," she said gently.
Morgan's blue eyes stayed locked on Nyx, studying her with a seriousness she rarely gave anyone else.
Yuka smiled brightly, wrapping her small arms around Nyx's neck and hugging her tightly. "Thank you, Nyx-mama!"
Nyx closed her eyes and hugged the little girl back, whispering just loud enough for her to hear, "I will not break my word."
When she looked up again, her violet eyes met Alex's. There was no teasing in them now—only quiet resolve.
The room was still quiet when Ciel took a step forward. Her golden eyes softened, and the gentle expression on her face carried the same warmth that always seemed to calm everyone around her.
She stopped just in front of Nyx, looking at her and the little girl still hugging her.
"Nyx," Ciel said softly, "thank you for those words. You didn't have to make such a promise, but you chose to do it. That tells me everything I need to know about you."
Nyx tilted her head slightly, her violet eyes meeting Ciel's gaze without hesitation.
Ciel's lips curved into a warm smile. "So let me say this, from the bottom of my heart—welcome. You're one of us now. You're family."
The weight of those words spread through the room. There was no hostility, no doubt, only quiet acceptance.
Morgan gave a single, silent nod behind her sister. Reyne looked away with a small smirk but said nothing. Hanabi grinned softly, for once without a joke. Even Aphrodite's expression softened slightly as she crossed her arms.
Yuka pulled back from Nyx just enough to beam up at both women. "See, Nyx-mama? I told you! Everyone likes you!"
Nyx blinked at that, then let out a small, quiet laugh. It was barely there, but it was genuine. She looked at Ciel again, her usual teasing calm replaced by something more respectful.
"…I'll remember those words," Nyx said.
For the first time, her voice carried something more than calm—it carried gratitude.
Yuka, her small hands still clutching Nyx's sleeve, looked up at Ciel with a bright, proud smile. Even though she was only four years old, her body looked closer to twelve—a strange growth that no one could explain, but her childish heart and voice were still that of a little girl.
"Now that Nyx-mama is here," she said, turning toward everyone, "can we all sit together and talk? I want Nyx-mama to be with us, just like my other mamas!"
Ciel laughed softly, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Of course, Yuka. That's a wonderful idea."
Alex nodded. "Alright. Let's sit."
The entire group moved to the large living room area, gathering together on the wide, soft mats and low couches. The house felt alive with warmth, voices mingling as everyone found a place.
Yuka, of course, stayed right between Alex and Nyx, holding their hands tightly as if she refused to let either of them go. She looked around the room, eyes shining.
"Papa," she said suddenly, "can we have a family picture? I want one with everyone. With all my mamas, Papa, and Nyx-mama too!"
The room stirred with soft laughter and smiles. Even Athena and Artemis, usually proud and composed, exchanged amused looks.
Alex placed a hand on Yuka's head. "Alright."
With a wave of his hand, faint light spread around the room. A soft shimmer appeared in the air, forming a magical frame. Everyone adjusted their seats so they could all fit, with Yuka tugging Nyx to sit right next to her and dragging Alex to her other side.
The picture formed:
Alex at the center, Yuka between him and Nyx.
Ciel sat close on Alex's right, her hand gently on his arm. Morgan beside her, composed and dignified. Reyne just behind them, arms folded but smiling faintly. Airi next, blushing but leaning forward to be seen. Hanabi crouched playfully near Yuka, making a peace sign.
Nefertiti stood tall behind Alex, calm and elegant. Iris sat close, blindfolded but smiling shyly. Mary and Mira sat together, Mira leaning forward with her usual grin while Mary blushed. Vira, with emerald hair, knelt proudly behind Yuka, while Mircella hugged her from the other side.
Ileana stood behind Mircella, regal and calm. Aphrodite, relaxed, tilted her head with a teasing smile. Athena and Artemis stood side by side, poised and radiant. And Amaterasu, serene as always, stood just behind Alex, her hand resting lightly on his shoulder.
At the edge, Nyx stood close, her violet eyes watching everyone but softening slightly when she saw herself included.
The light flashed. A perfect image appeared, floating in the air, capturing all of them together. Yuka clapped her hands in joy.
"It's perfect! My whole family is here!" she said happily.
Alex touched the glowing image, and it became a framed photo that floated down gently into Yuka's waiting hands. She hugged it to her chest like it was the most precious thing in the world.
Chapter 595 – A Bed Full of Warmth
Night came, soft and quiet. After the long evening of talking, laughter, and Yuka proudly carrying her new family picture everywhere she went, the house finally began to calm.
But when it was time to sleep, Yuka stood in front of Alex and crossed her arms, trying her best to look serious despite her small voice.
"Papa," she said, "tonight I want to sleep between you and Nyx-mama."
Alex looked down at her, a little surprised. "Between me and Nyx?"
Yuka nodded hard. "Yes! That way I can hold both of you. You're both mine."
Nyx, standing behind Yuka, chuckled softly. "Your little one is very sure of herself," she said, her violet eyes warm. Then, with a small smile, she added, "I don't mind."
The large bedroom was prepared, soft blankets and pillows spread across the massive bed that was already designed to fit all of them. Yuka climbed in first, tugging on Nyx's hand to pull her beside her. She grabbed Alex's sleeve with her other hand, making sure he lay down on the opposite side.
Ciel, Morgan, Reyne, Airi, Hanabi, Nefertiti, Iris, Mary and Mira, Vira, Mircella, Ileana, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, and Amaterasu all joined, one after another, until the bed was a sea of warmth and soft breathing.
Yuka wiggled until she was perfectly in the middle, one small hand holding Nyx's and the other gripping Alex's shirt. Her black eyes blinked sleepily as she smiled.
"Perfect," she murmured softly. "Nyx-mama on one side, Papa on the other."
Nyx glanced across Yuka at Alex. For once, she didn't tease, didn't speak. She simply smiled faintly, lying quietly as Yuka's small hand remained locked in hers.
Soon the room settled into the rhythm of calm breathing. Yuka fell asleep quickly, a peaceful smile on her face. Around her, all the others drifted off one by one, the room filled with warmth and safety.
And so, for the first time, Nyx spent the night sleeping beside all of them, with Yuka nestled firmly between her and Alex.
The first light of dawn crept into the house, spilling across the wide bedroom. The room was filled with the quiet rhythm of breathing as everyone slept peacefully, but Alex was already awake. Carefully, without waking Yuka who was curled against him, he slipped out of bed.
Nyx's violet eyes opened just slightly as he moved. For a moment, she simply watched him. When he glanced back, she closed them again with a faint smile, choosing not to say anything.
The house was quiet as Alex made his way to the kitchen. Soon the soft sounds of chopping, simmering, and the rich aroma of breakfast began to fill the air. By the time the others woke, the house was alive with the scent of freshly cooked food.
Yuka was the first to notice. She sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. "Papa's cooking," she said with a sleepy grin. She grabbed Nyx's hand and pulled her along, still half-asleep, toward the kitchen.
The dining table was already full when everyone gathered. Alex stood at the head, setting down the last dish before sitting with them. Plates were passed around, and the sound of clinking dishes and happy voices filled the room.
Ciel sat close to Alex as always, Morgan and Reyne across from them, Hanabi sneaking bites and grinning, Airi shyly thanking him for the food. Nefertiti, Ileana, and Mircella carried themselves with their usual elegance, while Mary blushed every time Mira tried to feed her. Vira and Yuka ate with bright smiles, Aphrodite teased Athena and Artemis, and Amaterasu watched them all with calm pride.
Nyx sat quietly beside Yuka, trying her best to look composed, but her eyes softened as she tasted the food. It was the first time in ages that she had eaten at a table like this—with laughter, warmth, and peace all around her.
For a while, there was nothing but the sound of breakfast shared as a family.
The breakfast went on with a warm, lively energy. Yuka laughed with her mouth full, Hanabi kept sneaking extra bites, and Mira playfully teased Mary. Even Athena and Artemis, usually so composed, smiled more than usual.
Nyx, seated beside Yuka, stayed quiet as she ate, but her violet eyes moved slowly across the table. She watched the easy smiles, the teasing, the little moments of kindness that passed between everyone.
Every laugh, every gentle touch, every bit of food passed across the table—it all felt unfamiliar to her. She had eaten countless times before, but never like this.
By the time her plate was empty, there was something new in her gaze, something softer.
When the meal ended, Nyx set her chopsticks down and looked at Alex.
"Master," she said quietly.
Her tone was calm, but there was a certain weight to it that made the others pause.
"I'd like to speak with you. Alone."
The room grew a little quieter. Yuka tilted her head but didn't protest. Ciel nodded gently, understanding, and the others gave her curious glances but stayed silent.
Alex met Nyx's eyes, nodded once, and stood. Without another word, the two of them left the dining area, heading to a quiet part of the house where no one would disturb them.
Alex led Nyx to one of the quiet sitting rooms at the far end of the house. Morning light spilled through the wide window, and the sounds of the others cleaning up after breakfast faded into the distance.
He stood by the window, waiting, while Nyx stopped a few steps behind him. For a long moment she said nothing, her violet eyes fixed on his back.
Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but softer than usual.
"That meal," she began, "was different from anything I've known."
Alex glanced at her over his shoulder. "Different?"
Nyx nodded slightly. "I've lived for longer than most of the gods who sat in that council. I have seen kingdoms rise and fall, and I've eaten at tables with emperors, gods, and beings beyond worlds. But…" She paused, lowering her gaze. "I've never sat at a table that felt like that."
She moved closer, her bare feet making no sound on the wooden floor.
"I watched all of them—how they laughed, how they passed food, how even the smallest things mattered to them. I don't know if you realize it, but that table made me feel something I haven't felt in longer than I can remember."
She stopped a step behind him.
"Belonging," she said simply. "It made me feel… like I belonged there."
For a moment, silence filled the room. Nyx's violet eyes softened as she admitted, "I want to stay by your side, not just as a follower who made a vow. I want to stay because…"
She hesitated, a rare crack in her perfect composure.
"…because I want to feel that again."
Her voice dropped lower, almost a whisper. "That warmth."
She looked up at him, her usual calm expression gentler now. "That is what I came here to say."
Nyx stood there, her violet eyes steady as she spoke again, more certain now.
"I want to be part of this," she said softly. "Not just a guest who stands at the edge of the room. Not someone looking from the outside. I want to be part of this family."
Her words lingered in the quiet room, the sunlight catching in her hair like threads of night. For a moment, it almost seemed like she was holding her breath, waiting for his response.
Alex turned to face her fully. His expression was calm, his voice even, but there was a warmth in it that cut straight through the silence.
"You already are."
Nyx blinked, a flicker of surprise breaking her usual composure.
"You sat at the table with us," he continued. "You stayed with Yuka, you've spoken to everyone, and you've protected this house. That makes you one of us."
For a long moment, she said nothing, only looking at him. Then, slowly, her lips curved into a faint smile, softer and more genuine than her usual teasing expression.
"…Then I'll hold you to those words," she said quietly.
And for the first time in a long time, Nyx felt like the night around her wasn't empty.
Four days passed in the house, and those days felt like a dream.
They spent their time quietly together—mornings began with the smell of Alex's cooking, followed by long, warm breakfasts that Nyx now joined without hesitation. Afternoons were spent in the gardens, Yuka always pulling Nyx by the hand to play or to sit with the others while they talked. Evenings were full of conversation, laughter, and sometimes quiet moments under the stars.
For Nyx, every moment felt strangely new. She was no longer standing at the edge of the group; she was inside it.
On the fourth day, it was time to return.
Iris, Mary and Mira, Vira, Mircella, Ileana, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Amaterasu, and Yuka gathered their things, ready to head back to their usual places. They stood by the door, waiting for Alex to open the way.
Yuka clung to his sleeve, looking up at him with her big black eyes. "Papa, will we all come back here again?"
Alex nodded. "Of course. Whenever you want."
That was all she needed to hear. She smiled brightly and hugged him tightly before running back to Nyx to hug her too.
Alex raised his hand slightly. Now that he had fully mastered the Laws of Space, moving everyone no longer required a circle, an incantation, or even much focus.
He simply snapped his fingers.
In an instant, the space around them folded like a ripple across water. The room shimmered, and without even a flash of light, the group vanished. It was smooth, seamless—so natural that it felt like reality had simply rearranged itself to place them exactly where they wanted to be.
Teleportation, once a complex process, had become effortless for him.
Within a blink, Iris, Mary and Mira, Vira, Mircella, Ileana, Aphrodite, Athena, Artemis, Amaterasu, and Yuka were returned to their places, as if they had never left.
The house fell silent again, leaving only Alex and those who had chosen to remain behind.