"Pleasure may be his power, but tonight — it must also be his weapon."
Lucien stood before the mirror, naked from the waist up, golden eyes calm as fire.
Lira adjusted his collar — black and crimson robes, accented with silver thread that pulsed faintly with defensive enchantments.
"You don't have to go," she said.
Lucien looked at her reflection. "I already did the moment they sent that invitation."
Behind them, Nyra stood sharpening twin daggers. Veyla braided her hair. Sera watched silently, a book of Yin symbols open in her lap.
His harem was ready. But none could go.
> [Banquet Rule: Only the chosen may enter. No bonded Yin Sources permitted.]
Lucien kissed Lira's forehead.
"Hold the chamber," he said. "If I don't return—"
"You will," she cut him off.
He smiled.
"Of course I will."
Arrival at the Royal Yin Banquet
The banquet hall was carved into the heart of the mountain — a hollowed crystal cavern lit by firelotus lamps and flowing magma rivers that shimmered across obsidian floors.
Dozens of guests in silk and spell-robes mingled. Sects from across the region — each represented by their strongest.
Lucien stepped through the main arch.
And the room shifted.
Eyes turned. Conversations paused.
Even the background music slowed.
His aura preceded him — not overpowering, but undeniable. He was a god among wolves.
> [System Alert: 63 Yin Sources within range. Charm resistance varies. Passive effect engaged.]
Lucien ignored the stares.
He walked to the banquet circle and took the only open seat — between a snide-looking elder with too many rings and a veiled woman who hadn't spoken once.
Tension Under Wine
Food was served. Wine poured.
Conversation picked up again. But it wasn't real. It was chess.
Everyone measuring him. Waiting for him to speak.
Lucien did not.
Until someone made the mistake of speaking first.
"So this is the Incubus," said a tall, bronze-skinned male with arrogant eyes.
Lucien turned. "Who's asking?"
"Ryun of the Obsidian Flame Sect. Tier Six Yin Splitter. Not impressed."
Lucien smiled. "Then you haven't seen me naked."
A few guests choked.
Even the veiled woman next to him snorted.
Ryun scowled. "Arrogance doesn't protect you here. We duel in public. Or don't speak at all."
Lucien stood. Poured a glass of firewine.
Then walked up behind the most well-known sect heiress in the room — Lady Yulana of the Violet Gaze.
He leaned in. Whispered something.
She blushed.
Then moaned.
The hall went silent again.
Lucien turned to Ryun. "I speak. I touch. I win."
> [Challenge Bypassed — Aura Seduction Successful. Yin Status: Yulana now marked as Interested.]
She Who Cannot Be Touched
Later, as dancing began, Lucien sat alone — until she appeared.
The air around her grew cold.
Hair black as ink. Skin like porcelain. Eyes that glowed faint teal.
She wore no ornament. No color.
Just silence.
She sat across from him without a word.
Lucien smirked. "Let me guess. You're the one no one dares flirt with."
She tilted her head. "Because they value their lives."
Lucien leaned forward. "What if I value the risk more?"
> [New Yin Source Identified: Unknown Royal Lineage. Yin Density: ???. System reading blocked.]
She reached across the table and placed her finger on his forehead.
Lucien's vision exploded.
He saw stars. Saw flames. Saw her — standing over him. Smiling.
"You want me?" she whispered in his mind.
Lucien growled. "I don't want. I take."
Seduction as Politics [18+]
The banquet shifted locations — into a private chamber filled with illusion mist and pleasure vines.
Lucien stood shirtless, hair wet from wine, eyes glowing gold.
She approached. Robes slid from her body with no touch.
Nude. Unafraid. Unimpressed.
Lucien stepped forward. Kissed her belly.
She didn't flinch. But she shivered.
He kissed her chest. She gasped.
He lifted her to the pleasure vines. Tied her arms gently.
She looked at him — eyes blazing. "Do it right. Or not at all."
Lucien entered her slowly. Then deeper.
Her mouth parted. She tried not to moan.
Failed.
> [System Reading Cracked: Yin Density 10/10 — Ancestral Bloodline Detected.] [Yin Bond Initiation Possible: Consent Pending.]
Lucien took her harder. Rougher. But always precise.
She clawed his back. Came screaming.
Then again.
Lucien never stopped.
She was shaking.
And finally — she whispered:
"My name… is Kaelara."
Lucien smiled.
"Now I own it."
The Return
Lucien exited the banquet, robe loose, lip bleeding from Kaelara's last bite.
The Elders stared. The Sect Leaders nodded.
The throne took notice.
He had not only survived the banquet.
He had claimed its most untouchable piece.
---
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: The Throne Summons — Lust Meets Law [18+]