The castle courtyard had transformed.
Under the twin moons, ten magical circles glowed on the ground—one for each of Arin's chosen. At the center stood Arin, his sword pulsing with golden energy, surrounded by his wives, old and new.
Evelyn, arms folded, barked, "Let's get something straight. We train to survive. Not flirt."
Nyx winked. "Speak for yourself, firecracker."
Freya conjured a blizzard around herself. "Bring it. I'll freeze your ego solid."
Lyra hovered above the ground, stars orbiting her gently. "Let us focus. A war is coming."
Celestia summoned a holy spear. "Abyssal forces stir again. We must be ready."
Arin raised his voice. "Let's begin."
---
Training Commenced.
Lilith and Freya clashed with elemental fury. Celestia and Evelyn dueled with divine grace and fire. Nyx danced through shadows, teasing her opponents. Lyra summoned starfire that dazzled even the night sky.
Amid all this chaos, Arin sparred with each of them.
Each touch lingered.
Each look lasted too long.
And every wife noticed.
---
Later that Night:
In the library, Arin discovered an old scroll. Faded, sealed by a seven-headed serpent. As he touched it, glowing symbols lit up the room. Lyra and Seraphina rushed in.
"It's the Prophecy of the Seven Brides," Lyra whispered. "Said to awaken a warrior who would either unite the realms… or destroy them."
Seraphina added, "And there's one line repeated throughout: 'When frost and flame kiss beneath the stars, destiny shall bend.'"
Arin's eyes narrowed. "Celestia and Freya…"
Before they could react, a voice called out from behind.
Nyx stood at the door, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised. "So… prophecy now? Does it at least say how many more of us you're going to collect?"
Arin chuckled. "Depends. You jealous?"
She smirked, sauntering closer, pressing a finger to his lips. "Terribly. Fix it."
And then she kissed him—dark, daring, and fierce.
Just as she pulled away, Lyra took his other hand and whispered, "Don't let her win."
And kissed his other cheek.
From the doorway, Evelyn exploded: "DO YOU GUYS NOT SLEEP?!"
---
Meanwhile...
In a chamber far below, a hooded woman watched everything through a shadowy portal.
Her lips curved into a sly smile.
"So the prophecy awakens… and he hasn't met me yet."
The eighth was on her way.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]