The Queen's hands mapped my chest, my stomach, tracing every line as if memorizing me. When she wrapped fingers around my lump, I groaned into her mouth.
She stroked it slowly, deliberately, as she kept watching my face.
"So responsive," she whispered. "Sara was precise."
Damn… I needed to touch her too.
I kissed down her neck, tasting salt and jasmine.
When my mouth closed over one nipple, she arched, fingers tightening in my hair. I lavished attention on both breasts until her breaths came faster.
I went lower… her stomach, her navel…
Lower still.
And she guided me to the love door, parting her thighs wider.
Then I tasted her—sweet, aromatic, absolutely intoxicating.
Elara's hips rolled against my tongue, her moans growing deeper, more urgent. When she finally came, it was with a low cry, thighs trembling around me.
The System flashed quietly.
[New Skill Enhanced: Pleasure Resonance – Partners' sensations amplified]
[Bond Initiated: Elara (Royal Favor – Level 1)]
She pulled me up, eyes shaded with need. "Now."
I nodded and set the lump on the love door…
I entered her slowly—Ugh!
And she was so tight, hot, and receiving. We both groaned at the connection.
Elara set the pace at first; slow, deep rolls of her hips that had me shaking with restraint. Then faster, urging me with legs locked around my waist, nails marking my back.
I had already lost track of time.
We shifted positions: her on top, riding with regal authority; me behind her, gripping her hips as she pushed back to meet every thrust; face to face again, her silver eyes locked on mine as climax built.
When she came the second time, clenching around me, I followed… Spilling my seed deep inside her with a ragged grunt. Pleasure crashed through me in waves stronger than with Sara, as if the Queen's body literally drew everything I had to give.
We collapsed together, breathing hard. Afterwards, she held me close on her breasts, one hand stroking my hair.
"You are worthy," she whispered against my temple. "No… More than worthy, Benjamin."
After a while, she rose and poured more wine. We drank, bodies still tangled.
"The Rite begins soon," she said. "Many will offer themselves tonight. Some gently, some fiercely. But move with your heart, Benjamin. The Goddess favors honesty."
I nodded, still dazed. "And you?"
"Haha. Did I make you infatuated?" She smiled, tracing my jaw. "However, I have had my taste. If the bond calls you back to me, I will welcome it. But the rest of the night is for the village."
Dun! Dun! Dun!
A distant drumbeat swelled, faster now, as if calling me.
Elara stood, pulling on her robe again. "Proceed. Sara waits below to guide you to the circle."
I dressed slowly, legs unsteady.
But at the vine curtain, I paused.
"Th-Thank you," I said.
Well, it felt small, but it was all I had to say.
Elara's expression warmed. "No, thank YOU, Benjamin Mark. You have given us hope... Men are too terrified of us."
I stepped out into the torchlit night.
Sara was there, as assured.
But her eyes searched mine, vulnerable for a heartbeat before she masked it with a soft smile.
"Come," she said, taking my hand. "The moon is high. The Rite will begin soon."
As we descended toward the gathering circle, drums thundering, I felt the weight of many eyes; curious ones, eager ones, and even challenging ones.
Among them, near the front, stood Tamar. Arms crossed, raven hair gleaming under moonlight, silver-gray eyes fixed on me with cool defiance.
The night was far from over.
[Infinite stamina] might hold. But will my body?
Hey, will they give me a time-out if I asked?
***
The full moon hung high over Verdant Spire like a silver lantern, casting ethereal light through the canopy.
Drums thundered in a primal rhythm that pulsed through my veins, almost matching the rapid beat of my heart.
Sara led me down winding vine paths toward the central clearing… A vast circle of soft grass ringed by ancient trees, where glowing flowers bloomed brighter under the influence of moonlight.
Almost the entire village had gathered, except the ones on patrol or some errand:
Hundreds of Amazons stood in loose rings around the perimeter, their bodies adorned in ceremonial leaves and feathers, weapons laid aside for the night.
Torchlight flickered on their bronzed skin, highlighting curves and muscles alike. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, sweat, and anticipation.
Sara squeezed my hand one last time before releasing it. "This is the Rite of the Great Mother—Artemis, our eternal guardian, who blesses the fierce and the fertile. The unmated will approach. Choose with care, Benjamin. Your bonds will strengthen the Spire."
I nodded, throat tight.
Unmated, huh.
That means virgin, I believe.
Sara had bonded with me last night. And she had already "mated" with others before. So her status had long shifted in the eyes of the tribe.
She wouldn't present herself tonight; instead, she'd stand among the "mated" warriors, watching. Supporting me from the corner.
Perhaps she was a little jealous? Well, if she was, she hid it well.
Queen Elara waited at the circle's center on a raised platform of woven roots, her emerald robe flowing like a banner.
Tamar stood at her side with her arms crossed and her raven hair now tied back. Her silver-gray eyes were fixed on me with that cool, rebellious stare.
She wore lighter armor tonight, the kind that accentuated her supple, athletic build, but her posture still conveyed reluctance.
Elara raised her hands, and the drums immediately fell silent.
"Sisters of Verdant Spire," she called, voice carrying like thunder. "Our Goddess Artemis has sent us a gift; a god-touched male from another world—pure of heart and strong of body. Unlike any other male you must've faced. Tonight, we welcome him fully. Let the unmated step forward. Let bonds be forged under the moon."
A low chant rose from the crowd with rhythmic and ancient sensation. The inner ring parted, and the first batch of women approached.
There were twelve in total—Each one more stunning than the last. But among them, Elara's daughters stood out, her lineage evident in their grace and power.
The Queen had many daughters, scattered through the tribe, fruits of past matings with worthy outsiders. These four were her potential successors for Amazon Queen: unmated and ready to claim their honor.
First came the one called Heka, the quiet warrior: