Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A heavy sigh escaped you as you leaned against a large oak tree, grateful for the shade. Summer had been, in your opinion, unreasonably hot this year. Not that any of the patrons at the fancy, upper crust country club you worked at seemed to care. They had no issues sending you scurrying back and forth across the hot lawns or slogging behind their golf carts on foot while they sipped mimosas or whatever the new fad alcoholic drink was and reminding you to hurry up. Ugh, the regulars were the worst. The ones who expected you to grin and thank them for their generosity every time they gave you advice on how to "properly" serve them. It was a wonder you hadn't cracked a tooth with how hard you had been clenching your jaw while flashing that "Tour Guide Barbie" smile. 

Yeah, this day off was way overdue. And just to make sure you didn’t run into any of your usual “guests” (Seriously, what was it with rich people and a lack of boundaries?), you decided it was the perfect day to take the bus to the next town over and visit their aquarium.

Smiling to yourself, you checked the schedule on your phone once more when an exasperated groan, one with a level of desperation only possible by teenage girls or middle aged fathers of four, caught your attention.

A sympathetic smile touched your lips as you beheld a young woman collapsing on the mildly rusted bench of the bus stop; a bulging satchel and smallish duffel at her side. “Let me guess, summer camp?” You asked as you approached the girl, your eyes flicking to the crumbled brochure she was currently glaring down at. Despite nearing thirty, you still remembered the trials and tribulations of puberty.

“The most boring camp to ever exist! Mom wants me to learn to balance checkbooks and write historically accurate research papers!” The girl turned and frowned up at you with the most miserable face you’d seen since you looked in the mirror at the end of your last shift.

“Oof.” You agreed as you plopped down onto the bench beside her. “That’s rough. I remember when my parents tried to make me get rid of the life size cardboard cutouts of my fictional crushes.” You laughed into the back of your hand. “I just hid them under my bed along with my fanfiction journals until I left for college.”

Your smile widened as the young girl looked up at you with sparkling eyes. “Your Mom is probably just like mine; worried people won’t 'get you'. And honestly, a lot still don’t. But you’ll find your way. Growing older is mandatory, growing up is optional.” You finished with a small wink.

The teen, now smiling, held out her hand to you. “I knew adults were still secretly dorks! I’m Luz.” She beamed at you.

You shook her hand as you laughed and introduced yourself. “Pleasure to meet a fellow ‘dork’. I-” You gaze drifted from the younger woman to her unattended bag on the bench. “Is.. Is that owl stealing a book from your bag?”

“Wha-?” The teen whipped her head around in time to see the small brown bird hopping and flapping into the forest behind you, a well-loved hardcover book in its tiny talons. “AZURA! Hey, tiny thief! Get back here!”

You fought the urge to laugh at the teens plight and lost, your arms wrapping around your waist as tears pricked the corners of your eyes. “Go get 'em Luz! I’ll watch your bag, hun.” Eventually you caught your breath enough to sit up straight, your gaze resting on the now eerily silent rows of trees.

Your brow furrowed as the seconds ticked by without the teen’s reappearance. Worry began to gnaw at your gut as relatively recent news stories of increased muggings and assaults rose to the forefront of your mind. “Luz? You catch that bird yet?”

Your frown deepened in the absence of any response. Now genuinely nervous, you rose to your feet and headed into the forest yourself, sparing her now abandoned bag a quick glance. “It’ll be fine on the bench for two minutes.” You reasoned with yourself as you started after the path you saw the teen tear down, your own pace measured yet hurried. "It'll be fine, you're just being paranoid."

“Luz!” You called out periodically as the forest grew steadily darker. “Are you ok? Can you answer me?” Just as you considered pulling your phone out to call the police, you heard what sounded like muffled voices. Lightly jogging after the noise you stumbled onto a small clearing with one of the town’s many abandoned colonial era houses nestled firmly in the middle. Its door, an oddly intricate affair with an enormous slit pupiled eye adorning it, hung wide open, and you could just make out what sounded like “Wait, come back!” echoing through the frame.

Sighing in relief you stepped into the doorway, mindful of the rotting wood on the porch. “Luz, you should probably let the bird keep that one. These houses are old and…..” Your word died in your throat as you looked around. Instead of a half rotted wooden cabin, it appeared you had stepped into a tent? Glancing behind you, a blank canvas wall marked your point of entry, absent of anything remotely door-like.

Heart hammering, you glanced around the cluttered tent as you crept forward, trying to make sense of the haphazard piles of junk cluttering the space. Mismatched clothes were strung up on lines next to deflated pool floats while precarious towers of cardboard boxes threatened to spill their contents of broken toys and wads of yarn at the slightest provocation. Voices drew your eyes forward again to the only apparent exit; a slit in the wall of the tent allowing a single beam of sunlight to shine through.

In a slight crouch, you crept forward, the hairs on the back of your neck bristling as your heart pounded in your ears. You needed to find that girl and get both of you the hell out of there before whoever owned this creepy collection came back.

“Luz!" You harshly whispered as you crept out of the open flap of the tent, eyes squinting at the bright light. “Where are….you….”

Your words died in your throat as your eyes adjusted to the bright light, sunlight you realized. The tent you stepped out of stood in a long line of similar temporary shelters and stalls, similar to the outdoor markets your town constructed during fairs and festivals. Only instead of people milling about there were what you could only describe as demons.

Creatures in every conceivable size, shape, and color wandered about. Giant centipedes with human faces, tiny fairies with fangs so large it was impossible for them to fully close their mouths, humanoid creatures with ears closely resembling bats, and so many more your brain either could not or would not process at the moment.

Without conscious thought you found yourself crumpling down to the hard packed earth and cobblestone road, back pressed against the support pole of the tent with your knees drawn to your chest. The fabric of your light sundress gently brushing against your ankles in the soft breeze. Your enormous eyes hardly took anything in as you struggled to keep your breathing even. The large chunk of your brain desperate to believe this was all a dream was slowly being eroded by the growing realization that you had, somehow, teleported into another world.

“Why couldn’t this have happened to me in middle or high school? Hell, even college me was better suited for this isekai bullshit.” You groaned to yourself as you forced your trembling legs to gather beneath you. “Gotta find that Luz kid and get out of here. Fast.”

Laughter drew your attention to a previously unnoticed cluster of creatures, their attention all trained on a tall, ash haired woman. An old portable television was perched on one shoulder while the other supported a grinning and laughing human.

“Luz!” You gasped out in relief as you started to shakily make your way towards the group, pointedly ignoring your body's cries for you to run in the opposite direction. The kid clearly was having fun explaining the finer points of those old jazzercise tapes from the ‘80s. And none of the creatures surrounding her seemed hostile. Maybe you could-

Screams erupted from the crowd as a gloved fist crashed into the small television, knocking it to the ground. The previously entranced menagerie scattered almost instantly, barely avoiding each other in the chaos. Your eyes widened in fear at the hulking cloaked and masked figure glaring down at Luz and her new companion as your desire to help the girl battled with the primal instinct to flee.

Before you can even make it halfway to the pair, the older woman conjured a staff and soundly cracked their assailant over the head.  With a snarky grin, she hurried off into the fray, one hand clasped firmly on Luz’s arm while the other heaved a huge bundle over her shoulder.

Dodging the stragglers of the scattering shoppers, you struggled to follow the fleeing pair, your heart rate spiking each time you caught sight of Luz’s sweatshirt or the older woman’s hair before it disappeared around a corner.

Turning down an alley you could have sworn you saw a flash of white disappear into, you slammed into a pair of figures, falling back on your rear from the sheer force of the impact. Groaning in mild pain, you glanced up as you struggled to your feet. As your gaze focused, the half formed apology died in your throat. While much smaller in stature, the pair wore near identical outfits, down to the plague doctor-esque masks of the behemoth that smashed the television set.

“I-I’m so sorry.” You stammered as you struggled to your feet, still a little disoriented from the collision.

“Of course you are!” The smaller of the two squeaked out in an abnormally high voice. “You wouldn’t want to end up disrespecting a member of the Emperor’s Coven, would ya?!”

Shaking your head emphatically, you offered the pair a small bow as you slowly began to back out of the alley. “No, of course not! Please, accept my apologies!”

“Freeze.” The larger of the pair barked out, one hand darting out to capture your wrist in a bone crushing grip. “Dart. Take a closer look at ‘er ears. You don’t think…”

You swallowed hard as you fought the urge to struggle in the guard’s grip. ‘Authority figure. Clearly used to unwavering compliance. Don’t give him any reason to think you’re trouble. Just cooperate and run the second they let you go.’ You repeated those last two sentences in your head as if they were your entire identity.

The smaller guard, Dart, approached your free side, his sickly yellow eyes visibility widening behind the narrow slits of his masks. “Oh Titan! She’s a human.” He exchanged a tense look with his companion before turning back to you, his hand darting under his cloak to retrieve a small corked phial. “Sorry about this in advance. Emperor’s orders.”

Before you could fully make sense of the exchange, you heard the telltale tinkle of glass being broken quickly followed by a puff of yellow smoke engulfing your face. Your small flinch and gasp of surprise was all it took for the gas to take effect. Slipping out of the larger guard’s grip you crumbled into a boneless heap on the ground, your mind quickly following suit into oblivion. Your last coherent thought was mild relief that at least Luz had gotten away.

Chapter Text

Your hearing was the first thing to return; a somewhat soothing combination of wheels rolling along a firm dirt path and the gentle murmur of hushed conversation guided you back to consciousness. A quiet groan escaped your lips as you pushed up from the wooden floor beneath you to take in your surroundings.

“Finally awake human?” Dart’s voice called back to you through a small opening of your wooden enclosure. “Hah! You owe me ten snails, Bark. You said she’d be out till we reached the castle.”

Groaning at the lingering drowsiness, you struggled to sit up and look through the opening their voices floated through. Before you could open your mouth to ask your captors for water you were jostled as your enclosure, no, the wagon abruptly halted.

“Drat. Thirty more seconds and I would have won.” Bark grumbled as he slid out of the driver's seat of the wagon. “You get ‘er out the back while I let the Emperor know what we found.”

Dart’s annoyed grumbles announced his location as he hopped off the wagon and dragged his feet to the back. In one swift motion he unceremoniously opened the door and impatiently gestured at you to exit. “Comeon human. Don’t want to keep the Emperor waiting.”

Despite every instinct screaming at you to press your back against the wall, you forced yourself to crawl forward and out of the wagon, mindful not to scrape your exposed knees and lower legs on the rough wood. “Why does the Emperor want humans?” You chanced asking Dart as you peered around the sheltered stone alcove the wagon had been parked in. Your eyes widened in surprise when you noticed it had been pulled, not by a horse, but an enormous worm with facial features resembling a rat.

“Dunnao.” Dart answered with a shrug as he nudged you forward with a hand on your shoulder. “No one’s ever seen one. Orders are to bring any found straight to the throne room.”

Attempting and failing to squash the bubble of fear in your chest, you allowed Dart to guide you into a dark stone archway, blinking rapidly to adjust to the dim torch lighting. The air also seemed heavier in the castle as well, as if it pulsated around you.

Emerging from behind a pair of marble columns, you failed to stifle an audible gasp at the macabre scene before you. At the end of the dim hall, behind the looming throne resting atop its dais was an enormous, sickly green, beating heart. Your eyes, blown wide in disbelief at the gruesome sight, nearly missed the masked figure rising from the throne at your approach. 

Nope. This has "ritualistic execution" written all over it. Balking, you scrambled backwards towards the doorway you came through. You'd take your chances with those drooling demons.

With a snarl of annoyance, Dart roughly shoved you to your knees with one hand on your shoulder. “Kneel human and show some respect! Before you is Emperor Belos; ruler of all the Boiling Isles and the Titan’s chosen messenger.”

Another gasp, this one of pain, escaped you as your bare knees thudded against the cold marble of the floor, your hands coming forward to keep you from face planting. From your cowed position, you chanced a glance up at the now slowly approaching Emperor, his lithe figure and glowing icy eyes sending a spike of fear into your heart.

“Does anyone else know of her existence?” A smooth, tempered voice echoed slightly from behind the mask, the Emperor’s eyes never leaving your trembling form.

Bark emerged from his position at the foot of the dais to stand beside his partner. “No, sir. We did as you instructed if we were to ever spot a human. We knocked her unconscious with sleeping nettle gas and brought her straight here. Even our direct superior is unaware.”

The Emperor’s head inclined slightly. “Good. You two may return to your posts.” His eyes finally left you to track the pair of guards as they headed towards the side door they brought you through. When they were a hair’s breadth from the door, his gloved hand slipped through the slim opening of his cloak, drawing out a white, single winged staff from its depths. With a quick jerk towards the guards, two small photographs seemed to materialize from their heads and shot into his waiting hand.

It was only once the guards completely left the room did the Emperor’s eyes land on you again. Stepping closer, he held the photographs up to face you, each displaying slightly different angles of your terrified face. With another twist of his wrist, the photos burst into green flames, quickly dissolving into ash.

“Their memories of your encounter and capture.” The Emperor offered in explanation as he crossed the final few feet to your still kneeling form. “It would be better for both of us if word of a human didn’t travel very far.” Stopping directly in front of you, he held out the hand not currently clutching his staff. “I’m sorry you were handled so roughly. Are you alright?”

The sudden shift in his tone from commanding to concerned shocked you more than anything else that day. “I-I think so.” You quickly weighed the pros and cons of simply turning tail and sprinting away. If the Emperor was telling the truth, he was now the only person in this strange world who knew of your existence. That knowledge make you extremely uncomfortable but if you remembered anything form the dozens of hours you spent listening to true crime podcasts, it was to play along with your captor until an opportunity for escape presented itself.

Taking the offered hand, you let the much taller Emperor help you to your feet. “I thought you were….” You trailed off, deciding to avoid potentially offending the ruler with your comment.

A dry chuckle, much warmer than you thought possible from his earlier tone, floated out from behind the mask. “Of course not, my dear. My subjects may not always have the proper grace when dealing with a lady but I can assure you no harm will come to you so long as you are here. Might I ask your name?”

Still reeling from the whiplash of your expectations you answered immediately, heat rushing to your cheeks when he repeated it back to you. The Emperor’s deep voice and slow cadence made your own name sound almost indecent with how he spoke it. “Emperor Belos-”

Another chuckle escaped the mask. “Please, dear. Just Belos is fine.”

“Belos.” You stiffy acquiesced as you fought the urge to fidget under his intense stare. His tone was too friendly and open to belong to the same man who had harshly dismissed a pair of loyal guards. “Thank you for your hospitality. I hate to sound ungrateful but I think I’d just like to go home.”

“Oh, of course.” Belos’ voice rose in pitch slightly as he shifted to standing beside you, his free hand coming up to rest at the small of your back as he gently ushered you forward. “You must have a husband and children waiting for you.”

You couldn’t stop the bark of sarcastic laughter from leaving your throat as you nervously shied away from his touch. Embarrassed, you quickly covered your mouth as you allowed Belos to lead you to the dais. “Oh, forgive me. I don’t mean to be rude. No, I don’t have a husband or children at home.” You flinched as you realized the gravity of the information you had let slip. "I actually moved back in with my parents to help them prep their home before they sell it. I promised my dad I'd help him paint the guest bathroom this evening..." You trailed off as you let your gaze focus on his mask, hoping he would pick up the hint.

“Oh?” Belos’ tone shifted as he cocked his head, eyes examining you with renewed interest. “Forgive my assumption. I just find it difficult to believe a young woman like yourself isn’t spoken for.” He only paused a moment before continuing. “Nevertheless, far be it from me to keep a dutiful daughter from helping her parents. The Boiling Isles can be quite challenging for humans, it would be safer for you to return immediately.” Turning his gaze from you he cleared his throat and nodded as a smaller cloaked and golden masked figure emerged from the shadows. “Fetch a spare Coven cloak and ready my private airship. We’ll be accompanying the young lady back to the doorway to her world.”

You blinked in disbelief as the smaller figure melted back into the shadows. Turning your head to look up at the Emperor you smiled up at him, your shoulders sagging in utter relief. “Thank you. I really appreciate it." You opened your mouth to let him know Luz had probably gotten lost in the scuffle but something odd stuck out in your mind. "How did you know I came in through a doorway?” Your voice was barely above a whisper.

Belos cocked his head to the side as he examined you in silence for a moment. “You are not the first human to have stumbled upon this land. While it may have been four hundred years since the last, I still remember how those portals work.”

Your eyes widened in shock as you processed his words. You started to  ask if everyone here lived such long lives but managed to keep the words from spilling, lest they come across as an insult.

Belos chuckled at your expression. “Yes, four hundred years is considered an unusually long life, even by the standards here.” Turning slightly, he took the cloak from the returned guard and offered it to you. “Put this on and keep the hood up. Many witches here are human like in appearance with the exception of-”

“The ears.” You finished as you gratefully took the cloak and put it on, tugging the hood until you were certain your ears were completely hidden. “I remember your guards commenting on it when they cornered me in the alley.” You finished the sentence with a slight edge of annoyance in your voice.

“Smart girl.” The Emperor complimented slyly before nodding to his guard to lead the way, his hand once again attempting to find purchase on your lower back. “And I will personally speak to the guards regarding how they are meant to treat any wayward humans in the future. You have my word." His shifted to follow you when you attepted ro shy away form his touch once more. "Now let’s get you back where you belong.”

You spent a large chunk of the flight silently musing on how best to slip away and find Luz once the portal back home had been located. Despite the Emperor's rather soothing voice, something about him kept you a bit on edge. His insistence on wanting to keep any unintentional human guests safe just didn’t sit right. Why erase the mere memory of your meeting from his guards’ minds? If all citizens of the Boiling Isles were hostile to humans, why was Luz literally laughing with a gaggle of them until his guard attacked? It just wasn’t adding up.

Still, the view from the deep purple airship was amazing. From your height you happily drank in the sights of the world below as the Emperor off-handely narrated the history of the Isles. You had thought the bit about the entire empire existing on the skeletal corpse of a long dead Titan was simply metaphorical…. until you sailed past what was unmistakably a section of vertebrae with clusters of houses built upon them.

It was well past dusk when the airship landed on the outskirts of the town you stumbled in that morning. Rising from your seat, you hurried over to the edge, only to be stopped by Belos’ large hand on your shoulder.

“It would be best if we let my guard search the area first. Remind him exactly where you recall the doorway opening.” His voice was warm but left no room for argument. It was not a request.

After a moment's hesitation you turned to the smaller figure and reiterated your story again, emphasizing which tent the opening had been in. When the guard hurried down the ramp to search, you turned back to the Emperor once more, a strained smile on your face. “Thanks again for helping me get back home. It’s funny, I always dreamed of having an adventure like this when I was a kid. Now I just want to get back to my old, boring life.”

“It’s not there.” The guard's voice, much younger than his posture would indicate, called up to the ship as he returned.

“No…” You felt a surge of fear, cold as ice settle in your stomach. “Did you look in the green tent? The door closed when I came through but I thought maybe with your magic it might-”

“Deep breath, my dear.” Belos’ voice cut through your rant. “I will take a look, myself. Stay here.” When he had assured your compliance with a reluctant, he gracefully descended the ramp and followed the guard back to the line of closed storefronts.

You paced the length of the deck and counted the seconds they had been gone, nervously tugging at the hood of your borrowed cloak every few steps. Maybe now would be a good chance to run. They could be lying. If you managed to slip behind one of the buildings and swap the borrowed white cloak out for something a bit less obvious... Someone definitely had to know where you could find that ash-haired witch. And if Luz was still with her you'd at least have another human to be stuck with.

Your mind made up, you hurried over to the edge, only to be stopped as the Emperor and his guard emerged from the doorway.

“I am sorry. It appears that the door to the Human Realm has disappeared.” Belos' tone held a mildly frustrated edge as he grabbed your shoulder to guide you back to your seat. As soon as you were clear of the ramp he nodded to the guard who silently raised the ramp and began preparing the airship to take off again.

“No!” You called out in a quiet voice as you tried to stand again, only to be firmly pressed back into your seat. “Please, let me look! It has to be there!” You stared up into Belos’s mask, your eyes wide with fear.

“It is not. We searched for any traces of lingering magic and found none.” Belos replied in a stiff voice. “For now, it appears you are stuck here.” After a pregnant pause he sighed heavily and sat down next to you, the tension slowly leaving his shoulders. “Worry not, my dear. I meant what I said earlier. You will be safe so long as you are under my care. We’ll head back to the castle and I’ll have a set of rooms readied for you until we can figure out how to get you home.”

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you grabbed fistfuls of your cloak and drew it tighter around yourself as the ship began to climb once more. “Thank you Belos. I appreciate your offer but I would hate to impose. I should be fine on my own." It was a fools gamble, but you had to try.

The Emperor's laugh was patronizing. “Don't be foolish, the Isles would be your undoing before the sun rose tomorrow morning. Besides, it would truly be my pleasure to assist you.” Belos replied as he placed a hand on your thigh. “While I am sorry I was not able to return you to your father's care, I will admit I am selfishly pleased that you’ll be staying with us for a bit longer.”

Chapter Text

You were bored. Yep, bored. Here you were, a guest of the most powerful man in a land of magic and mystery; the stuff of your wildest teenage fantasies. And yet you were bored.

Belos had granted you a luxurious suite in one of the highest towers of the castle. You had a bed nearly thrice the size of the one you had back home, a bathroom with a tub deep enough to be considered a plunge pool, and a small balcony that overlooked the chest cavity of the Titan. The smaller guard who acted as Belos’ shadow, The Golden Guard, brought you meals three times a day as well any books or writing supplies you asked for.

Heck, the Emperor himself even stopped by every evening to spend a few minutes asking what you did or ate that day before retiring to his chambers. Despite the luxuriousness, there was still something a bit off with how much attention he lavished on you. It was like he saw you as a child needing protection or some sort of toy he took pleasure in keeping to himself. Still, despite the oddly probing questions he sometimes slipped into your conversations, he had never directly asked if another human had entered the portal with you and you were not about to give Luz away that easily. Yet, even with your daily verbal sparring match, you still had the audacity to be bored less than three days into the arrangement.

Well, maybe bored was the wrong word. Frustrated was probably better. No matter how many times you asked Belos to let you search for the portal or try to find a new way home, he would chuckle and assure you that you didn't need to waste your time worrying about it. The last time you brought it up he had even commented on how amusing he found your "frustrated pout" as he coined it. You had to remind yourself that this man was the powerful ruler of the kingdom you landed in to keep from snapping back at him.

“Clearly I'm not going to learn anything useful from him.” You mused quietly to yourself as you laid back on the plush bed and traced the faint cracks in the ceiling for what was probably the dozenth time that day. At the sound of the Golden Guard’s familiar curt knock at your door you sprang up into a sitting position, an idea sparking. If Belos was going to treat you like an inept toddler, you may as well see if your other jailer was an easier mark. “Come in!” You called cheerfully as you stood and headed towards the main door.

The Guard entered silently, his golden mask as impassive as ever as he held a tray of steaming food before him. “Lunch. The Emperor said to let me know if any of this doesn’t agree with your palate.”

“Oh I’m sure it will be fine.” You answered the shorter man with a wink as you took the tray in both hands. “Everything you two have had prepared before has been wonderful.” Setting the tray down on the small wooden table in your quarters’ sitting room, you turned back to the guard with a small smile. “I was actually wondering if you wanted to join me? There’s always way more food than I can eat in one sitting. It would be a waste to send half a plate back to the kitchen.”

“Uh.. I don’t know.” The Guard replied in an uncertain tone, one hand coming back up to rest on the back of his head. “I’ve got my rounds starting in an hour…”

“Please?” You implored. “I am incredibly grateful for all the hospitality you and the Emperor have shown me. I’ve just been… a little lonely up here.” You honestly admitted with a small smile. “I promise to take the heat if anyone questions where you were. You can tell them I tried to go out in the rain again.”

You laughed sheepishly at the memory of the day before. It had started to sprinkle in the late afternoon, and grateful for the change of scenery, you had stepped out onto the balcony, only to receive several severe burns as the hostile rain dripped onto you. Thankfully, the clothing Belos had sent up for you offered some protection from the boiling drops. You had only needed a single application of an odd smelling healing salve to fade the blistering patches into slightly red and pink marks.

An almost childish chuckle escaped the golden mask as the guard shook his head. “That was pretty foolish. It’s a good thing Belos found you before you tried to swim in the ocean. Man, humans are so fragile.”

“Compared to witches and demons, probably.” You admitted with a tight smile before gesturing to the unoccupied chair. “So, will you stay for a bit? There’s probably a few more obvious things you could tell me so I don’t come across as completely helpless.”

The Golden Guard glanced over his shoulder once more before shrugging and taking the offered seat. “Well, I guess so. Belos did say my new top priority was making sure you’re comfortable.” After a moment’s hesitation, he unfastened the mask and set it on the table, his face holding a slightly uncertain expression as his magenta eyes met yours.

You blinked in surprise several times as you slid into the remaining chair, your mouth slightly agape. “You’re just a kid!” You exclaimed, a small frown tugging at your lips as your gaze landed on a particularly ugly scar that extended from the guard’s right cheek down to his throat.

The Golden Guard glared back at you, his arms crossed. “Am not! I’m sixteen and the strongest witch in the Emperor’s Coven!”

You found yourself smirking lightly at his indignant tone. He certainly was a sixteen year old. “Sorry! I didn’t mean that as an insult. I’m just surprised to see someone so young in a position of extreme authority. You must be a prodigy.”

The Guard’s glare faded as he looked down at his discarded mask. “Yeah well, I owe it to Belos to work hard….” He opened his mouth several times as if to add something else but eventually decided against it as he reached for a fresh hunk of blue and green dotted bread.

“I can only imagine.” You added softly as you followed suit and grabbed a piece of bread for yourself. “Thanks again for the daily food and supply runs. The books have been a sanity saver.” You didn’t even need to force the sincerity in your voice when you spoke to the teen. He had been essentially babysitting you for the past few days without a single complaint. Well, to your face at least. You couldn't remember the last shift you had where you hadn't mimed choking a guest behind their back. You hoped your requests hadn't triggered a similar response in the boy. “What’s your name?” You added after another moment of silence. “I’d like to consider you a friend and calling you ‘Golden Guard’ every time you stop by seems way too formal.”

The teen shifted in his seat for a moment, his eyes flicking to his discarded mask again before they met yours. “....it’s Hunter.” He finally added quietly.

“Hunter. It suits you.” You smiled warmly at him as you extended your hand across the table. “Nice to officially meet you.”

Some unseen barrier between you two crumbled as your bare hand met his gloved one in a handshake. You sat in a comfortable silence as you mostly let the boy talk for the next hour or so. It was clear he didn’t have many peers to chat with. The combination of his unwavering devotion to his tasks in the coven and his still very age appropriate hunger for external validation made for a very eclectic personality. He seemed happiest whenever you asked what he deemed an “easy question” about life on the Boiling Isles. If you still had your phone, you would have bet you could have clocked him at over fifteen minutes of non stop exposition once you got him on the topic of Belos’ dream of saving this land form the dangers of wild magic.

The conversation only ended when Hunter’s eyes caught the long rays of afternoon sunshine peering in through your balcony window. “Oh Titan! I’m late!”

Standing up quickly, you gathered the dishes and passed him back his mask. “Leave the dishes, We’ll stack them with the dinner ones this evening. Just tell whoever questions you that you were busy with a special assignment from Belos.” You winked playfully. “It is technically the truth after all.”

He grinned as he slid the mask back into place. “Thanks! I’ll see you later with dinner. And I’ll also look around and see if I can find where your bag ended up. I want to see what a human scroll, no, phone looks like!”

“I look forward to it!” You smiled as you called to the closing main door of your room and sighed, much more invigorated than you had felt that morning. The kid was more open than the Emperor. Definitely way too hung up in the pomp and circumstance of the coven to just let you stroll out the front door, but at least someone who would give you somewhat straight answers. 

In a burst of inspiration, you pulled out a few pieces of blank parchment Hunter had given you the day before to doodle or write on. Sitting at the desk set right next to the open balcony, you carefully penned everything you could remember from your conversation with the teen about the Boiling Isles. From what you could glean from Belos’ evening visits, and if his words could be counted as truthful, there were no further developments on where the portal you traveled through had disappeared to. If you were going to be stuck in this world for an extended period of time, it would behoove you to start taking notes. Especially if you managed to either escape or convince the pair to let you search for the portal yourself. “Wonder if I could ask Hunter for some child friendly history books.” You mused as you struggled to keep the ink on the parchment and not on your fingers. The books that had been brought to you were a way to pass the time but mainly consisted of poetry and fables. Nothing useful if you wanted to be self reliant. Although, you were pretty sure that had been intentional.

You hardly noticed when the sun had dipped below the horizon and the self lighting torches along the wall sprung to life. You only perked up when Hunter knocked on your main door, pausing only a moment before entering your chambers with a dinner tray in one hand and your purse strap clutched in the other. Your smile widened at the sight. Yeah, this kid you liked.

A week passed by much faster than the first few days had. Hunter’s thrice daily visits had become the cornerstone of your sanity. The teen seemed enthralled with anything you told him about the human world. He had nearly squealed with excitement when you let him keep the small packet of facial tissues from your bag. In turn, you got to learn more about the world you reluctantly called your temporary home, although those bits of information were few and far between Hunter’s retellings of his training exploits.

Not that you could blame the boy. He all but confirmed that he only had you as a friendly face aside from this uncle he mentioned once or twice. After the first couple times of you gently asking him more about it, and Hunter’s subsequent abrupt change of subject, you decided to drop the topic altogether. While you had initially planned to just collect useful information from your exchanges, you found yourself genuinely caring for the kid. You imagined it was easy for others to forget how young he still was whenever he wore the mask. But when he sat and ate with you, or whistled through the gap in his teeth as he laughed, you could see him for the kid he still clearly was.

You were careful not to say too much of your budding friendship at Belos’ nightly visits to your quarters. The glowing eyes behind that mask always seemed to dissect you as he gently questioned you about how you spent your time. Although you had noticed them widen in surprise when they landed on your loosely bound book of notes the night he arrived before you had a chance to stow them under your mattress. “The Golden Guard brought me a few history books meant for younger students.” You explained quickly under the questioning gaze of the emperor. “I figured since I’ll be here for a while I should learn about the Isles.” The silence that had followed your explanation was uncomfortably long but, thankfully, Belos had seemingly accepted it.

One evening, around the time your stomach told you was dinner time, you heard the usual knock at your bedroom door. “Thought you were going to be a little late today Hunter?” You called out to the door as you hurried to open it. “Did your stealth exercise run short?”

The door swung inward slowly to reveal the imposing figure of the Emperor himself, your dinner tray held aloft in his hands. “My my, it seems you two have gotten rather close over the last few days.” His voice had an amused edge as he entered the room, the door swinging closed behind him seemingly of its own accord. “You are correct. Hunter is still out on a stealth exercise with the other coven scouts. However, I couldn’t allow my esteemed guest to starve while waiting. I hope I haven’t disappointed you.”

Your eyes widened in fear as you backed away to maintain a bit of space between you as he entered your room. “N-Not at all! I’m just surprised to see you so early.” You swallowed as he set the tray of food down on your small table.

For several moments, neither of you spoke. You simply stared at each other from across the small table; the Emperor's unblinking eyes burning into yours. For the briefest moment, you thought about throwing Hunter under the bus and claiming he had been slacking off. But when an image of that kid's smiling face popped into your mind, you squashed the idea. 

“Don’t be upset with Hunter.” You started, you voice shaking slightly as you struggled to think of an explanation on the fly. “I asked him to start spending more time with me. I was a bit lonely during the day and he reminds me so much of myself when I was younger and-” You stopped yourself when Belos gently raised a hand.

A chuckle escaped the Emperor as he reached up and carefully undid the clasps of his own mask, bringing it down to reveal a gentle smile. “I’m not cross at all, my dear. My nephew can be a bit overzealous with his devotion to the Isles. I’m pleased he found someone to share it with. He appears to be thriving under your more maternal affections.”

You bit your bottom lip to keep your jaw from dropping. Belos’ face was much warmer and inviting than the mask made it seem. Despite the horrid green scar running diagonally across his face and the tired lines surrounding his mouth and eyes, he had the face of a conventionally attractive older man. “You’re the uncle he’s spoken about?” You whispered before you could catch yourself, flinching at your lapse.

Belos’ smile widened. “Yes. Hunter is the only remaining family I have. The rest were wiped out by witches wielding wild magic. He is young, but full of promise.” His smile faded into a more tired, pensive expression.

You frowned as well, your heart aching for the boy. “I’m sorry.” You thought back on your interactions with Hunter the last few days, his quick attachment to you becoming heartbreakingly understandable.

The Emperor's smile returned somewhat as he gestured to an open chair. “Thank you, my dear. Please, sit before the food gets cold. If my guess is correct you have become accustomed to having company at your meals. Would you mind if I took my nephew’s place this evening?”

“Of course not!” You answered a little too quickly as you sat in your offered chair. Truthfully, you would have preferred to eat alone but, based on your past experiences with attempting to deny him, you decided this losing battle wasn't worth the effort. "I... would be honored." You added, feeling like it was something he was used to hearing.

“The honor is all mine.” Belos countered as he portioned out the meal. “I’ve been a neglectful host to you. Hopefully things will change very soon. I’m sure Hunter has told you about the upcoming Day of Unity.”

You nodded slowly, realizing it would grant the teen no favors to lie now. “A little. He seems excited about the prospect of everyone being safe from wild magic.”

And so the dinner continued in that fashion with Belos occasionally slipping in questions about what you had picked up while ensuring you had everything you needed to remain comfortable. It was, interesting, having such a powerful man sit across a table from you as if you were an old married couple catching each other up on the day's activites.

“Is there anything else you require to ensure your comfort?” Belos mentioned as he gathered the now empty plates.

You chewed your bottom lip and glanced down at the table, taking a breath to steady yourself. This request was a gamble, but it was now or never. “I hate to ask for more since you’ve already given me so much.” You forced yourself to meet the Emperor’s eyes again. “Would it be alright if Hunter accompanied me on walks in the evenings? Just around the castle!" You added when his eyes narrowed in slight suspicion. "I still have the cloak you leant me to cover my ears. It would be nice to be able stretch my legs a bit more.”

Belos’ smile widened as he looked down at you. “While Hunter is the strongest member of my coven, I don’t think it would be a sufficient escort.” He paused for a moment, only long enough to see the sadness and frustration leak into your expression. “However, I can clear a couple hours each evening to join you for dinner and escort you on a short walk afterwards.”

Chapter Text

The new routine was, in a strange way, comforting. It now felt more like you were a hospital patient with regular visitors rather than a secret hidden away in the castle’s tower.

Hunter, now free of hiding his budding friendship with you from Belos, seemed to lavish in the attention you gave him at breakfast and lunch. Even though your phone was limited to a few songs, pictures, and games you downloaded thanks to the lack of cell service or WiFi on the Boiling Isles, he was always AMAZED by the mundane objects in the background of your photos. Damn it, that boy was really starting to grow on you. You knew you'd actually miss him once you left.

As day faded into night each day, you found your heart racing as you knew Belos would be making his appearance soon. Whether from anticipation of being allowed outside your rooms or nervousness you were never quite sure. The Emperor had the frustrating ability to both build you up and make you feel inept with a few choice words. Still, each time he removed his mask upon entering your rooms you managed a smile.

“Hunter tells me you explained the concept of non-lethal raindrops today.” Belos glanced up at you over his fork, a half smirk on his lips.

You grinned back and stifled a giggle. Ever since Belos shared he had once visited the human realm, you had found solace in sharing stories of your life with him. While many of the objects you spoke about didn’t resonate with him, it was still nice to have a conversation with someone who had also seen green grass and fireflies that didn’t actually set trees on fire. In those moments, you genuinely liked the older witch. “He didn’t believe me at first. I’m still not sure if he realizes I was telling the truth when I explained that people will voluntarily swim in the ocean on a hot day.”

An amused hum escaped the Emperor as he stood from his chair. “Shall we? I have somewhere special to show you this evening.” With practiced ease, he fastened his mask with one hand as he held the other out in invitation.

Nodding, you stood and pulled the hood of your cloak up to cover your ears before taking the offered hand, your arm winding around his until your palm rested atop his forearm. While it was still annoying that he insisted on being the only one to accompany you out of your rooms, the arrangement had its advantages. Not one soul, whether witch or demon, dared question your presence once they caught sight of the Emperor escorting you.

You chewed your lip in concentration as you followed Belos down the winding stairs from your tower. There was an unfortunate drawback to always being in his presence. A few members of his inner circle seemed almost enraged by your presence. Despite Hunter’s insistence that they’re just as jealous of you as they are of his position, the answer didn’t sit right. There was something ominous in the way that little demon Kikimora glowered at you each time you crossed paths. The suspicious little voice in your head was certain Belos had planned it that way. So long as the coven heads and his closest advisors saw you as competition for the Emperor’s attention, you’d be less likely to form any kind of bond with them.

“You’re very pensive this evening, my dear.” Belos’ soft voice cut through your thoughts as he steered you down an unfamiliar hall. “Is something on your mind?”

You started to shake your head but decided against outright lying. “Always. I can’t seem to stop thinking unless I’m asleep.” You sighed heavily. “Hunter was telling me about the seasons on the Isles earlier today. It had me wondering… does time move similarly here as it does in the Human Realm? I’ve been here for almost a month. Does that mean…?” You found yourself unable to finish the question.

Belos was quiet for several steps. “...Yes. Time flows the same here. It has been nearly a month back in the Human Realm as well.” He glanced down at you from the corner of his eye, his posture stiffening slightly.

Your breaths came a bit unevenly. “O-Oh…” You managed to say. “My parents are probably worried sick. I just wish… I wish I could tell them I’m alright.” You blinked furiously, trying to clear away the tears that threatened to spill.

“I know my dear.” Belos replied with a soothing tone. “Please understand that I am doing everything in my power to help you. Although, I will admit, selfishly I’m glad I’ve been allowed to indulge in your company for so long. I’ve become accustomed to our nightly strolls.”

You scoff and find yourself chuckling a bit. “They’re definitely a highlight of my day.” You tell yourself its because each stroll has helped you mentally map out the castle. Not because you're actually starting to enjoy the older witch's company. Nope. Your smile fades into a look of uncertainty as he guides you out the front doors of the castle, a pair of sentry guards bowing low as you pass. “Where are we going?”

“You’ve been wonderfully patient with being cooped up in the castle.” Belos explained, his voice light and mildly teasing. “I thought you’d like to meet a few creatures almost as delicate as yourself.” His amused chuckle filled the cool night air as he watched you fidget under his compliment.

Your confused expression faded into one of wonder as he led you to a wood and stone building just on the other side of the drawbridge. Torches dotted the walls in even intervals, shining dim light into wide doorways that housed resting-

“Unicorns!” You gasped in surprise as you released Belos’ arm and rushed to one of the stall doors, your eyes wide in childish wonder. “They’re real?!” Ok yeah, being stuck in a mysterious world of demons sucked but seeing your literal obsession from ages three to thirteen helped a bit.

“Very real and quite common on the isles.” Belos explained in a warm tone as he approached you, his hand coming up to rest comfortably on your lower back. His smile widened when you didn't flinch away from the contact. “Most witches prefer to teleport or use those awful palisman staffs. However, Unicorns and Griffins are still reliable beasts of burden.” Shifting his hand beneath his cloak, he produced a purple apple. “Would you like to feed her? This one is the tamest in the stables.”

“Yes please!” You can't help but beam up at him before taking the apple and quietly slipping into the stall. You smile widened as the older mare approached and gently lipped the apple from your palm. “She’s so soft.” You murmured to no one in particular as you ran your fingers along her neck and through her forest green mane. “Did I ever tell you I used to take horseback riding lessons as a teen?” 

“Really?” Belos responded in a thoroughly unsurprised voice. It was always amusing how you never pieced together he often knew about topics you had only ever shared with Hunter. “In that case, I suppose I’ll have to find a time to take you on a ride through the local forest.”

You spun from the now dozing unicorn to face Belos, your eyes nearly sparkling with appreciation. “That would be wonderful. Thank you, Belos. It would be a literal dream come true for me.” And if the trails lead away from the castle, all you would need to do was get back to the stable one evening unattended. Giving the unicorn one final pet, you slipped back out of the stall and linked your arm around his. You knew you couldn't look too excited about that potential gateway to freedom. Not yet.

“It’s truly my pleasure, dear.” Belos replied with a slight nod of his head as he began to guide you back to the castle. “Seeing you happy does more for me than you’ll ever know.”

Your cheeks flushed with heat as you glanced down at the path. He really has been nothing short of a gentleman to you the past month. A bit old fashioned and patronizing, but he had been making an effort. Part of you wondered if that skeptical part of your brain was wrong. If Luz was still stuck here, it might be safer for her to be brought to the castle. It was suffocating, but safe. Who knows, she may have already found the portal back. And if they still tried to keep you locked away like Rapunzel, there was always the stable. Riding unicorns couldn't be too different from horseback. Still… there was one final question you needed answered before you could bring yourself to reveal the existence of the teen girl. “Belos? Can I ask you something?”

“Anything, my dear. You know I will always be honest with you.” He stared down at you, the glowing eyes behind the mask slits intense as he focused on your smaller frame.

“You mentioned back when we first met that the last humans who visited here arrived four hundred years ago.” You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. “What happened to them?”

Belos paused and looked away from you, nearly stone still. “I wondered when you would ask that.” He finally answered in a low voice. “I will answer your question. But not here.” Without further explanation he began walking again, his eyes locked on the quickly approaching castle.

You struggled to keep pace with him without looking like a child rushing after a parent. His usually easy stride had been replaced with a purposeful march that nearly forced you to jog to keep up. Your nervous concern shifted to utter confusion when, instead of turning to take the steps leading back to your tower, he led you through the throne room, to a door nestled in a hidden hallway underneath the Titan’s steadily beating heart.

With a final glance down at you, he pressed his hand against the center of the door, the wood grain glowing crimson in response to his touch before the door opened soundlessly. With a steady hand, he ushered you into the room, his imposing frame half in inch from yours as he followed suit.

Your eyes widened involuntarily as you tried to adjust to the darkness of this unknown chamber. A small squeak of surprise escaped you as torches dotted along the wall sprung to life, bathing you in their warm light.

“My apologies for the mess.” Belos’ unmasked voice sounded close to your ear. “It’s not often I entertain guests in my private chambers.”

Your eyes widened in understanding as you glanced around the chamber once more. A small dining table, similar to the one in the antechamber of your quarters stood nearby, its polished surface piled high with notes. Glancing at the open doors, you could make out the beginnings of a formal sitting area and a bedchamber much larger than your room. Nearly every wall sported a filled to capacity bookshelf or was otherwise dotted with maps and charts you couldn’t begin to decipher in a hundred years. “Oh.” Was all you could think to say.

“Please, sit.” Belos smiled warmly down at you as he guided you onto one side of a plush loveseat in the sitting area. As he gently lowered himself on the remaining open cushion, the empty fireplace across from you both sprung to life, warmth and light flooding the small space. “The last humans to enter the Isles before you were a pair of brothers by the name of Wittebane. Caleb and Philip. The two were inseparable, always off to find another grand adventure. They truly believed nothing could touch them as long as they were together.

That was, until they stumbled upon the Boiling Isles. Caleb, the older of the two, immediately fell in love with the wonders of this world. His younger brother Philip, however, saw the underlying danger. He tried to warn his brother, to persuade him to return home, and eventually, after several weeks succeeded. Only, the portal they had traveled through was gone. They were trapped.

The brothers did their best to survive despite the open hostility many of the wild witches showed them. Eventually, the older, taken in by the carefree attitude of the wild witches, fell in love with one. Philip tried to warn his brother that the witch never took the vulnerabilities of human flesh seriously but was ignored. It was only a few months after their wedding, the day after Caleb’s bride announced she was expecting a child, did the unthinkable happen.

Caleb was killed by his witch bride’s old companions. They were enraged she would lower herself to starting a family with a human. Philip, witnessing his brother’s death, ran for his life. Though the wild witches pursued, he had effectively disappeared. Some say he died. Others thought he physically changed himself and hid amongst the witches for the remainder of his days.”

You stared up at Belos, mouth parted slightly in shock for several moments as his story sunk in. Your gaze darted between his downcast eyes and his ears several times as you found yourself re-contextualizing every interaction you had with him. Swallowing heavily, you slowly reached out and placed a comforting hand on his knee. “And you’ve been here… alone… all this time Philip?”

You flinched, drawing your hand back to your chest as the Emperor’s head snapped towards you, his usually soft gaze suddenly hungry. “You’re smarter than I’ve given you credit for, my dear.” His voice slightly wavered as he reached out to collect your hand in his. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard another human say my real name. Please, do it again.”

“Philip.” you whispered nervously up at the man looming over you, suddenly very aware of the lack of space between you. “How did you-”

“Survive?” He answered you with a small smile, his hands still grasping yours. “It was the Titan’s will. He promised me an unusually long life so long as I dedicated it to bringing wild magic under heel.”

You nodded once, your eyes trailing along the now familiar scar that divided his face diagonally. You frowned as much of your frustration at his apparent coddling ebbed. He wasn't just assuming you'd struggle to survive here, he knew, first hand how difficult it was for a human to eek out an existence in the Boiling Isles. “Is that what caused the scarring? Wild magic?”

With a heavy sigh, Philip released your hands and traced the metal fingertip of his gauntlet along the edge. “Yes. But it was a worthy sacrifice.” With a small smile towards you, he peeled his gauntlets off and slowly rolled the sleeves up on his arms, exposing raised pink scars detailing strange symbols carved into the flesh. “These help reduce the damage done, but they can only do so much.”

Still smiling, he rolled his sleeves back down before you could get more than a passing look at the markings. Gently tilting your chin up, he captured your gaze. “Still, I had lost hope decades ago of ever seeing another human, let alone a beautiful young woman such as yourself.”

Your stomach twisted in knots as you struggled to maintain the intense eye contact. “Your secret's safe with me.” You offered lamely as you tried to lean away from the contact, only to have your chin pinched between his thumb and forefinger. Warning bells flashed in the back of your mind as you realized he wouldn't have told you this if he thought there was any way you'd be able to hurt him with the knowledge.

Philip hummed softly as he shifted his hand to cup your cheek, his bare thumb gently trailing to the corner of your lip. “I hope you know how seriously I take my promise of keeping you safe. The Titan brought you here for a reason. You were meant to be by my side. A gift for all my trials and tribulations”

He allowed his thumb to drag across your lower lip. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up as I’ve been working on it for decades but… I’ve been attempting to build my own portal to return to the Human Realm. To go back home. It’s been a long process but I’m so close to a breakthrough. And now I’ll have you there beside me when we return home…. My little Empress….”

Before you can fully process what he’s said, his lips are upon yours, his arms greedily snaking around your waist to pull you flush against his chest. Your hands instinctively latched onto the edges of his cloak, your weak attempts to push him away going entirely unnoticed. Your mind spun and struggled to form coherent thoughts in between his needy kisses. The Emperor of the Boiling Isles was human. A human who had spent nearly four hundred years trying to find a way home and was nearly done!

When his grip finally loosened you pulled away with a light gasp, your chest heaving for air. You craned your neck to gaze up at Philip, your face flushed with embarrassed heat. While this now obvious attraction to you made things more complicated, you were resolute in your decision to tell him about Luz. If he really was close to finding a way back home, the sooner you could have the teen brought to the castle the better. “Philip, I-”

“Ah, forgive me for being improperly forward with you darling.” Philip purred as he lowered his head to press a tender kiss against your forehead, a chuckle escaping him when you squirmed away form the contact. “Worry not. While The Boiling Isles may not have the proper ceremonies as back home, I promise I’ll refrain from ravaging you until after the wedding.” He chuckled as his lips dipped from your forehead to where your neck met your jawline. “After all, I’ve already waited four hundred years. Two more days won't break me.”

Chapter Text

You hadn’t slept. Philip, true to his word, had escorted you back to your rooms with little fanfare; his only indulgence had been to caress your jawline with the back of his cold gauntlet before leaving you.

You had hoped a warm bath would help you collect your thoughts. Instead you found yourself drowning in them. Philip, Emperor of the Boiling Isles, a human who had been trapped there for several human lifetimes, had just decided you were to be wed. In a few days no less!

The water in your bath had gone cold while you ran through the objections you had shared with the Emperor the day before, hoping there was some loophole you could exploit. He had been annoyingly smug while rebuffing your concerns. You can't marry someone you've known for a month? Not a problem, it was the will of the Titan. Concerned with being incompatible due to the over three century age difference? Of course his wealth of experience meant he could guide you better than any other suitor. What about when the portal was finished and you could return home? He would be honored to assist your father and offer a generous dowry to compensate for taking your hand. You didn't quite understand what Philip had meant when he said your parents would be thrilled he had saved you from being branded a "thornback" but from his tone you knew enough to be rightfully insulted.

You had been expertly trapped.

You had snorted with cold laughter when you finally dragged yourself to bed. You knew a little of the social etiquette of the men of his time from your high school history classes. How highly the settlements of the 1600s valued “purity” before marriage. You were certain his haste to bind you two had less to do with genuine attraction and more to do with his self imposed set of rules for intimacy.

Yet what troubled you most and kept your shocked brain from finding any meaningful rest, was that the Titan, the creature whose decayed chest your bed was currently nestled in, apparently encouraged this union. You were his prize, destined to find your way into his embrace. What if this really was your purpose? The answer to the million and one silly little wishes on shooting stars you made as a child.

But then…. If the Titan had told him you were fated to be by his side, why didn’t he know about Luz? Why would the Titan spend hundreds of years protecting Philip, deposit you at his feet like a Christmas gift, yet refrain from mentioning that a human child had ended up in this world as well? It just didn’t add up.

You groaned as you flipped over on your bed, your weary eyes glaring at the first rays of sunlight that dared to filter in through your window. For now, it was best to play along. Modern men with a tenth of the power of your betrothed were dangerous when angered. It didn’t take much to imagine what Philip might feel compelled to do if you defied him. Besides, you were pretty sure marriage contracts on the Boiling Isles weren't legally enforceable back home. It wouldn't be the end of the world to play along for a bit.... right? 

Just as you felt your mind wind down enough for your eyes to finally drift shut, the main door to your quarters opened with a loud BANG, forcing a screech of surprise from you as you sat back up.

“Oh Titan! Sorry! I didn’t mean to push that hard!” Hunter grinned apologetically as he hastily set his already discarded mask and your breakfast tray down before carefully shutting the door behind him. “Belos just told me the news! You’re going to be part of the family now!” His fists shook with excitement as he crossed the threshold into your room and plopping down on the edge of the bed. “I mean, I already thought of you as, like, an unofficial member, but now it’s real! Would it be weird if I called you my Aunt?” His grin faded as he caught sight of your troubled expression. “Is that a bit too much? Yeah, I guess it is. Sorry. Forget I asked.”

Damn it, this cinnamon roll was going to be the death of you. With a gentle sigh you slipped out from under the covers and shifted until you were sitting next to the downcast scout. “Hunter, I would love it if you called me your Aunt.” You gently gathered the boy in your arms, squeezing him a gentle hug. A genuine smile touched your lips as the teen tensed before awkwardly leaning into the embrace, his hands coming up to lightly grip your forearms. “This is a big adjustment.” You measured your words carefully, not wanting to give away too much. “Belos is the Emperor and most powerful witch on the Isles…. And I’m just a magicless human.”

“That doesn’t matter!” Hunter responded almost angrily as he sat straight up, a deep frown carving wrinkles into his face. At the sight of your startled expression, he looked away, one hand coming up to rub his upper arm. “Sorry…. It’s just…. I wasn’t able to do magic for a long time. You remember my staff, right?” He glanced up at you, eyes wide and vulnerable.

You resisted the urge to pull him into another hug. “Of course.” You could never forget the afternoon he spent over an hour showing you everything he could do with that staff.

“Belos gave it to me. Said he had it made especially for me.” Hunter smiled as he stared down at his hands. “That he and the Titan saw the greatness in me and knew I was just missing the right tool.” He turned his gaze back to you, his eyes blazing. “Just like I know he sees in you.”

Your heart swelled for the sweet teen before you. You tugged him in your arms once more for a tight hug, a hum of contentment escaping you when he slowly reciprocated the gesture. “Thank you Hunter. I think you’re great too. With or without the staff.”

Hunter pulled away after a moment and turned away from you, hastily wiping at his face. “Yeah, uh… I’ll let you get dressed so we can eat breakfast. Belos asked me to bring you to his chambers after. Mentioned needing to go over what the ceremony will look like.”

You swallowed hard as the reality of your situation hit you again; grateful Hunter still had his back to you. Still, you managed to keep a convincing smile on your face all through breakfast. Hunter was content to fill the silence by listing all the amazing things he would show you around the castle and grounds after the ceremony. All you had to do was nod or say “can’t wait” to keep him placated.

You felt your smile falter when the Golden Guard gave a courtesy knock on Belos’ chamber door before opening it and beckoning you inside with a small, respectful bow. As the door closed behind you, your heart raced as you emerged into the sitting room, your fiancé perched on the same love-seat where he had oh so graciously shared the news of your disturbingly short engagement not twelve hours ago.

“Good morning, my dove.” Philip smiled at you as he gestured to the open seat next to him. “You look a little tired. Trouble sleeping?”

Struggling to maintain your smile, you approached and lowered yourself onto the offered seat, carefully keeping a small amount of space between you. “I don’t think I slept at all. I couldn’t stop thinking about what you told me yesterday.”

Philip’s smile widened; a soft chuckle shaking his chest. “Ah, of course. Every young woman dreams of her wedding day. I assure you, it will be perfect.” Free of his usual gauntlets, he let his bare hands find one of yours and gave it a gentle squeeze before drawing it upward to plant a lingering kiss on your knuckles.

Your cheeks flared with heat at the contact. Honestly, despite the whole "destined to be at each others sides" you still found him incredibly attractive. The raw power he emitted and the way his piercing eyes always seemed to bore into you was incredibly alluring. Hell, if you were being completely honest with yourself, this borderline yandere act held some appeal as well. It had been one of your favorite tropes to search for when browsing fan fiction.

The second he released your hand you drew it to your chest. “Hunter mentioned you wanted to speak with me about the specifics of the ceremony. When is it, exactly?”

“Tomorrow evening.” Philip replied with a knowing smile as he turned to retrieve a tea tray from the side table. Placing it on the low coffee table before you, he began to carefully pour out two cups of steaming tea. “We will speak our oaths to one another before the members of my coven as well as the heads of the other nine. I will guide you on what to say and when.” He turned to face you again, a cup of steaming, sweet smelling tea in his hands.

You accepted the cup with a small murmur of gratitude, grateful for the warmth seeping into your hands. “They won’t have any issues with you taking a human for a bride?” You cocked a curious eyebrow as you held the cup close to your chest.

“Ah, there’s the snag.” Philip responded as he gazed down at you. “Only Hunter and I know you’re human. The rest will know you as a magic-less witch.”

You bought yourself some time to think of a careful response by taking a long sip of your tea. Failing to think of a tactful way to voice your thoughts, you decided on a direct approach. “You’re going to change my ears to look like yours.”

Philip’s smile widened. “I do enjoy how quickly you catch on, my dear. Yes, I will alter your ears to resemble those of a witch. Don’t worry.” He quickly added when he saw your eyes widen. “Although I had to resort to crudely cutting mine into shape with a rusted blade, you won’t feel a thing. By the time you wake up, they’ll hardly be sore.”

“What do you-” You stopped yourself as a wave of utter exhaustion crashed over you. Worried you might drop the still half full teacup, you gently set it down on the low table. Catching sight of the oddly sparkling steam rising from your cup, you fought to bring your gaze back to Philip’s face. “...the tea…?”

“Sleeping Nettles.” Philip explained with a passive smile as he stood and walked over to you. With little effort, he stooped and lifted you into his arms. “Sleep well, little dove.” He whispered to you before pressing his lips against your forehead.

A dull throbbing along the tips of your ears heralded your return to consciousness. Groaning, you gently ran your fingertips along the inflamed cartilage, hissing in pain as the freshly closed skin cried out in protest. Forcing your eyes open, you carefully rolled over and sat up, blinking in the unfamiliar surroundings. One glance at the open doorway confirmed your suspicions; you were still in Philip’s chambers. His bed was somehow nearly twice the size of the one in your quarters, the deep emerald blankets pleasantly heavy on your lap. Instead of a window or balcony, a deep set fireplace adorned the room, a small fire currently burning away in it without any apparent fuel.

Turning to the side, you spotted a silver tray bearing a light lunch on the bedside table closest to you. Next to it sat a small clay pot with a rolled up piece of parchment balanced on top. You crawled over to the offerings to the delight of your grumbling stomach. Deciding on sating your curiosity first, you grabbed the note and held it up to the firelight as you unrolled it.

My darling,

I apologize for not being there when you awaken. There is still much to prepare for our ceremony tomorrow. If you find the discomfort too great, the salve will help. I ask that you stay in our quarters for the remainder of the day. Take the time to become familiar with your new home. I will return before dinner.

You set the note aside in favor of the salve, a long sigh of relief escaping you as the green slime immediately soothed the throbbing in your ears. With no other option, you pulled the tray of food onto the bed and ate your lunch in silence, fighting the urge to play with the new shape of your ears every few seconds. This development complicated things. On one hand, it would make it much easier to travel unnoticed should you ever have a chance to slip away. On the other, you had ears befitting a damn Keebler elf. That would be much more difficult to explain once you got back home. "Yeah, and the four hundred ear old husband and teenage witch nephew are the easy sell." You mumbled to yourself.

Philip’s chambers, thankfully, had more than enough in them to keep your restless mind entertained for the afternoon. The same plunge-pool-like tub you had become accustomed to sat in the center of his bathroom, although you noticed the much more generous offerings of scented candles and salts lining the edges. There was even a study with a pair of wooden writing desks, the smaller of the two looking suspiciously new. A midnight black wooden door sat embedded in the wall between them, but no matter how hard you pulled or pushed, it refused to budge. The vast library scattered among the nearly two dozen shelves among the chambers had more books crammed in them than you could read in a lifetime. And, unlike the rather monotone offering of poetry the shelves in your quarters offered, his were a treasure trove of information. Everything from detailed descriptions of the coven system to diagrams depicting the internal anatomy of the majority of the varying demons that called the Isles home. You were nose deep in an atlas of the dozens of villages and hamlets of the lower half of the Isles when Philip returned, sighing heavily as he set his staff against the doorway and removed his mask.

“I’m glad to see you managed to keep yourself entertained.” He smiled when you stood at his approach, his arms opening in a beckoning gesture. “It was difficult keeping my mind focused on the tasks at hand today, knowing you were awaiting my return.”

You obediently stepped into his arms, your head gently falling against his chest as he pulled you close. “There’s so much to learn about the Isles.” You replied softly, heat rushing to your cheeks once more when he tenderly angled your face towards his to take a closer look at your ears. “Thank you for the salve.” You added after a moment of quiet, certain his prolonged pause was in expectation of a show of gratitude. “They were a little sore when I woke up.”

“They appear to have healed quite well.” He concluded with a smile. “Although hiding your identity is the will of the Titan, it does pain me to mar your beautiful body in such a way. I pray you don’t hold it against me.” Without waiting for your response, he dipped his head down and captured your lips in a kiss, his grip steadily tightening.

You leaned into his embrace and allowed you body to reciprocate the kiss; eager to lose yourself in the moment rather than dwell on the uncomfortable reality of your situation. When he finally allowed you to break apart for air, you pressed your forehead against his chest in an effort to hide the flustered expression on your face. “You were gone for a long while. I thought we simply had to recite our oaths before the coven heads tomorrow?”

Philip chuckled and gave you a gentle squeeze before releasing you. “My clever little dove. I admit, I was doing a bit more this afternoon than just preparing for tomorrow’s ceremony.” Retrieving his staff, he slid an arm around your waist before leading you into the study. Stopping in front of the stubborn black door, he tapped his staff to the wood, the orb atop it glowing a bright red for the briefest moment. Silently, the door swung inward to reveal a set of stone steps disappearing into the gloom.

“You are safe so long as I am with you.” Philip murmured to you as he guided you down the winding steps, torches springing to life before at your approach. “Do you recall when I said I had been working on a way back home?”

Your mouth fell open in awe as you both came to the bottom of the steps. Before you, an enormous atrium appeared in the dim lighting of the enchanted torches that burst to life in their brackets. In the center, steps ascended from the floor towards a half completed circle of intertwined metal and tubing. Scaffolding supported the structure, tools and spare sections sitting patiently atop it. Your gaze jumped around the room before landing on the nearly completed circle again. “A portal.” You whispered in wonder.

“A nearly complete portal.” Philip finished, his voice dripping with pride and satisfaction. “The result of tireless decades of work. With any luck, it should be operational in time for the Day of Unity.”

You turned to face him, genuine wonder and admiration in your gaze. A way home. This was worth playing housewife for a couple months. “What can I do to help you?” While he was certainly a touch starved, sexually repressed puritan, you could not deny the absolute brilliance of what he had achieved.

“You just need to keep being my light in the darkness that has been these past few centuries.” Philip’s eyes darkened with hunger as he drew you back into his arms. “Those cute expressions of yours are enough to drive a man mad, darling.” His lips found their way to your neck once again. “I can’t wait to see how you’ll look tomorrow night.”

Chapter Text

You stared down at the clothing Hunter delivered to your chambers that morning, your expression blank. He barely had enough time to drop the bundle along with your breakfast and lunch trays on the small table before rushing off, his promise to catch up with you after the ceremony echoing on the stone walls.

You almost wished you could have gone with him to help. Greeting the Coven Heads upon arrival, overseeing the placement of the banquet table in the throne room, and reorganizing the scout’s schedules to ensure the majority of them could attend this evening would have been a great way to keep your mind busy.

Alas, you had merely been left alone with your thoughts all day, doomed to watch the sun lazily crawl across the sky as it counted down your final few hours as an ‘unmarried’ woman. Nothing you did seemed to ease your nerves either. Trying to run through the coven warm up exercises Hunter had taught you only made your heart race. The warm bath you tried after was almost worse. Every time a wet lock of hair brushed against your shoulders, you were convinced Philip had slipped into the room with you.

Finally, mercifully, the sun dipped low enough on the horizon to signal you to begin dressing. Pulling off the soft borrowed clothes you had become so accustomed to, you gave them a small pat and took the time to neatly fold and set them on your pillow.

Your new gown glided across your skin as you pulled it on; the white cotton-like fabric gently hugged your curves from the high turtleneck to your hips before flowing freely to stop just above the floor. The cuffs of the long, form fitting sleeves along with the collar of the dress were embroidered with intricate golden swirls and patterns. Next, you retrieved a long sash, the same golden color as the embroidery, and delicately tied it around your hips, the loose ends falling to the hem of your skirt. Lifting the dress slightly, you slipped your feet into the ankle high, kitten-heeled leather boots, the fabric dyed the same gold as your other embellishments. It seemed a bit excessive, given the shoes were completely hidden under your dress the moment you released it.

Adjusting your hair, you stared down at the final piece of the ensemble. A delicate golden hair comb glittered in the light. The sigil of the Emperor’s Coven sat in the center, flanked by a pair of curved antlers that strongly resembled the ones that adorned Philip’s mask. Gently, you fiddled with the comb until it sat atop your head like a tiara. You checked your reflection over in the small mirror of your bedroom, your body feeling strangely separate from yourself at the moment.

You weren’t quite sure if you had spent a few moments or a few hours staring at the unfamiliar, pointed eared woman in the mirror before Hunter returned, his Golden Guard cloak and mask already on.

“Are you ready? Everyone’s in place.” He held out a hand to you, excitement evident in every syllable. “You look great, by the way. Like an Empress.”

You smiled at the boy and hoped your eyes wouldn’t reveal the trepidation you felt. “Thank you, Hunter. I’m ready.” You refrained from taking a look back at your temporary home as you followed your soon to be nephew down the winding stairs from the tower.

Your heart began to race as Hunter led you through lesser traveled halls to that same hidden antechamber behind the throne. “Wait here. I’ll let Belos know you’re ready. You remember when to come in, right?”

You nodded once and let out a small sigh as Hunter slipped into the throne room. It was a struggle to listen for your cue over the sound of your primal instincts screaming to run away.

“Coven Heads and my loyal scouts!” The commanding voice of Belos echoed through the throne room. “I am honored you were all able to join me today. As you know, the Day of Unity draws ever closer. We are but a few months from that glorious day where wild magic will be a thing of the past and the faithful will be rewarded.

However, that is not the reason for this gathering. In the spirit of unity, the Titan has seen fit to grant me a boon. He has led me to my bride, your new Empress.”

Hearing your cue, you stepped forward into the warm torchlight of the throne room before your brain could convince you otherwise. Your eyes remained locked on Phillip, masked and standing at the head of a long banquet table, the hand not supporting his staff outstretched towards you.

You managed a nervous smile as you placed your hand in his and turned to nod in greeting at the witches before you. You hardly managed to register their ill concealed expressions of shock and mild confusion before Philip commanded their attention once more.

“This evening, before you all, we shall recite our oaths. While I do plan to eventually share this wondrous news with the citizens of the Isles, for now, knowledge of her existence is not to leave this hall.” The room seemed to chill considerably at the unspoken threat contained in his comment.

“My Emperor,” Kikimora’s whimpering voice caused several heads to turn as she stepped out of a line of coven scouts standing a few paces away from the seated Coven Heads. “Forgive my interruption, but you only mentioned the oaths. Surely you intend to have her face the traditional trials? How else will everyone know she is capable of standing beside with you through any hardship?”

You didn’t need to glance at Philip to understand that Kikimora had crossed a line. The minuscule tightening of his grip on your hand and the cold silence that stretched forced a wave of unease over the guests and had your insides twisting.

“The Titan himself has chosen her to be at my side.” Philip eventually spoke again, his voice dangerously cold. “That is worth more than any trial she could overcome. Unless you think otherwise?”

Kikimora paled as she backed away to her assigned spot, endless apologies slipping from her lips. The few guests who had looked away from the dais to watch her retreat quickly redirected their attention.

Your heart raced as Philip released your hand and turned towards you. Following his lead, you turned your body to face him, your eyes locked on the icy orbs peering at you from behind the mask.

With one fluid motion, Philip traced a circle in the air before you with his staff, a hovering, glowing ring of crimson magic appearing between you. Without looking away from you, he released his staff off to Hunter before passing both hands through the ring, his palms open and expectant.

You paused, your eyes locked on the glowing ring of magic. In all Philip's musings about how the ceremony was to play out, none had mentioned the inclusion of a spell. You slowly reciprocated the gesture with mildly shaking hands, your eyes glued to the now gently pulsing ring of light.

“Today, before my people and the Titan, I pledge myself to you.” Philip’s commanding voice filled the hall, his tone a bit more theatrical than you had previously thought him capable.

“Today, before my people and the Titan, I pledge myself to you.” You repeated the words, your own voice trembling slightly in trepidation.

“My life, my love, my soul. All of these are yours. From now until the end of our days.” Philip continued, his head angling down to admire his hands eclipsing yours.

Your eyes widened as you stared back back at Philip. You had been willing to say what you thought were empty words in order to keep the peace. But now, with the inclusion of this spell, would they still be so meaningless? What if you just let go and backed out? The impatient squeeze you felt on your hands was all the answer you needed. A clear warning. “My life, my love, my soul. All of these are yours. From now until the end of our days.” You repeated the words with an uncomfortably dry mouth. It was a struggle to keep your voice from breaking.

“With this vow, we are bound. Two have become one.” Philip finished with a slight flourish, his hands squeezing yours.

“With this vow….. We are bound. Two have become one.” You nearly whispered the last line. With a flash, the crimson ring of magic flared before collapsing in on itself, your skin flaring with an uncomfortable heat where it touched you.

Your gasp of surprise was drowned out by the thunderous applause of the spectators. You felt Philip give your hands one final squeeze before he released them and turned to face the onlookers.

With one hand he collected his staff from Hunter while the other tugged you flush against his side by your hip. “Please, enjoy the feast in honor of your new Empress. Let this joyous occasion renew your commitment to your covens and the Day of Unity.”

You felt numb as you allowed Philip to lead you from the throne room; unable to even offer Hunter a smile as you both slipped past. You remind mute as you were led into his, no, your shared chambers, where a much smaller dinner already waited for you in the sitting room.

“You were wonderful, lambkin.” Philip purred into your ear from behind, his mask already discarded. “As much as I adore your smile, that nervous look on your face was positively alluring.”

You flinched when his lips brushed against your jawline; his hands already wandering up your sides to tug your hips against him. “A-ah!” You gasped at the sensation. “Philip, wait, please. C-could we eat first?”

He chuckled darkly and nipped at the lobe of your ear before releasing you. “Of course, my dove. I know a woman’s first time with her husband can be quite… intimidating.” His ravenous gaze never leaving you, he gestured to the table.

Your shoulders sagged in relief as you took the offered seat and stared down at your plate of food, too shell shocked to look him in the eye. “I didn’t realize there was a spell connected to the oaths.” You said as you began to pick at your meal, your voice flat and void from any meaningful emotion.

“Ah, my apologies dearest.” Phillip cooed at you without an ounce of remorse in his voice. “I had forgotten to explain that part. Yes, while the traditions of the Isles are lacking in many ways, that one little bit I do actually like. That spell circle is similar to an Everlasting Oath, although instead of punishment, the spell simply renders the parties incapable of acting against their vows while both still live.” He paused for a moment to let his explanation sink in.

As the realization of your situation settled upon your mind, you slowly looked up at Philip, your eyes wide. He was now more than just your husband. He was the lawful owner of your very soul. From now until the end of your days.

“Yes, quite romantic isn’t it?” Philip smiled down at you before pouring you a glass of what looked like wine, only the liquid refused to stop swirling long after it had settled in the glass. “Something to help you relax, my dove.” He lifted the glass and held it out to you.

You knew in your core the drink had some kind of spell attached to it. But what choice did you have to refuse the one bound to your very soul. With shaking hands, you accepted the glass and drank heavily, the liquid thick and pleasantly smoky. You set aside the empty glass and returned your attention to your meal, your mind casting about for any topic that would distract you from the significant hitch in your original plan. “What will be expected of me? As Empress, I mean.”

Philip’s smile widened. “You will be the symbol of hope for the Isles. A beacon of purity and an example of what good fortune awaits those who follow the Titan. The citizens will love you and our children just as much as Hunter does.”

You nearly choked on your forkful of steamed vegetables. “C-children! Philip, it's much too soon to even consider that.”

His laugh echoed slightly off the stone walls. “Nonsense. You’re right in the middle of your most fertile years. Before my time on the Isles, I saw women younger than you caring for their second or third infant. You already are a wonderful example for Hunter and I admit I’ve spent many an hour imagining you round and swollen with my seed.”

You opened your mouth with intent to reason with Philip, but what came out instead was a ragged gasp. The dress that had felt so light and comfortable earlier was now unbearably hot and heavy. Heat seemed to be rising rapidly within you, the vast majority pooling down below.

“Ah, I see it’s already taking effect.” Philip smirked as he stood and approached you. “Let me help you, lambkin. It’s my duty as your husband after all.”

You quickly stood and took a few steps back, the heat quickly becoming too uncomfortable to bear. You body screamed with the needed him to hold you, to touch you. "N-no.." You moaned out as your body overrode your will and lunged forward into his embrace. You could feel a fog of lust steadily creep into your brain, a desperate whine leaving the back of your throat instead of the plea to stop you intended. You felt more like an observer in your own body as you watched your hands tug on the front of your husband’s shirt. By the time your desperate lips captured his, you realized you had no hope of winning this fight.

Philip chuckled into the kiss, his hands wasting no time in grabbing your hips to grind them against his. A low, throaty groan escaped him when your thigh brushed against his rapidly hardening member beneath the rough fabric of his trousers. With a soft, wet pop, he broke the kiss. “So eager. It would be selfish of me to leave you wanting.”

With one smooth movement, he swept you up into his arms and marched into the bedroom, his stride purposeful. Hiss teeth roughly grazed against the small bit of exposed neck above the collar of your dress, a smirk dancing across his lips when you moaned in response.

By the time your back hit the plush bedspread you were already tugging at the clasp of his cape, a feral snarl forming when it refused to unlatch. “Philip please.” You begged, tears of frustration pricking at the corners of your eyes. You skin was on fire. You needed his hands, his tounge, his anything to touch you, to quell that awful flame roaring within you.

“I could never deny you.” He teased in return as he effortlessly removed his cape. Another teasing chuckle escaped him when as he watched you struggle to tug the hem of his shirt up.

The heat within you was borderline painful. A desperate keen escaped you when he was finally free of his shirt and gauntlets; your eyes trailing down the winding green scar to the waist of his trousers. Your pupils dilated as the noticeable bulge straining his pants twitched in response to your attention. Grabbing his shoulders, you roughly pulled him in for another heated kiss, his long hair falling to caress your cheeks as it shielded you both from the outside world. “Need you. Now.” You begged him in between kisses.

A primal growl, more animalistic than you had ever thought a human would be capable of, filled the room. With one hand, Philip grasped the collar of your dress and jerked down, tearing the beautiful fabric from your body. His eyes flared with a brilliant blue light as he yanked your shoes off and launched them clear across the room, his own soon following.

Clad just in his trousers, Philip reared back to gaze down at you, your writhing form now only adorned with the hair comb bearing his sigil. His tongue dragged across his lips as his eyes trailed from your shamefully desperate expression to your heaving chest, your nipples already hardening under the cool air.

Without warning he dove down, mouth latching onto one breast while his hand pawed and kneaded the other. He rolled and flicked the hard bud with his tongue, his eyes flicking up to your face each time his actions coaxed a squeak or moan out of you. “I can’t wait until these swell with milk for our babe.” He purred as he pinched a nipple between two long fingers. “I bet it will taste as sweet as honey.”

You arched your back into the contact, your own hands coming up to thread through your husband’s hair. Yes, this was what you needed. His hands and tongue were wonderful at soothing the fire under your skin. Why did you ever consider fighting it before? But, it still wasn’t quite enough. “Philip….” You whimpered as you lifted your head to gaze down at him, your eyes half lidded.

With a final drag of his teeth across your nipple, he rose once more, his eyes locked onto your needy expression. “Show me.” He demanded, his voice gravelly.

Without hesitation, you spread your legs for him, slick arousal already coating the inside of your thighs. “Please.” You whispered as you lifted your hips from the bed.

With a smirk, he slowly pulled the waistband of his trousers down, his cock springing free of its confinement. He had been painfully hard for so long, his foreskin had already mostly retracted to reveal a sizable bead of precum hanging on the swollen tip.

You moaned at the sight, your walls already fluttering in anticipation. You tried to sit up, to pull him close to you again, but found yourself roughly pressed back against the mattress with one heavy palm as Philip slotted himself between your thighs, his pants still bunched up around his ankles.

A quick glance was all the warning you got before he impatiently aligned himself with your entrance and slid completely in; a shuddering groan leaving his throat as he bottomed out. “Ah, yes. Such a good little wife. Taking me so well.” Bracing his hands on either side of your head, he began to thrust, his gaze locked on your face.

A blissful smile split your lips as you laughed in utter relief. Oh yes, this was perfect. This was all you could ever need. Every shift and thrust sent waves of ecstasy pulsing from your core to the tips of your fingers and toes. As his pace steadily increased, you threw your arms around his neck, your tongue lolling shamelessly out of your mouth. When his hips eventually shifted to allow him to plunge as deeply as he could, you slammed your head against his shoulder. “Yes! Oh yes! Right there!”

“Tell me, darling.” Philip grunted into your ear as he continued to press himself deep within you. “Do you desire my seed? To carry the child of the most powerful man on the Boiling Isles?”

“Yes!” You moaned as threw your legs around his waist. “Please, Philip. Fill me!” The only coherent thought in your brain was the primal need to be bred. To proudly bear your husband’s offspring.

“As you wish.” He chuckled in your ear before shifting his hands to your hips, his thrusts becoming erratic. With a final snarl he slammed you tight against him, a long sigh escaping as he finally painted your walls white. His head fell to your shoulders, his breathing heavy as he drank in your scent.

As the first spurt hit your inner walls, the heat finally dissipated in an explosion of pleasure. Your muscles clamped down in orgasmic waves, milking him for every last drop. As the clouds of the potion finally began to clear, utter exhaustion took their place.

Falling back against the mattress, you struggled to catch your breath and collect any thoughts that hadn’t been thoroughly fucked out of you.

With a low hum, Philip lowered himself down onto the bed beside you, his slowly softening member still nestled within you. Finally kicking his bunched up pants off his ankles, he drew you firmly into his embrace. “You did well, lambkin. Rest now.”

The last thing you recalled before sleep took you was the feeling of his lips brushing against your forehead.

Chapter Text

Your eyes glazed over as you listened to Lilith drone on about the weekly coven scout report. It was difficult to remain still, the high backed chair that had been placed so you could sit at your husband’s left hand was less than comfortable. Still, it was better than being forced to stand like Hunter and the other scouts on guard duty that day.

Giving in to your boredom you let your mind wander, well aware it would result in Philip chastising you later. He seemed to enjoy quizzing you on the intricacies of the meetings he allowed you to sit in on. You had actually found genuine enjoyment in that part of the new routine you had settled into over the past month.

Awoken each dawn by Philip’s lips on your neck and his hands trailing along your bare body. You were expected to always reciprocate the touches and kisses, no matter how exhausted you were. It was part of your oath, the binding magical promise to love and serve him as long as you both lived. Philip always made sure to remind you of it, not that you would ever forget. Based on his vague hints, you didn’t ever want to find out what happened to a partner who failed to uphold their promises.

After he let you dress for the day, you served the breakfast delivered by a random coven scout. Despite your suggestions to include Hunter in these morning meals, you were always denied. Now that your presence was known to the entire coven, the Golden Guard was expected to fulfill more important duties.

Your days were a mixed bag. Often, Philip expected you to shadow him as he met with the coven heads. Never to speak, he reminded you after you asked a clarifying question of Darius that one time, whose eyes seemed to brighten with intrigue at your genuine interest. No, you were meant to be the face of the people while your husband was the voice of the Titan.

Some mornings, when Philip dedicated a few hours to work on the portal, he would allow you to wander the castle and grounds. Of course, you were always to have an escort and only to the library or the stables. You had pressed back when he told you Kikimora was assigned to the task. Thankfully, he had given in when you had bent your already wounded pride to beg for Hunter to accompany you instead. Although, he had playfully warned you not to lavish too much attention on the boy. “You’ll break his heart once your focus inevitably shifts to our progeny.”

You were certain it was a matter of when, not if, when it came to you becoming pregnant. There was rarely a night when he didn’t expect you to perform your “wifely duties” as he called it. Thankfully, he always began the encounter by offering you a glass of that same not-wine drink he gave you on your wedding night. You were always happy to indulge in the concoction. As long as the potion guided your actions you could rationalize that it wasn’t your choice. That you didn’t crave the hungry kisses and feral growls that always escaped him as he emptied inside you.

No, that was all the potion. The real you had to deal with the dull ache between your legs and tender breasts the following morning. The last few days, the soreness in your chest seemed almost ever present. Not to mention you were several weeks past your last expected period. You rationalized that you had merely skipped two cycles from the stress of adjusting to your new reality. And your fatigue each morning was a side effect of the potion. That’s all.

Philip shifted in his throne and let out a sharp huff, the motion drawing your attention back to the present. You blinked several times to dispel your thoughts and fought the urge to glance over at your husband.

That was the other part of your new routine. Philip would occasionally be struck with bouts of crippling pain. The first time it happened you had jumped out of your chair and rushed over to him, only to be brushed off as he assured you Hunter could handle assisting him. That evening you had pestered him with questions about it the moment you two were alone in your chambers. He finally relented and offered an explanation when you blocked his path to the bathroom, arms crossed in defiance and face in a deep scowl. As much as you loathed how he had masterfully bound to him you weren't a fool. You now relied on him for your continued protection, something you told him in an unwavering tone. You even threw in that it was your right as his wife and Empress to know if something was wrong for good measure.

You remembered the gentile smile and the tenderness in the way he cupped your cheek as he admitted defeat. He coaxed you into soaking in the tub with him while he explained how the glyphs on his arms helped contain the damage the wild magic had done. But, now and again, surges of agonizing pain erupted. Apparently, he and Hunter had developed a process to soothe the pain during these spells. But no matter how many times you asked, he never revealed the specifics. It was "nothing you needed to trouble your delicate soul with".

You had seen enough of those flare ups since then to notice the initial signs. You weren’t surprised when Philip held a hand up, stopping Lilith in her tracks. He stood and gestured to Hunter, who quickly made his way to his uncle’s side, and the pair left the throne room.

You offered a small smile to the witch as silence settled over the hall. She was one of the few you actually liked. Most of the Coven Heads gave you a wide berth, only offering a fake smile and a bow when you passed them. Others, like Kikimora, would glower at you in open distaste the few times you crossed paths with Hunter as your escort instead of the Emperor. Lilith fit neither mold. She seemed to be the only one who whole-heartedly accepted you as her Emperor’s equal. You knew she worked harder than the others to uphold a deal she made with Philip. It had something to do with her sister. You idly wondered if your husband would allow you to spend more time with her.

After several long moments of silence, Kikimora ascended the dais and stood in front of you to address Lilith. “It is clear the Emperor is much too busy to finish listening to your report. I will hear the rest.”

You frowned and straightened in your chair, leaning forward the slightest bit. “Really? Belos had expressed great interest in Lilith’s report when we discussed it over breakfast.” You fought to keep a satisfied smirk from forming as Kikimora turned to face you, her eyes wide. “We will wait for my husband to return. Although if you have other duties to attend, I would be happy to explain your absence.”

You managed to sneak a small smile and wink at Lilith while the small demon mumbled half-hearted apologies under her breath and returned to her post. As if on cue, Philip and Hunter reemerged and took their positions, the latter pausing long enough to offer you a slight bow as he passed by.

“Let’s change the subject, Lilith.” Philip’s voice was still slightly strained but lacked the pained edge the attacks often gave it. “You’ve been doing well with preparing the scouts for the Day of Unity. However, you seem to be lacking in upholding the most critical part of our deal.” The air chilled as all warmth left Philip’s voice. “You have not delivered the Owl Lady to me.”

“I managed to defeat her in a duel at the Covention yesterday.” Lilith offered quickly, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “However, there was a…. complication. She has a pupil now. A human girl. She created a distraction that allowed them to escape.”

Your concern for Lilith was crushed by a spike of genuine fear in your heart. You had willed yourself to forget about Luz in the days after the wedding. It wasn’t a safe topic to think about. When the teen’s smiling face had drifted into your mind you only spared a quick prayer to the Titan for her safety, hoping the deity might grant her a protector that didn’t come with the same binding chains yours had.

You quickly struggled to morph your look of terror into something closer to curiosity or surprise before taking a chance to glance over at Phillip. Your stomach dropped when you realized he had already turned to face you, his eyes slightly narrowed behind his mask. 

“A human pupil you say.” Phillip slowly turned back to Lilith and stood to approach the edge of the dais. “Now that is interesting. Although I am dismayed to hear a human child managed to stop you from bringing your sister to me. Perhaps you’ve changed your mind about having me heal her?”

“Of course not!” Lilith cried out as she stepped forward. “I swear, I will bring you the Owl Lady and the human!”

“See that you do. The Titan is displeased with her flagrant displays of wild magic. And your repeated failures.” He stared down at Lilith in an oppressive silence until the Coven Head began to tremble. “Go. You may deliver the rest of your report tomorrow. There is an urgent matter I must attend to with my wife.”

You swallowed hard and struggled to keep your face impassive as you silently stood and followed Philip out of the room. Your stomach squirmed as the door to your chambers flung open before roughly slamming behind you. 

“You knew about the human girl.” Philip rounded on you the moment his mask was off, his calm expression undermined by the barely concealed rage in his voice.

“I did.” You responded quietly as you clenched your fists. You had to quell his anger fast. You had seen how the others cowered when he began to show annoyance. While you doubted he would ever physically strike you, it was in your best interest to keep him content. “Philip, I’m sorry I-”

“What were you thinking?” He scowled down at you as he stepped closer. “You know how dangerous the Isles are for humans. Why would you hide this from me?”

“I was going to tell you, I swear!” You blurted out as you fought the urge to take a step back, to keep some distance between you two. “She was the reason I ended up coming through the portal. An owl had taken one of her books and she ran off after it. I was worried she might get hurt so I followed. By the time I caught up she was surrounded by witches. They were all laughing. She looked happy! I didn’t think there was any danger!”

“That doesn’t excuse why you concealed this from me. Especially after everything I’ve taught you.” Philip took another step, closing the gap between you. In such close proximity he had to look almost straight down to keep you pinned under his gaze.

“I…I didn’t trust you at first.” You admitted, your breaths a bit shallow. You couldn't lie and risk triggering the binding spell, but revealing your continuous distrust of your esteemed husband would be just as bad. You hoped a half truth would be a sufficient loophole. “I was worried that you might have been lying. She was happy and safe until the coven guards attacked. Your guards. I didn’t want to risk putting her in more danger. But after we spent more time together, after you told me about the struggles you faced when you first came here....” You took a deep, shuddering breath. “I swear I wanted to tell you that night. But then….” You hesitated and glanced away, hoping he would draw his own conclusion.

Philip lifted his head a fraction of an inch, his expression softening considerably. “That was the same night I informed you of our betrothal.” He chuckled as he slowly gathered you in his arms, one hand coming up to rub along your back. “It’s been so long since I’ve been around human women. I had forgotten how distracted you can become. You’ve been working so hard to be my perfect little wife.”

You tensed in his embrace, your temper flaring momentarily before you squashed it down. It was safer to let him believe the deception was merely innocent forgetfulness. “It has been a pretty big adjustment.” You admitted, your hands gently toying with the clasp on his cloak. 

A hum vibrated from Philip’s chest as he continued to hold you for another moment. Pulling away slightly, he slid his fingers under your chin to angle your face toward his. “With the exception of this lapse, you’ve done exceptionally well, lambkin. However, there will be no more secrets between us. Remember your vows.” His smile, while comforting, didn’t reach his eyes.

“My life, my love, my soul. All of these are yours.” You replied obediently, a surge of heat flashing across your hands where the spell had touched you. “I’m sorry, Philip.” You added after an extended pause. You hated it when he looked at you so coldly. It always twisted your stomach in knots and made you feel as though one swift motion would have bile surging in the back of your throat.

“All is forgiven.” His shoulders relaxed as his eyes finally softened. “I can’t really fault you for doing what you thought best for the safety of a child. It’s your nature after all. Just as it is mine to protect you. Even from yourself.”

You forced a smile back, despite the twinge of frustration you felt at his words. At least he was placated, for now. Part of you worried what would happen to Luz once she was captured and brought to the palace. Maybe you could convince him to let her have your old room. From what you remembered she looked to be about Hunter's age. They’d probably get along. Hell, you could even fill her in on your original plan to escape using the unicorns in the stables. Even if you were trapped, you might be able to get her home. That whole mess would just have to be a problem for future you.

You just wished your rolling stomach would calm down. Usually, it would have settled once Phillip relaxed. But this time the discomfort had only continued to climb. Your brow furrowed in confusion as your lips parted slightly, an acrid taste on the back of your tongue.

Eyes wide in realization, you roughly jerked out of your husband’s hold and bolted to the bathroom. You fell to your knees in front of the toilet as the first heave wracked your frame. You clung to the stone bowl as your stomach emptied, immensely thankful for the small mercy of indoor plumbing.

“Something wrong, darling?” Philip followed you into the room, pausing a few paces away from where you knelt. 

Finally empty, you sat back from the basin, your limbs shaking with exertion. “I-I'm not sure. Something from breakfast must not be agreeing with me.”

Philip hummed in contemplation as he took a step closer to you. “Nothing we ate was out of the usual for you. It must be something else.” A thin smile appeared as he finally closed the gap between you. “Lambkin, when was your last monthly impurity?”

Still weak, you gazed up at him, your head slightly cocked to the side in confusion. “My what?”

His smile widened. “If you’ll forgive my crass language; I’m referring to your moon’s blood, the mark of womanhood.”

Your breath caught in your throat as you stared up into those hungry, ice blue eyes.

Chapter Text

“You never told me if it’s a boy or a girl.” Hunter glanced up from his staff and pushed off from the wall he was leaning against. “Which is it?”

Turning from your study desk, you gave the teen a confused smile. “I won’t know until they’re born.”

“Really?” His eyes widened in genuine surprise. “Witches know the second the life starts growing. Humans don’t find out until after they give birth? That’s crazy!”

An actual laugh, a rarity for you, shook your chest as you set your quill down. “We like to think of it as a happy surprise. Some parents choose to have a doctor look at the baby with an ultrasound if they really want to know beforehand.” You paused to formulate an explanation when Hunter gave you a puzzled look. “Think of it like a magic wand that can show you pictures of the baby growing in the womb.”

“So weird.” The teen replied good-naturedly. “You ready to go?” He peered around you at the half finished list scribbled on a roll of parchment.

“Yeah.” You spared the parchment a final glance. “I’ll finish it later. I won’t need most of these things for another six months at least. I think he just wants to give me something productive to do.”

Hunter nodded as he reached for his mask. “Yeah, Belos said it was important to keep your mind busy since you’re so fragile right now.” He shrugged and opened the main door out of your chambers. “Library or garden this afternoon?”

You barely managed to suppress a huff of annoyance. It wasn’t Hunter’s fault he was following his uncle’s pretentious orders. 

It was grimly amusing how quickly the horror or your situation had faded to frustration. From the moment the Healing Coven head Hettie confirmed you were expecting, Philip treated you as if you were made of glass. Moreover, he expected you to show gratitude for his condescension, something you had reluctantly given into doing. It was better than the chastising smiles and patronizing words you received every time you tried to insist you were still physically capable.

At least his demands for you to perform your "wifely duties" had dwindled to no more than three times a week. Although, you found the conflict between your mind and body difficult to process without the crutch of the potion. Philip had laughed when you asked him for it the first night he approached you following your diagnosis. Apparently, it was designed to force ovulation and increase the chances of fertilization. The lust that clouded your mind was merely a side effect. As far as he was concerned, you no longer needed it. A small part of you wished he had relented. At least with the fertility potion you had managed to find your own release each time.

“Empress?” Hunter waved a gloved hand in front of your face, his tone light. “You still with me?”

You blinked and shook your head, your thoughts tumbling as you struggled to refocus. “Yeah. Sorry, sweetie. I was actually thinking I’d like to visit Idlestep in the stables.”

Hunter fidgeted as the grip on his staff tightened. “Uh, Belos told me to offer the library or gardens today. Said the unicorns might be a bit too rough with you.”

You rolled your eyes and sighed. “It will be fine.” You turned and started towards the stables. “He already barred me from riding until after the baby is born. Which is a shame. We never took that evening ride he promised.” You glanced over at Hunter, who despite falling into step beside you, still seemed nervous. “Look, technically we’re not disobeying him. He told you to offer the library or the gardens, which you did. He also forbade me from riding. Which we won’t be doing. I just want to get some fresh air and brush a couple unicorns.” You offered the Golden Guard a smile and a wink. “If he gives you any flack, just say your Empress commanded it.”

Hunter, though still hesitant, seemed to calm down considerably by the time you two crossed the drawbridge and entered the stables. You knew it was only a matter of time before you were given a tighter leash. News of the infant was currently restricted to Philip, Hunter, Hettie, and the Potions Coven head Vitimir, who had been tasked with providing you with a daily health elixir. While your now barely rounded belly was still concealed by the fabric of your gowns, you were certain as the child grew, your freedom would shrink until Philip saw fit to announce your condition.

But, for today at least, you were determined to enjoy some time grooming your favorite mare. The scouts who oversaw the stables knew she was unofficially yours and made a point to keep her spoiled. You clicked your tongue in greeting as you slipped into the stall, a worn wooden handled brush already in hand. “Want to lend me a hand?” You smiled up at Hunter over Idlestep’s seafoam back. “I’m sure she’d appreciate the extra scratches.”

He paused for only a moment before entering the stall, standing a bit away from the mare’s shoulder. “I go in circles with the round comb, right?”

“Curry comb.” You gently corrected. “And yes, circles against the direction of the hair growth.” Your smile softened as you both worked on pampering the unicorn, who in turn showed her appreciation with soft knickers and gentle nudges at your elbows every so often. In those quiet moments with Hunter it was easy to pretend everything was normal. That you weren’t trapped by Philip’s golden chains. Sometimes you wished you were as genuinely happy with your situation as Hunter was. It certainly would make things easier. But, for now, you were resigned to pretending. Not only for your sake, but for the teen you steadily grew to harbor genuine maternal feelings towards.

“Sun’s getting low, we should head back.” Hunter commented as he looked up from his attempt to braid a section of Idlestep’s mane. “How do you get yours to look like that?” His complaint was barely above a mumble.

“Years of practice.” You gave him a wink before deftly undoing all the braids and giving the unicorn a soft pat on the shoulder. “Hope it’s not too long before I can visit again.” 

You took a deep breath of the cool evening air as you crossed the threshold back into the castle. “Any chance you can stay for dinner?”

Hunter shook his head stiffly as he opened your chamber door and followed you into the entryway. “No. The, uh, medicine Uncle needs has a rare ingredient. I need to make sure we have enough.”

“Of course.” You answered gently before pulling the boy in for a hug. “Be safe, I love you.”

He stiffened under the contact before wrapping his arms tightly around you. With a barely audible sniffle, he pulled away and adjusted his mask. “I love you too, Auntie…. Thanks for asking Belos to let me escort you. I know you’ll be busy after you have the baby. I’m just glad to spend time with you now.”

Your hand shot out and grabbed Hunter’s shoulder, your mouth set in a firm line. “Hunter, listen. The baby will need a lot of attention. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to forget about you. You will always be important to me.” You squeezed his shoulder for emphasis. “Besides, your little cousin is going to need someone to look up to.”

You released him and let him leave with a small wave, certain you had made your point when you saw him nod sharply before rushing out of the room. “Titan help me, I have a teenage son and a baby on the way.” You sighed to yourself once the door had closed.

“I thought I warned you against coddling him too much.” Philip’s gently teasing tone filled the room as he emerged from the doorway to the portal’s construction chamber. 

You jumped slightly in surprise as you whipped your head around to face your husband, his mask and cloak removed and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “Philip! You scared me.” You chastised with a small pout.

He cocked an eyebrow in response. “I could say the same to you, darling. I came by earlier to deliver your elixir.” He paused and gestured to the steaming goblet on the table you often dined at. “I was surprised to find you hadn’t returned from your walk yet. You never linger in the library or the garden for this long.”

“We went to the stables.” You answered sheepishly, knowing it was foolish to try to hide it. “Before you get upset, it was my idea.” You felt your temper flare when he gave you a worried frown. “We only brushed Idlestep. I know you don’t want me riding.” You huffed out the explanation. 

With an exaggerated sigh, Philip closed the distance between you and slid his palms down your arms until he could capture your hands in his. “Lambkin, you really do need to be more careful. I put these rules in place to keep you safe. I’ve lost track of the number of times assassins have been sent after me. I couldn’t bear it if something were to happen to you, or our child.” He glanced at the minuscule swell of your belly in emphasis.

You swallowed and looked away, heat rising in your cheeks. You told yourself it was from frustration at being treated like a doll, but it was difficult to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. Philip had a way of making you feel so precious, even if it stemmed from an outdated sense of superiority. “I’m sorry, my love. I’ll ask the next time I wish to visit the stables.”

“There’s my good girl.” Philip murmured as he pressed his lips to yours for a long moment. “Now about Hunter…”

“That won’t ever change.” You interrupted with a small, defiant glare. “We are the only family he has. My heart is big enough to love him and the baby.” You narrowed your eyes as you held his impassive stare.

Philip closed his eyes and shook his head, an amused chuckle leaving him. “Very well. Far be it from me to attempt to change the nature of a mother. At least try to remember that he has duties outside of being coddled.”

“It’s a deal.” You smiled in relief and stood on your toes to initiate another gentle kiss, knowing he would expect a show of gratitude for this leniency. “Thank you, Philip.”

“You can thank me by taking your elixir and eating dinner without delay. I’m going to be rather busy tomorrow and intend to have my fill of you before we retire.” His voice dropped into a seductive growl as he bent and grazed his teeth along your neck.

You had expected a similar reply but still failed to suppress the soft moan that rose in response to his nip. “O-Of course dear. Could we maybe take things a bit slower this time? I’m still a little sore from last night.”

“You’ll have plenty of time to recover tomorrow.” He pulled away just enough to capture your gaze. “There aren’t any meetings for you to attend. In fact, you’ll be remanded to our quarters for the day.” His smile widened as his fingertips dug into the soft flesh of your hips. “Lilith has been tasked with bringing the Owl Lady and her human pupil to me by sundown tomorrow, lest she fall from my good graces. Can’t risk having you sneak off to baby our nephew and miss welcoming our fellow human home.”

Chapter Text

If you weren’t so anxious you would have admired the craftsmanship of your shoes. Despite the nervous pacing you had done in the sitting room of your chambers for the past few hours, the leather had not chafed or uncomfortably rubbed against your feet at all. At least, you thought it was a few hours. The lack of windows made it difficult to keep track of time.

“Comeon, Lilith. Hurry up and either succeed or fail. This is killing me.” You grumbled under your breath as you flopped onto the loveseat and glared at the flames crackling in the fireplace. In an attempt to relax, you forced yourself to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. As that became easier you focused on relaxing each muscle.

A soft sigh escaped you as you leaned into something warm rubbing your shoulder, your sleepy smile stretched wide. 

“Wake up, lambkin.” Philip’s gentle voice failed to contain the excitement that bubbled beneath the surface. “It’s time for you to greet our guest.”

Your eyes shot open as you scrambled to your feet. “Woah…” You groaned as the quick movement left you dizzy. “Philip.” You called out softly as you landed in his open arms. “Let me talk to her first. She might listen to me.” You straightened as the lightheadedness passed.

“Patience, my dove. Don’t wind yourself up.” His hand came down to rest on his preferred perch on your lower back as he guided you forward. “Do not stray from my side. This may be upsetting for you.”

You forced yourself to match his leisurely pace to the throne room instead of rushing ahead. You just needed a few minutes alone with Luz to explain everything. It would be difficult to help her if your husband deemed the teen too “wild” to be allowed around you unsupervised.

A high pitched, eerie shriek echoed off the halls of the throne room as you emerged from behind the dais, the enraged cry accompanied by heavy thuds. At the other end of the cavernous hall, Lilith was chasing a large, quadrupedal and feather covered beast. Only its human-like face was bare, the enormous eyes a pair of inky black holes devoid of any emotion apart from fury.

“Eda!” Lilith roared as she chased after the beast who had begun to claw and tear at one of the tapestries of Belos that adorned the room. “Stop that this instant!” With an annoyed huff she conjured a protective bubble around the beast. “Don’t you look at me like that!” She glowered at the snarling creature. “This is for your own good. Emperor Belos will heal you and we’ll be in his coven together! Won’t that be wonderful?”

Your expression of confusion shifted to realization as the captured beast blew a raspberry at the coven head in response. “Lilith’s sister!”

“Yes, see what wild magic has done to the wretched thing.” Philip’s tone held clear distaste as he ushered you closer.

Lilith turned at the sound of the Emperor’s voice, a look of mild shook crossing her features before she fell to her knees obediently. “Lord Belos! I-”

She was cut off at the Owl Lady turned in her bubble, her face twisting into a feral snarl upon seeing you two approach. With another enraged roar, she spread her wings, forcing the protective bubble containing her to shatter from the pressure.

A cry of fear was ripped from your throat as the beast lunged at you. Reflexively, you clung to Philip’s cloak and reeled back, your attempt to retreat halted by the hand he still held against your back.

With a single smooth motion, Philip flicked his free wrist, his digits glowing with traces of his crimson magic. His head slowly turned as the force of the spell launched the Owl Lady off course and sent her slamming into the closest brick wall. Another twitch of his fingers conjured strands of glowing red magic to bind the stunned creature to the polished floor.

“My lord and lady!” Lilith gasped as she rushed over to where her sister lay. “I apologize for my sister’s behavior in her cursed form. Once you heal her, I promise she will become a useful asset to the coven.” Her nervous smile stretched tightly from ear to ear.

Finally releasing his grip on you, Philip wordlessly approached the now stirring beast. Drawing his staff from beneath his cloak he held it aloft between them. 

You flinched as a strong beam of ruby magic erupted from the staff and connected with the Owl Lady’s head. Her groans and cries of pain seemed to vibrate through your bones. When the magic ceased, you chanced taking a couple steps closer.

Her eyes restored to their usual golden color, the Owl Lady frowned as she struggled against her bindings. “What's going on? What is all this?” A disgusted snarl curled her lip when her gaze landed on Belos. “Ah, farts, I got caught.”

You blinked in surprise at the exclamation, the corner of your lip threatening to twitch upward in amusement. It had been so long since you had heard someone speak so freely and full of emotion.

“Watch your language in front of the Empress, Edalyn!” Lilith chastised her sister with a scandalized expression.

Eda’s confused gaze swept the room until it landed on you. Her eyes took in your white gown and flicked up to your hair comb before she snickered. “The mighty Emperor Belos has a wife ?!” She laughed, full-throated before grinning at you. “You look way too good for him, kid. What did he do, lock you up in a tower until you agreed to marry him?” She roared with amusement at her own joke.

You had to bite your lip and press your fist to your mouth to keep from giggling. Yeah, wild witch or not, you liked this one. You could see why Philip and Lilith held such disdain for her. She looked like she was born to sass anyone who crossed her path. You were relieved, and only marginally jealous, that this was the woman who had taken Luz in.

“Edalyn Clawthorne.” Philip ignored the digs and closed the distance between himself and the trapped witch, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. “The infamous Owl Lady and the mentor of Luz, the human girl.”

Eda’s taunting smirk immediately morphed into a nasty snarl. “You stay away from her! Or so help me, Titian I will-”

Philip’s unamused chuckle cut her off. “You’ve got me all wrong. The human girl is safe, for now. I just want the portal she came through. I know you have it, Edalyn.”

You stiffened in shock as you stared, wide eyed between the Owl Lady and your husband. This whole time, your only hope of getting back home had been with this witch and Luz?! Your mind swirled in a confused tangle of thoughts. Why hadn’t Philip told you? Why was Luz still here if she could go back home anytime? Why-

“Tough!” Eda barked back at Belos, her enlarged fangs closing with an audible ‘snap’. “I ain’t telling you nothing!”

“That truly is a pity.” Philip mused as he backed away to take his place at your side once more. “I suppose I will have to ask the human, myself.” With a snap of his fingers, a pair of coven scouts approached and dragged her out the front doors of the throne room, her concerned cries for Luz’ safety cut off by the boom of the doors closing behind her.

“Oh, you’re taking her to the healing ceremony now?” Lilith smiled up at her emperor as she brushed dust off the skirt of her dress.

“I will not be healing her.” Philip responded dryly. “Don’t be so naïve, Lilith.” He sharply added upon catching sight of her stricken expression. “This is the Titan’s will. All wild magic bust be dealt with before the Day of Unity. I offered her a chance to prove she could be trusted and she failed. You understand, don’t you?” He turned to leave the room, his arm held out expectantly to you.

You spared Lilith a final, sympathetic glance before taking your husband’s arm and followed him back to your quarters, your thoughts laser focused on disception. The moment the main door closed behind you, you rounded on him, an enraged snarl twisting your features. “You knew she had the portal!” 

Philip slowly removed his mask before turning to you, an overly understanding smile on his face. “I suspected, but was not sure. I needed her to confirm it.”

Not placated, you closed the distance between you, your fists clenched in order to keep then from grappling fistfuls of his cloak. “Even so, why not tell me? She clearly cares about Luz so she can’t hate humans! Wild witch or not, you should have let me talk to her. I could have gone home!” You huffed and began to step around him. “Where are you keeping Luz? I’m going to speak with her and-” 

“You forget yourself, lambkin.” Philip’s sharp tone halted your tirade as he threw his arm out, impeding your progress. “Have you forgotten your vows? Whether on the Boiling Isles or in the Human Realm, your home will always be at my side.” He glared down at you for a moment before his expression softened. “Oh my sweet little dove, this is why I didn’t want to burden you with this knowledge.” 

You stubbornly looked away as Philip pulled you into an embrace, one hand locking you against his chest while the other trailed down your stomach to rest on the small bump. “The human girl, like I said, is safe. At least, physically. The Owl Lady has tainted her mind and poisoned the girl into thinking this realm is her home. For now, I have her safely stashed at the Conformitorium.”

“The prison!?” Your head shot up to catch Philip’s gaze, your anger at him momentarily overridden with concern for the girl. "She's just a child!"

“Peace, darling.” Philip cooed as he gently traced the edge of your rounded belly. “There are specialized chambers of healing housed within. I plan to visit her next and undo the damage Edalyn has done. With any luck, she will hand over the portal door once the Owl Lady is executed and her hold on the child is severed.”

Chapter Text

“This doesn’t feel right.” You mused out loud as you paced the length of your quarters, eyes locked on the crystal ball Hunter had placed on the low table in the sitting room. “Public execution is too far.”

“Uncle said she’s been a threat for years.” Hunter countered softly as he glanced up from his seat on the floor to follow your now predictable path. “Besides, wasn’t she the one who hid the portal you came through? Although, I guess if she hadn’t you never would have become my aunt…” His hand came up to rest on his chin, brow furrowing as he lost himself in his thoughts. “Either way, if Belos says it’s the Titan’s will to have her petrified, then that’s that.” He shrugged and offered you a comforting smile.

You reluctantly returned the smile and knelt down on the floor beside him. “Honestly, I don’t think Luz ever realized I followed her here. When we spoke she seemed a lot like me at that age. I wouldn’t be surprised if she felt more at home here than back in the Human Realm.” 

You shifted to sit on your hip and glanced at the newscaster droning on about the upcoming petrification. “She didn’t strike me as a bad kid. If I had asked her to let me use the portal to leave I think she would have.” After a moment of quiet you glanced over at Hunter, your stomach twisting with guilt at his frown. “Either way, I’m glad I got an awesome nephew out of all this.”

Hunter smiled softly and glanced at you from the corner of his eye. “And the most powerful witch on the Boiling Isles as a husband.”

You looked away and gave an exaggerated shrug, a playful smile on your lips. “I still say you’re the better prize.” You shifted on your hips and placed a hand down to better distribute your weight.

“When Uncle comes back with the portal door…. Are you going to leave?” Hunter’s voice was quiet as he stared straight ahead at the softly glowing orb, his body suddenly tense.

You frowned as you felt your heart ache for the boy. Truthfully, you wanted nothing more than to bolt through that doorway and never look back. But life and your annoying inclination for becoming attached to oddball kids had made things difficult. Not to mention the magic binding you. Even the thought of running from Philip caused a surge of heat to flash along the back of your hands. As a reminder of your oath or a warning of the consequences you did not know. “When I married your uncle, my home became wherever he is… and wherever you are. I miss my parents terribly and would love to see them again. But I could never just run away and leave you behind. You’re stuck with me, kid.” Draping an arm over his shoulder, you tugged him into a side hug and planted a short kiss on his forehead.

You two sat in companionable silence for a while, listening to the commentators rattle off the history of petrification while the camera remained fixed on the still empty stage. Well, there was the occasional sniffle from the teen boy, but you decided you didn’t hear those.

A harsh buzz, followed by a deep rumble, echoed from the crystal ball as a golden cage with glowing ivory bars slowly rose from the stage floor. Eda, chained by all four feet sat miserably in the center while Kikimora gave her signature pompous wave to the awaiting crowds and camera.

The little demon crossed the stage and threw an awaiting lever, summoning a large stone statue of a three faced weeping woman to emerge from another hatch. As soon as it locked into place, the hum of magic powering up drowned out the murmurs of the crowd, the ominous noise filling your silent chambers.

“I don’t know if I can watch.” You admitted to Hunter as you closed your eyes and tightened your hold on him, more for your own comfort than his at this point.

“Wait… is that Coven Head Lilith!?” Hunter gasped as he leaned closer to the crystal ball. “Auntie, look!”

You opened your eyes and leaned in as well. “You’re right! And some sort of small dog looking thing too. Why would they be in the cage as well?” You tore your eyes from the screen to stare at Hunter, your heart and mind racing at the implication their presence presented.

“Only beings that are going to be petrified are put in the holding cage. That little dog demon lives at the Owl House. I’ve heard Lilith talk about him before. But why would-”

“She tried to save her sister.” You whispered in horror as your hands flew up to cover your mouth. “She was distraught when Belos told her Edalyn failed to take his offer and join the coven.” Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. “Oh no…. This can’t be happening. He can't seriously go through with petrifying Lilith! She's been nothing but loyal!" You cried your objections to the crystal ball as if your words could somehow reach Philip's ear.

“What's happening to Eda isn’t right!” The round face of a dark haired teenage witch filled the crystal ball as she snatched a microphone from a reporter. “She hasn’t done anything worthy of a petrification! The Emperor should let Eda go.”

Hope bubbled in your chest as the camera panned over the crowd. Where grim acceptance had previously been the mirrored expression, now their faces displayed confusion and downright outrage.

“What are they doing?” Hunter pressed his hands on the low table as he leaned closer in, his nose almost touching the crystal ball’s surface. “It’s the will of the Titan!”

A half smile of disbelief tugged at your lips as the crowd began to chant for Eda’s release. “They don’t want to see one of their own killed.” You leaned towards the glowing orb, completely entranced. “I hope the Titan is listening. If not for the Owl Lady's sake than for poor Lilith.”

Your heart sank when, despite the rallying cries of the people, a beam of green light exploded out of the statue and struck the holding cage. The now familiar, high pitched wail of pain you had heard from the Owl Beast before cut through you like a knife as it drowned out all other sound. “No!” Your screech of desperation tore at your vocal chords.

“Wait, look!” Hunter cried out as he tugged on your elbow. “Is that... the human?”

“Luz!” You laughed in disbelief as the girl emerged from another rising hatch in the stage. You failed to suppress a gasp of surprise when, with the swing of a staff, she summoned a large clump of vines to crush that horrid petrification machine into rubble. “Is she doing magic ?!” The several stern warning about mixing humans and magic Philip often gave you flashed through your mind. How could she possibly be channeling such power without any apparent backlash?

You shelved that thought for later, opting instead to cheer as the cloud of dust dissipated to reveal Eda flying out of the stadium. You smile only widened as you beheld Lilith, Luz, and the small demon safely sitting on her back. “Yes! Oh thank Titan they made it!”

“Children of the Isles!” Belos’ voice cut through the cheering crowd as the camera abruptly swung back to center him in the frame. A horrible crack ran along the right side of his mask, the damage warping the eye slit into an eerie facsimile of a skull’s eye socket. “The Titan has told me to spare the Owl Lady’s life. But, in return, her curse will strip away all her powers. Let her monstrous form be a lesson about the dangers of wild magic.” He paused, the heavy words settling over the crowd. “May you remember this as we continue to work towards the Day of Unity.”

“Huh, I guess the Titan was listening.” Hunter mused as he finally sat back, his brows furrowing in intense contemplation. “I wonder why it told Uncle to let the human go as well. Maybe she’s already a lost cause.”

“Don’t say that.” You chastised the teen with a gentle voice and a firm hand on his shoulder. Your own eyes narrowed in suspicion as the camera tracked the Emperor's retreating form. “I think there might be more going on than what Belos told the crowd.”

Hunter shrugged and turned off the crystal ball as he clambered to his feet. “Maybe. But it’s not really our place to know, is it?” He held out his hands to you, that oh-so-trusting smile on his face.

You accepted his assistance with a small smile and nod as he helped you to your feet. “What’s my place to know and what I want to know are often two different things.” You stretched your arms above your head and struggled to keep the racing questions from your mind while Hunter was still with you. “It will probably be about an hour before your Uncle returns. Why don’t you tell me about your recent missions? It’s been a few days since we last had a bit of time together.”

Almost an hour later on the dot, the main door to your chambers opened. Philip, still wearing the damaged mask, stalked in and approached where you and Hunter sat chatting on the love-seat. “You may retire for the night, Hunter. Report to me at dawn tomorrow, I have a new assignment for you.”

Hearing the tension in his uncle’s voice, Hunter quickly stood and bowed. “Yes, Emperor Belos.” He gave you one final smile before leaving.

You rose to your feet and approached your husband, deciding it would be safest to soothe his temper before questioning him. “Philip, are you alright? What happened to your mask?”

He removed it and glanced down at the damage with an impassive expression before setting it aside. “The human attacked me. And destroyed the portal door.”

Your stomach dropped to the floor as you felt the walls begin to close in on you. Luz seemed like she was a bit of an oddball, but not someone capable of that. “No, that’s not possible. She would have trapped herself here as well!”

Philip’s eyes met yours as he offered you a slightly too understanding smile, the gesture failing to hide the frustration in his eyes. “The Owl Lady had her claws in that poor child for months. I tried to tell her that I only wanted the portal to allow you to visit your parents, but she didn’t care. She truly believes the lies she’s been told. Her actions were born of pure spite.”

The tears returned, and this time you had no hope of keeping them from sliding down your cheeks. “No.” You whimpered as you stared up at his unflinching face. “I don’t believe you. You're lying.”

With a sigh, he slid a hand into his cloak and retrieved a hunk of charred wood. In the center sat an all too familiar slit-pupiled eye. “See for yourself, lambkin.”

Time froze as you stared at the damaged segment of the door, the memory of your accidental entry into this world flashing before your eyes. Your mind screamed in denial at the sight. Memories of the last few months of your unwilling adventure flashed before your eyes, you face twisting in anguish each time you recalled hiding Luz' existence from the Emperor. You were just trying to protect her. You had been so sure Philip had been lying or, at the very least, embellishing the dangers the Isles held for humans.

“She destroyed it.” You finally whispered, the admission sending a new wave of tears rolling down your cheeks. “I thought she just didn’t know I came in behind her. I was so sure she would help if she knew.” Your watery gaze lifted to meet Philip’s sympathetic frown, the weight of his discovery sitting heavily on your heart. “You were right about everything. I could have stopped this from happening. If I had just told you- ”

Setting the damaged piece on the table, Philip quickly covered the distance between you and gathered you in his arms, one hand rising to gently cup your cheek. “It’s too late to wallow in what could have been.” His thumb brushed away the tears clinging to your eyelashes. “We can only look forward, my dove. I may be able to combine the remnants of the original door with the portal I’ve been working on. Just remember what I’ve told you. You are safe...”

“So long as I am with you.” You finished before a guilty sob escaped you. Clutching his shirt, you pressed your face into his chest, your shoulders shaking as the consequences of your inaction sank in. “I’m sorry, Philip. I’m so sorry.”

Chapter Text

You awoke with a gentle gasp, the first prickles of a cold sweat on your forehead. As quietly as you could, you drew the sheets aside and sat up, sparing a glance down at your, thankfully, still sleeping husband. 

Allowing your eyes to drift shut, you focused on your breathing as the remaining constricting tendrils of the nightmare faded into the back of your mind. The memories of the dream itself were fuzzy, flashes of strangling red vines around your wrists and throat punctuated with cries of pain. A frown formed as you tried to will the lingering images away. The details weren’t important anyway. Not when you knew another nightmare was bound to catch you the next time you tried to sleep. They had been your constant companion the last couple weeks.

Philip’s gentle snore caught your attention as he shifted in his sleep, his bare back now facing you. You let your eyes wander along the meandering, wood-rot looking scar, mildly surprised he was still in bed beside you. Ever since Eda’s failed petrification and his return with the damaged remnants of the portal door, most of his time had been spent locked away in that cavernous workshop beneath your quarters.

Giving up on sleep for the moment, you slipped out from under the covers, a small shiver traveling up your spine as your toes touched the cold stone floor. Your thin nightgown did little to suppress the chill in the room, although the sensation finally stripped the lingering fear of the nightmare from your mind. As you passed by through the open bedroom door, you deftly pulled Philip’s cloak off the back of the dressing table’s chair and slipped the garment over your shoulders. The final couple feet of the hem trailed on the floor behind you like a ghostly train.

Aimlessly, you wandered through your quarters until your feet found their way into the study. Your gaze landed on your purse strung over the chair at your desk, the metal buckle reflecting the light of the single, low burning torch in the sitting room. 

Reflexively, you slipped your hand into your bag and retrieved your phone, comforted by the familiar weight of the tool. You stared down into the blank reflective rectangle for several heartbeats before depressing the power button. Nothing.

You knew there was no point in trying. It died weeks ago. And you hadn’t thought to lug the charging cable with you that day. Not like you would have an outlet to plug it into even if you did.

“I just wanted to go to the aquarium on my day off.” You whispered to the phone as you slipped it back into the bag. No, no use in letting your thoughts wander there. This was your reality now and you had no one to blame but yourself. If you had just told Philip about Luz-

You shook your head and drew the borrowed cloak tighter around your shoulders. Nope. Don’t think about it. You made your bed and now you had to lie in it. As if in response to your internal struggle, you felt a series of tiny fluttering kicks as the baby stirred and moved. It was only in the last few days that they had grown large enough for you to feel the more erratic movements. While the rolls and punches were still weeks away from being visible on the outside, you had already noticed the child seemed to increase in activity whenever you became worked up.

“Sorry.” You whispered to your belly as you cupped a hand to the swell. “Go back to sleep, I’m alright.” Sighing heavily, you turned and wandered back into the sitting room. It had been easier to pretend you weren’t carrying a child, his child before. So long as you didn’t look down. But now, the wiggly little bean made a point to interject whenever they felt their input was needed. You still weren’t quite sure how you felt about being an expectant mother. Hunter as one thing, that stressed cinnamon roll just needed someone to hug him and remind him to eat now and again. But a whole, completely dependent on you, I can’t even lift my own head infant? It was something you thought you might want in the future. Honestly though, did it even matter what you wanted anymore? It always came down to what he-

Nope, not going down that train of thought. Not tonight. You needed to find a decent distraction. Glancing at the open door of your bedroom, you decided not to try to head back to bed just yet. It would be at least another hour before your mind would let you try to sleep again, and you didn’t want to chance disturbing Philip.

Instead you settled down on the loveseat. The cloak was large enough for you to have plenty of material to cover your hips and legs without having to remove it from your shoulders; something you took full advantage of.

Your eyes aimlessly wandered around the dimly lit room, your mind following suit. You briefly wondered if you might be able to see Hunter the following day before huffing in resigned frustration. The poor boy had been promoted to the head of the Emperor’s Coven following Lilith’s betrayal and subsequent banishment. The couple times you had seen him in passing, his fatigue was obvious even with that signature golden mask obscuring what you knew could only be impressive eye bags. 

Lately, between your husband’s self exile to his workshop and your nephew’s increased workload, you found yourself alone most days. Well, you had the option of having Kikimora escort you to the library, but that damned demon rubbed you the wrong way. She always had a nasty remark to make about Hunter’s new promotion, although she had learned to frame it as constructive concern.

Nope, no, not letting those thoughts take over. You took a few deep breaths and forced your mind to focus on the repetitive motion. You just needed a way to relax. Something to release the stress on your shoulders. A bath? The warm water would do your muscles some good. Ah, but the faucet made such a racket when filling. That would definitely wake Philip.

Another thought crept into your mind as you cautiously glanced towards the silent dark doorway to your bedroom. It had been a while since you had any kind of physical release. Maybe a bit of self care could help ease your brain enough to find a dreamless sleep for once.

Releasing the edges of the cloak, you shifted to a more comfortable position on the small couch, your legs falling open. You brought one hand up to your mouth and impatiently suckled on two fingers, your tongue coating them generously. Your thumb slipped the hem of your nightgown up to your navel as those slick fingers quickly disappeared in your folds to glide along that long neglected bundle of nerves.

A light sigh escaped you as you tilted your head back to lean on the arm of the chair; your smile widening as you toyed with yourself. It had been so long since you last had a chance to focus on your pleasure; your perfected and favorite movements felt almost new again.

You bit your bottom lip as you shifted your hips higher, your fingers dragging down from your clit to dip inside you. A whisper of a moan vibrated in the back of your throat as your free hand came up to cup your swollen, tender breast through the fabric. The gentle drag of the nightgown on your nipples was heavenly. 

Your breathing became a bit ragged as you continued to alternate between circling your clit and dragging the pads of your fingers along that sensitive spot along your inner walls. Oh, yes, this was the perfect way to unwind. Titan, you needed this. You were getting close too. Just a little more friction and-

“Oh, lambkin. I’m disappointed you didn’t wake me.” Philip stared down at you with half lidded eyes as he approached. Clad only in a pair of soft white trousers, his bare feet padded softly against the stone floor as he closed the distance. “Although, I will admit you do have a certain way of making even this shameful display positively alluring.”

Your eyes snapped open as your fingers retreated from your core, any hope of your release fleeing with them. You flailed in an attempt to sit up, only to be stopped as Philip’s hand captured your wrist. The embarrassed flush of your cheeks flared in intensity when he popped your soaked fingers into his mouth, his tongue dragging along each digit.

“You should know by now that your sweet little moans are meant for me alone, my dove.” He murmured as he released you, his gaze traveling down your half concealed form. “Or maybe you wanted me to find you like this? Wrapped in my cloak, dripping in desperate need.” With a swift motion, he gathered you in his arms and turned back toward your shared bedroom. “This is my fault I suppose. I have been rather busy with the portal as of late. Too busy to fulfill all of my darling wife’s needs.” His teeth found that soft spot on your neck that never failed to elicit a breathy moan. “Let’s remedy that, shall we?”

A soft squeak of surprise left you as he let you fall the foot or so from his arms to the mattress. Cheeks still burning and heart hammering, you found yourself reflexively fumbling with the clasp of your borrowed cloak.

“No. I rather enjoy the view of you coming undone while adorned with my sigil.” Philip halted your movements with one hand as he crept onto the bed to join you. One leg swung over you to allow him to straddle your hips, his free hand sliding up your thigh until it caught on the hem of your nightgown. 

You stared down at his wandering hand, the warmth of your arousal slowly creeping back into you. “I didn’t want to trouble you.” You whispered as your eyes flicked back to his, your walls reflexively fluttering and tightening at the hungry look within them.

“Caring for you and our child may be my responsibility, but it is one I find immense satisfaction in every way.” He smirked at you as he released you momentarily to tug the waistband of his trousers down just enough to free himself. “While I usually love the thrill of unwrapping you, it’s quite clear you’ve no patience left this evening.”

Lifting your hips, he slipped his still half-soft member inside of you, his grin widening when you responded with a breathy keen. “I’ll indulge you this time, lambkin. Although as your husband, I should probably make a point to remind you of your virtues in the future.” He leaned forward and placed his hands on either side of your head so his lips could brush against your ear. “You’re simply too delectable for your own good.”

You slipped your arms under his curtain of hair and around his neck as he began to move, a whimpering moan leaving you as his pelvis pressed against your swollen bud. “A-ah, right there!” You felt the tension of your lost climax slowly begin to form again as he continued to grind against that sensitive spot.

“Ah yes.” Philip mused as he shifted his weight onto one arm and brought his free hand in between your bodies. “I rather liked that whimper you made when you pressed right… here. ” He swiped the pad of his thumb against that sensitive little bundle.

A shudder of pleasure shot from your hips to your skull as his digit roughly circled your clit; a high pitched, warbled cry echoing off the stone walls of your bedchamber. Your eyes rolled back as they closed, your head pressed firmly against his shoulder while your nails subconsciously dug into his back. “M-More! Please, don’t stop!”

His movements were slower and the pressure rougher than you would have usually liked. But it had been so long since you had been able to find your release. Your breaths shortened as you continued to cling to his shoulders for dear life. Just a little more….

Philip chuckled into your ear as he gave a particularly hard thrust. “There’s my sweet little dove. Sing for me knowing I am the only one who will ever have you.”

That did it. The tension snapped within you, a drawn out, shuddering moan left your lips as you came, your walls clenching down on him in orgasmic waves. After so long without release, the pulses of pleasure seemed to drag on for much longer than you remembered.

As the aftershocks finally began to fade, you released his shoulders and fell back onto the bed with a soft huff; a small smile of pure relief on your lips.

“We’re not finished quite yet, lambkin.” Philip slid his fingers down your legs, his thumbs slipping to hook into the back of your knees. With one smooth motion he folded you neatly in half, your knees pinned to either side of your head. “I still have yet to hear you acknowledge who this beautiful body was made for.”

A ragged gasp caught in your throat as you clung to the cloak still pinned beneath you. Your breaths were heavy pants you drew in time with his thrusts, your unfocused, half lidded eyes drawn to his focused expression. It was only during these moments, when he was nestled deep within you, that you were able to glimpse beyond the stoic mask he had perfected over centuries. There was something deeply attractive in the way his brows furrowed and his lips pulled into an animalistic snarl as he chased his own release.  

“You.” You managed to moan out as he pressed your knees further into the mattress, the tip of his cock now kissing your cervix with each thrust. “I’m yours, Philip. Only yours.” You had spoken these words dozens of times before at his request yet this time the admission was accompanied by a twinge of arousal that had you tightening around your husband’s length.

A low, throaty groan left him as he thrust thrice more before pressing his hips tightly against yours, his eyes drifting shut as he emptied deep within you. A contented hum vibrated through his chest as he pressed a chaste kiss to your forehead. Letting go of your ankles, he rolled onto his back and tugged his trousers up to rest at the base of his hips once more.

It took you several moments to catch your breath when he finally released you, your legs flopping down uselessly on the overstuffed mattress. Before you could do more than roll onto your side, you found yourself pressed tightly against your husband's chest, his own breathing a bit heavy. You briefly pitied the poor scout who would have the duty of cleaning the Emperor’s cloak the following morning.

As the pounding in your ears slowly faded, you absentmindedly began to trace your fingers along the edges of that winding, ropy, rot-like scar that trailed across his chest like the strap of a satchel. It always amused you to feel how the texture underneath the sickly green sections of skin felt akin to rain-rotted tree bark. 

In the comfortable silence you idly wondered if you would ever come to fully embrace your new life. You had gone from struggling to make your own way in the world to being the Empress of a land more extraordinary than you could ever imagine. You were married and expecting a child with a man who provided everything you could ever want in exchange for your companionship. Sure, it came at the cost of your freedom, but it was all to keep you safe, right? He had already lost a brother to this world and had spent several lifetimes working to ensure no one else would meet the same fate. If you had just trusted him from the start and told him about Luz-

“Something weighing on your mind, my dove?” Philip’s velvety voice was hardly above a whisper as he nested your head under his chin.

You frowned, trying to think of a way to formulate your tangled thoughts into a single comment. How would you even start to reconcile the whirlwind of emotions that hardly ever let you be? Well, perhaps you could begin by trying to untangle one from that twisted nest. “Tell me about Caleb?”

He stiffened at your question, his grip tightening for a moment before a resigned sigh ruffled your hair. “Our parents passed when I was young. Too young to really remember them. He was in the midst of adolescence himself. Anyone else would have left me to die; would have bettered their chances of survival by not having a toddler weighing them down. But not Caleb. He carried me from our village to Gravesfield. It was there he found work and a suitable community to raise me in. There were lean times, but he always smiled. For a time, we were happy.

We found this world when I had barely stepped into manhood. The rest you already know. It was difficult watching him slip away. I knew he was lost to me long before his last breath. I was powerless to protect him.” He loosened his hold and shifted until he was able to gaze down at you, a bittersweet smile touching his lips. “I shall not let the same happen to you.”

You frowned up at him, another strand of that tangle of anxious thoughts beginning to come loose. “Why me?” You whispered to him. “Am I here today simply because I was the first human you’ve seen since losing him?”

He pressed his lips to your forehead for a long moment before answering. “The Titan set you on your path to me. I knew from the moment I saw you kneeling in the throne room that I could not allow your soul to be tainted in the way his was.” A soft chuckle parted his lips as his hands slipped beneath your nightgown to trail down your spine. “You looked like a wet spring lamb separated from your ewe. Rest assured, if we had crossed paths under normal circumstances, the end result would have been the same. I would have hunted you to the edge of the world, lambkin.”

You felt genuine warmth spark in your chest at his words. You offered a half smile in return before burying your face into his chest once more, the intensity of his stare too difficult to face at the moment.

Chapter Text

You sighed good naturedly as you shifted your weight onto the opposite foot and leaned heavily against the brick wall, your eyes trained on the small book in your hand. It wasn’t anything too engaging, a manual detailing the lesser known secondary covens Philip had leant you, but it was a way to pass the time. Your free hand idly toyed with the silver domed cloche protecting the steaming tray of food atop the small side table in the hall.

“Empress, if I may make a suggestion.” Kikimora waited until you had paused your reading to meet her one visible eye. “The Golden Guard has been quite busy with his new responsibilities. It could be quite a while until he returns. You would be more comfortable in the Library. I’ll be sure to have a scout alert you upon his return.”

You pondered her words a moment before forcing a polite smile. Despite your newfound effort to make peace with your position, you had learned it was necessary to push back from time to time. If you were going to embrace being the Empress, it was time you acted with the authority that role entailed. “As I said before, I will wait here.” Your tone was resolute but not unkind. “The previous times I have requested to be informed of my nephew’s return, word only arrived after the Emperor and I retired for the evening. I find it hard to believe he has been out from before sunrise until after sunset every day .”

The little demon closed her eyes and took a steadying breath. “As you wish, Empress. Please do keep in mind that the Emperor has requested I escort you back to your chambers before nightfall.”

You smiled once more before returning your gaze to your book. “Then for both our sakes, I hope our Golden Guard returns sooner rather than later.”

A gentle hum escaped you as you continued to read, one hand coming up to rub the swell that contained your squirming child. You had not been thrilled when Philip decided to tell Kikimora about your condition, though in hindsight it really couldn’t be helped. With Hunter occupied, she was the only other chaperone he would allow. It was only a matter of time before the other castle residents would need to be told. Even your looser dresses had started to tent slightly.

Even so, the babe was still too small for any movement to be felt from the outside. That detail hadn’t stopped Philip from cupping the swell when he climbed into bed with you each night. You smiled at the memory and  idly wondered which realm you two would raise the child in as a series of fluttering kicks started up. The portal was apparently still on track to being complete by the Day of Unity. By then, if all went according to plan, the Boiling Isles would be, well not safe , but safer for humans. Besides, it would be quite difficult to handle the government paperwork needed to reintegrate a four hundred year old man back into society. Maybe you could alternate weeks? You’re certain your parents would-

“Empress?” Hunter’s surprised greeting echoed dully behind his mask as he approached, pausing to bow slightly. “Why are you waiting outside my room?”

You snapped the book shut and smiled at the boy before stepping aside to reveal the dinner tray. “I wanted to make sure you were eating properly. I hear you’ve been run ragged with your responsibilities as of late.” You turned and inclined your head toward Kikimora. “Thank you for the company, Kikimora. My nephew will escort me for the remainder of the evening.”

You waited for the small demon to bow and turn before collecting the platter and following Hunter into his room. A nostalgic smile touched your lips as you glanced around. Despite his esteemed title, he was still a teenage boy. 

Books; some laying open, others with loose papers of notes crammed into them were stacked in a leaning tower on his single nightstand. The lower of the two drawers couldn’t even close; a comically long scroll toppled out to unravel along a quarter of the length of the room. Half-legible notes were pinned against a map of the Isles so large it took up the majority of the enormous cork board adorning the longest wall.

Your smile softened as your gaze landed on the unmade bed, complete with a single stuffed frog poking out from under the pillows. You briefly took note of the acceptance letter to the Emperor’s coven tacked above the headboard as you stepped further in to admire the crystals, potions, and other sitting atop the shelves on the perpendicular wall.

“Sorry about the mess!” Hunter let out a nervous laugh as he quickly closed the door behind him and hurried to clear the clutter off the small square table crammed into the far corner. “I wasn’t exactly expecting company.”

“Don’t be. I like it.” You set the tray down. “It reminds me of my old room.” Your smile faded to a worried frown as you caught sight of your nephew’s face. Dark circles clung beneath his slightly unfocused eyes. His cheeks were also thinner than you remembered; the lack of proper rest and nutrition had added years to the child’s face in the span of a few weeks. “Oh, hun….”

“It’s nothing, I’m fine.” Hunter waved you off as gestured to the only chair in the room. “Please, sit. You shouldn’t have been on your feet for so long.”

You laughed sadly and shook your head. “Have you looked in a mirror? You’re about to fall over.” Grabbing his shoulders, you guided him into the chair, your frown deepening when he didn’t even fight you. “Eat. That’s a direct order.”

Hunter turned in his seat to give you a weary smile. “Only if you sit down too. The bed’s not made but I can-”

“Oh no you don’t.” You narrowed your eyes at him before quickly tugging a blanket up to cover the mattress. Lowering yourself down, you gestured to the platter. “You’re not going to like what happens if I have to ask you to eat again.” You teased, one eyebrow cocked playfully.

You had intended the meal to be enough for both of you but couldn’t find it in yourself to stop the starved guard from wolfing down the whole plate. A small surge of relief warmed your chest when a bit of color started to bleed back into his cheeks. “I know you’ve taken on a lot of responsibility lately. Just, please, don’t overwork yourself.”

His smile of reassurance was a bit more convincing. “Don’t worry about me, Auntie. I’m fine. Once the Day of Unity passes this Coven Head thing will be easy.” His eyes flicked to the bed. “...Mind if I lay down? Today was a bit rough.”

“Of course. Need me to get up?” You shifted to the edge of the bed and leaned forward to stand.

“Nope!” The weary scout chirped with a small smile as he stood, took one long stride, and flopped over the foot of the bed. Landing on the mattress, a heavy sigh seeped out as he didn’t even bother bringing his hands up to break the fall. “Titan, this feels good. I can’t imagine how exhausted I would be if the human hadn’t handled the Selkidomus…” 

Your heart constricted for a moment. “You saw Luz today?” Your stomach felt like it was twisting, and not just because the baby had started wiggling again. 

“Sorry. I know it’s a touchy subject.” Hunter mumbled into his pillow before turning his head to face you. “How goes the portal?”

You managed a small smile. “He says the salvaged pieces are working as intended. It should still be ready for the Day of Unity, if not before.” Your expression softened into something a bit more daydreamy. “Can’t wait to introduce you to my parents. They’ve been bugging me about grandchildren for ages.”

Hunter's cheeks flushed with a twinge of red that quickly spread to his ears. “You mean their grand nephew , right?”

“If we’re being technical, then yes.” You paused for a moment, your finger tapping your chin in thought. “Or would that make you a second cousin? Or something once or twice removed?” Shrugging, you refocused your attention on the drowsy boy splayed out next to you. “No matter how you phrase it, they’ll see you as their grandson.” 

Tugging the hem of your dress up a bit, you shifted until you could sit more comfortably on the bed, one leg folded partially underneath you. Reaching out, you gently slid your fingers though Hunter’s hair, your smile softening when he sighed at the contact. “I’ll leave so you can get some sleep.”

“No… feels nice…” The boy mumbled as his eyes drifted closed. “...walk you back…”

You continued to idly run your fingers along his scalp long after you heard the first soft snore. Turning your gaze to the window, you simply allowed yourself to enjoy the moment of peace. “Thought that might put you to sleep.” You whispered to the dozing scout. “Mom used to do the same for me after a long day.”

Feeling nostalgic, you began to hum, then softly sing a lullaby your mother used to sing to you. As the well known lyrics effortlessly sailed past your lips, your fingers continued to rhythmically brush Hunter’s stray locks away from his face.

You only looked away from the window, the view now steadily fading from pink to a deep purple, when Hunter’s door swung open with a soft squeak of the hinges. Without pausing your song, you gave your waiting husband a brief smile, your free hand coming up to press your index finger across your lips.

Slowly, you slipped off the bed and pulled a spare blanket over the still sleeping boy, the final notes of the lullaby fading as you retreated and pulled the door closed behind you. “Poor thing has been working way too hard.” You mused as you slipped your hand around Philip’s offered arm.

“It is a lot for one to bear, Golden Guard and Coven Head.” His voice, though slightly metallic through the mask, still held the tender edge you had learned was reserved only for you. “Such a shame Lilith chose to side with that wild witch sister of hers.”

You flinched and looked away, resisting the urge to nervously chew on your lower lip. “It’s a wonder he doesn’t hate me. Lilith would still be here if Eda hadn’t taken Luz in. If I had just-”

“You were following your nature, my dove.” A glint of his blue eyes flashed as he tilted his head to glance down at the barely visible swell beneath your gown. “An innate need to nurture. It’s what you were designed to do. Just as I am meant to protect and guide you should you ever stray.” A low hum of contemplation escaped as he brought his free hand up to cover yours. “In fact, I think it’s time we shared this joyous news with the other Coven Heads.”

The following evening found you standing in the shadows at the base of the stairwell that connected the portal chamber to your quarters. For what felt like the dozenth time you glanced over your outfit and smoothed down the fabric of your dress. The more form fitting garment, meant to accentuate your bump rather than hide it, felt unnatural after several months of flowy gowns. Your frown deepened as you adjusted the dress again until the golden symbol of the Emperor’s Coven sat perfectly centered on the swell. 

You took a steadying breath as you heard the soft footsteps of the entering coven heads rise then fall as they found their places. It was almost time.

“The Day of Unity approaches.” Kikimora took her time to anticipate each word, her tone carrying the weight of her reminder. “We shall soon celebrate the purification of magic.”

Philip’s smooth voice filled the chamber from behind his mask. “Our work in perfecting the coven system has greatly pleased the Titan. In fact, I would like to share with you a personal blessing it has bestowed upon me.”

Hearing your cue, you stepped into the chamber, your eyes flicking up to the mostly completed portal as you rounded the dais. Fixing a polite smile on your face, you found your place beside Hunter to the left of the small stone throne Philip sat upon, your gaze flicking to catch the looks of mild surprise on the majority of the Coven Head’s faces from their positions around a raised brazier housing a cracking blue flame.

“My child will be among the first born into this new world. As heads of the Nine, you are the first to hear this joyous news. The Titan has also asked me to recognize your efforts with a glimpse of the rewards that await you.” His gaze dropped to the flames as he raised one hand. “Step forward.”

You managed to maintain your politie smile as the coven heads set their sigil badges into depressions along the brazier’s edge. You were proud of yourself when you successfully swallowed a startled gasp as the flame blazed in response; the eyes of the nine witches clustered around it glowing a brilliant white. Whatever they were seeing must be wonderful, for several now wore thin, eager smiles.

“The larger your covens grow, the more power we have to unite our realm.” Philip raised his voice slightly to overpower the roar of the flames. “Where the worthy shall inherit a utopia free of wild magic.” The second the final syllable rang out he lurched forward slightly, one hand coming up to claw at his chest.

You turned your head a fraction of an inch towards him, a concerned frown replacing your practiced smile. No matter how often you witnessed these attacks, it was never easy to watch your husband suffer. Knowing he would refuse your help once more, you nodded once to Hunter.

The Golden Guard inclined his head in return before assisting the Emperor to his feet. He paused their retreat from the chamber long enough to brush off Kikimora, who had started to follow.

You felt a genuine pang of sympathy for the small demon when you caught sight of her narrowed eyes and clenched fists; a crack in her otherwise usually perfect mask. “I often feel the same way.” You whispered  from the corner of your mouth, your eyes locked on the rapidly dimming glow of the Coven Heads’. “I wish they would let us help, but men are stubborn creatures.” Your practiced smile back in place, you stepped forward. “Thank you all for taking time away from your covens to celebrate our future. Your hard work is noticed and appreciated.”

You stood in place as the Coven Heads acknowledged you with a slight bow or a gentle, “Thank you, Empress.” You were surprised when, instead of simply leaving, they began to mill about; small cliques of apparent friends chatting about their recent successes. You glanced down at Kikimora, hoping to glean if you were expected to stick around, but she had already disappeared.

“How has the elixir been treating you?” Vitimir’s raspy voice caught your attention as he approached, his tone warm yet mildly smug. “Any further bouts of nausea?”

You lost the fight to hide your knowing smile at the unnecessarily loud voice the Potions Coven Head was using. You couldn’t really blame him; he had kept the secret of your pregnancy for so long already. He was owed a little bragging. “None at all, thank you again Vitimir.” Your smile softened as your hand gently slid along the bump. “The little one seems to enjoy it as well. Every evening after I take it they won’t stop squirming until I sing a lullaby.”

The long nosed witch’s eyes widened in mild surprise under the wide brim of his hat. “Really? Raine, come here a moment.” He turned to beckon towards another witch. “The royal witchling appears to be a strong candidate for your coven already.”

The aforementioned witch approached and pulled the hood of their cloak down, a lopsided smile on their lips. “Really now? Already a music lover.”

Your nerves eased as you spent a few minutes chatting with the Bard Coven head. Raine had always been one of the group to give you a wide berth, though you hoped that would change after today. There was just something comforting in the informal way they spoke with you. 

“Empress.” Hunter’s strained voice cut through the conversation as he approached, his steps slightly hurried. “Forgive my interruption. Emperor Belos has asked that I escort you back to your quarters.”

You bid the Coven Heads farewell with an apologetic smile before falling in line behind your nephew as he led you out the main door of the chamber,  lest anyone else discover the direct path to your chambers. “Is he resting?” You asked quietly the moment the doors closed behind you. 

“Yes, in the throne room. But, he requires more medication and we’re out of a key ingredient. He asked that you stay in your quarters, away from him, until I return.” Hunter's stride picked up the pace as he led you the long way around to the antechamber of your quarters, away from the throne room.

“Why won’t he let me help?” You murmured more to yourself as you matched Hunter’s stride. 

“He doesn’t want you to see him…. like that.” He stopped in front of the door to your rooms. “I’ll be back before dawn.”

Before he could turn, you pulled Hunter into a firm hug. “Please be careful. You’ve been on your feet all day already.” You tightened your hold as he returned the gesture before letting him go.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” He waved off the concern but failed to hide the slight quake in his voice.

“I always worry about you.” You countered with a gentle boop on the nose of his mask before slipping into your room, your smile fading as you heard Hunter scurry off. It was infuriating, not being able to do more to help. “Yeah well, last time you thought you were helping you left Luz with a deranged witch who convinced her to blow up the only working portal back home.” You muttered as you meandered into the bathroom. “Hey, Titan? If you’re listening, could you make sure Luz is ok? I know I messed up by not telling Philip about her earlier. Just, don’t let her get hurt from my mistake. Please?” You looked around the dim room in silence for a moment, your ears perked for any noise.

When it was clear you would receive no apparent answer, you sighed and tugged your dress up. “Might as well enjoy a bath before bed.” You addressed your unborn child. “As nice as it is to have your father soak with us, he likes the water way too cold.”

Frantic knocking on the main door of your chambers jarred you from sleep. Shifting into a sitting position, you glanced over to Philip’s usual spot, a concerned frown forming when you found it still empty. “It has to be near dawn already. I hope he’s alright.” You yawned as you slipped out of bed and pulled a spare cloak over your shoulders to cover your rather revealing nightgown. 

“Just a moment!” You called out as the knocking sounded again. You hand hovered over the knob, hesitating for a moment. Philip had always insisted on answering himself. 

“Auntie?” Hunter’s nervous voice warbled through the wood. 

You swung it open without hesitation, your eyes frantic as you looked over the boy. His cloak and mask were gone, revealing several bruises and scrapes littering his face and neck. The tip of his bangs were singed, several stray hairs of which clung to a bloody gash on his forehead. “What happened to you?!” You gasped as you reached out to tug him into your rooms.

“I’m fine, really!” Was the teen’s frantic reply as he resisted your tugging. “That’s not what I need to talk to you about.” He glanced around the hall, his wide eyes frantically searching. “But not here. Could you… come to my room?”

You nodded without hesitation as you pulled the cloak tighter around your shoulders. “Let me grab my shoes and a bandage for that cut first.”

“Ok, promise you won’t freak out.” Hunter implored you several minutes later as he quietly closed the door, his wide eyes locked on you.

You nodded once and sat on the edge of the bed, your focus locked on the young witch. “You can tell me anything, hun.”

“So, I ran into the human while sourcing more medicine for Uncle.” He started, his eyes flicking to yours as he nervously paused.

You blinked in surprise and leaned forward a bit, your earlier plea to the titan resurfacing in your mind. “And?”

Hunter’s face twisted from nervous to frustrated. “She got in the way, again ! Seriously, are all human girls this annoying?”

A huff of amusement escaped you. “Most of us, yeah. But that can’t be the whole story.” You patted the empty patch of messy bed beside you. 

Hunter exhaled heavily as he flopped into the offered seat. “She’s still doing magic.” He admitted quietly, the scowl shifting into a reluctant half smirk of recognition. “Banned magic of course. Drawing these… glyphs, she called them.” 

Your heart leapt into your throat as you wrestled down the desire to question the boy further. You hoped your wild hunch was correct; that the Titan had heeded your plea and granted Luz knowledge of the same symbols Philip had been given to curb his bouts of pain.

“Anyways, she really shouldn’t be messing around with those. It’s way too close to the elemental magic of the savage ages.” His scowl returned, deeper than before. “Still, she was able to help me when…” He paused, his eyes flicking to you momentarily. “someone attacked us.”

Your excitement in learning of Luz’ gift paled in comparison to the fear you felt for Hunter’s safety. “Is that what happened to you?” Gently, you placed a hand on his knee. “Hunter, you’ve always bragged about the scrapes you found yourself in. What happened?” You offered a comforting smile. “Whatever it is, I will help you.”

“I…I failed my mission.” He finally admitted in a quiet voice, his head turning away from you. “I’ve never failed before. I could see how disappointed Belos was. He’s still in pain and it’s all because of me .”

You tugged the boy into a hug as one hand came up to gently comb through his hair, your fingers delicately working out the knots. “I’m sure he understands. You mean the world to him.” You squeezed the boy for a moment when he didn’t respond. “It’s like you said; P-Belos is the most powerful witch on the Isles. He will manage until more medicine is found.”

Hunter hummed in a non-committal way, his eyes still downcast. “That’s… not all that happened.”

You released the scout and leaned back a bit to allow him to sit up properly. You sat in patient silence as you watched the boy silently struggle to find the words he was searching for.

“You can come out now.” He finally murmured to the floor as he shifted his feet apart.

A small gasp left you as a tiny cardinal hopped out from under the bed between Hunter’s boots, an impatient chittering cry leaving its beak. It turned to face you with its single good eye, the scar covering the other shining like polished wood in the pale early morning sunlight streaming through the window.

“This is what has you so worked up?” You asked with a smile as you bent as low as your belly would allow, your hands stretched out. A gentle giggle escaped you as the bird tweeted and happily hopped into your open hands, wings ruffling as it settled down in your warm palms. “We have birds like this at home. They’re called cardinals. Only ours are really soft to the touch. This little baby feels like he was made of balsa wood.”

“Palistrom wood.” Hunter corrected with a nervous glance between you and the bird. “It’s a stray palisman that followed me here after my failed mission.”

Your eyes widened in recognition as you stared down at the bird with renewed interest. “This is a palisman? I’ve only ever seen illustrations. Why does Belos call them dangerous? He’s so adorable.” You shifted the bird to one hand and gently tapped its beak with the other; grinning when it trilled in response.

“They’re made using wild magic.” Hunter explained as he frowned at the small creature in your hand. “Witches carve them to make a familiar. They can switch between either a stationary or animated form to follow their partner. Usually, they stick with the witch that carved them but can bond with a new partner if abandoned.”

“And this one chose you.” You gave Hunter a small smile before lifting the tiny bird to your face. “And you’ll take good care of my nephew, right?” You giggled softly when the bird puffed its chest out and chirped in response. “I’m sure Belos will make an exception for this cutie. I can speak with him if you-”

“No!” Hunter’s wide eyes met yours as he snatched the bird from you, cradling it to his chest. “No, no he can’t know…. It wouldn’t be safe.”

You lifted your hands in surrender as you stared at the startled boy. As the gears clicked in your head, your expression shifted from confusion, to horror, and finally a sad acceptance. “These palismen… they’re the key ingredient for his medication, aren’t they?”

Hunter’s lack of an answer was all you needed as confirmation. “Please don’t tell him. I… I think I want to keep him.”

You sat in silence for a moment, your mind racing. While it pained you to know Philip would be wracked with pain for a while, the idea of turning over a cute creature, wood or not, to help soothe him troubled you. Besides, you couldn’t bear it if you took away your surrogate son’s pet. He was away from you so often now. It would do him well to have a companion that could go beyond the castle grounds.

You bit your lip as you wondered if your vows would even allow you to hide this. You could already feel the twinge of heat forming on the back of your hands as you contemplated the situation. You had sworn to love Philip, and hiding this little bird from him would prolong his suffering unnecessarily.

Just as the heat on your hands became borderline painful and a faint glow of crimson began to appear beneath your skin, your thoughts shifted. You did love your husband, as much as someone who had been thrust into this situation could, but part of loving him was caring for your shared family. The brief relief this palisman would bring him would be nothing compared to the rift that would form between him and Hunter if he were to destroy the bird.

As that thought clocked into place, the heat dissipated almost immediately, along with the faint glow. “Your secret is safe with me.” You leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to an uninjured patch of skin on the boy’s forehead. Tears pricked at the corner of your eyes when he rewarded you with a relieved, toothy grin.

Chapter Text

“You should be asleep.” Philip’s smooth voice carried across the room as he continued to tinker with the small object on his desk, his bare back to the doorway.

You frowned and stepped further into the room, your eyes still heavy with sleep. “I was going to say the same.” You shuffled across the room, dragging your cloak tighter around your shoulders with each slow step. An exaggerated yawn stretched your jaw wide as you sat sideways on your desk chair. “Another breakthrough?”

Philip frowned as he lifted the small object, an obsidian key, up to his face to better examine it in torchlight. “Probably not. Unless I can recover the original or locate a new source of Titan’s blood, I am at a standstill.”

You hummed thoughtfully and watched him work for a few quiet moments. “Then there’s no harm in calling it a night.” Your frown deepened when he ignored your hint and continued to tinker with the key; your eyes trailing the familiar scar from his face down to the hem of the soft white trousers he often wore to bed. “Any flare ups today?” 

It had been a couple weeks since Hunter had revealed his secret palisman and their usual fate. Since then, to both your relief and concern, no others had been discovered and culled to relieve Phillip’s ailment. The first week he had refused to sleep in your quarters. Claimed he would hate to wake you should a flare up occur overnight. After a few months of being firmly locked against his chest each night, the sudden absence was disquieting. 

Thankfully, even without the medication, the spasms seemed to lessen on their own to a degree. You hoped they would continue to grow weaker and further apart. And not only to have another warm body beside you at night. If the pain could be permanently managed without palisman, you might be able to broach the subject of your nephew’s hidden familiar. Of course, you would wait until Hunter gave you the go ahead to open that can of worms. That boy’s faith in you was damn near sacred in your eyes.

“Just the small one from this afternoon.” He finally set the key down and turned to face you, a weary smile on his lips. “I’m fine, lambkin. Go back to bed. You need your rest.”

You stubbornly shook your head and put on your most convincing attempt to appear formidable. “Not without you. As much as I appreciate your dedication to finishing the portal, I was hoping to introduce my parents to a husband that hasn’t worked himself to death.” You smiled and stood, your arms outstretched. “Come to bed?”

With a resigned sigh, Philip took your hands and stood, a defeated smile on his lips. “Only for you.” Closing the gap, he cupped your cheek and pressed a slow, tender kiss to your lips. “Tomorrow I will be spending the majority of the day working on the portal. I shall leave the passage unlocked should you wish to join me.” He slipped one hand under your cloak to rest on your hip as he steered you back to your bedroom. “Hunter will escort you on your morning and afternoon strolls.”

“That sounds nice. My lower back aches if I don’t move enough.” You mused as you let him slip the cloak off your shoulders, your sleepy mind already wandering. Ever since your nephew returned from his failed mission, his duties had been restricted to the castle. You knew this frustrated him immensely but, selfishly, you were relieved. He still hadn’t told you exactly who or what had caused his injuries; which meant the threat was very likely still active. The idea of him heading back out to face it, alone save for his palisman, had your stomach in knots. 

“The little one is growing stronger.” Philip mused as he helped you into bed before slipping under the blankets to join you. With a practiced hand he gently dragged you along the soft sheets until your hips slotted against his. His eyes widened in mild surprise when, instead of a quip or chuckle in response, you let out a whisper of a snore. “Sleep well, my dove.” He murmured into your ear, sleep coming for him not long after.

The next evening found you frowning down at the two untouched plates of dinner before you. If it hadn’t been for a simple heating spell, the food would have gone cold nearly an hour ago. Despite spending a majority of the day with Hunter to give your husband space (and soothe the still massively bruised ego of the teen), he had still brushed off your invitation to eat with him.

“ I’ll join you in a few minutes, lambkin. ” You mimicked Philip’s smoothe voice with a mocking bob of your head. “And he says women are easily distracted.” You sighed and tried to reason with your growing hanger. He was working hard to allow you both to return home. Really there wasn’t any reason for you had to wait for him.

“Damn that man.” You grumbled without any real malice, your infant kicking firmly to accentuate your point. “I miss having dinner together as a family.” You murmured to the squirming babe. “That’s not too much to ask for, is it?” You huffed in amusement as the baby twisted in response.

“Ten minutes away from his work won’t kill him.” Your mind made up, you stood from the table and slipped through the unlocked door connecting your shared study to the portal chamber. With one hand on the rough wall for balance, you slowly descended the dimly lit staircase, a curious frown adorning your face when you caught snippets of a conversation.

“-why did you switch me out with Kikimora?” Hunter’s tense voice filled the space of the cavern.

You paused on the last step, your ears pricked for Philip’s response. You had spent almost the entire afternoon in his room, trying to convince the scout that his removal from the mission had not been a punishment. Yet, no matter how you tried to spin the situation, the teen had remained steadfast in his decision to sulk. Even the gentle chirps and tugs on his hair by the spunky palisman did nothing to lighten his mood.

“Everyone has a use , Hunter.” You could almost hear the patronizing smile on Philip’s face. “Kikimora has her intricate little plans, the scouts carry out orders and you…. The Titan has big plans for you. It would be such a hassle to find a replacement. Not to mention the anguish you would cause your sweet aunt should something go awry.”

Your frown turned into an angry glare as you struggled against the instinct to interfere. Didn’t Philip see that Hunter, the child who viewed him as a father, was looking for comfort? He didn’t need to be reminded of the Titan’s plan! He needed reassurance!

“For now, you can help best by keeping safe in the castle.” Philip’s voice sounded farther away as you heard the soft squeak of the chamber’s main door opening.

“If this is punishment for failing my last mission, I swear I can do better!” The desperation in the teens tone nearly broke you. You held your breath, silently praying Philip would take the fucking hint and soothe the child.

“Goodnight Hunter.” Philip’s warm voice was barely audible over the soft click of the door closing.

“Someone your age should know better.” Your voice dripped with frustration as you stepped around the dais. Approaching your husband, you shot him a dark scowl. “That boy thinks the world of you.”

Philip turned towards you, one eyebrow cocked in amusement at your commanding posture. “He is a coven head, darling. One who knows the weight of his responsibilities.”

“He is a child .” You countered sharply as you stepped closer. “Powerful and capable, yes. But still a child. One who blames himself for being unable to ease your pain. A few words of praise and comfort would mean everything to him.” You glared up at Philip, well aware he wasn’t intimidated by your ire in the slightest. To him, you were as fierce as, well as a-

“Ah, lambkin. I never tire of watching you embrace those nurturing instincts of yours.” He smiled as he closed the distance between you, his hands coming up to rest on your hips. “If it will please you, I shall try to be more encouraging in the future.” He bent over just enough to press his lips against your forehead. “What are you doing back down here? I thought you were going to allow me a few more minutes to wrap up my work for the evening.”

Your frustration, slightly mollified by his promise and kiss, flared again. “That was over an hour ago.” As if on cue, your stomach rumbled loudly.

Philip’s eyes widened, his smile now a bit apologetic. “I suppose I let time slip away. Forgive me?” His hands slid to circle around your waist as he tugged you flush against him, or at least, as flush as your larger stomach would allow.

You managed to hold your glare for another moment before it began to fade. “On two conditions. One: Tomorrow morning you ease Hunter’s concerns about his last mission.” A gently teasing smile had already found its way to your lips. “Two: You come upstairs for the rest of the evening right now. I want to enjoy dinner and a warm bath with my husband.”

Philip chuckled as he, rather than release you, effortlessly swept you up into his arms. His eyes flashed mischievously when you squeaked in surprise. “As you wish, my Empress.”

It felt like you had only just fallen asleep when a firm hand gripped your shoulder. “My love, unless our quarters are on fire -”

“Auntie!” Hunter’s voice nearly trembled with excitement as he continued to shake you. “Comeon, wakeup!”

Your eyes shot open, your blurry vision struggling to focus. “Hunter? What’s going on? Are you ok?!” You threw the covers off as you sat up, your still somewhat unfocused vision taking in the various small bruises and odd purple stains that coated your nephew.

“No no, I’m fine! Great actually!” Hunter beamed at you as he scurried back to give you enough space to stand. “I fixed everything! Belos asked me to come up and get you.”

Your panic fading into confusion, you pulled your cloak over your nightgown and stepped into your shoes. “What do you mean, fixed?”

“Just, come-on! I’ll show you!” Grabbing you hand, he pulled you into the study and through the open door to the portal chamber.

“Hunter, slow down. I can’t see the steps very well.” You gently chastised as you flip flopped between feeling relieved he seemed so much happier and concerned the teen had clearly done something incredibly dangerous following his earlier conversation with Philip. 

“Sorry! I just really want you to see what I brought back.” Hunter managed to dampen his pace down the rest of the steps. At the bottom, he finally released you to rush around the dais. “Uncle! We’re back!”

A bubble of hope started to rise in your chest as you approached the duo. You knew there was really only one reason they would wake you to come down to the workshop in the middle of the night. You quickly scanned the pair, your eyes widening when  they landed on a small black object dangling from a string clutched in Philip’s fist. “Is that…?” Your excited whisper trailed off. 

“The original key.” Philip finished your thought as he held it up to his face, a thin smile stretching across his lips.

Hope blossomed into joy as images of your parent’s smiling faces flashed in your mind. You could see them again! You could go home! You beamed at Hunter, who wore a matching expression.

The warmth in your chest chilled considerably when you turned your smile on Philip. Instead of looking at you, his gaze was still locked on the key. His eyes seemed to almost glow and his smile looked more akin to a predator bearing teeth than a show of joy or relief. 

“Does that mean the portal is done?” Hunter grinned expectantly up at his uncle, the latter’s eerie fixation not phasing him in the slightest.

Philip blinked twice as he glanced down at Hunter, the intense look on his face gone in the span of a heartbeat. “Nearly.” His gaze softened further as his eyes found yours. “We shall still need to wait for the Day of Unity to operate it. But, I am certain it will work.”

The confirmation was all you needed for the unease to be swept away by a sense of utter relief. With a joyous sob you leap forward, one arm wrapping around Philip’s waist while the other slipped over Hunter’s shoulders. With a half giggle, half hiccup, you pulled them both in for a tight hug. “Thank you. Both of you.”

Philip hummed as he slipped an arm around your waist. “Hunter, I think it's about time we introduced the citizens of the Isles to their Empress, don’t you?”

Chapter Text

“There’s one more scheduled before lunch. Should I send them in?” The coven guard’s polite yet friendly tone was an odd contrast to the emotionless mask.

You let out a long exhale and glanced over at your husband before nodding. “Yes, thank you Steve. I can handle one more before we break.” Your weary smile lightened a bit as the guard shot you a pair of finger guns before retreating into the hall. 

Philip’s frown tugged unevenly at the corners of his lips. “That one has grown too informal as of late. He really should be setting a better example for the newer scouts.”

You playfully rolled your eyes as you placed a soft hand atop his. “I like it. His attitude is refreshing. Besides, you and I both know he is the picture of professionalism around those from outside the castle walls.” You held the Emperor’s gaze for a long moment, your own stare lightly teasing.

It had been a nice change, being able to look upon Philip’s face instead of his mask outside of your quarters. After his announcement and reveal on Coven day it hadn’t made any sense for him to retreat back behind that shield of anonymity. 

“You are much too soft for your own good, my dove.” The older man chastised you without any real bite to his words as he lifted your hand to place a kiss on the knuckles. “It is one of the many things the citizens of the Isles have come to love about you.”

Your smile hitched as you glanced away from his ever intense stare to the floor at the base of the small dais. Set to one side was a not so insignificant pile of offerings that had been brought for you by the day's petitioners. You had hoped when Philip introduced you to the Isles and shared the news of your unborn baby, the lack of secrecy would allow you to explore more of this land. It was worth the discomfort of smiling and waving at the uncomfortably bright glow of the transmitting crystal.

And while technically that was an option now, that didn’t make it a very appealing one. Every day since then had seen an unusually high number of witches from local governments or powerful families clamoring for a brief audience with “The Royal Family.” Suddenly, requests and reports that would have been sent via crow, crystal ball, or even scroll now had to be delivered in person. And, of course, they always came bearing gifts for you or the baby. You didn’t even want to think about how difficult it would be to avoid being mobbed by well-wishers if you were to ever leave the palace grounds.

“At the risk of sounding ungrateful, I wish they were more interested in seeing you.” You admitted to Philip with a small, nervous smile. “It doesn’t feel right to accept all these gifts.”

“It is something you will become accustomed to.” He countered with a knowing smile of his own. 

“Presenting Odalia Blight of Blight Industries!” Steve’s voice boomed into the chamber as he held the door open for the aforementioned witch.

You struggled to maintain a polite smile as soon as you caught sight of her green hair. Odalia was certainly an asset to the Emperor’s Coven, as her company was the sole supplier of the abomination inventions that Philip used to help rebuild the portal and increase security around the castle. Still, there was something about her that always had you wanting to put more space between you. Especially when she gave you the same “customer service” smile you had practiced daily before stumbling upon your new life.

“A pleasure, as always, to be before you my Lord and Lady.” Her overly honeyed tone carried quite well as she bowed low. “Empress, you are looking exceptionally radiant today! I’m sure I speak for everyone on the Isles when I say your child will be hard pressed to find an equal.”

“Thank you, madame Blight.” You managed to keep a light tone as you inclined your head in recognition, your eyebrows quirking up a fraction of an inch as you glanced over at Philip.

“Ah, forgive me, Blight.” Philip cut into the conversation as Odalia opened her mouth to continue speaking. “I must pause our meeting for just a moment. Our dear Empress has a healing session scheduled with Coven Head Hettie.” he stood and offered  hand to you. “I shall only be a moment. Then we can continue our discussion.”

“Of course, Emperor Belos.” The witch bowed low again, her smile never faltering. “I remember all too well the trial of child bearing. Feel free to send a crow my way should you ever want advice.”

“Thank you for the offer.” Your polite smile shifted into a genuine one as Philip led you into the main hall. “And thank you for the save.” You half whispered as you stood on your toes to plant a kiss on his cheek. “I’ll make it up to you this evening.”

The low hum in his throat was only barely loud enough for you to hear. “I look forward to it.” The subtle growl in his tone sent a thrill of heat surging up your spine.

With one final smile you lifted the skirt of your gown, the front end purposely a bit long to accommodate the growth of your child, and began on the well known path up to Hunter’s room. “If the Emperor asks, please let him  know I’ve gone to visit the Golden Guard. I should be back before lunch.” You called softly to Steve as you disappeared around the corner.

You knocked softly twice, paused, then three times upon reaching your nephew’s door. Your smile widened when a trilling chirp of recognition answered as the door slowly swung inward.

“Flapjack!” Hunter chastised with a slightly nervous edge to his voice as he beckoned you inside. “You know you’re supposed to stay quiet until I tell you it’s safe.”

“He knows my knock by now.” You countered softly as you closed the door behind you. “Hey cutie-pie!” You cooed at the small wooden bird as it landed in your outstretched arms. “I missed this cute little face.” You planted a quick kiss on the tip of his beak before darting one arm out to pull Hunter in for a hug. “And this cute face too!” Before he could pull away, you planted a comically large smooch on the teen’s forehead.

“Ah! You’re going to mess up my hair, Auntie!” He laughed as he wiggled out of your grip. “So, do you think you’ll have time to help me before lunch?”

You shifted Flapjack so the bird could perch on your shoulder. “Hopefully. You said you wanted me to look over a sewing project, right?”

Hunter’s smile shifted a bit, the tips of his ears flushing pink. “Yeah. I found the sigil patch the previous Golden Guard wore on his cloak. I tried to attach it to mine but… uh…. It was a bit harder than I thought.” 

You glanced around Hunter towards the bed, where the cloak in question lay. While your eyes widened in surprise, you managed to keep your eyebrows from disappearing into your hairline at the sight. Somehow, it looked like this boy had used three or four different sizes, colors, and types of thread to crookedly attach the golden sigil patch. Wait… was that a band-aid holding one corner up!? “Ah, I see.”

“It’s awful isn’t it?” His quiet voice drew the palisman over to his shoulder, the little bird cooing supportively.

“Compared to a professional tailor? Yes, yes it is.” You answered honestly with a small smile. “But, it’s pretty good for a first attempt.” Sitting on the bed, you drew the cloak over your lap. “Pass me the thread, a new needle, and a small pair of scissors.”

Memories of sewing lessons long since passed floated past your mind’s eye as you demonstrated the basics of pinning and straight stitching. You could almost hear the hum of the kitchen lightbulb from those late nights at the kitchen table; your newest creation slowly taking shape from the yards of fabric as it passed through your and your mothers hands. 

You made a mental note to mention how much those evenings meant to you once you saw her again as you watched Hunter attempt to mimic your minute movements. “Perfect. Just keep repeating that motion all the way around the sigil. Don’t rush and don’t let your stitches get bigger to save time.” You chuckled gently as Flapjack hopped up onto his partner’s head to get a better look at the project. “Have you thought anymore about telling him?” 

Hunter flinched at the question; wincing as his jerk drove the tip of the needle into his fingertip. “No. I don’t think I should until after the Day of Unity.”

You frowned and nodded, understanding his reasoning. If Flapjack survived the purge of wild magic, then palismen weren’t inherently wild themselves. If not…. well neither of you seemed to want to dwell on the other possibility. “I understand.” Standing, you adjusted the skirt of your gown and pressed your palms to your lower back. “I’m headed down to have lunch with your Uncle. Let me know if you need any more help with the cloak.” You paused long enough to plant a short kiss on Hunter’s forehead and Flapjack’s crest. 

“You really should have an escort at all times, lambkin.” Philip’s lecture held no real bite, but there was an air of weariness to his voice. “The witches adore you, as they should, but their affections can be misguided at times.”

Your lip curled as the memory of a particular offering rose to the front of your mind. A well meaning witch had presented what she claimed was a traditional offering to an expectant mother. The creature in the small cage had looked harmless enough, like a cross between a naked mole rat and a fruit bat. Thankfully, Philip had the forethought to step in when the eager witch asked you to milk its bile sack at that exact moment.

“Fair point. I’ll ask Steve to accompany me in the future.” You shot him a playful smile as you slipped into your seat. “Are we still on to visit the stables together this afternoon?”

Philip’s heavy sigh dampened the light mood between you as he pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers. “I’m afraid I will have to decline your invitation, my dove. The newest Abomatons Blight delivered will require extra supervision when moving the portal from the workshop to the Titan’s head. In that witch’s haste to fulfill her promised quota, she failed to provide them with the ability to comprehend anything beyond the simplest of instructions.”

You slipped a hand across the table to gently grasp his. “It’s alright. Making sure our way home is secure is more important. “How long will you be gone? We could go this evening instead. I don’t think we’ve taken a stroll under the stars in months.”

“Moving and rebuilding the portal will occupy me for a few days.” His apologetic gaze met yours as he rolled his wrist to capture your hand within his. “As much as I would love to bring you with me, you’ll be safe here.”

You frowned, your mind racing. “Does that mean you’ll need me to handle the petitioners and Coven meetings on my own?”

“No, not at all. Hunter will lead the Coven meetings. All others will be suspended until I can return.” He chuckled at your nervous expression. “Peace, lambkin. I would not expect you to shoulder my responsibilities.”

Your nervous expression eased into something a bit more contemplative. “I actually wanted to ask you about that. After the Day of Unity, I was hoping to become more involved with the Isles. Specifically the education system.” 

Your brow furrowed as you thought about the mother who threw herself at your feet in tears after delivering her report. Her youngest son was 8 and had not yet chosen a coven. The poor woman was nearly hysterical with worry that her baby would be punished if he did not choose a path in the final month before the Day of Unity. You still remembered the look of utter relief she gave you when you assured her that you did not think the Titan would punish a child for not yet knowing their calling.

“I want to impose a lower age limit for joining a Coven.” You held your husband’s gaze evenly, a spark of determination in your eyes. “And maybe start a program to allow teenagers to shadow different covens before joining.”

Philip’s teeth flashed as he grinned at you. “Always thinking of the children. Of course. We can discuss your role after the Day of Unity.” He released your hand and gestured to your untouched plate. “For now, eat. I have precious little time and I intend to spend it thoroughly enjoying my darling wife’s warmth.”

The following morning found you in high spirits. With Hunter leading the daily call to order with the heads of The Nine, you actually had time to yourself. You huffed to yourself in mild amusement as you remembered how mind numbing you found the mountains of free time you had before your appointment as Empress. “You know, I think I’m actually going to miss this.” You mused quietly as you tediously picked bedding out of Idlestep’s mane.

“The unicorn?” Steve questioned with a cock of his head from his position at the stall door. “She’s still got several good years on her, Empress.”

“I was referring to being, well, bored. In a few short months I’ll be busier than I could ever imagine” You explained as you continued your work on her tail, your smile growing when the baby gave a hard kick of apparent agreement. “Although, it is good to know she’ll be with us a while longer. Hopefully long enough for the child to enjoy a few rides with me.”

Steve emphatically waved the air as if the gesture could physically brush away your concern. “You could put a day-old witchling on a unicorn, Empress. They never let their riders fall. Didn’t they have any where you grew up?”

You stiffened briefly before shaking your head. Hopefully the scout would be content with a brief answer.  “Sadly, no. Although that is comforting to hear.”

Steve nodded as he draped his upper body lazily over the stall door. “My family had one when I was growing up. Used to ride it to school until I bought my bike. Even took my little bro before he decided he was too ‘cool’ for her. There’s no challenge with unicorns. Just tell ‘em where you want to go and they’ll get you there.”

Your eyebrows rose in surprise as you glanced at Steve. “How fascinating!” Your smile returned as you gave Idlestep a gentle pat on the neck. “Good to know we’ll always be in great ‘hooves’ with you.” The soft nicker you got in response sounded a lot like a sarcastic laugh.

It was nearly dark when you had Steve take you back to the castle. The hours had slipped by as the scout treated you to his honestly impressive knowledge of unicorns. He would have definitely been labeled as a ‘horse girl’ back in your old high school. Not that you minded in the slightest. 

“I'd like to join The Golden Guard for dinner this evening.” You mused as you two entered the main hall. 

“You got it, Empress!” Steve gave you a playful salute before jogging away to the kitchens. He was back before the echoes of his heavy steps had completely faded, two large covered dishes held aloft. “Lead the way!”

Despite your several attempts to take one of the trays from the loyal scout, you still found yourself smiling as he set them down on the table outside Hunter’s room. “Thanks again, Steve. I hope you get to spend time with your little brother soon!” You stifled your giggle with a loose fist when the scout treated you to another pair of finger guns as he retreated down the hall.

“Hunter?” You called as you rapped out your signature knock. “I come bearing food. Thought you might be hungry.” You flinched in mild surprise when the door violently flung open. “I take it from your smile you had a good day?”

The teen moved with inhuman speed as he gathered the trays and ushered you into his room. “It was great!” His infectious grin only seemed to grow as he waited for you to take your usual seat; Flapjack flapping to maintain his perch on his partner’s shoulder. “So, it all started this morning at the recruitment meeting with the other coven heads…”

You were quite happy to delay indulging in your dinner while Hunter spoke, a sentiment your infant did not agree with. Still, it was worth enduring a few angry squirms and kicks to listen to Hunter ramble on about his day. You always had in inkling he looked up to Darius, but hadn’t realized the boy would go so far as to pose as a Hexside student to impress him.

Although you still weren’t quite sure what Flyer Derby was, clearly you needed to make a point to find some books on the subject. You’d only ever seen him this excited when talking about Flapjack or his old staff, the latter of which you were pleased to see had been gathering dust in the corner.

“Then I called Darius to come recruit my new team into the Emperor’s Coven! Only…” He hesitated for the first time since starting his story, his gaze flicking to the floor as the tips of his ears flushed pink. “I realized they were happier at school. Which, I mean, is objectively the lamer choice, but I didn’t want to let the Captain down…” His cheeks flushed red to match his ears.

You smiled, fighting the urge to tease him about the obvious crush, choosing instead to share a knowing glance with the smugly silent palisman. “This Flyer Derby Captain of yours must be pretty awesome. How did Darius take it when he realized you dragged him all the way out to the school for nothing?”

Hunter’s beam returned. “He was actually pleased . Can you believe it?! And that’s not all; he met Flapjack and promised not to say anything!”

Your eyebrows rose in surprise as you made a mental note to try to spend a bit more time with the Abomination Coven Head. Anyone who saw the value in Hunter having access to things that could create a more normal adolescence was fine in your book. “I’m happy for you, hun.”

“Oh! Almost forgot!” His hands dove into the depths of his pockets, quickly reemerging with a small object clutched protectively in his fist. “He gave me this scroll and said I was on my way to making the Guards before me proud.”

You allowed him a moment of silence before you scooted closer to peer over his shoulder. “From what you’ve told me, scrolls seem really similar to cell phones. Could you show me how it works?”

Hunter pressed the palm of his hand to his eyes as he nodded, a motion you both decided didn’t need further acknowledgement.

Chapter Text

Your internal clock was getting better. 

Still halfway between sleep and consciousness, in your enormous bed nestled in that dark chamber void of windows, you knew it was at least a couple hours before dawn. Definitely too early to even consider leaving that perfectly soft and warm cocoon of blankets.

With a relaxed sigh, you shifted closer to Philip. Snuggled up against his bare back, you smiled, content to just enjoy his presence until sleep came to claim you once more. Only, instead of your husband’s soft snores, strained grunts and ragged breaths met your ears.

Your eyes fighting to open, you dragged yourself into a half sitting position. “Philip? You’re having a bad dream, love.” You murmured softly as you slid your fingers through his hair in slow, soothing arcs.

You reeled back as he shot up into a sitting position; his primal roar of frustration bouncing off the stone walls. “Woah! It’s just me!” You held up your hands in surrender as his head swung towards you, his eyes glowing with a cold fury you’ve never seen before.

“Hunter.” Philip growled into the dark, his unfocused glare passing right through you to some unseen target. With another huff of rage he threw the blankets off his lap, all but jumping to his feet.

Your heart still racing from the startle, you slowly slipped out of bed, careful to maintain a bit of distance between you. “You were dreaming, Philip. Hunter is fine. He should have returned from his mission to the Night Market a couple hours ago.” You offered an encouraging smile as you tracked his warpath. “Wait until morning to check on him. The boy gets so little sleep as it is.”

Philip deftly tugged a shirt on and fastened his cloak over his shoulders before he turned to address you again. While his expression had softened considerably, his eyes still held a shard of that cold fury. “It was no dream. Hunter has been corrupted by wild magic. Our Golden Guard has fallen from grace in the same fashion as the human girl. He has turned his back on the coven. On me. ”

You couldn’t really remember what happened between that revelation and the following few days. Sometimes snippets would float to the front of your mind, before the haze of your self imposed sleep deprivation would muddy the water. 

Grabbing your cloak and shoes to go out and search for your nephew only to be trapped in Philip’s iron embrace while you shook and sobbed. Identical hours spent pacing your quarters or the throne room, hope rising in your chest whenever a scout approached, only for it to wither and die as they came bearing a meal or, worse, news of an unsuccessful search.

The worst scenes unfolded when the fatigue overtook you for a couple hours of restless sleep. Your old nightmares, once banished in favor of exciting dreams of introducing your new family to your parents, now resurfaced to show the back of your nephew growing further from you with each step you took towards him. It was safer to stay awake. 

So here you were, sitting on your favorite loveseat, your half eaten lunch pushed aside as exhausted hollow eyes locked on the gently crackling fireplace. Neither you nor Philip had thought it wise for you to attend any meetings today. Not that anyone would question your absence; the entire castle knew you were quite literally sick with worry. Besides, the exhaustion was catching up to you again. You could feel it in the sluggish kicks of your babe. Sleep would take you, bringing with it that awful nightmare. 

Your eyes, too dry to form anymore tears, drifted slowly shut as you bowed your head in defeat. “Get on with it.” You whispered as your mind began to float from your body into an inky void. Only instead of Hunter’s retreating form, a new vision appeared before you; a memory of you and Hunter sitting together in his room.

“You spend an awful lot of time looking at Willow’s pictures.” A catlike grin adorned your face as you peered over his shoulder for a better view of the scroll. Your teasing voice sounded far away, as if you were hearing yourself speak through a long metal pipe.

“O-Of course!” Hunter’s equally distorted reply was unnecessarily loud. “She’s my, I mean, the Captain. I may not be able to join the team again for a while but I can still be a good teammate and be…” He hesitated as he searched for the right word. “Educated! Yeah, educated on her, I mean the team's habits.”

“If you say so, hun.” You ruffled his hair playfully, the edges of the vision starting to shimmer and fade like colored smoke. “After the Day of Unity, I’ll be speaking with you Uncle about giving you some more time off. You’re still young. You should be spending less time here and more time with your friends at-”

“Hexside!” You cried out as you awoke, your heart hammering and your chest heaving. There was nowhere else you could think of that he would be likely to run to. Scrambling to your feet, you fought the wave of vertigo as you made a mad dash to the door. Philip would not want you going to the school yourself but maybe you could convince him to part with Darius for a day or so?

You stopped, your fingers less than an inch from closing around the handle. No, not the Coven Head. While Hunter clearly trusted him enough to share the secret of Flapjack, there was no guarantee he would listen to the older man. If he really was tricked into fleeing from the castle, sending a representative of the Nine would likely do more harm than good.

“It has to be me or Philip.” You whispered to yourself as you took a step back, your mind racing. You could pull him out of his meeting right now; he would never deny you an audience. But would he leave everything to chase after where you thought Hunter might be? The Day of Unity was less than a month away and there was still so much to do. If everything wasn’t perfectly in place you would both lose your one shot at stabilizing the portal. You’d never see your home again. Your parents.

“Going home means nothing if he’s not with us.” Your voice broke as you thought of your nephew, no, your son, scared and confused. Possibly in terrible danger. While the duty of securing your way home fell to your husband’s shoulders, protecting your children sat squarely on yours. If anyone was going to bring Hunter home, it had to be you.

You spun on your heel, a plan forming as you hurried to the bedroom. As you shifted through  the beautifully carved wardrobe, a nagging doubt entered your mind. Philip would never allow you to lead a search yourself, even if you took the entire coven with you. Your only shot would be to sneak out and hope you could find Hunter before your absence was noticed.

A searing heat exploded from the back of your hands, a dull crimson glow radiating out from under the skin. With a strangled cry, you fell to your knees; your hands clasped tightly to your chest as the magical aura clawed up your arms, a dull throb following its trail.

“These vows mean nothing if I cannot protect them all!” You snarled as you fell forward in a fetal position, the glow now enveloping the majority of your body. The pain slowly faded, replaced with an immense pressure that kept you pinned to the ground. The aura flared angrily each time you tried to move towards the wardrobe. Guilt flooded your chest as your infant kicked and rolled as if trying to avoid the near crushing weight above it.

“My life. My love. My soul.” You forced the words out through gritted teeth. “They will always be yours.” You struggled to take a full breath. “Saving him… saving him is how I choose to love you.” You glared down at your hands, where the aura was nearly blinding. “To love you is to put our children first.”

You drew in a ragged gasp as the magic suddenly dissipated, your limbs trembling from the adrenaline. Struggling to your feet, you cupped a hand to the swell of your belly. “I’m so sorry.” You let out a ghost of a laugh when the babe kicked in response, the motion actually strong enough to feel against your palm. “Right. Let’s bring your older brother home.”

With renewed determination, your hands darted into the wardrobe once more. It didn’t take long to find a pair of less used black trousers from Philip’s side; although you did have to roll the waistband over a few times to keep the cuffs from dragging on the floor. Stepping into the study, you whispered a brief apology to the weavers guild before hacking into your gown with a pair of scissors. The now uneven hem stopped just below your pelvis rather than the floor.

Satisfied the alterations to your outfit would make traveling a bit easier, you turned to a scrap piece of parchment on your desk. With a steadying breath you quickly scrawled out a note.

My love,

I think I know where he might have fled to. If I am right, we should both be home before sunrise. 

I could not sit by knowing there was something I could do.

Your quill hesitated over the parchment for a moment more. “There’s nothing I could write that will appease him.” You mumbled to yourself as you shook the ink dry. Hurrying to the bedroom you set the note down on his nightstand and, a moment later, pinned it in place with your hair comb. 

As you approached the main door of your quarters, you pulled your long cloak over your shoulders, your breath easing as the ample fabric covered your questionable outfit. Faking a weary frown, you gently nudged the door open a crack.

“Oh, Kikimora. I had not realized you were on guard rotation.” You kept your voice barely above a whisper, as if all the strength had left you days ago.

“Yes, well the Emperor, of course, only wants the most trustworthy members of his coven around you during this….. difficult time, my Empress.” The short demon all but smirked as she bowed low.

You bit down hard on the inside of your cheek to quell the flash of indignation that threatened to spill. “I’m actually glad you’re here. The baby has been moving quite a bit this afternoon. My poor stomach can’t handle it. I don’t think I will be able to wait until this evening for my dose of elixir. Would you mind fetching Vitimir for me?”

“Of course, Empress!” Kikimora’s visible eye widened and nearly sparkled. “I shall locate him at once and see that he prepares your elixir’s properly from now on.”

You counted to twenty after the little demon turned the corner at the end of the hall before stepping out yourself. Tugging your hood up to obscure your face as much as possible, you crept through the palace. Your heart panged as you followed the familiar, less traveled route to the stables Hunter often preferred. 

Still, less traveled didn’t mean abandoned. Several times you had to duck behind a pillar or slip into a doorway as scouts ambled past. By the time you slipped out the side door the sun was already hidden behind the sheer cliff face that surrounded the divot in which the palace rested.

Unfortunately there was only one way to get to the stables; across the singular, narrow drawbridge. Squaring your shoulders, you walked purposely across the platform, hoping the hood of your cloak was similar enough to that of a coven scout or guard to avoid drawing suspicion.

It was a struggle to avoid looking back over your shoulder every other step but you held firm and, blessedly, the ruse paid off. Once inside the relative safety of the stables, you heaved a sigh of relief as you briefly leaned against a wooden beam to steady yourself.

“Right. Dinner will be fed out soon so all the unicorns and griffins should be in their stalls.” You mumbled to yourself as you crept down the main aisle towards Idlestep’s stall, your ears pricked for any hint of a sound.

The stall door opened noiselessly on well oiled hinges, another blessing you sent a small thanks to the Titan for. “I need your help.” You whispered urgently to the mare, who had stopped nosing your cloak in search of treats the moment she heard the utter desperation dripping from your voice.

“Hunter is missing. There’s a good chance he’s in danger. I think he might have gone to Hexside but I’ve only seen it on the maps. Can you get me there?” Your rushed words were barely audible over the swish of the unicorn’s tail. “We’ll need to stay off the main path as well. If we’re spotted we’ll have no hope of getting to him.”

The mare’s eyes, usually gentle and a bit playful, were hard and unblinking. With a powerful huff, she lowered her horned head once in a graceful nod as she sank down on one foreleg. Her shoulders now at your hip level, she met your eyes once more.

“Thank you, my friend.” You wasted no time in straddling her bare back, your cloak settling over the back and rump of the unicorn as she regained her footing. You grasped fistfuls of mane in both hands as you shifted to sit just behind her low withers. “I’m ready when you are.”

You had never even dreamed of riding an animal half as comfortable at Idlestep. From a standstill in her stall, she broke forward into a full gallop, her legs a near blur as she bolted out of the stable and into the clump of trees beyond the main door. If you hadn’t seen her neck and body twisting and turning to dart between the trees, you never would have believed she had changed direction even once. It felt more like you were straddling the plush arm of an enormous sofa than a living animal.

Even with her unwavering haste, the journey still took several hours. Several times the mare abruptly changed directions to avoid a cliff or the distant sounds of other travels. Each time voices breezed past you, your heart would seize before relaxing when the unseen travelers laughed or called out to a friend. “Either no one has noticed our absence yet or they’re not expecting us to have gotten this far.”

Idlestep’s snort was the closest thing to a scoff you’ve ever heard from any equine. As the sun dipped lower, the mare finally slowed from her full gallop to an easy trot, her ears swiveling continuously in search of any noise. Finally, she slowed to a walk, then stopped in the shelter of low hanging branches between two enormous trees at the edge of a clearing. 

Mindful of your stomach, you leaned forward and swung your leg over her back, a soft huff leaving you as your feet landed on solid ground once more. “Thank you.” You whispered as you threw your arms around the unicorn’s neck. “I can see the path to the school beyond the trees. Stay here. If something happens to me at least you’ll be able to get away.”

You managed a small, sad smile when the mare snorted and raised her head, the tip of her sharp horn glinting despite the lack of light under the protective boughs. With one final pat on her shoulder, you carefully stepped out of the treeline and onto the path.

With the exception of the enormous eyeball in the central bell tower, the school would have fit right in on an upper class private school lot. Drawing your hood further forward, you adopted what you hoped was a purposeful but not frantic walk to the front gates. It was the end of the day, most students would be gone. Hopefully, an admin or teacher would still be around. It would be risky, revealing yourself and using your status to obtain information on your runaway child and his friends. If you were wrong, if this search was in vain…

“Step closer, coven scout, and you will meet the same fate as Coven Head Adrian.” An older man stepped out of the front doors, his hands clasped behind his back. His long black robe nearly touched the floor and the sharp aqua eyes of the red imp engulfing the top half of his face narrowed with fury. “So long as I am principal, no harm will come to any student within these halls.”

Confusion swept through your mind at his outright hostility towards your cloak. “I am not a scout.” You spoke clearly as you slowly lifted a hand to draw back your hood. Equal parts relief and anxiety flooded you when his eyes widened in recognition. “I would never seek to harm any child. I need your help. The Golden Guard, Hunter, ran away from home a few days ago. I think he might have come here.” You chanced a few more steps towards the main stairs. 

From your closer position, you could see shadows of additional witches and demons huddled in the open doorway. Whispers and hushed snippets of conversations drifted past the principal, though none of the voices were familiar to you.

“And why would the Empress herself travel all this way for a coven scout?” The elderly man straightened his posture as he glared down at you once more. 

Hope blossomed in your chest at his deflective question. “He’s like a son to me.” You took another step forward, the tips of your shoes brushed against the rise of the first marble stair. “Please, just let him know I’m here. If he doesn’t wish to see me I promise I’ll leave. I just need to know that he’s safe.”

You two stared at each other for several heartbeats in a tense silence. Finally, the principal lowered his head in a stiff nod. Turning his head slightly, he called over his shoulder though his eyes never left you. “Professor Grayscale. Please inform our guest that the Empress is here to see him.”

Time dragged painfully slow as you stood rooted to your place at the base of the stairs. You were painfully exposed out in the open front courtyard. But for Hunter, you would wait until dawn broke or your husband’s scouts physically dragged you away.

A laugh of utter relief, half choked by a sob, ripped through you when the runaway teen finally emerged from the school beside the principal. Those awful dark bags beneath his shocked eyes were heavier than you had ever seen, dirt caked to the exposed skin on his arms and face, and his hair was clearly matted in a couple places. But he was alive.

You hadn’t realized you were rushing up the steps until he met you halfway down, the sound of your name heavy with disbelief as he threw his arms around you. You returned the embrace tenfold as you collapsed to your knees on the cold stairs, heedless of the bruises that would certainly blossom as you held him tight to your chest.

“Oh thank Titan! I was so worried.” You squeezed him tighter still as you pressed your forehead into the rat's nest of matted hair atop his head. “I thought I lost you forever.”

Hunter’s shaking arms held you just as tightly, his face nestled into your neck. From within his tattered cloak, Flapjack emerged, trilling and chirping happily as he fluttered around your heads. “How did you get out of the castle? How did you know where to find me?” He loosened his grip just enough to look up at you, his eyes wide with sudden terror. “Was it the illusionist coven head?”

You shook your head emphatically, your hands coming up to cup his cheeks. “No, no one has been able to find even a hint of where you had gone. I only thought of the school this morning. I’m just so glad you’re alright.”

His smile wobbled as the corner of his eyes watered. “I’m sorry I scared you.” 

You took a long shaky breath as the cardinal palisman settled on your shoulder. You pressed the bird to your cheek with one hand, the other still firmly planted on Hunter’s face. It would be quite a long while before you would be comfortable letting him out of arm’s reach, let alone your sight. “We’re together now. That’s what matters.” Your smile faded as concern surfaced back to the forefront of your mind. “But why would you even run away in the first place? Belos said some wild magic had taken root in your mind; twisted you into fearing us just as it did to Luz. Please, come home. Whatever has happened-”

“No!” Hunter jerked away from you suddenly, his wide eyes full of fear as they seemed to stare past you. With a shake of his head, he leaned forward and gripped your forearms, his face deathly pale. “Belos has been lying to us. To everyone.”

You sat perfectly still as you examined the teen’s terrified expression. A memory of the evening Philip informed you of the destruction of the portal door flashed behind your mind’s eye. You wondered if Luz had looked this terrified when she made that terrible choice. “Hunter, please. Tell me what happened. We can figure it out together. Let me help you.”

Hunter closed his eyes tightly, his head falling forward. Tightening his grip on your arms, his breaths came in strained, ragged gasps. It was only when Flapjack fluttered over to his shoulder and cooed encouragingly in his ear, did he open his eyes again. He spared you a single, pleading glance before turning his head to address the elder witch still standing at the top of the stairs. “Principal Bump. I know I have no right to ask more of you, but would you please let me bring her inside? She doesn’t know the truth about the Day of Unity. About Belos.”

“Do you trust her not to turn on us?” Bump’s voice was quiet and questioning; devoid of suspicion of a hard edge. It was a genuine query, nothing more.

“Yes.” Hunter’s answer was loud and determined, his magenta eyes holding the same spark you had seen countless times before.

“Then, my lady, it would be best if we continued this conversation inside.” Bump stood to one side and gestured to the open door with a polite nod of the head.

Rising to your knees, you took a hold of your son’s hand. You did not know how his poor mind had been twisted to instill such fear of his uncle, nor did you honestly care. In that moment, all that mattered was how much he needed you. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Text

“Your unicorn is in good hands, my lady.” Bump smiled reassuringly at you as he settled into the plush seat behind his desk. “Viney is one of the top students in the Beast Keeping track. She’ll make sure your steed is well cared for.”

“Thank you.” You leaned forward a bit in your stiff wooden chair, bowing your head in appreciation. “I would have not been able to make it here without Idlestep.” Turning in your seat, your brow furrowed as you studied Hunter’s downcast expression and lightly bouncing legs. “Hunter, please tell me what happened. Did something go wrong at the Night Market?”

“Everything went wrong.” The teen’s raspy voice held a level of venom and disappointment no child should be capable of possessing. “I don’t even know where to start.”

Bump cleared his throat. “If it helps, I can recount the tale. I know what you saw was difficult.” His tone softened with the gentle offer.

Hunter shook his head with a quick jerk of his neck. “No. It has to be me.” With a shuddering sigh, he turned to face you, his fingers nervously rubbing along Flapjack’s sides. “Belos… he isn’t a witch at all. He’s a human.”

You blinked twice, a cacophony of confused thoughts all sounding at once in your brain. “I know. He told me a few days before the wedding.”

“You knew? ” Hunter’s expression shifted from surprise to anger before settling on something that was painfully close to disappointment. “Why didn’t either of you tell me?!”

“Perhaps it might be best to discover what lies he might have already told the Empress.” Bump interjected as he held a hand out to the already half standing teen. “Please, my lady. What else has he told you?”

You sighed heavily. “I should not repeat this, but I fear if I don’t we’ll never be able to figure this out.” You closed your eyes for a moment before fixing your stare on Hunter. “He didn’t want you to know. He said that knowledge could put you in danger. Your uncle’s real name is Philip Wittebane. He and his older brother, Caleb, were trapped here about four hundred years ago.”

Your frown deepened as an expression halfway between realization and horror crossed Hunter’s face. “Caleb married a witch and they were expecting a child. Only, he was attacked by wild witches and killed. Philip escaped unharmed. That was when the Titan spoke to him. It promised him a long life and knowledge on how to return home. In exchange he was to establish the coven system and ensure no one else had to suffer in the way his family had.”

Your heart quickened and your chest tightened as you glanced between Hunter and Bump, their expressions mirroring the same dark concern. “You don’t believe me.” You stated quietly. 

“Actually, I do.” Hunter answered first, his voice quiet. “What Belos told you is the truth… but only half of it.” He took a deep, steadying breath. “When I went on my mission in the Night Market, I was under orders to weasel out a group of wild witches trying to undermine the Day of Unity. Something went wrong, and I ended up in Belos’ mindscape… with Luz.”

You sat in horrified silence as you listened to Hunter recount his time in his uncle’s mind. The retellings of the deprived, violent actions of your husband during his rise to power sent your stomach churning and even your infant wiggling in response to your distaste.

“He never told Luz about you. The day she destroyed the portal door, she thought she was the only human here. That she had no idea you were here until the announcement on Coven Day.” Hunter met your eyes with a truly miserable expression.

“Human?” Bump interjected, his head cocked to the side. 

Still numbly trying to process Hunter’s tale, you nodded stiffly. “The day before we were wed, he reshaped my ears.” You answered quietly as you brushed back a lock of hair to reveal the scarred cartilage. “He said that humans were not welcome on the Isles and it would be safer if I could pass for a witch.” You felt your stomach twist uncomfortably from the look of undiluted pity the principal gave you. “I drank tea infused with Sleeping Nettles beforehand. It didn’t hurt too much. It was necessary to keep me safe.”

Your breath quickened as you turned back to Hunter. “Are you sure Luz didn’t know about me? I’m sure there was a misunderstanding. He’s always done everything in his power to keep both of us safe, Hunter.”

“Trust me, I wanted so badly to believe that too.” He swallowed hard, his gaze locked on Flapjack. “When his inner self confronted us, I asked the same thing.” His breath hitched as he closed his eyes. “He’s been lying to everyone. His brother died at his own hand . And he plans to use some kind of draining spell to kill everyone bearing a coven sigil during the Day of Unity.”

“No.” You whispered, more to yourself than to Hunter. “Please, no. That can’t be right. Hunter, are you sure of what you saw? Maybe you were just so scared-”

“He tried to kill me.” Hunter’s eyes finally met yours, tears welling in the corners. “He was smiling when he did it. Called me a ‘lost cause’ and tried to bury me in his mindscape.”

Your hands flew to cover your mouth; your wide eyes searching for any hint of betrayal or uncertainty in Hunter’s. Finding none in the several agonizingly long seconds you stared at each other, your mind screamed with desperate, overlapping thoughts and emotions once more.

It was as if you were forced to relive every interaction you had with Philip over the last few months. Trembling before him on your hands and knees, the first time he sat across a table from you without that mask, the way he smiled down at you after your first kiss, the hundreds of stolen kisses, lingering touches, and whispered promises of love.

It had all been lies? You had spent hours languishing in guilt over not trusting him from the start. Several sleepless nights spent silently praying to the Titan not to punish Luz or Hunter for your perceived misjudgement of the very man who reveled in the pain and bloodshed around him. He had exploited your disorientation at being thrust into a new world. Had charmed his way into being your only reliable support, had magically bound your very being to him. 

You felt your mind attempt to speedrun through the first several stages of grief as you stared at the broken child in front of you. As anger took root in your heart, a single, festering emotion blossomed: hatred.

Agony consumed you.

A screech of pain erupted as you fell forward to the cool stone floor. White hot pain, along with a blinging crimson light seemed to pour from every pore in your body, the strongest points across the back of your hands.

“What’s wrong?! What’s happening to her?” Hunter’s terrified voice seemed so far away, dulled by the roar of the burn.

“Vows….” You managed to cry out through screeches, your forehead pressed firmly against the floor in a desperate attempt to soothe the invisible flames consuming you.

“Oh Titan. It’s the oath Belos had her take during their wedding ceremony.” His voice was closer now. “Principal Bump! Is there anything we can do to stop this?!”

“He had her speak her vows while a binding oath was cast?” The principal’s disgust was clear as you heard his voice steadily grow closer to your other ear. “That practice fell out of style when I was a child. Quickly, Hunter. Only the one who cast the circle can break it. Who was the officiant?” 

“Belos… Belos drew the circle himself.” The teen's voice was shaky and weak. Flapjack’s scared trills were barely any louder.

You tried to turn your head to comfort the boy, another surge of anger towards Philip surging as you thought about the horrid nature of the chains he bound you with. In retaliation, another powerful surge of pain spiked through you, your words of encouragement lost in a choked sob of agony.

A string of unfamiliar words met your ear from where you were sure the principal knelt beside you. Despite their foreign structure, you were certain from the tone alone that at least half were colorful curses. “There is one other thing we could try. My lady, I need to know exactly what you said before the spell bound you. What did you promise?”

“My life….. My love….. My soul….. ‘Till death.” You wheezed out as you collapsed onto your side, your screams reduced to whimpers. Each wave of pain sent a surge of hatred through your heart, which in turn fed back into the cycle. It wouldn’t be too long before death would begin to seem like a favorable solution.

Another string of impressive curses left the elder witch. “I know it’s hard but please, think of everything he has given you. The magic used to bind you two cannot be broken. But, the spell only has power if you believe you are acting against it. Is there something you now have because of your union that you are truly grateful for.”

The smiling face of a teen boy with magenta eyes burst to the forefront of your memory in tandem with a particularly hard kick from your womb. “My children.” You hissed out between gritted teeth. “He gave me my children.”

“Do you love them?” Bump's voice, though unchanged in volume or tone, seemed marginally closer.

“Of course.” Your voice rang out stronger as the pain seemed to falter and fade ever so slightly.

“Do you feel having them in your life has given your soul a new purpose?”

“Yes.” The pain had retreated enough for you to slowly gather your knees back under you. With great effort, you managed to open your eyes, your blurry sight struggling to lock onto Bump.

“Would you give your life for them?” Bump’s stern stare rapidly came into focus.

You swung your head to find Hunter nearly pressed against your other side. Though your muscles burned in protest, you managed a smile. “Without hesitating.”

With a spark, the crimson glow popped out of existence, the pain following half a heartbeat later. With a surprised gasp, you reeled forward, only to be caught by two pairs of steadying hands.

“I’m so sorry!” Hunter spoke before you could catch your breath. “I wasn’t thinking. I should have known telling you would-”

You cut off his rambling as you yanked him into a tight embrace, the muscles of your arms still trembling with fatigue. “I’m sorry. I should have seen him for what he was earlier. Maybe then I could have protected you.”

A courteous clearing of a throat reminds you both that Bump was still in the room. “I’ll see if I can find some tea.” He smiled and nodded at you both before disappearing out the door.

Hunter rubbed his upper arm absently, his eyes flicking between yours and the floor. “I didn’t know you saw me as…” He trailed off to glance at Flapjack who puffed up his non-existent feathers in a supportive gesture. “Thank you.”

“I told you once before, you’re stuck with me. Whether you’re more comfortable calling me your aunt or your mother, it doesn’t change how I feel about you.” Your smile faded a bit as the silence stretched.

“There’s something else I should tell you.” Hunter filled the uncertain space before you could. “Belos he… he said that…” He closed his eyes tightly for a long moment. “He promised you to The Collector.”

Your frown deepened at the teen’s confession. Something about his tone seemed like there had been another admission on the tip of his tongue. Either way, you could deal with one issue at a time. “The trapped being that gave him the Draining Spell? What use could that creature have with me?”

Hunter finally met your gaze once more. “I don’t know. In the memory we saw The Collector seemed… I don’t know, childish? Kept talking about wanting to play all these games. Belos said after he’s freed that you would take care of them. Play with them. That you’d be happy to be its mother.”

Horror flashed briefly across your face. “What would this all-powerful being want with a mother ?”

Hunter shook his head and finally gathered his legs under him to stand. “I don’t know. But we don’t need to worry about finding out. You got away, and now there’s no chance he’ll be able to hand you over after the Draining Spell. You can stay here while we figure out how to put a stop to his plan.” He offered a hand to help you up with a grim smile.

Taking them, you rose on wobbly legs. “Hunter. I need to go back.” You spoke slowly and clearly; trying to ignore the horrible taste of those words on your tongue.

“WHAT?!” His indignant cry sent Flapjack fleeing from his shoulder. “You can’t be serious! Why would you even think of doing that?!”

“It’s the only way I can keep you safe. Philip, uh, Belos, or whatever! He killed his own brother for daring to love a witch.” You gently took Hunter’s hands in yours. “I don’t even want to think what he’ll do to you for ‘poisoning his wife and child against him’.” You pulled a mocking snarl as you finished your statement. 

“Is everything alright? I heard a shout.” Bump emerged with a pair of steaming mugs on a small tray. 

“She says she’s going back to the palace.” Hunter glared at the principal. “Tell her that’s insane!”

“It’s the best way to keep you safe, Hunter.” You interjected, your voice a bit firmer. “If I go back and pretend I never found you, he’ll be less likely to tear the island apart looking for us.”

“She has a point.” The older witch nodded solemnly as he set the tray down. “Besides, from what you passed onto us from Luz, it’s not like she will be without support in the castle.”

Hunter’s next attempt at an argument was stopped as Flapjack returned to his shoulder. The palisman spent nearly a minute chirping and tweeting at his partner, the expression on the latter slowly morphin to grim resolution by the end. “Alright, I see your point.” Still frowning, he focused his attention back to you. “Look, I still think this is a horrible idea but Flapjack agrees with you. And Bump is right. If anything goes wrong, find Darius or-”

You stopped him with a hand pressed tightly against his mouth. “No! Don’t say anyone else’s name. The less I know the better.” You slowly pulled your hand away with a soft smile. “But if there is anything I can do to help on the inside, have them come find me. I’ll know I can trust them if they mention Flapjack by name.” Your smile softened when the aforementioned palisman tweeted in a self-satisfied kind of way.

Despite your haste to put some distance between yourself and the safe haven Hunter had found, it still felt like much too little time passed between draining your tea and heading back out the front doors. It was a small, bittersweet consolation that Hunter seemed to feel the same. The boy had been close enough to brush against you every other step as you descended the stone steps.

“Ah, Viney. Thank you again for seeing to the Empress’ unicorn.” Bump gave the girl a supportive pat on the shoulder. 

Your eyes lit up in recognition. “Ah! You’re the same Viney on Hunter’s Flyer Deby team!” You gave the girl a warm smile. “When all this is said and done, I’d love to see the Emerald Entrails in action.”

Hunter shifted in mild embarrassment and cast his teammate a shy half smile while you clambered back onto Idlestep. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

“Of course I want to stay. But making sure you’re safe means more to me. The only good thing that damned man ever did was bring the two of you into my life.” You gently caressed the swell of your stomach with one hand while the other gave Hunter’s shoulder a final, supportive squeeze. “The Day of Unity is just over a week away. We’ll see each other soon.” With a final, sad smile, you signaled the mare to walk on with a gentle pat on the shoulder.

Viney’s voice easily carried to you over the gentle sound of the unicorn’s hooves on the grass. “So, are you like related to the Empress or something?” 

“Yeah.” Hunter’s voice was probably a bit louder than the space between them required. “She’s…. She’s my Mom.”

Chapter Text

“Leave us.” The Emperor’s voice rang through the skulls of the several coven scouts flanking you.

Your gaze remained locked on your husband’s expressionless stare as the others scurried to obey him. Even after the main door to the throne room boomed shut, you stood stock still. The heat from Philip’s glare engulfed the room as he slowly stood and approached.

“Imagine my surprise last night when, instead of being greeted by my loving wife, I find a note explaining she’s run off on her own into the very world I’ve worked tirelessly to protect her from.” The corner of his mouth twitched before the glare faded into something closer to a concerned frown. “Why would you do something so reckless? After everything I’ve done to keep you safe, you risk your life and our child to chase after a rebellious teenager.”

You flinched reflexively when the cold metal of his gauntlet brushed under your chin to force your gaze upward. Anger, at him for the continued attempts at manipulation and yourself for having once believed them so readily, flared to life in your chest. You truly wanted nothing more than to give into the gut instinct shouting to shove him away from you. To scream and demand he tell you why he would commit himself to such a horrifically violent path. 

But that momentary satisfaction would undo any protection you could provide your son with your voluntary return to this damned golden prison. “I was wrong.” You admitted, barely above a whisper. The words were the only truth you could give at the moment. 

Wrong to trust the Emperor. Wrong not to run at the first hint of an opportunity. Wrong to let yourself grow to love the man who held you captive. Hell, maybe even wrong to come back. His frown blurred behind a fresh curtain of tears. Through the disfiguring haze, his face seemed so much younger, the ashen hair almost blond, and the glint of the torches gave his eyes an almost reddish hue. “Please, forgive me.”

A deep sigh rushed past your ear as Philip pulled you into his embrace, the hand under your chin sliding around to the back of your neck as he nested your head under his chin. “Oh, Lambkin. The blame is partially my own. In my drive to secure our passage home, I’ve allowed you too much freedom.” His grip on your neck tightened as his other hand came up to caress the swell of your stomach. “I should have put a tighter rein on you when I saw how attached you had become to Hunter.” His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. “This will not happen again.”

You nodded against the juncture between his neck and shoulder as you brought your hands up to press against his chest, fistfuls of his cloak gathered in your fingers. No, this would not happen again. The next time you ran, whether it be in the Human Realm, or on the Boiling Isles, you and Hunter would be far beyond his reach. “It won’t. I promise.”

His grip tightened for half a moment more before he released you. “Come. Coven Head Hettie is waiting to ensure your misguided adventure hasn’t done permanent harm to yourself or the babe. Afterwards, we’ll get you out of the gown you’ve carelessly destroyed and into a bath.” An arm slid around your lower back, the cold metal of the gauntlet seeped into you through the thin fabric as his iron grip settled on your hip. “Your little stunt thankfully has not put us too far behind. I will be able to work from our chambers today while you rest.”

You were thankful for Hettie’s presence in the sitting room of your chambers. While she was there, Philip was forced to give you space and remain mostly silent while she worked.

“No harm has been done that can’t be fixed with a hot meal and a day of rest.” The coven head concluded with a nod as she took a step back, the healing glow of her magic fading from her fingertips. “The royal witchling is fine. And, come tomorrow, you will be too, Empress.”

You struggled to return her kind smile. “Thank you, Hettie.” Your throat dried a bit when you caught sight of Philip’s tight frown. “I’m sorry I pulled you away from your preparations for the Day of Unity. I promise I will be more careful in the coming days.”

The healer’s laugh filled the room with a genuine warmth it had not seen in ages. “Think nothing of it. You would not be the first mother to put a child under her care before her own well being and you shall not be the last.” She paused at the doorway to offer a small bow. “I am always available should you need my services, my Lord and Lady.”

Philip dismissed her with a practiced smile and wave of his hand. As soon as the door clicked into place, he turned to you again, his expression unreadable. “Come. I will draw us a bath.”

You followed silently, your heart twisting at his implication. “I don’t want to keep you from your work longer than necessary. I can manage the bath.” 

Ignoring you, the Emperor deftly flicked a wrist, red sparks of his magic arching from the fingertips as the taps turned in response. “Hettie is the most skilled witch in the healing coven but I still intend on ensuring my wife and child are safe and whole with my own eyes and hands.” With a glance over his shoulder at you, he began to systematically peel off his layered outfit.

Panic and disgust surged for a moment before you squashed it back down. You had to pretend everything was still ok, normal even. For Hunter. “It has been a while since we last enjoyed a bath together.” You managed a small smile as you slipped off your cloak. “You remembered to make it warm?”

The edges around Philip’s eyes seemed to soften ever so slightly as he took in your smile. “Of course, darling.” He waited for you to completely strip before stepping down into the tub, one hand held out to you in invitation. “I’ll even use the rose-nip oil you’re so partial to.” 

That smile still carefully in place, you took his offered hand and stepped down into the tub, a long sigh of relief leaving you as you settled into the slightly steaming water. It was so nice after several days of minimal sleep and a nearly a dozen hours on horseback you could almost ignore Philip’s wandering fingers as he settled down behind you. Almost.

“I am curious, Lambkin.” His lips nearly brushed against the shell of your ear as his hands gently glided along every bit of exposed skin he could reach with you slotted between his legs. “How did your vows allow you to act out such a foolish compulsion? Surely you must have known the pain it would cause me to find you missing.”

You froze just as your eyes had finally drifted shut. “They didn’t at first.” You answered after a tense moment. The soft flesh on your hips where his hands currently rested felt as if it was burning. “It felt like the very air itself was trying to pin me down and keep me from moving. But then I realized that the best way I could honor my vows was to protect the children you gave me.”

“Ah.” A contemplative hum vibrated from his chest to your back as he leaned forward, his chin coming to rest on your shoulder. “I see. That will be rectified today as well. But first…” Another low hum filled the air as he pressed feather light kisses to your neck and shoulder. “I never thought I’d be blessed with such a delicate creature to call my own. When you disappeared, it was maddening . Just the thought of never having you in my arms again….”

You shuddered in revulsion as you felt him stiffen against your lower back. You knew there was a strong possibility he would expect this level of intimacy from you between your return and the Day of Unity. Everyone had their role to play if the citizens of the Isles were to be saved. 

So, you tried to lock away the memory of the past few days into the private little square in your head for now. You could pretend that Hunter was upstairs in his room, that your husband was still the altruistic ruler he convinced you he was, and you were finally settled  into your new life. And maybe that sad little part of your brain that really just wanted things to go back how they were could find peace in the act. “Be gentle?” You whispered as your hands came up to rest atop his, the long fingers already digging into your inner thighs.

“Of course, my dove.” Philip’s silky voice failed to hide the lie from either of you.

You awoke in your bed that evening, your body stiff and sore. You told yourself it was from the ride to Hexside and back, and not from the dozen or so bite marks and small bruises strategically placed below your shoulders and above your knees. With an exaggerated yawn, you slipped out of bed and pulled on the spare gown draped carefully over the back of the dressing chair, grateful for something to hide the marks from your eyes.

“Ah, good. I was worried I’d have to wake you for dinner.” Philip smiled down at you as he walked into the room, your golden hair comb grasped delicately in one hand. “Come here.”

You bit back the urge to snap that you should be the one treating him like a dog after the way he treated you earlier. Instead, you squashed the reaction into that little imaginary chest in your mind that was starting to resemble an overwound jack-in-the-box and obeyed. “Is there a meeting we need to attend?” You hoped you sounded innocently curious as you eyed the jewelry instead of revealing the trepidation you felt. There was something off with how bright his eyes were as he entered your room.

“Not tonight. I’ve made some security modifications to your hairpiece.” With gentle precision he affixed the comb into your hair and adjusted it until it sat straight. “Perfect. Now go ahead and remove it.”

You cocked a sleepy eyebrow. “Why go through all the trouble to set it perfectly straight if you want me to take it back off?”

His smile widened dangerously. “Humor me.”

Your confused and slightly frustrated expression shifted to shock, then mild trepidation as your fingers grasped the dainty gold accessory. Instead of sliding through your locks, or even snagging on them as it occasionally did, the comb remained firmly in place. Abandoning any attempt to keep from warping the soft metal, you grasped it firmly in both hands and tugged with all your might. You may as well have tried to remove your own skull. The cursed thing refused to budge an inch. “I can’t! Philip, help! It’s stuck!”

“Peace, darling.” He chuckled as he gently grasped your wrists and guided your hands away from your head. “It’s doing exactly what I intended.” After another moment, he brought one hand up to easily slide the offending comb from your hair.

“It will only budge if removed by my hand.” He explained with that damned patronizing smile. “It has a couple other enchantments as well. One, it will prevent you from leaving our chambers without it.” His eyes flashed as brightly as his. “And two, unless you are at my side, you will be unable to step outside the castle walls.” 

Chapter Text

“I have a meeting with the Coven Heads this afternoon.” Philip announced over your shared lunch; the announcement breaking the relatively comfortable silence.

You looked up from your fork and nodded once, your eyes mildly narrowed in suspicion. “I recall. Are we receiving them in the throne room or what used to be the portal chamber?” You resisted the urge to reach up and toy with the enchanted hair comb. You were certain he had intentionally ‘forgotten’ to remove it when you two retired to your quarters for lunch. The damn smirk he gave you each time you put on your best smile and asked him oh-so-sweetly to take it off wasn’t quite worth the hit to your pride at the moment.

“You will not be needed for this gathering. It’s just a final runthrough on their positions and duties during the Unity ceremony. I should not be longer than a couple hours.” His eyes flicked ever so briefly to the golden sigil adorning your head before they returned to yours. “Why not rest for a while? I know nightmares have been troubling you the past few nights.”

You froze, your eyes widening a fraction. As the Day of Unity crept closer, your anxiety steadily rose. None of those working against the Draining Spell had approached you since your return to the castle. Whether because they had not needed your assistance or simply because Philip had all but put a tight leash on you, you were not certain. Either way, your dreams had been plagued with horrific visions of Hunter writhing in pain just beyond your reach. No matter how loudly you called to him, the boy never noticed you were a hair’s breadth away. “I…I’m sorry, Philip. I didn’t realize I had been disturbing you.”

The wooden legs of the chair scraped against the stone floor as he stood. “My darling, have I not made it clear that your woes will always be important to me?” He closed the distance between you with a single step. Two fingers slipped under your chin to angle your face up towards his. “Things will be better soon. We’re only a day and a half away from heading home.”

You managed a small smile, not even bothering to hide the sadness that lingered in your eyes. “It won’t feel like home without Hunter. I feel as though I failed him.” The half truth was easy to say. It was a small blessing that your husband’s narcissism always seemed to draw the conclusion he preferred from your words. “Since you’ll be busy, I would be better off spending my time in the library.”

You rushed to continue upon seeing the narrowing of your husband’s eyes. “As long as I have my hair-comb, nothing can happen.” You forced a tight smile as you angled your head in his grip to allow the accessory to better catch the light. “I even promise to stay within arm’s length of a coven scout the entire time.”

Philip huffed slightly as he released your face. “Yes, well, finding a suitable scout may be the problem. The majority are already headed to the Head. At least, the bulk of those who have not failed me as of late.”

You couldn’t find an ounce of pity in your overstuffed chest or head for Kikimora’s demotion. Honestly, knowing your escape was the last block needed to topple her form Personal Assistant to Delivery Driver was a guilty pleasure of yours. Better to sacrifice the coven scout who constantly belittled your oldest child than one you actually liked.

“Oh! I think I know the perfect escort!” Your eyes lit up as you gave Philip a rare, genuine smile.

“I have the distinct feeling I’m not going to enjoy this suggestion but will end up humoring your request anyway.” The Emperor countered with a measured smile and cock of his eyebrow.

“Hey Empress!” Steve called out as he approached and gave a quick, flourished bow. “Heard you asked for me personally! Good to know you realize you can always count on Steve.” His chest puffed out proudly as he gave you a thumb’s up. “We headed back to the stables? That sweet ‘lil mare of yours has been looking for you lately.”

Your smile hitched as you thought of Idlestep. “Oh. No, not today Steve. Our beloved Emperor thinks it would be safer for me to stay within the palace walls until the Day of Unity.” You looked away as you began to walk. “I was thinking the library would be a nice place to spend a couple hours.”

“Suit yourself!” Steve fell into step beside you, the dull thud from his heavy boots drowning out most other sound around you. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been making sure to slip her extra treats everyday.”

Your half-smile returned, along with a surge of gratitude. Man, you really hoped whatever plan the resistance group had come up with would work. There were so many more souls like Steve out there on the Isles. It would be a crime if they were wiped out simply because of the nature of their birth. “Thank you Steve. It really does.”

The scout stepped aside to let you slip into a narrow winding staircase before him. “Anytime. I’ll always look after Idlestep.” His voice dropped to a low whisper as you passed close enough for your dress to brush against his cloak. “Been taking good care of Flapjack as well.”

You missed the first step, you hand darting out to clutch the railing as you nearly tripped. “Oh! Sorry. I’ve become so clumsy with this larger belly.” With a nervous chuckle, your wide eyes met the vacant eye holes of Steve’s mask. You started to whisper back towards him but caught the subtle shake of his head. Not here.

With a quick nod, you ascended the steps and continued to the library in silence, struggling to maintain your even pace. They needed you, Hunter needed you , if Steve had slipped the passphrase to you so easily in the hall. Anger at the damn hair-comb flared again as you finally slipped into the library. That damn thing would have you banging your fists bloody against a forcefield before it would let you rush back to Hexside. A fluttering kick from your baby forced you to take a deep breath. Right, calm down, assess the situation, and go from there.

“There’s a little padded alcove in the back I’m partial to.” You smiled at the scout. “Why don’t we sit back there.”

“Of course, Empress!” Steve maintained his flawless, jovial tone as he followed you to the secluded section. While anyone else would have taken his almost causal sweep of the nearby aisles as being protective of Belos’ wife, you both knew the true intention behind his extra precaution. “Before anything else, take a breath. Hunter is safe and unharmed.”

You let out a lungful of air you hadn’t realized you were holding, the end coming out as a relieved chuckle when your baby kicked in what felt suspiciously like an ‘I told you so’ gesture. “Oh thank the Titan. Then, what is it? What can I help you with?”

Steve glanced over his shoulder again before leaning in. “The plan to stop the Draining Spell is finished. I can’t go into detail but I can tell you that we’re confident it will work. However, there is a chance the kickback could hurt you if you’re too close to the spell. Are you able to slip away from Belos right before it starts?”

You shook your head slightly, a half frown, half scowl on your lips. “No. It’s this damned hair piece. He enchanted it so that only he can remove it and it won’t allow me to leave his side beyond the castle walls.” For emphasis, you tugged firmly at the comb which remained as impassive as ever.

“Ah. That explains why you didn’t take my offer to go to the stables.” Steve hummed thoughtfully as one hand slipped under the mask to stroke his chin. “This does complicate things.”

“No. It doesn’t.” You countered firmly. “The risk of injuring me does not outweigh the need to stop a spell that will kill everyone .” Your expression softened. “I will do my best to get as far as his magic will allow me when the time comes. Or, I’ll simply use him as a meat shield.” Your smile returned when Steve chuckled at your dark joke.

“I can see why that kid really loves you.” Steve added offhandedly as he leaned back against the arched wall of the stone alcove. “In the Emperor's Coven, it's every witch for themselves. Poor little guy probably never had anyone put him first.”

“Once Belos is stopped, we’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again.” You leaned against the opposite wall. “No one should feel alone in a group of their peers.” You sat in a heavy silence for a moment as the gravity of the upcoming event weighed on you both. “Hey Steve? Could I ask a couple favors of you?”

“Sure thing.” He shifted slightly to sit partially back up, his mask trained on you. 

“One: Please tell Hunter I love and miss him. If something goes wrong I want him to know I was thinking of him until the very end.” Your sad smile softened at the scout’s solemn nod. “Two: Could you… remove your mask? I’d like to see the witch who’s been such a good friend.”

The blue eyes startled you for only a moment. But where Philip’s were cold and calculating, Steve’s were warm and genuine. While clearly older than Hunter, he was still a few years younger than you, an observation that both failed to surprise you yet saddened you all the same. So many of those directly under Philip’s control had been tied down during their most impressionable years. But there was still so much hope in that youthful, yet tired face. Everything from his lopsided smile to the short, ivory horn was just so damn wholesome.

“Nice to officially meet you, Steve.” You extended your hand with a smile as a memory of a parallel scene with Hunter flashed behind your eyes. No matter how tightly Philip bound you to him, you would find a way to help undo the damage he had done to this world. Be it human, witch, or demon, the world needed more Steves.

Chapter Text

You were awake the moment his hand brushed against your shoulder. “Is it time?” You murmured as you quickly sat up, your eyes wide in the near total darkness of your chambers.

“Yes, lambkin.” Philip’s usually restrained voice held a definite edge of excitement in the undercurrents. “Come, breakfast has already been delivered.” A silver tray slid along the blanket towards you both with the flick of his fingers.

You ate the warm bread and porridge-like dish without really tasting it. In a few hours you would know if you were to be free of your husband’s chains or lose your teenage son. “Are we taking your airship to the Head?” You asked after a long moment of quiet between you, looking for anything to distract your thoughts.

Philip nodded as he slid closer to you, one hand coming to rest on your opposite hip as he gently pulled you against his side. “Yes. It’s already prepared.” He pressed a long kiss to your forehead. “It’s amusing. The last time you were on it we were searching for the portal back to our world.”

You pointedly stared at a half empty cup of tea. “My first day on the isles. It feels like an eternity ago.” One side of your lip twitched into a half smile. “Back when I thought Hunter was this terrifyingly imposing presence instead of the sweet kid he really is.”

Philip stiffened for a moment. “Today is a celebration, my dove. Do not allow his misguided actions to darken your emotions.”

The irony of his statement was not lost on you. “...I’ll try not to.” You let yourself lean into the contact, hoping the concession would placate him for now. You resisted the urge to sigh in relief when he finally allowed you to slip out of bed.

“No. Not that gown.” Philip gently chided you as he approached you. Catching the hand hovering over your usual ivory dress, he drew your wrist upwards to place a gentle kiss on your knuckles. “Today we return to the Human Realm. I’ve had your old dress cleaned in preparation.”

A surge of conflicting emotions enveloped you as you slipped your old sundress over your head. The loose and stretchy fabric had enough leeway to accommodate your rounder belly, yet the once favorite garment felt almost uncomfortable. With no magic woven in the fabric, it bunched and rubbed against you rather than shifting to follow your every move. “Oh wow. It’s strange how alien this feels.” You murmured more to yourself than Philip as you tugged at the short hem.

“Hmm… I personally would prefer to be the only one allowed to see you in such revealing attire.” Philip mused as he adjusted his own outfit. “Although, this dress does a wonderful job of accentuating every beautiful curve of yours.”

You glanced up at your husband with every intention to remind him that your dress was considered downright modest in most circles now. Only, the words died as you caught sight of his outfit. 

The blue riding coat had faded at the elbows, shoulders, and cuffs but otherwise was well maintained. Brass buttons shone on the gray vest he wore beneath it, the metal complimenting the stark white of the kerchief he tucked into the garment. His horse brown trousers looked similarly worn in places, though not threadbare. His usual knee-high boots were a bit at odds with the look, but didn’t clash too harshly.

If you ignored his rotted curse scar, he looked so normal. In what you assume was the outfit he wore when he first found the Isles, you didn’t see Belos the emperor or even Philip the liar, just  an older man displaced in time. 

Your heart squeezed when he gave you an honest-to-Titan mildly anxious smile. “Clearly fashion has changed a bit since my last visit. I hope my appearance won’t dampen our arrival. I would like to make a good first impression on my father-in-law.”

Damn him. Damn that smile. Damn those weeks of sweet words and gentle touches. He lied to you. Drugged you to ensure you were carrying his child. Had tried to kill your eldest. Was planning on killing everyone on the Isles in a few hours. And yet, for at least this moment, you saw a glimpse of another facet in the crystal that was his identity. One so small, dull, and cracked you knew he often fought hard to hide it.

“It suits you.” You answered honestly as your fingers nimbly straightened the collar of his jacket. For a moment, you let yourself imagine an alternate world where Philip really was the altruist he claimed. That Hunter was safe and waiting for you on the airship and you were headed home with a family in tow.

The image shattered and fell away as you stepped back to shoulder your purse; your smile tight as you obediently placed the golden comb atop your head. “We should go. It wouldn’t be proper for the Emperor to be late on the Day of Unity.” You failed to hide the profound sadness in your eyes and voice. 

It was an uncomfortably long flight to the Head. Even with your cloaks masterfully hiding the unusual outfits beneath, you still felt the need to tug it tighter over your shoulders every few seconds. The couple times you had shifted away from Philip’s side in an attempt to peek over the railing of the ship, a strong consistent pressure at the crown of your head halted your actions. Your dear, concerned, well meaning husband had not been exaggerating when he promised a tighter leash. You could travel no further than a few feet away from him in any direction.

Which meant you could only hear the cacophony of cheers and joyous screams as the airship sailed over the gathered crowd and towards a raised dais erected on the highest point on the Titan’s sternum. What you could see was the shadowy orb of the moon slowly creeping to take her prophesied place before the sun. The glowing light of the sister star in your home realm would have blinded you for daring to look at it for this long. However, despite its angry gold and red blaze, the light source before you mirrored the people below it; intimidating at a glance but full of gentle warmth.

Glancing down from the impending eclipse to the hollow eyes of the enormous Titan skull, you mentally called out a silent plea for the decayed deity to protect the gathered masses from the approaching danger.

“It’s time, lambkin.” Philip smiled and slipped a hand from within his robe to gently guide you down the lowered ramp of his ship. “Stay close to my side, my darling.” He murmured sweetly into your ear as he slipped in front of you.

The pressure on your scalp reiterated that his words were not an idle request as you fell into step behind him. With Philip’s back to you, you managed to sneak a quick glance at the only other resistance fighter you knew as you ascended to join the Coven Heads. Darius’ subtle upward quirk of his lips and miniscule nod in your direction granted you a sliver of relief. Whatever they had planned was currently still in good standing. You prayed it remained that way.

The hum of a strong illusion spell vibrated into your very bones and set your babe kicking in annoyance as yours and Philip’s image were projected to the frenzied crowd. With a flick of his wrist, his staff materialized in his right hand as he warmly beamed down at the unsuspecting populace.

“Children of the Isles! For too long, our world has been home to an insidious pox. A corruption that defiles the Titan's blessings. But today, that changes. United with the Titan, and the power of the eclipse, we shall wipe out wild magic forever. Paradise awaits!” Turning his back on the adoring crowd, he guided you towards the center of a large, sandy circle where the Coven Heads were already waiting in their assigned locations.

“Oh! I nearly forgot.” Philip mused in the same easy tone he often used when he caught you acting in any manner he deemed unbecoming of your position. “I decided to switch up the arrangement.”

Your eyes widened and your heart raced as Coven heads Adrian and Terra shouldered Darius and Eberwolf out of their original spots to flank Raine. The shared looks of concerned confusion among the displaced trio sent a spike of ice to your gut. He knew. 

“Stay very still, dove.” Philip gave you that thin smile you had learned to fear as he traced a complicated glyph around you and the Coven Heads. 

Worried of setting off the hairpiece’s enchantment, you simply turned your head slightly  to glance at Darius, who offered you a stern frown and stiff nod of encouragement. Right. No way to avoid being a part of whatever was about to happen. At least the Coven Head’s eyes were devoid of the same fear within yours. With any luck, they still had a chance.

Your thoughts were with Hunter as Philip joined you once more in the center of the intricate glyph. Come what may, your only wish was for his safety.

Philip slid his free arm around your waist while simultaneously lifting his staff, the glowing crimson orb resting in front of the blazing sun just as the leading edge of the moon crossed its path. “Goodbye, Boiling Isles.” He murmured just loud enough for you to hear as he slammed the but of the staff in the center of the circle.

Golden light burst from the drawn lines, pulling a startled gasp from you. Your hands came up to shield your eyes as columns of spectacular energy exploded from the semi-circles before each Coven Head. Before you could do more than part your fingers, a suffocating darkness enveloped you. 

The solid wall of black pressed you tightly against Philip’s side, forcing the air from your lungs. It felt as if every fiber of your being was being bent, twisted, and squeezed through the layers of reality. You were suffocating! Air! You needed air!

You could hear yourself gasping for breath before you registered the cool oxygen in your lungs. Your vision returned slowly from the edges of your peripheral, inward. At some point, you realized you were kneeling on a cold, stone floor.

“That’s it, Lambkin. Deep breaths.” Philip cooed as he helped your shaking form back to your feet. “Forgive me, I’ve gotten used to traveling like that over the centuries. I had forgotten how jarring it can be.”

You wobbled and looked around, trying to get your bearings. The… cave? Yeah, cave you both were in had a domed ceiling high above you. Behind you sat a pair of closed doors, matching intricate designs running down them from their arched crests to the floor. Just off to the side, at the edge of a chasm, was a small wooden desk cluttered with an odd assortment of items. Once of which was… giggling?

“Philip, what’s going on?” You wheezed as your legs finally solidified under you. “Why aren’t we at the ceremony?”

“Did you honestly think I’d have you stand and watch everyone perish from the draining spell?” His patronizing smile filled your vision. “It would be much too distressing for your gentle soul.”

You would have sworn your heart skipped several beats before kicking into overdrive. “What?” You whispered back to him as you tried to jerk backwards. 

Philip’s grip on your upper arms only tightened. “Come now, darling. It was cute watching you pretend all was well for a while, but you can drop the act now.”

You swallowed, your throat suddenly extremely dry. “B-but how?! No! They were supposed to stop the spell!”

“Yes, I know. Using the Owl Lady’s curse.” Philip hummed in an amused sort of way as he shrugged his cloak off. “By now my loyal Coven Heads will have dragged the real Raine into position. Predictable fools, willing to do anything for the false promise of paradise.” His eyes flicked to your comb as he brought one hand up to cup your cheek. “As for how I knew, there was another enchantment I forgot to tell you about.” His smile faded. “I could hear every word between you and that disrespectful scout as if we were no farther apart than we are right now.”

You flinched back as far as the spell would allow, your muscles straining to get another foot, another inch, another atom of space between you two. “You monster ! Stop the spell! You’re going to kill everyone!”

His patronizing smile dropped a fraction of an inch as his hands darted out to grasp your wrists. “Watch how you speak to me. I’ve been very patient with your little rebellion so far but it ends now. ” His eyes flashed in the dim light, a hollow roar punctuating the command. “This is for the good of all humans, darling. Witches must be wiped out for humanity to survive.”

You flinched and stilled at the display, very much the picture of a rabbit pinned beneath a fox’s paw. “Philip, please.” You struggled to keep your voice even, your mind casting around for anything you could use to sway him. “If you do this we’ll lose Hunter. Your nephew. He’s all you have left of Caleb.”

His eyes widened in mild surprise. “Ah, so he hasn’t told you about the Grimwalker’s then.” His hands slid along your arms to the clasp of your cloak. “Hunter was merely the last in a long line of attempts to create a better version of my dearly departed brother. He’s no more a real witch than he ever was a son to you.” The patronizing smile returned as he allowed your cloak to drop from your shoulders. “Ah, don’t look at me like that, my darling. I did warn you against growing too attached to him. Worry not, you’ll come around once our babe is born.”

“Ugh!!! I can’t take waiting any longer!” The young, impatient voice rang out from the cluttered table as a long, pitch black void slithered along the curved wall. “Philip! It’s done, it’s done!” The smiling round face of a child formed in the shadows as the odd form slithered along the walls to approach you. “Oooooh this is the Mother you promised?!” His grin forced the flat face to stretch unnaturally wide. “Hi! I’m The Collector! I’ve heard you before but Philip never let me come out when you were around. But that’s okay! Now, he can set me free and we can play lots of games together! What kind of games do Mothers like?”

Your brain was still lagging several seconds behind as you stared, open mouthed at the shadowy child-like entity before you. Hunter. Grimwalkers. The Collector. Mother? Right, Hunter told you Philip had promised you as a surrogate to this god-child. If Philip had been able to make a deal with it for the Draining Spell, maybe you could make another to end it? “Well, it-”

Philip stepped between you as he deftly pulled his long hair back into a loose, low ponytail. “I’m afraid she won’t be able to play with you after all.” He casually approached the cluttered desk to retrieve a polished circular tablet with a crescent moon embossed on the front, only glancing once over his shoulder to ensure the enchanted comb kept you within reach. 

“What now?” The shadow child darted away from you along the floor to drape its nebulous form over the table. “B-But you said you’d use the Titan’s Blood to free me!”

Philip cradled the tablet to his chest with one hand as the other dug into his shirt to reveal a leather necklace with the original portal key dangling from the end. “And, I’m sorry, but I just realized there is only enough Titan’s Blood to power the portal.”

The shadow swelled to cover the entire doorway Philip began guiding you to, the tip tethered to the center of the disk. “You said we were friends! We pinky swore! You lied! Liar! Liar! Liar!”

You realized what Philip intended to do a second before he acted. Lunging forward, you closed your fist on the key and yanked downward, the leather string breaking easily from the force. Swinging your arm back up, you locked eyes with The Collector, whose angry tirade froze halfway through a yell. 

Without pause, you swung the key down towards where it still lay nested in Philip’s arms, hope flooding your chest and fueling your rapid movement. Free The Collector, stop the spell. Free, The Collector, stop the spell!

A glowing red aura flared to life around your entire body as you were frozen in place, the key less than half an inch from the tablet’s surface. You couldn’t even draw breath or let out the frustrated sob trapped in your chest as Philip took a small step to the side and slipped the key from between your fingers.

“I have had quite enough of you disobedience for one day.” Philip frowned sternly at you as he deftly wrapped the tablet in his discarded cloak. The shadowy child disappeared immediately, its anguished cries fading as the stone prison was shielded from view. Leaving you suspended in your awkward pose, he meandered to the edge of the chasm and unceremoniously tipped the bundle over the edge. The Collector’s screaming tantrum finally died out as it plunged into the unknown depths below.

Your scream of horror finally rang out as Philip freed you from the spell. You stumbled forward and into the waiting iron grip of your husband. “No! Let me go! He can stop this! He can save-”

A shuddering boom at the far end of the cave drew both of your attention. Kikimora, sitting atop an absurdly large Abomaton, had the machine approach before directing it to sink down onto one knee. At her direction, the right arm swung forward to reveal a large purple orb with the shadowy figure of a curled up creature resting in its center. “My lord and lady, I come bearing a gift on this momentous day. You had been looking for the Golden Guard, and here he is!”

Hunter!

Chapter Text

You barely managed to spin on your heel and face the Abomaton before Philip caught you in that binding red aura once more. While he mercifully left you able to breathe this time, your prepared shout of indignation died in your throat under the weight of his warning glare.

The small demon shot you a quick glance before hastily returning her attention to the Emperor. “Perhaps, this act is worthy of me returning to my old post.” With a fidget of the controls, she sent the purple orb drifting lazily towards Philip. “Or, if you were looking for a new right hand…”

Philip’s cold chuckle cut across her. “Have you as my right hand? I’d sooner cut off my whole arm.” Even with his back to you, you knew he was giving her that signature cold smile. “If you really want to be useful; go find a hole to wither away in.”

A brief surge of pity for the underhanded demon washed over you as your husband turned away. It was almost immediately shoved aside by your previous terror when Philip dragged you and the floating orb along behind him with a lazy flick of his wrist. The magic constraining you only dissipated when those behemoth twin doors slid out of the way and quickly shut behind you, the grating sound of stone against stone still echoing in the dim cavern for several seconds.

Before you sat the reconstructed portal, soft golden light pulsing from it with each surge of thick liquid flowing between the ivory arch and the reconstructed wooden door. The eerie slit-pupiled eye seemed to flare in recognition at your approach, a sister glow flicking to life in the key nestled against the folds of Philip’s kerchief. The beautiful beacon calling you home, the sight you longed to see for weeks held no appeal to you as you turned towards the silent purple prison floating beside you.

“Hunter!” You finally gasped out in a quiet whisper as you scrambled to the gently glowing orb. “He’s not moving.” You squinted as you looked closer. The curled up figure inside was smaller than you remembered him to be. “Wait…”

“Of course she’d mess up such a simple task.” Philip mused as he leisurely stepped beside you. While his free hand slipped around your waist the one holding his staff jabbed into the protective shield. With a firm tug, he drew you back several sets as the figure within landed on the floor. “Although, I am glad to see you again. It seems only fitting the three humans stuck in this realm leave together.”

“Luz!” Your eyes widened in surprise as the initial shock faded briefly to relief before worry took root. The girl whose image had been burned into your memory long ago was gone. The face you often remembered as round and happy seemed hollow at the cheeks. Those happy eyes were duller and darker than any child’s should ever be. Something you’d only ever seen before in Hunter’s exhausted gaze.

The teen’s eyes flicked towards you in genuine surprise as your name slipped from her lips. With a determined snarl, she returned her determined stare to Philip. “Let her go! Or do you need to hide behind the woman you kidnapped and forced to marry you just to avoid a kid?!”

“Apparently, someone has not learned her lesson from last time.” Philip’s voice was eerily even as he peered down at the teen. “I do pity you Luz. I’ve told you once before that these monsters have warped your sense of reality. It’s an affliction my darling lambkin is currently struggling with as well.” He paused to press a kiss to your temple, a sly smirk tugging on one corner of his mouth when the teen's lip curled in disgust.

You leaned as far away as his iron grip would allow, your gaze still locked on Luz. Your eyes widened a fraction of an inch as one of her feet slid behind her and her knees bent ever so slightly. “Luz, no! Forget me! Get to the Coven Heads and stop the spell!”

With a sharp inhale, the girl slapped her palm against her chest, blinking out of existence. Your head twitched back in surprise as you glanced around, still straining against Philip’s immovable hold.

“I didn’t realize you were already combining glyphs!” Philip called out to the seemingly empty room as he easily pulled you along towards the portal, a tinge of genuine amusement coloring his tone. “You do have a strange intuition with these. It took me years to figure that out. Almost like the Titan himself didn’t want me to have that knowledge.”

With a swift motion, the arm not containing you swung up in an arch as several spears of ice leapt from the darkness towards his head. As they made contact, the skin on the appendage swelled to impossible proportions as green goo, identical in color to his many scars, absorbed the projectiles as if they were no more troublesome than loosely packed snowballs. “Although, you’re still decades away from beating me.”

You gasped in genuine horror as the pulsing tendril whipped into the darkness with inhuman speed, flashes of white and brown tinged bone peeking out between the waves of slime. Your mouth remained agape as the sludge slowly withdrew towards Philip’s body, revealing a struggling Luz locked in a horrifying approximation of a large, dripping fist. “I was going to offer you a chance home, Luz. I really was. But aiming an attack at an expectant mother?”

“I was aiming for your dumb head and you know it! Eat dirt, Belos!” The teenager roared with fury as her legs kicked uselessly above the floor.

“It’s Philip.” He corrected coldly before a long, resigned sigh deflated his chest. “Perhaps, you are too far gone. It may be best to put you out of your misery.”

“ NO !” Your voice boomed out as you managed to finally free yourself. Stumbling back a step you rounded on your husband, your pupils blown wide with adrenaline. “Philip, please . She’s just a child!” Your mind raced for something, anything that could stop this. “You tell me nearly every day that it is in my nature as a mother to want to protect every child I come across. What about your duties as a father and my provider? I could not bear the shame of being the wife of a man who would kill a- a human child. One we both know wouldn’t be fighting against you if I hadn’t hidden her at the very start.” 

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Luz’s form ever so slightly dip towards the ground. You didn’t dare spare the girl another glance “Philip, my love , please. I’m so sorry for how foolishly I’ve been acting. Don’t punish the girl. Let her go. For me.” You grasp his free hand with both of yours, gently bringing it up to rest against the swell of your stomach. You made a silent promise to spoil your child rotten when they, as if on cue, delivered a strong kick against their father’s hand. “For us. Do this for us.”

His hard expression pins you in place for several agonizing silent seconds. Finally, the wrinkles around his eyes softened as he lowered Luz completely to release her. The goop quickly retreated to reform his arm once more. “Go. Spend these last few moments with the witches you threw your life away for. Before I change my mind.”

Only when Luz takes her first few steps in retreat do you meet her eyes. “I’m sorry.” You pray she catches the full weight of your whispered remorse. Not only for her, but for the son you failed to save. The friends writhing in pain at that very moment. The anguished star-child who had most likely shattered on the cave floor far below. You silently watch her sprint back, shoulder open the heavy doors, and disappear into the gloom beyond. 

A scoff cut through your thoughts as Philip settled his hand on your lower back. “Now to go home and put this entire ugly mess behind us.” His measured smile returned as he deftly removed the key from his neck and crushed the glass eye on the handle between a thumb and forefinger. As the final few drops of midnight blue blood dripped into an open vessel beside the door, the frame flared to life with a glorious golden glow. 

His hand was halfway to the knob when it happened. Black smoke rose from the exposed skin on his arm where the coat sleeve had pulled up, horrific sizzling and hissing sounds accompanying it. A short cry of pain rang out as he stumbled back and released you, the injured arm cradled to his chest.

The glowing sigil of the Emperor’s Coven appeared on the skin the same moment Luz does; the teen drawing in a deep breath as she discarded a worn, gray, coven-branding glove. “Shouldn’t have left it lying around where any old teen could grab it!” She taunted as she backed away to stand next to you. “Now, stop the spell. ”

You managed to grab Luz and shove her out of the way as a large column of green sludge slammed down where she had been standing moments before. Shuffling the girl behind you, you caught Philip’s eyes. The fury you had seen in those icy depths on occasion was nothing compared to the pure hatred in them as he fell to his knees; his chest heaving as the pain of the draining spell wracked his frame.

“You need to run.” You whispered as you retreated as far from Philip as the comb would allow. Despite wanting to glance back at the teen in reassurance, a primal fear kept your eyes locked on the scene before you. With a series of sickening cracks, gurgles, and pained moans, you could only watch as his scars exploded outward. Wave after wave of that disgusting green goo covered his form as limbs stretched, tore at the seams, and reformed. 

As the pulses slowed, nearly a dozen, icy blue, pupiless eyes split open along the monstrous form. The creature’s elongated head swung to face you, its lipless mouth forced into a permanent, glowing, skeletal grin as it slowly rose to tower over you. A pair of antlers burst through the waves of ash gray locks tumbling over its shoulders; the sight a sick mockery of the mask he often wore. Its main eyes, small orbs of white light, struggled to focus on you before flicking to the teen girl sheltering behind you.

Its bellowing roar shook your very bones as the creature lowered down onto all fours before lunging towards you. Without thinking, you shoved Luz away from you, your breath hitching as claws gouged tracks in the stone where she stood not a second before. “RUN! NOW!” You hollered as you backpedaled out from under a pair of gangly, excessively jointed limbs.

A cupped hand large enough to engulf your entire torso stopped your retreat with inhuman speed, the gangly fingers closing possessively over you. Still hunched over, the antlered head lowered down to your level, strong gusts of air rushing through the dark hole above the enormous teeth as the creature drank in your scent.

“P-Philip.” You choked out as your hands reflexively rose to push the monster’s lower jaw away from your stomach. A deep rumbling purr filled the space between you the moment your hands brushed against his face. Your breath caught in your throat as a milky eye locked onto yours. 

“We…. don’t… belong here….” Philip’s voice was rough, as though filtered through the crackle of a dying flame. With a pained groan, he drew your trembling form closer to his chest, the bulbous blue eyes shifting to better keep you in their sights. “....come….”

You scrambled to grab onto the squishy green flesh of his wrist as Philip rose to his impressive new height, the hand containing you drawn tight against his emaciated torso. With slightly shaky steps, he turned and began to approach the portal door.

He only managed three clumsy strides before half a dozen thorny vines erupted from cracks in the floor. Each tendril, thicker than your thigh, quickly wound around his legs, arms, and throat. With a snapping sound akin to a whip crack, the plants dragged the monstrous emperor to the floor.

As the wrist cradling you was forced to his side, you quickly scrambled out of his hold and over the thrashing form of your screeching husband. Backing away as far as you physically could, you turned with every intention to thank Luz for the save. Instead of the spunky teen girl, your gaze met a small cluster of kids. Your overloaded brain barely recognized two of them as the captain and a teammate of Hunter’s Flyer Derby team, the latter currently cradling the small dog-like demon who lived with the Owl Lady. Behind them Luz stood with her arms draped protectively around a young purple haired witch you couldn’t place. But beside them, rushing right for you was-

“Mom!” Hunter cried out as he sprinted the few feet between you, his left arm circling around you in a tight hug, a short sob shaking his chest as your bodies collided and Flapjack’s staff pressed firmly against your back.

“ Hunter !” You drew him to you as tightly as your belly would allow, tears pooling and spilling into his blond locks as you rained kisses down on the top of his head. “What are you doing here?!” Despite your fear, you failed to hide the sheer gratitude and relief in your voice.

“We came to save you.” The teen pulled back and grabbed your wrist with his left hand. “Come on! We can talk later. You need to get away from Belos before-” His eyes flicked up to the comb still sitting on your head. “Titan dung!” He swore as he swiveled his head back to his companions. “The hair thing won’t let her move away from him! We need to force Belos to knock it off her!”

“Your sigil.” You gasped softly as your eyes trailed down Hunter’s limp right arm. Under his leather glove, you could see the edge of his coven symbol, along with glowing golden tracks creeping up the veins under his skin. 

The teen flashed a pained smile. “Worry about me later. Willow!” He hollered towards the girl controlling the vines. “You think you can force his hand above her head?”

Philip’s frantic thrashing froze at the sound of his nephew’s command. Every eye along the body swung around to focus on the blond child tugging incessantly on your wrist. A roar of pure rage, punctuated by the snaps and twangs of the breaking vines shook the cavern as Philip clawed his way to his feet.

Crouched low and mouth gaping, one abnormally long arm swiped at Hunter, who zipped back in a flurry of golden sparks with the aid of his staff. The other came down with a shuddering crash beside you as he arched his body over you in a protective pose. As the roar faded, the mane of white hair fluttered in his face before falling to reveal the visage of a human Philip frowning down in worry at the teen. “Hunter? Why are you trying to take your aunt from me? Why are you hurting me? I’ve only ever wanted to help you.”

You could just make out the expression of abject terror on Hunter’s face from behind Philip’s forearm. “Don’t listen!” You cried out as you tried to dart towards him, your progress immediately halted as Philip easily blocked your path with the massive limb.

The teen boy stood trembling before his uncle, sweat and tears trailing down his cheeks as he fought the shaking in his limbs. Flapjack’s staff, still clutched in his one good hand, was raised across his chest as if the small palisman could offer meaningful protection. “You’re lying!” He cried out, his voice cracking at the small act of direct rebellion.

Philip’s eyes darted to the currently inanimate cardinal adorning the staff. “ CALEB !?” The indignant shout preceded a blood curdling screech, the skin of his face literally falling away to reveal the sickly green rot as he reared. 

It was all you could do to keep from getting crushed as Philip lashed out at the group of teens. Whether abomination goo, thick vines, illusion paralysis, or column of ice, each time the group managed to restrain a limb or two, he would twist and break free from their spells with a sickening crunch of bone or tearing of that dripping sludge-like skin.

You finally manage to skitter out from under him as poor Luz is thrown backwards several feet into the other teens. Too exhausted to dodge, they all crumple into a heap as their friend’s battered body collides with them. Your heart drops when you see Philip’s arm raise high above his head, the fingertips on the hands elongating and sharpening into scythe-like claws.

“Stop!” You cry out as you rush towards the kids. If you could just get in front of them, there was a chance he'd deflect the attack. Time slowed as you watched his arm begin to fall. Too slow. Too slow! HUNTER!

A flash of white and purple zips between the monstrous emperor and the cowering teens. With a comically quiet shink , Philip’s attack is halted, the longest claw daintily pinched between the fingers of a…. floating child?!

“Whatcha playing?” The small boy cheerily asked the bruised kids before turning, their red and yellow eyes widening in absolute joy as they landed on you. “Oh! Mother is still here!”

“Collector!” Philip’s voice lacked the grated edge and raw fury of moments before as he took a few steps back from the floating child, his suspended arm straining against the child’s grip. “You’re free, just as promised.”

You could only stare in stunned silence between the child and Philip as the latter continued to try to back away, his free hand cautiously nudging you behind him with each step. 

The Collector’s eyes narrowed as their cheeks swelled in a very toddler-like pout. “As promised? I remember someone throwing me off a cliff after stopping Mother from freeing me!” His eyes flicked to your partially concealed frame. In a flash, the innocent grin returned. “I’m not mad anymore, though. Say, you wanna play tag?”

Twirling the index finger on the hand holding Philip’s claw, they effortlessly dragged Philip back the several feet he managed to put between them. “ I’m it. ”

With that same elated grin, he tapped the bridge of Philip’s nose. The gentle, almost teasing touch, sent a shockwave through the enormous creature, literally ripping it apart in a disgusting explosion. Dollops of that sickly green goo were thrown everywhere, from small droplets on your dress and shoes, to literal buckets worth splating wetly along the cave floor. A quick glance over your shoulder revealed that some had even flown clear across the room to paint the still glowing portal door. Four hundred years of plotting, lying, and murder gone with a single boop on the nose.

The star-child seemed blissfully unaware of the mixed expressions of shock and horror on their audience as he clutched his sides in laughter. “Too slow! That’s what you get for being a liar !” 

You stiffened in apprehension as the child floated over to you, their terrifyingly innocent expression filling your vision.

“Now that he’s gone, we have all the time in the world to play! Right, Mother?”

Chapter Text

It was late. Late enough so the glow of the Collector’s star sentries cast an eerie blue-green glow on the trees and grass far beneath them as they lazily circled the enormous palace. You silently watched several amble by from the small, arched window of your room, the dizzying height nearly second nature to you now.

Shifting your weight to the opposite foot, you let out as large a sigh as your lungs currently allowed. Without access to a calendar, you were forced to track the days by how large your belly had grown. Seeing as the last time you saw your feet was a couple weeks ago, you knew it had to have been at least three months since the Day of Unity.

Widening your stance, you propped your elbows on the window sill and leaned forward in a vain attempt to ease the everpresent ache in your lower back. As much as you longed for the couple hours of uninterrupted sleep your squished bladder allowed you, you knew there was still one final task to be completed before you could turn in.

Still, fatigue guided your eyes shut. In the semi-conscious daze and awkward position, flashes of memories danced before your eyes.

The ground literally splitting beneath you. The screams of the teenagers as they scrambled towards the portal. Hunter being physically dragged away from you by two of the girls. Your feet lifting from the ground as ribbons of glitter stars swirled around you. The relief you felt when Luz caught your bag after hastily throwing it to her. Your final words to your son.

“Luz will help you charge the phone in my bag. Call my parents. They’ll protect you. I love you.”

Worst of all, the boy’s expression of heartbreak as the group was blasted backwards through the portal moments before raining debris crushed it.

“You ok?” The voice was gentle, accompanied by the now familiar click of claws on the polished floor.

Gathering your feet underneath you, you turned and offered the demon a small smile. “I’m alright; back is just a little sore. Thank you, King.” Your smile widened as his fluffy little tail wagged. “Are you both ready?”

King nodded and held out a small paw for you to hold. “Yeah. I tried offering to do it but they refused.” His steps, while small to begin with, were held back further still to allow you to move at your preferred, slower pace nowadays.

“I’m not surprised.” You mused as you let King lead you down the long, curving hallway, subconsciously counting the tapestries between your bedroom and theirs. The first few days you found yourself in this new home were terrifying. You had been convinced the entire circlet would snap off the tip of the Titan’s remaining horn and plummet down to rest more like an actual crown upon the enormous skull. 

Ugh. Crowns. Your lip curled in frustration as your free hand came up to toy with the top of your head. If it really had been three months, it seemed you truly were stuck with your late husband’s parting gift. Despite his defeat, no, annihilation , the damn golden comb remained as impassive as ever atop your head. Washing and styling your hair around it was still a logistical nightmare. A small huff of annoyance escaped you as you gave the offending accessory a quick tug. Nope.

“Does it hurt?” King’s voice caught you by surprise. The small demon stared intently, the section of skull around his eye sockets narrowed with worry.

“No more than that old crack of yours.” You reassured with a gentle brush of your fingers against his healed injury. The poor kid had been forced into this pretend family unit just as you had. No need to have him worrying over you as well.

Your grip on his tiny hand tightened as the bedroom door before you silently swung open. Despite having made the weightless, graceful flight from the doorway to the tiny planet a couple dozen feet away countless times, the sensation was still a bit disorienting.

“Mama!” The Collector’s eyes literally shone with excitement as you and King touched down by the foot of the twin beds. His own feet wiggled under the bedspread as they shuffled back to give you room. “Sit on my bed tonight!”

With a tired smile, you lifted King up under the arms and placed him under the covers on the unoccupied bed. “I sat on your bed last night. It’s King’s turn.” A small sigh of relief left you when the star-child only pouted for a moment before nodding in resignation.

“Well, then I get to pick the story!” His puffy, chubby cheeked pout perfectly complemented the childish indignation in his tone. “Tell me about the human critters with the tiny masks again! Uh, racoons! Yeah those!” They flashed you a brilliant, beaming smile. “Oh! Please ?” 

You shifted back to rest against the headboard of King’s head. “Thank you for remembering to use your nice words, CeeCee.” Your smile softened as the baby titan squished his pillows under the small of your back. “Alright. Why don’t I tell you about the time my mother had to use hot sauce to scare off a racoon that kept stealing peanuts out of the bird feeder?”

You let your mind wander as you retold the story for probably the tenth or eleventh time. Staring down at the child cocooned in fluffy blankets, it was hard to imagine that little smiling marshmallow gave you nearly as much anxiety on a daily basis as Philip had. 

They wielded unfathomable power with the same indifference most people had when brushing crumbs off their shirts. He stopped the Draining Spell by literally moving the moon with a swipe of a finger simply because King asked him to. Not to mention capturing Eda and poor Lilith with an amused chuckle simply for the crime of trying to protect King.

You weren’t quite sure if you were terrified or soothed by their motive. Where Philip collected, hoarded, and abused power in a misguided, twisted attempt to protect humanity, The Collector did it for fun. It was clear the members of the Boiling Isles could only fall one of two ways in his eyes; friends or toys.

Literal toys. Like, turned into a life-size, stringless marionette for the crime of “not being nice” toys. To be completely fair, you kind of understood why they had transformed the Coven Heads. They hadn’t been the most inviting when he asked them to join his game. Plus, they were the most effective at guarding Eda’s “room” while the sisters struggled to control their affliction.

At least, that’s what you and King told him. It was safer for both witches if The Collector thought them both still incapacitated. You made a quick mental note to check in with them tomorrow morning. It had been a few days since you last did a supply restock for them. Could probably do with a laundry run too. And maybe-

A tiny yawn caught your attention. “I think we should stop here for tonight.” You struggled to your feet, thankful for the push King gave your mid back. Turning, you waited for him to punch his pillow back into proper shape before drawing the heavy blanket up to his chin. “Got Francois?”

A small squeak of affirmation left the fluffy demon as he drew the aforementioned stuffed rabbit to his chest. “Goodnight.”

Leaning against the nightstand for support, you pressed a gentle kiss to King’s skull before repeating the gesture for the stuffed animal. “Night King. Night Francois.” With effort, you straightened and turned. It was impossible not to smile at the soft, sleepy grin the star-child gave you. “Goodnight, CeeCee. Sweet dreams little ones.” You accentuated the forehead kiss with a soft ‘mwah’ before steeling yourself to jump back towards the soft yellow light streaming into the star filled room from the doorway.

You had only just finished bathing and changing into your soft, deep purple nightgown when the door to your room slowly swung open again. Your tired, expectant smile was in place long before you turned to face the visitor. “Can’t sleep again?”

The Collector floated over and into your waiting arms, their frown pressed into the hollow of your neck as they shook their head. “Promise you won’t be mad?” He mumbled into your shoulder.

You shuffled backwards until the mattress bumped against the back of your knees. Sinking down onto the plush surface, you shifted the child so they weren’t putting too much pressure on your cramped belly. “Was I mad when you pretended to have a human flu for three days after I told you sick kids get extra attention?”

A giggle tickled the soft skin of your neck. “That was a lot of fun.” Lifting his head, those softly glowing eyes met yours once more, the small smile fading to an anxious frown. “King said you’re supposed to tell mothers when you do something bad. But it wasn’t even bad! They’re fine. ”

Your heart skipped a beat as you struggled to maintain your smile. “Oh? What happened?” Your apprehension grew in the prolonged silence. “CeeCee, did you bring home some more puppets?” 

It had been a never ending, uphill battle you and King were determined to fight. Thankfully, you two had managed to convince the playful god that games were more fun if everyone involved could make their own choices. However, The Collector had latched on rather strongly to the concept of a “time out” the one time you suggested he step away from some sort of hide-and-seek meets tag game with King. Apparently, anyone who didn’t immediately drop what they were doing to play with them was deserving of an indefinite time out.

“Only three!” The child countered much too quickly. “King and I were just playing Owl House down at the beach and they went all weird and started yelling when I asked one to jump into the ocean to be our Golden Guard!”

You stiffened for a moment, your throat suddenly tight. You could still remember the way Hunter’s nose scrunched in disgust when he described the smell of the Selkidomus. “Hun, they were probably just scared to go near the water. Boiling water hurts mortals, remember?” You felt a pang of sympathy for the three additional puppets that were now sitting in the alcoves of the archive room. If your running tally was accurate, that tipped the total number of puppets to nearly sixty.

“They still shouldn’t have yelled.” The child pouted and turned away from you, their arms crossed stubbornly over their chest as they lightly leaned against the swell of your stomach. His expression shifted to amusement  when the babe nestled within roughly kicked against the intruder pressing on their living space. “I can’t wait until the baby can come out and play! I bet it'll be cuter than even the Titan babies!”

Your tired smile felt more natural this time. “Remember, they’re going to be very fragile for a long while. It will be a couple years before they can really play with you. You’ll need to be a patient older sibling.” The final couple words stuck in your throat as tears burned in the corners of your eyes. “I’m sorry.” You whispered as you turned away to swipe the palm of your hands across your eyes. “I’ve just been missing Hunter a bit today.”

The child cocked their head to the side, mouth pulled into a confused pout. “I still don’t understand why you won’t just make another grimwalker. It’s what he did whenever one broke or went missing.”

You struggled to swallow the lump in your throat. “CeeCee, what would you do if you woke up tomorrow and I was gone?”

Light blazed in the child’s wide, fearful eyes as he threw his arms around you as far as they could reach. “Why would you say that? You’re not going anywhere! You promised you’d stay!” Their voice rapidly rose in pitch and tone.

You placed a soft hand to their back, fingers dancing in small circles against the soft pajamas. “You’re right, I’m not going anywhere. But the idea of losing me is scary to you. If something did happen though, you could go find another momma.”

“I don’t want another Momma!” His tiny fists grabbed fistfuls of your nightgown. “I don’t like talking about this.”

“I’m sorry.” You cooed gently as you let them cling to you. “I just wanted you to understand. Hunter is not just a grimwalker to me. I’m his Momma just as much as I am yours or the baby’s. And now that he’s so far that I can’t see or talk to him, it makes me scared and a little sad. That’s just what happens when you love someone.”

A long silence stretched between you both as the child continued to cling to you like an oversized koala. Finally, their grip on your shirt shifted ever so slightly as they leaned back to peer up at you. “Is that why you still wear that golden head-thing? Because you love Philip?”

“I don’t love him.” The words tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them. Catching The Collector’s puzzled expression, you sighed and shifted back further on the bed so they could rest beside you. “I did before. As much as I could love someone like him. He was nice at first. Made me feel special. But then-”

“He lied.” The child finished with a sour expression and a curt nod. “He’s a dirty liar .”

The candid description coaxed a short huff of laughter from you. “Yes, he lied. Honestly, I don’t think the person I loved ever existed. That man was just another one of his lies to get what he wanted.”

“I don’t get it.” The Collector stood on the bed beside you, the top of his head barely higher than yours from his new vantage point. “If you don’t love him, then why are you still wearing the head-thing?”

Your smile twisted sourly. “He put a spell on it that keeps anyone other than himself from removing it.” You raised one arm to tug fiercely on the aforementioned piece of jewelry. “See? I would have taken it off months ago if I-”

The child’s tiny hands gripped the golden accessory as they examined it with renewed interest. After a quick moment, they tugged forward, the comb snagging on the tangle of knotted hair beneath it as it slid free . “Psh. Wasn’t a very good spell.” Smiling, he held it out to you in his open palms. “See? Easy peasy.”

You stared at the source of at least half of your frustrations over the last few months with slack jawed wonder. “I… What…” Failing to properly articulate your thoughts, you simply took the offered comb with a quiet “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome!” The child beamed at you before crawling to the head of your bed and slipping under the covers. “Since I did something nice I get to sleep here tonight, right?”

A short, gasping chuckle of disbelief escaped you as you set the comb down on your nightstand. “I’d say that’s more than a fair trade.” You spent a fair bit of time arranging your nest of pillows to properly support your back and belly while giving The Collector enough space.

The child happily squeezed themselves into the empty space beside you, burrowing into the mountain of pillows until they were wedged under your arm. “....you love me for real, right? You’re not just pretending like he did?”

You looked down at the anxious face of a being more powerful than any creature you could have ever convinced in a hundred lifetimes. In that moment, you knew in your very soul you had been given the power to utterly destroy them with a few words. “I love you for real, CeeCee.”

Chapter Text

The Collector was standing, actually standing on the floor of the hallway, their little eyebrows furrowed in anger as they stared at one of the grand  tapestries hanging on the wall.

“CeeCee?” You called out softly as you carefully approached, memories of flying furniture from their last tantrum fresh in your mind. “Are you ok, hun? I thought you were going to Bonesborough with King this morning?”

“I’m going to be a better big sibling than they ever were.” Tiny fists shook with rage, the floor beneath his feet trembling in sympathy.

“Woah!” You cried out as you grabbed the nearby windowsill for support. “Easy there. Remember what we talked about? Deep breaths. In and out.” The anxious squeeze on your chest eased as the child complied, the tremors subsiding with each breath. Glancing at the source of their anger, your frown deepened. You knew the lanky, shrouded figures on some of the tapestries were called Archivists, and that they had some connection to CeeCee, but not much else. Every time you had asked, the child quickly changed the subject. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Twisting in place, The Collector buried his face in the skirt of your star patterned gown. “They said we were going to play a game.” The muffled voice dripped with hurt and anger. “They lied . They were scared of the Titans. And one by one they made all my new friends disappear.” His hands clung to your dress as he glared up at you, eyes looking far beyond you to some distant memory. “And then they let the last Titan think I was the bad guy! Papa Titan hid King’s egg from me and put me in that place . They never even tried to look for me!”

With difficulty, you lowered to your knees and wrapped your arms around the shaking child. “You must have been so scared and lonely.” Your heart broke a little more when you heard a tiny sniffle.

“I showed all of them. I found King, and you, and I have a real family now.” Their small arms wrapped tightly around your neck. “And when the baby comes out to play, I’ll be the best big sibling ever.”

Hunter’s face flashed behind your mind's eye as you held the star-child close to your heart. “I know you will.”

You could feel the phantom pressure of CeeCee’s hug still pressing into the back of your neck long after he and King left on one of their floating star platforms. Eager for a distraction, you slipped past the ever silent marionette sentries stationed outside of Eda and Lilith’s “room”. Despite the urge to avoid their eerie, empty stares, you greeted them with a soft “good morning” and quick nod. Just in case they still retained even the tiniest smidge of consciousness.

Tension began to bleed from your shoulders as you trekked deeper into the cell. The enchanted space was more akin to a greenhouse than an actual holding cell. The soft grass brushed against your ankles as polished stone gave way to a forest floor. The hollowed tree nestled in one of the farthest corners of the enclosure the sisters had taken to sheltering in should be right about-

“Woah, you sure there’s only one baby in there?” Eda’s gentle taunt heralded her exit from between two particularly large roots. 

An exhausted laugh broke free before you even had a moment to consider stopping it. “I’ve asked myself the same lately.” Your eyes drifted past the Owl Lady, pausing only long enough to register the handful of feathers protruding periodically along her neck and upper arms before landing on the shadowy opening behind her. “Is our dear, punctual Lilith sleeping in for once in her life?” You raised your voice a bit, your playful tone carrying into the hollow.

“One of us has to put in some actual work if we’re ever going to perfectly recreate the curse elixir.” The older sister emerged with her nose buried in a spellbook, an ink-laden quill poised in hand to cram any pertinent notes in the margins. With a frustrated scoff, she wrenched her head up to smile at you, her now much shorter, fiery curls framing her face. “It’s so much nicer seeing you without that horrid accessory tangled in your hair.”

“You’re telling me.” You eased yourself down onto the overturned log that framed one edge of the dirt clearing that marked their rudimentary campsite. “I should have thought to ask The Collector to remove it ages ago. Three months of knotted hair was not fun to comb through.”

“Which is why I still think you should have let me cut it for you.” Eda interjected in a sing-songy voice. “Even with one hand I did a great job with Lilith’s hair.”

You and the former Coven head exchanged poker faces only capable of those who had spent significant time near the late emperor. “Anyways!” Your voice was a bit louder than you intended. “King asked me to pass on a message.”

And so the couple precious hours of downtime you had that morning passed as many had before. You and Eda shared stories of your foundling teenagers and their adventures while Lilith busied herself with perfecting her latest elixir recipe. Despite the smiles and easy laughs you three shared, you all were painfully aware of the lingering tension. Even with Philip gone, the Isles were still in danger so long as The Collector saw this world as their playground. Not to mention the handful of teens still exiled to the Human Realm. 

“Hey.” Eda’s quiet voice cut through your thoughts after a particularly long stretch of silence. “He’s safe. I’m sure Luz helped him find your parents.”

Your shoulders dropped as you gave the older woman a weak smile. “I know. It’s better those kids are away from all this. I just miss him.”

Eda shared a somber stare with her sister, who had paused in her latest flurry of note taking, before turning back to you. “Trust me. We know how you feel.” Her fang flashed in the artificial sunlight as her signature, overconfident grin returned. “Comeon, I’ll roll you back into the hallway. They’ll be back soon and escorting you gives me an excuse to see Raine.”

Lunch was simple. Both kids, despite being as far from human as you could possibly get, seemed to share a similar palate to many of your childhood friends. Today’s feast was a tray of grilled cheese sandwiches, sliced fruit, and a cupcake. Sure the cheese was naturally green and fuzzy, the fruit let out little squeaks each time you put a knife to it, and the cherries adorning the cupcakes had a knack for jumping off the table if you turned your back for too long. But the taste was still the same as lunches of childhood past.

As you finished pouring three large glasses of apple blood, you fished into the deep pocket of your apron for the small, bright blue star nestled deep within it. “Lunch is ready boys. Time to come back and wash up.” You spoke into the small object, its surface glowing brighter as it relayed your words.

A pause. Another pause. You smirked slightly and held the star to your mouth once more. “I guess you don’t want the cupcakes I made after all? I suppose I can eat them all by myself.”

“No! We’ll be home! Don’t eat my cupcake!” The Collector’s panicked voice exploded out of the star almost immediately.

“Make sure you thank whoever took the time to play with you before heading back. And clean up anything that broke during the game, alright?” You cocked your head as you waited for the reply.

“...Yes Mother.” The defeated sigh was much quieter before the small star in your hand dimmed once more.

It was always nice, having lunch at the small, crescent moon table in the toy-like kitchen. Not that CeeCee actually needed to eat. They just liked the idea of doing all the stuff “mortal kids do with mothers” as they put it. And coming home for a quick lunch in the middle of a play-packed day was definitely in the top ten.

“So, Collector..” King started in between bites of his sandwich, his little legs swinging rhythmically as they dangled off the chair. “You wanna tell her what you did at Grimgrub’s Pub?”

The star-child shrugged, a large dollop of cheese dripping off their sandwich to splat on the wooden tabletop. “It wasn’t a big deal. We were pretending to sneak into the pub to get a secret quest treasure map but the bartender had all these barrels of ah…aly…. stuff in the way. So I moved ‘em to the backroom and we played.” They roughly shoved the rest of the sandwich in their mouth, cheeks puffing out like a chipmunk.

Your eyes brightened. “That’s wonderful CeeCee! You helped move those heavy barrels to the back even though it wasn’t part of the game. I’m so proud of you!” You clapped your hands lightly together as you beamed down at the child. Did this small act of unintentional kindness really deserve this level of pomp and circumstance? Of course not! But with this kid, you’d throw a damn parade for every small baby step in the right direction if it kept life on the Boiling Isles as easy as possible for the shaken citizens.

The Collector sheepishly smiled back up at you, a twinge of confusion behind his eyes. Quickly recovering, they puffed out their chest, the small smile giving way to a cocky grin. “Hey King! Later we should go see if there are any other shops in town that could use our help!”

After lunch, you bid the pair farewell and reminded them to be back home once the sun dipped below the eye sockets of the Titan’s skull. The dishes were a quick affair and you were proud to admit you only splashed water on your baby bump two times. Not wanting to bother the Clawthorne sisters again so soon, you decided to take some time for yourself that afternoon in your room.

Back in the cozy space, you reclined on the bed, semi-permanently tired eyes lazily tracking the swirling nebula of artificial stars dancing across your ceiling. As you lay there, your mind wandered to your eldest child as it often did in moments of quiet. You knew Eda was probably right, that Luz had gotten Hunter in contact with your parents months ago. But still….

Turning your head to the side, you glared at the dresser across the room. On the far corners, well away from all the small gifts, toys, and trinkets CeeCe had given you was that little golden hairpiece. Despite intending to chuck it out your window several times, you always found yourself unable to commit to the motion. Maybe it was simply to have a physical reminder of what could happen again if you weren’t more careful. Maybe you just liked punishing yourself by reliving your sham of a marriage every time you looked at it.

“This is all your fault.” You spoke flatly to the impassive accessory. “You were so dead set on believing that Caleb had been bewitched rather than taking two whole minutes to think that maybe you could have been wrong.” Your frown deepened as you continued to stare at the comb. “Hundreds of years dedicated to hurting a world full of beings with more compassion than the human race could ever hope to achieve.”

You turned your head back towards the artificial night sky above you. “I’m glad this baby will never know you. They’re better off without a father.” Your frown twisted into an outright scowl as a single tear slipped from the corner of your eye. You weren’t even sure who you were crying for anymore. “Damn you.”

Chapter Text

The soft squeak of your bedroom door swinging open shook you from sleep. With a patient sigh, you smiled sleepily and clumsily dragged yourself into a somewhat upright position. Considering The Collector and King had skipped dinner to keep playing whatever game CeeCee had thought up today, you had expected a nighttime visit from the star-child. “Comeon, I saved a spot for you.”

Your smile faded as your vision sharpened in the gloom enough to catch the silhouette of someone much taller than either of the children. “..Lilith? Is that you?” You pulled the blankets back and swung your legs over the side of the bed. The figure in your doorway was still cloaked in shadow from the soft light behind them. “Did CeeCee remove the guards from your room?”

Raine’s stiff smile came into view as they took a few steps into the bedroom. While their flesh still had the odd wooden texture and crescent forehead stamp of The Collector’s puppets, there was something… alive in the subtle glow of their usually flat eyes. “Oh lambkin, where did I go wrong with you?”

You froze in the middle of your attempt to rise, your legs buckling in shock. A light gasp forced its way from between your lips as you softly thudded against the mattress once more. That was Raine’s voice but that expression, those words, those eyes . “P-Philip!” Your vision sharpened quickly, all traces of drowsiness gone. “No! It can’t be. You’re dead!”

The puppet cocked it;s head to the side, a contemplative hum leaving it. “Did you really think I could be done away with so easily?” Their shoes clacked against the stone floor as they slowly crossed the room. “I admit, I was stuck in the Human Realm with those damnable children for a while. But how could I ever forgive myself if I abandoned my delicate wife and unborn babe?” 

The cold smile sat unnaturally on Raine’s face as a hand rose to cup your cheek. “We were lucky those urchins failed to dislodge my only remaining link to you.” Cold eyes flicked to the hair comb sitting on the dresser. “The sound of your voice was heavenly, even when you were playing nursemaid to that annoying brat.”

The smile dropped entirely, the icy glow from the possessed puppet’s eyes intensifying in the brief silence. “That was until I heard how you fell prey to their lies .” The hand cupping your cheek slid down to the back of your neck, the grip tightening until it was just borderlining on pain. “To hear you deny your love for me… to claim our child would fare better amongst these witches .”

Your hands reflexively came up to grab at the arm holding you in place. A hiss of pain left you when the hand shifted higher to grab a fistful of hair, your head forcefully tilted back to meet their gaze. “Philip, please! That hurts!” You forced your neck to bend back unnaturally far, desperate to alleviate the pain in your scalp.

“It is nothing compared to the pain of your words, my dove.” Raine’s usually melodic tone struggled to form the hostile growl. After another tense moment, they released your hair, hands trailing down to the enormous swell of your belly. “At least I made it back in time.” The glow faded a bit as that terrifyingly condescending grin twisted the bard’s face once more. “It would do no good holding on to any anger towards you, lambkin. You were left with these barbaric creatures for three months. And while you were so fragile and vulnerable.”

You released a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding when Raine straightened and turned towards your dresser. With clumsy, flailing movements, you gathered your legs underneath you, hands coming up to press against the child kicking and squirming within you. “You’re wrong.” You forced out past a horribly dry mouth. “Philip, these people are kind, smart, and so much more than you give them credit for.” You felt your heart race as the possessed puppet froze, their back still to you. “Every instance of anger, or pain, or hurt I’ve seen has come from you .”

When Raine continued to face away from you, you chanced a step forward. If he had found a way back, it meant there was a way to get the others back. To see Hunter again. You had already found a certain level of peace in guiding The Collector’s moral compass. You could survive being bound to Philip again. It was a miniscule sacrifice compared to ensuring Hunter’s safety and happiness. “But, it doesn’t have to be like this anymore. You know I’ve been working with Cee- The Collector. I’m sure if I asked, they would remove the damage done to your body.” You took another step forward, fighting against the primal urge to flee. One shaky arm raised to brush against the stiff shoulder. “No more painful flare ups. We could live between the realms. Raise this child to-”

Your words died in your throat as Raine spun to you unnaturally fast, one hand latching onto your wrist while the other held the comb aloft. The gold reflected the intense glow of Raine’s eyes in the gloom of the room. “I have truly missed your woefully soft heart, my dear. Worry not, before the sun rises, this world will be cleansed . You will thank me when this is all over.”

The skin trapped in Raine’s crushing grip chafed and stretched painfully as you thrashed helplessly against them. Unconscious streams of pleas to stop flowed from your lips as your wide eyes locked on the approaching hair comb. 

As if burned, the bard suddenly released you and lurched back, their lower back slamming into the dresser. Angry grunts and gasps of pain filled the space as they dropped the comb, both hands coming up behind them to grab at the dresser. Rivers of green slime poured from their eyes and mouth as they struggled to bring their gaze to your face. For a moment, the glow behind their eyes faded as they dug into their pockets and produced a small, softly glowing aqua star. “ Take it … kids here… get to Collector… RUN !” 

You snatched the star and bolted from your room as fast as your enormous belly would allow. Despite the pain in your hips and burning in your lungs, you managed a new burst of speed after hearing Philip’s roar of “ GET BACK HERE! ” float into the hall behind you.

The teens were all here already? How? Did they follow Philip back through whatever portal he used? Why hadn’t he said anything? Were they all ok? Was Hunter ok?! Those questions swirled through your mind as you bolted into the archive room. Streaking past the rows of eerily silent, smiling dolls, you kept your focus on the enormous balcony before you as you skirted around a pile of dolls The Collector had neglected to properly put away.

Vaguely remembering how CeeCee and King handled those little transport pads, you chucked it down before you, the anxiety in your chest easing just a hair as the star instantaneously expanded to float before you at knee level. Shakily, you crawled onto it, limbs wobbling to keep it steady beneath you. “Um, ok. How does this thing work!?” Your eyes darted around to look for a button, a divot, something !

Another furious roar, this one much closer, drew forth a cold sweat on your skin. “Please go! Go wherever The Collector is! Quickly! But just go! NOW!” You shrieked and gripped desperately onto the rounded edge of one of the points as the star streaked across the sky. Wind whipped through your hair and stung your eyes as you struggled to keep them open. Giving in you closed your eyes and pressed your forehead against the flat surface of the zooming platform. You weren’t sure if the roaring in your ears was the wind or echoes of Philip’s rage. You prayed it was the former.

The roar slowly died down to a soft whisper, the wind no longer trying to rip you from your perch. Slowly, you cracked one eye open, then the other as your shaky arms lifted your chest just high enough to peer beyond the hovering star. 

“CeeCee!” You cried out urgently, your warm breath transforming into a halo of white mist as the star leisurely descended to the snowy ground beneath you. Confusion blended with urgency as you realized the child was huddled in a small semi circle with King, Eda and Luz. “Oh, Titan. Raine was right.”

“Momma!” The Collector cried out as they leapt into your arms, eyes as bright as their smile. “Why’d you come all the way out here?” Realization dawned on the tiny face. “Oh beans! King and I missed dinner and story time!” 

You held them tightly to your chest, their weight against you providing little comfort as you addressed the others. Despite the icy chill biting at your less than weather appropriate nightgown, all you could feel was urgent unease as your focus shifted entirely to Luz. “Where are the others? Where’s Hunter ?!”

The small star child shifted in your arms and stared down at the ground while the Owl House trio exchanged nervous glances. “Um, please don’t be mad, but I may have turned them into puppets too….” Small hands tugged at the collar of your nightgown. “But it’s ok! I’m going to go back and wake everyone up! I promise!”

The world spun as The Collector's words settled in. No. You had trained yourself from day one not to linger on the faces in the archive. No! You were running, there was no time to stop and look at the jumbled pile of dolls on the floor. NO! 

“Woah, easy there.” Eda’s voice cut though your thoughts as she draped a warm wing over your shoulder. “Calm down. Tell us what happened.”

“Belos. He possessed Raine’s body. Said he was going to destroy everything on the Isles before sunrise.” Your voice was oddly flat and sounded so far away. “Raine… they fought for control. Told me you all made it back. Bought me enough time to escape.”

A low, ragged breath shook the ground, the surrounding trees swaying and bending in the nonexistent breeze. All five of you turned automatically, faces drawn to the far off skull of the Titan as the lone eye socket burst to life with a horribly familiar, icy glow.

No one spoke as the small group flew towards the abandoned castle. From your perch on the star shaped platform, you could see the devastation unfolding below. Green lichen periodically dotted with bulbous, ice blue eyes raced across the land, the fractal structures clamoring over each other to suffocate every plant, building, and creature beneath it. You had to look away when several witches slammed the front door of a small cottage shut seconds before the rot engulfed the structure. 

A sickening cry echoed up the canyon walls from where the castle lay; the sound halfway between a growl and a hiss. The lichen had already completely covered the once imposing fortress; mass pulsing and oozing upwards as more layers formed. 

With a series of disgusting cracks and snaps, sharp structures burst from the undulating center. They quickly lengthened and thickened as a pair of honeycombed wings, then arms formed from the mass. A jaw filled with sharp teeth split the thickest column rising from the top of the mass. Four almond eyes burst open atop the gaping maw, a pair of antlers sprouted from the crest of the creature’s head, a mane of ash gray hair following suit to flow down the beast’s neck.

With a low growl, the dragon’s neck and head swung around to catch your small group in its sights, the claws on one enormous hand digging into the licken where its waist melded into the castle below. “ There you are, lambkin.” Philip’s voice dripped from the beast’s maw as he swiped at the platform supporting you.

Luz, Eda, and The Collector scattered, all barely avoiding being buffeted by the clawed hand. You yanked roughly on the edge of the star, banking sharply upward. Time slowed as the very edge of the diseased appendage snagged on the trailing edge of your platform. Knocked out from under you, you rose in the air for half a second more.

Just as you began to plummet back to the sea of lichen beneath you, those same claws closed around you. Light disappeared and the horrified cries of your companions faded to distant murmurs.

A lone, powerful voice carried clearly into your prison. “ Now that you’re back where you belong darling, I can cleanse this perdition myself !”

Chapter Text

You flinched away from the gentle brush of something against your cheek, burning your face deeper into the crook of your arm as you drew your knees tight against your belly. The cold stone beneath you sent tremors through your barely clothed form.

“Now lambkin, be reasonable.” Philip’s voice sounded close to your ear, carried easily over the muffled booms and shudders of a distant battle. “Look at me, my dove.”

You turned your face further towards the high back of the emperor’s throne. You knew he would eventually force you to comply, that it would be easier on you to just give in. But you were so tired of playing his game. Skirting around his emotions. All your attempts to ease and appease before had crumbled to dust in your hands. Witches and demons alike, kind souls who had shown you nothing but love, were dying . What was the point?

You heard a soft sigh before excessively warm tendrils latched onto your wrists and ankles. With an almost mocking level of care, the appendages pulled your hips around until you sat properly centered on the throne; your legs forced to spread uncomfortably wide. Your wrists were similarly drawn upwards till they crossed over your head. “ Look at me. ” His voice held no false patience this time.

Your eyes flinched open reflexively. A horrified gasp escaped you as you beheld the remnants of your husband. Dripping green ooze clung tightly to a skeletal torso in a disgusting mockery of skin. A lipless maw smiled down at you, the few missing teeth allowing pockets of inky darkness to break up the ivory grin. The deep-set eye sockets were empty save for pinpricks of blue light. Narrow antlers proudly stuck out from the crest of the skull, their roots hidden in limp, silver-gray hair. Where his waist would have been, undulating waves of that same green ooze flowed to the floor where it forked to encircle the base of the throne.

“You see what’s become of me?” Philip leaned forward slightly, one hand coming up to cup your cheek. “Don’t be frightened, my dearest. This is the price I must pay to ensure our family is safe.” His thumb gently brushed a tear from your cheek, leaving a smudge of that sickly rot in its place.

“You’re the one hurting our family.” You whispered back as you tugged against your pulsing bonds, trying and failing to move your head far enough away to escape his touch. 

The pinpricks of light flared momentarily. “I am fulfilling my vows as your husband. It is my place to ensure your safety and maintain the purity of your soul.” He growled at you as his free hand circled your throat. “You forget your place, lambkin. You are meant to follow me and nurture our children.” His hand left your throat to slowly slip down to the neckline of your nightgown. “Your body already knows this. In time, and with distance from this horrible place, your mind will follow suit.”

Your breath quickened as you felt him continue to tug at your gown, the stretchy fabric slipping down the curve of your swollen breasts. “Wait! Philip, no, stop!” You struggled desperately against the bonds on your hands and feet, your back and hips bucking wildly.

“Peace, darling. I only wish to sample a long overdue reward.” His voice had dropped to that patronizing husky tone again as more tendrils burst from the ooze around the throne to bind you. “You’ve seen the toll my mission has taken on my body. Surely, our babe would not begrudge me a few mouthfuls of your delicious nectar.” 

A guttural groan of delight filled the space between you as your breasts sprang free. Your nipples, already stiff from the chill of the room, swelled further as his bony fingers kneaded at the ample flesh around them. When his eyes met yours once more, you looked away, your limbs finally going limp in your immovable restraints. Why should you fight against this infinitely miniscule discomfort compared to the endless suffering happening beyond the castle?

Mindful of his horns, Philip slowly dipped his head to catch a puffy bud in his maw. Without lips to properly seal around your full teat, he resorted to squeezing the areola between those blunted teeth. Varying the pressure on your delicate breath, he rhythmically bobbed his head against your chest. After a moment, he dragged and swirled his tongue against the tip of your sensitive nipple, each miniscule drop of that amber pre-milk liquid slipping straight down his throat.

Short hisses and whimpers of pain escaped your lips as you endured the gruesome nursing. You could close your eyes but with your hands bound above your head you had no way to cover your ears. Every wet slurp of his tongue against your skin and deep groan carried echoed in your mind.

After a few minutes, he unlatched and chuckled at the clear indent of his teeth on your soft skin. “Delicious. Sweeter than honey. Let us hope our child doesn’t mind sharing.” With an excited huff, he dove back in, teeth roughly clamping down on your untouched breast. His motions were more frantic, less controlled as he all but tossed his head to coax the liquid into his mouth.

Your eyes opened as you felt something brush against your inner thigh. Gaping down, you struggled to look past Philip’s rotting shoulders as the warm tendril crept under the hem of your dress. “Philip, wait-”

A low hum was all the warning you received before it plunged into you, the blunt head worming past the edge of your underwear. Rapidly thickening, it forced your unprepared walls to stretch. A high pitched cry left you as you strained against the bindings once more. “Too much!”

Those tiny pinpricks of cold light met your eyes once more. “I know it feels different this time, dove. Just bear it a moment longer.” His hips, or rather where they should have been, didn’t even move as the tendril began to shallowly thrust inside you. “You’re doing so well.”

You closed your eyes once more, your face flushing in shame as you tried to focus on something, anything other than the inhuman cock writhing within you. Your blush only deepened when a familiar wet squelching sound filled the enclosed space. The logical part of your brain reminded you that it was just a reflex, that you weren’t actually taking any pleasure from this. But the emotional, instinctive part? 

“Ah, there we go.” His hands came up to cup both of your cheeks as he rested his forehead against yours. “You’ve missed this just as much as I have. Your body longs for me. My good little wife.” 

Puffs of putrid air fanned against your face as you kept your eyes shut. Despite your time apart, you still remembered the signs of his impending release. You could feel the slight stutter of each thrust, hear the low groans in the back of that tattered throat. Not long now. Just endure .

The liquid he spilled within you was hot, nearly unbearably so. The sheer volume combined with the heat sent a cramp spasming through your enlarged womb. Still, you felt relieved as the offending tentacle retreated, a small trickle of borderline too hot liquid seeping out to pool under your ass. 

A shudder of disgust ran up your spine at the sensation. In an effort to rid the cursed sludge from you faster, you bore down and hastily pushed out a semi-solidified glob to join the puddle. Your eyes snapped open as another mild cramp sent a wave of thinner liquid gushing from you, the volume pouring over the seat of the throne to drip to the floor below. It couldn’t be… you thought you had at least another couple weeks!

It was impossible for a skeletal maw to widen its grin, and yet somehow Philip managed it. “Oh? It looks like my timing couldn’t have been more perfect. “Our child, pure and untainted, will come into this world as the filth dies around it.”

You weren’t sure when he had done away with your underwear or had changed your position so your knees were now locked to the arms of the chair. Probably during a contraction. They had become increasingly frequent and painful alarmingly fast. It was all you could do to focus on breathing and pushing in time with your body’s natural cues.

At least he had freed your wrists. It was a small relief to be able to dig your nails into the stone throne pinned beneath you with each new wave of pain. 

“That’s it, lambkin. Easy now, darling.” His attempt at a soothing tone did little to hide the bubbling excitement in his voice. Despite the occasional dribbles of blood and amniotic fluid, Philip remained locked in place at the foot of the throne, his eye sockets glued to the doorway his child would soon use to enter the world. “The head is almost at the entrance, my dove.” Skeletal hands reached out to hover just below your hips. “Come here, love…. Your father is here to catch you.”

Your shriek of pain occurred simultaneously with a thunderous crash at what was once the entry into the throne room. You only managed to crack one eye open before another contraction hit you again, pulling for full attention back to the small human forcing their way through you.

Peripherally aware of the shouting voices, you couldn’t spare the chaos unfolding around you. Millions of years of evolution dictated your full attention to the task at hand. Another contraction hit as you were vaguely aware of your legs and arms being tugged again. As the wave subsided, you fell back. Only instead of thudding against the back of the throne, you continued to fall into a pair of small, furry and clawed hands.

“Woah!” King’s nervous voice cut through the fog as he gently laid you on the floor. “Uh, oh man. I don’t know what to do!”

A laugh, born of exhaustion, disbelief, and hope bubbled from you as you raised one shaky hand. “It’s alright. Just hold my hand.” You felt the powerful muscles surrounding your womb begin to tighten once more and knew this was the final push. “They’re almost out.”

Your skin burned with the painful stretch as your baby’s head breached you, your cry mingling with King’s fearful shout and an enormous, enraged roar that shook the ground beneath you. The noise was deafening as rubble and lichen alike crumbled down around you, kept only at bay by the young titan’s shield.

As the dust settled, an eerie silence fell. Then, the wail of an infant pierced the air.

Chapter Text

You blinked up at the open sky, the deep blue of night fading to the rosy pink of predawn. A small turn of your head revealed the remnants of the once imposing castle scattered around the clearing. The sharp edge of where the stone floor suddenly gave way to the fresh crop of red grass clearly marked the boundary of King’s protective shield.  A sharp, high pitched and angry cry down by your hips immediately commanded your attention.

Tiny, furry hands helped you lean against the ruins of the throne, each soft nudge punctuated by a high pitched grunt of effort. Before you could even reach down for your squealing babe, a pair of gentle hands lifted the child.

“I don’t have a blanket, but this should do.” Raine offered you a small half-smile as they ripped a large section of their shirt from their body. Wrapping the babe, they slowly knelt beside you. “Your son is beautiful.”

An exhausted smile met the bard’s as you gathered your baby boy in your arms. He certainly was beautiful. Perfectly round ears, your nose, and your tiny pout poked out from the makeshift swaddle. Even the small tuft of hair wetly plastered against his scalp looked like yours. “I’m here, little one. Momma’s here.” You whispered gently as you held him flush against your chest, the shared body heat immediately soothing the fussy child. “Thank you.” You tore your gaze away from the boy long enough to meet King and Raine’s eyes. 

“Stay back.” Eda’s threatening snarl cut through the touching scene. She threw out her remaining arm, her back to you as she leaned forward slightly in a protective stance.

Your eyes slid from the owl lady to…. Luz? At least, it looked somewhat like the teen girl. Only with longer, wilder hair hiding the roots of a pair of thick, powerful horns that curved straight up towards the fading stars. The long black cloak trailing nearly to the tips of the grass shifted as the teen mimicked Eda’s posture, her staff clutched tightly in one hand.

“Lambkin?” Philip’s gentle call drew your eyes to him immediately. Even partially blocked by the protective witches, you could still make out his worried tone. Still clad in his human attire, there was something else unusual with his appearance. The jagged wood-rot scar was gone, as were the permanent bags under his eyes. In fact, his whole face seemed a bit fuller and younger. Color dusted his rounder cheeks and his hair, while still shoulder length, was several shades darker. Only the shallowest wrinkles framed his lips and crinkled at the corners of his eyes. “Tell them I mean our babe no harm. Now that I’m free of that…. that horrible curse we can be a proper family.”

You held your son tighter to your chest as your eyes remained locked on his. He could say the sweetest words known by mortals with the gentlest tone, but none of it would ever hide that sharp glare behind his eyes. The anger and unspoken threat would always be clear as day to you now. 

“My love, let me hold the child. Have you given me a son or daughter?” His smile was tight as he stepped closer still, gaze flicking to the witches blocking his path. “Truly, it does not matter. I swear on all my love for you that things will be different from now on. Just come here, my dove.”

As if the very Isles themselves took offense to his lies, a heavy rain cloud raced to cover the clearing, thunder reminiscent of a growling dog. You hardly had time to blink before the blistering rain began to fall. Yours and your baby’s hides were spared gruesome injury by Raine’s quick thinking as they hoisted a large broadleaf over themselves, you, and King. Eda similarly shielded herself while the droplets glittered and tinkled beautifully around Luz, never once touching her.

Philip hissed as the first drop touched his outstretched hand, his lips pulled back into a snarl to create an expression that finally mirrored his gaze. “Quickly now, darling!” Pain colored his tone as he took another couple steps towards you, the rain burning away the skin to expose the seeping green slime hidden beneath. “Don’t just stand there!” He snarled, anger and alarm now directing his words as he fell to his knees, skin sloughing off in larger chunks. “Don’t let these witches distract you from your vows! You are mine !”

You finally turned away as the rain faded as quickly as it arrived. Catching Raine’s eye you gently handed your infant off to the bard, mindful of his little head. Returning your attention to Philip, or what was left of him seeing as he was now reduced to the upper portion of a skull amid a shallow puddle of green rot, you slowly approached. With each shaky step you could feel the soaked hem of your nightgown cling to your thighs, the stain spreading as fresh blood slowly but continuously streamed from you.

With a gentle hand on both Luz and Eda’s shoulders, you stepped past them to kneel before the remnants of the man who had held you captive for nearly a year. As softly as you could manage, you cradled the animate skull and drew it into your lap, the green sludge mixing with the dark ruby stains on your gown. 

“You never loved me. Not in any way that truly matters.” For the first time, deep in the icy pinpricks of light sunken in the eye sockets, you saw fear. You weren’t sure if it was the shock of your words or the lack of a lower jaw that halted his response. Either way, you were grateful. It would be easier this way. “But I did love you for a time. At least, the pieces that you let me see. And part of me still cares deeply for you. Despite all the pain you caused, you still gifted me three beautiful sons.”

Your heart twisted and a terribly sad smile tugged on your lips as you caught the soft flash of wonder within his disturbingly unnatural eyes. “For their sake alone, I can provide you one more act of kindness.”

While your eyes slid past the skull cradled in your hands to the chunk of stone debris embedded in the grass beside you, all you saw were your sons. Hunter's nervous smile, CeeCee’s unbridled excitement, and your newborn baby’s adorable pout. Yeah, you could do this for them.

“Goodbye, Philip.” Your grip tightened on the stained bone as you deftly raised and thrust the skull down on the sharp edge of exposed stone. A loud crack, coupled with a sickening cry filled the air before it abruptly halted, the tiny pricks of light blinking unceremoniously from existence.

At that same moment, a brilliant flash of red light arched from the back of your hands. As the remnants of the spell faded, you felt as if an invisible weight, long forgotten and begrudgingly accustomed to, lifted from your shoulders and chest.

“Are you alright?” Eda approached you cautiously, her hand hovering over your shoulder as if the slightest touch would send you sprinting away. “Not gonna lie, that was satisfying to watch. It just seemed to take a lot out of you.”

You cast the elder witch an amused half-smirk. “No more than pushing out a whole infant.” With her help, you struggled to your feet, pointedly ignoring the fragments of bone laying before you. “I don’t think I’ll be alright for a long time. But the first step to recovery is making sure all my boys are safe.”

A lot of happy tears were shed that early morning as families shared goodbyes or were reunited. You joined the small huddle around Kings as his father’s spirit, the apparent source of Luz’s rather impressive new look, finally departed the Isles. The embrace only broke apart when your baby let out a rather indignant squeal of discomfort that sounded suspiciously like the tiny Titan’s signature “weh”!

Despite your companion’s insistence on stopping somewhere to find you clothes that weren’t soaked with blood and grime, you refused to entertain that thought until your two older children were accounted for. It was a shaky ride balancing side saddle on the back of Eda’s palisman staff with one hand while the other cradled the baby but you endured well enough.

Despite having been forcefully relocated from its precarious perch on the tip of the Titan’s horn, the halls of the archive seemed mostly undamaged in their new resting spot atop the crest of the skull. Still, you only found yourself releasing a shaky breath when a familiar, overenthusiastic cackle of a laugh floated through the nearest open window.

Even with the sizable crowd of nearly awakened citizens milling about in the grand entryway, you immediately caught sight of two figures making a beeline towards you. “Hunter! CeeCee! Oh, thank the Titan you’re alright!”

You scooped both boys into a tight, one armed hug the moment your feet touched the floor, the other keeping the thankfully sleeping babe flush against your best. “My babies, I love you so much.” You repeated the words of affirmation over and over again as you alternated kisses between the teen and the adolescent. Tears flowed freely down your cheeks as you just lost yourself in the moment.

“Woah! It’s so tiny!” The Collector was the first to break the huddle, distracted by the soft snore of the baby. Stars literally danced in their eyes as they floated over the baby, fingers gently poking the squishy cheeks. “And so soft! I thought it was going to be much bigger, Mama.”

Hunter, his attention drawn to the baby, gasped softly before turning back to you, his gaze taking in your pale cheeks. “When did…” his question faded as he took in the still somewhat wet blood on your dress. “Oh no. Did he-”

“He’s gone. I made sure of it.” You interrupted sternly as your free hand cupped your eldest’s cheek. So much had changed in the three months you were kept apart. He looked so much more like a proper teenager in a black graphic tee. The neatly short cropped hair framed his rounder, fuller cheeks so nicely. Although the new network of enormous burn-like scars crisscrossed his face twisted your heart. Still, there was a spark of freedom in his… brown eyes? The warm color suited him. Something about it reminded you of-

“Wait, where’s Flapjack?” You quickly glanced around the room, hoping to see the tiny red bird zooming towards you at any moment. Your expectant smile faded when Hunter stiffened against your side. One look at this downcast expression told you everything you needed to know. “Oh Hunter… I’m so sorry my love.”

The teen clawed at the chest of his t-shirt as he looked down and away from you. “It’s alright… he protected me to the end…. He was the best palisman anyone could ask for.” His words shook as they struggled to squeeze past the lump in his throat.

“Yes, he was.” You agreed as your free hand slid over Hunter’s shoulder to pull him back into your gentle embrace.

“Hey, Mama!” The Collector’s impatient tone cut through the tender moment as they drifted over to float. “What are you gonna call it? The baby moral?”

You shifted the now awake and grumbling baby in your arm so both older children could get a better look. “He’s not an it, CeeCee. He’s your baby brother. And his name is…” You faltered as you stared down at the wiggling child, your mind drawing a blank. After months of just focusing on surviving the here and now, you hadn’t given much thought to a name. Honestly, you figured if Philip still had his claws in you, he would simply inform you on what the child’s name was. “I don’t actually know yet. Do either of you have any ideas?”

CeeCee pressed one small fist to their chin as they glared down at the baby in deep concentration. “I’ve got it!” He announced with a gasp and a snap of his fingers. “Tiny Squishy Mortal Sibling Playmate!” 

You and Hunter exchanged a silent look before you offered the star-child a soft smile. “That’s a wonderful name hun, but it doesn’t quite work for mortals. How about we use Tiny as a nickname? Just like I made up CeeCee for you?”

“Caleb.” Hunter’s unwavering voice surprised both you and The Collector, your eyes immediately drawn to him. “You should name him Caleb.” Despite the intensity, there was not an ounce of hostility in his stare as he gazed down at his youngest brother.

“Are you sure, love?” You questioned the teen gently.

A small, tired smile graced the boy's face when the infant scrunched up his face and let out another annoyed “weh”. “Yeah… the original Caleb never had a chance to get out from under Belos’ shadow. This one will.”

Chapter Text

“Alright, those should just need a few more minutes to soften before I add the meat… now where did I leave the bowl of griffon eggs… any ideas, Caleb?” You smiled down at the napping baby sweetly snuggled in his safari themed bouncer. “Ah yes! I set them here so they wouldn’t get mixed up with the giant spider eggs.” You murmured to yourself as you retrieved the desired bowl.

Cooking had quickly become an interesting new pastime for you. Seeing as glyph magic faded from the Isles along with King’s sire, there was very little you could do to help your circle of family and friends as they spent their days tirelessly rebuilding the numerous towns destroyed by Philip’s rampage. Plus, learning to balance witch-safe and human-safe dishes was an interesting challenge all by itself! 

It was also an easy way to stay in touch with your parents. After CeeCee constructed the new, permanent portal door between The Owl House and that old shack you and Luz disappeared into over a year ago, your parents had immediately purchased the property. Even with the seemingly endless task of repairing and upgrading the condemned hut, they always found time to pop into the Boiling Isles every day.

Not that you could blame them. You were forever thankful for the care and love they gave Hunter while he was trapped in the Human Realm but you could only imagine the terror they felt. Their only daughter had disappeared for months, a teenage grandchild approached them from another world explaining she had been forcibly married and was pregnant, said grandchild leaves to go fight against the monster that stole you, and you finally return home with two adopted magical children and a literal newborn baby? Yeah, you’d want to always be nearby if even half of that happened to one of your boys.

So, you were happy to see them pop through the portal each evening, often accompanied by Luz and her own mother, despite their not so subtle hints that you and the kids would do better relocating back to the Human Realm for a few years. “Just to get on your feet” as your mother always hurriedly explained.

You scoffed in mild amusement as you pictured the situation. Yeah, a witch, a child from the stars, and the infant of a man thought to be dead over four hundred years ago born to a mother who, until recently, was considered a missing person would fit right in. It was already awkward enough answering those postpartum mental health screening questions when you took Caleb to the Human Realm for his routine checkups. Nope, you were content in this world of magic and mystery where your children could thrive. Your home would always be wherever they were.

You had just shifted a large slab of meat to the oven when Caleb’s cranky cry caught your attention. Poor thing had gotten his four month old shots early that morning and was not pleased with anything less than being cuddled when awake.

“Hold on just a second hun! You called over to the baby near your feet with a small smile. “I just need to stir this dish for a few more minutes then I can pick you up.” Your heart seized as his cries quickly devolved into wails. “I know, hunny. I know. Mommy’s here Caleb. It’s just not safe for me to pick you up right now.”

You continued to coo endless streams of reassurance at the babe as you juggled the three dishes that currently demanded your attention, the strain in your voice pitching it higher every once in a while. Hyperfocused on trying, and failing, to manage cooking and momming, you didn’t even register the sound of the front door opening and a set of heavy footsteps approaching.

“Did you… want a hand with that?” The deep, somewhat unsure voice cut through the cacophony. 

Swiveling your head around, it took only a moment to register Alador Blight’s perpetually tired expression. The hesitant witch had been hanging around The Owl House quite a lot over the last few months. While his abomination magic did often come in handy with local restoration projects in Bonesborough, you had a sneaking suspicion his presence had more to do with his kids.

Amity was never far from the portal during the week. That girl’s internal clock knew the exact second she could expect her girlfriend to arrive at the end of a school day. Not that you minded her company in the slightest. She and Hunter had developed quite the friendship during their stay in the Human Realm. It was nice to see him maintain those relationships.

Her older siblings were pleasant company as well. Emira often bragged about being the one who convinced Amity to do something about her feelings for Luz and had even promised you she’d get Hunter to officially ask Willow out one of these days. She also seemed to have an uncanny ability to get your middle child to behave. Anyone who could get CeeCee to focus on the task at hand and not float off to play after fifteen minutes was Titan sent in your book.

Her younger twin, Edric had also ingratiated himself to you pretty quickly. When you first met, you had offhandedly mentioned your concern for Idlestep and the other unicorns and griffins of the long abandoned stables when he brought up his desire to study beast keeping magic. That same afternoon he had returned to your temporary base of operations with said unicorn in tow, his clothes and hair an absolute mess and grinning from ear to ear.

You hadn’t understood why he seemed so uncomfortable with your tight hug of gratitude and repeated concern for his safety at first. When you asked, Amity and Emira bitterly explained the lack of genuine affection they got from their mother growing up. Despite their insistence that it didn’t matter now that she and their father had split, you still noticed how both their expressions softened when you assured them that she was a fool for not appreciating the three amazing children she has.

Caleb’s furious screech forced your attention back to the present. “Yes, please! Some help would be nice.” You turned back to the stove, your eyes darting between the pots and pans. “Ok so the veggies on the left need to soften a bit more. Maybe five minutes. Then the heat can get turned down and the griffin eggs in the brown bowl can go-”

You stopped yourself as Caleb’s cries immediately stopped, dripping wooden spoon still in hand. Twisting quickly, your mouth parted in mild shock as you watched Alador shift Caleb in his arms until they were chest to chest. The babe’s icy blue eyes, the only sign of his father’s genetic contribution, sparkled with interest as he garbled curiously at the tiny abomination peering up at him from the witch’s breast pocket.

Alador smiled softly down at the babe as his free hand came up to pat rhythmically against the tiny back. Glancing up at you, his smile stiffened the tiniest bit. “It’s… uh…. been a little while since Mittens or the twins were this small. I remember a few things they liked though.”

You hid your surprise behind a genuine smile of gratitude. “Please, be my guest. He’s been fussy all morning for me.” 

You turned back to focus on the stovetop, your smile widening as you heard Alador gently talking or humming to your youngest as he retreated to the living room. Your shoulders eased as you let yourself just enjoy the domestic moment, reaffirmed in your decision to create a stable home here for your family.

You had finally gotten all of the dishes to the point where they either needed to simmer or be left alone in the oven when the rapidly approaching voices of your two eldest children floated in from the front yard. Although the words were unintelligible, Hunter’s frustration and CeeCee’s mocking tones were clear as day. 

Still without a palisman, Hunter often traveled with his younger sibling to take on restoration and reconstruction projects too far to comfortably walk to. You knew they were both still struggling with the recent transitions. Both had been your “only” child when you were with them. Now they not only had to share your attention with each other, but baby Caleb as well. Add in Hunter’s preference for order and CeeCee’s love of chaos and… well you got brotherly bickering.

You glanced at the stove once more before turning to Alador, who was happily having a one sided conversation with the baby while sitting on the couch. “The food should be fine for a bit. Would you mind holding Caleb for a little longer while I see what my eldest are arguing about today?”

“Take your time. Sibling rivalries are something I have much more recent experience with.” Alador spared you a small smile before turning his full attention back to the baby.

The boys were so engrossed with their argument, they didn’t even notice when you slipped out the front door.

“You can’t just do things like that! You’ve lived with Mom for half a year and still have no clue how to act around mortals!” Hunter nearly snarled at the smaller child, his hands planted firmly on his hips in a pose you recognized as one of your go to when lecturing either of them.

The star-child hovered higher in the air to properly glare down at their older brother. His eyes flashed with building anger as cheeks puffed and reddened. “What do you know? You’re just a grimwalker!”

“CeeCee, take a break in your room. Now.” Your voice never rose above a conversational volume. It didn’t need to. Your unbending tone did more heavy lifting than any yell or shout ever could.

Two sets of eyes snapped to you; CeeCee’s held embarrassed frustration while Hunter’s showed a spark of genuine fear.

The star-child opened their mouth to argue but, thankfully, seemed to think better of it after catching your unyielding expression. With what would in any other circumstance be a comical pout, they floated into the open front door, small legs miming stomping steps. A low mumble of “He started it!” barely reached you as he disappeared into the house.

When you were certain the middle child was well out of earshot, you turned to Hunter, your expression softening immediately as he refused to meet your eyes. “Are you ok, hun?”

“Do… do you know what he meant by that?” The teen’s voice was quiet as he continued to stare at the dirt between his feet.

“Yes, I know you’re a grimwalker and what that means.” You answered truthfully, your voice equally quiet. It was a conversation you had hoped to have with Hunter on his terms. But, it seemed foolish to lie or delay it any longer.

Blond hair flipped as Hunter’s head shot up quickly, wide eyes locking onto yours. “What?! For how long? Who told you?! Was it Gus? I told him- ”

You stopped him with a soft hand on his shoulder. “No, it wasn’t Gus. Nor any of your friends. I found out on the Day of Unity.” You declined to elaborate on who exactly shared that information. You had quickly learned Hunter coped better in conversations regarding his “uncle” when he was allowed control over when they started and stopped.

“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” The teen’s voice held a fragile edge as he looked into your eyes as if searching for physical evidence as to how this revelation changed your relationship.

“I wanted you to tell me yourself when you were ready. I’m sorry that choice was taken from you.” Smiling, you pulled him in for a firm hug, bowing your head only slightly so your whispered words could be easily heard. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You’re my son, Hunter. Whether you’re a human, witch, god, or grimwalker; you’ll always be my oldest baby.”

He returned the hug immediately, his face disappearing into your shoulder while his own slightly shook. “I love you Mom.” The warbled confession preceded several deep sniffles before he slowly pulled away.

“I love you too, Hunter. Always will.” You gently brushed an errant tear away. “Now about your brother…”

The teen flinched slightly, a sheepish smile on his face. “I may or may not have started the argument. I mean, my point is still valid and he was acting like a baby-” He stopped, catching sight of your cocked eyebrow. “But I should still apologize for starting it.”

“And if he doesn’t apologize for what he said let me know. I’ll have a chat with him.” You gave Hunter a gentle pat on the back in between his shoulders as you guided him towards the still open front door. “Go on now. Dinner will be ready soon. I need to get back to cooking and you need to wash up and get changed before Willow and her dads come over.” Your smile widened into a grin as you watched your eldest hurry inside and up the stairs, the tips of his ears already blushing a dark pink.

Your smile faded into a soft look of surprise as you caught sight of a large purple abomination monster stationed before the stove; boneless arms skillfully shifting the completed dishes from their respective pots and pans to waiting serving dishes.

Your smile returned as you met Alador’s gaze from his position on the couch. Before you could even open your mouth to thank him, he shifted further over to one side and patted the empty cushion beside him.

A rather undignified moan of utter relief left your lips as you lowered yourself onto the plush couch. Your feet gently throbbed in protest at how long you had denied them proper rest. “Tell me the truth, does it get easier as they grow?” You gestured vaguely to the doorway Hunter had disappeared through.

The seasoned parent frowned in contemplation for several moments before replying. “I missed so much of their lives… I don’t think I can answer that honestly. But they’re not supposed to be easy, I think. Nothing worth the effort ever is.” His smile returned as the infant took a clumsy swipe at the goggles sitting high on his forehead.

“Alright little man, time to give Alador a break.” You cooed at your youngest as you held your arms out. Your eyebrow quirked as the usually clingy infant barely spared you a glance before squealing happily at his new friend. 

Alador’s eyes softened as he continued to gently bounce Caleb on his knee. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to hold onto him for a bit longer… I’ve missed this.”

With a soft smile you leaned your head back and closed your eyes; content to simply enjoy the sound of Caleb’s giggling and the food simmering. Yeah, raising the boys would never be easy. But they would always be worth it.

A splintering CRASH vibrated the ceiling directly above you. “You did that on purpose, you brat! That’s the last time I ever apologize to you!” Hunter’s indignant screech was about half an octave away from being able to be heard only by dogs and bats.

You kept your eyes closed for another few heartbeats before releasing a heavy, defeated sigh. “Break time’s over.” Alador’s understanding chuckle coaxed a small smile from you.

Chapter Text

“You’re letting gravity pull you back down. Just go up the wall, ok?” The Collector grinned down at their younger brother as they crawled up the living room wall; movements slow and exaggerated.

Caleb watched his older sibling with intensity before struggling to his pudgy feet, legs shaking as tiny palms slapped against the wall. “Cee!” He cried out triumphantly, all eight of his teeth exposed as he grinned.

“CeeCee, mortals can’t climb walls, remember? We don’t have the option to turn off gravity like you do. Please play with your brother on the floor. Preferably away from the stairs.” You called out over your shoulder, your eyes still locked on the cluttered kitchen table before you.

It had taken a while to decide on where exactly your new home should be built. As much as you appreciated Eda’s hospitality, you knew having your three eccentric children underfoot could never be a permanent solution. When Hunter officially accepted his apprenticeship with Eda’s father Dell, it made perfect sense to relocate to the edge of the protected palistrom forest as he honed his carving and cultivating skills.

The little grove was just big enough for your cottage and the small, three walled stable for Idlestep beside it. While giving the boys separate rooms meant the living space was rather cozy, the sacrifice was worth avoiding the nightly “stop touching me” and “you’re on my side” back and forth between the older two.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on ‘em.” Edric cheerfully volunteered as he abandoned his twin on the couch to join his half sized partner in crime.

“Hey!” Emira playfully teased as she held up a half completed paper chain. “What happened to helping me finish all these human-style decorations?”

“You’re just so much better with all the little details, sis!” The green-haired teen grinned cheekily at his elder sister as he swept Caleb up into his arms to help the toddler “crawl” up the wall. “I’ll just get out of your hair and keep the birthday boy entertained!”

You beamed at the quartet of children as you slipped a light traveling cloak over your shoulders. “Thanks again for helping out today you two. I really appreciate the extra hands. I’m taking Idlestep to the workshop to see if Hunter is ready to come back. Shouldn’t be long.”

CeeCee detached himself from the ceiling to hover in front of you. “Hey Momma! Can Edric and Emira take me and Caleb to the Bat Queen’s cave before the party? Pleaseeeee? Just for a little bit?”

Edric’s grin widened as he glanced at you over his shoulder. “Yeah, Momma, can we?”

A soft huff of laughter left you. “Sure, I’m sure she wouldn’t even question how I acquired a few more kids.” Your smile widened when the twins caught your eyes. “Just make sure you invite your little sister too. I know she’s picking up the cake with Luz but I don’t want any of my babies feeling left out, ok?”

After receiving assurances from the three talkative children and a shriek of delight from Caleb, you hurried out the door and slipped onto your faithful unicorn’s back. “What do you think, old friend? Should we tack on three more bedrooms?”

Idlestep snorted as she gave you what was unmistakably a sarcastic glace over her shoulder. You knew she’d have no issue at all if the Blight siblings started spending the night. Edric always had a treat when he swung by to visit, an occurrence that had gone from weekly to nearly daily lately.

Still, the sassy mare ferried you swiftly away from her new best friend to Hunter and Dell’s workshop without complaint. As you slipped off her back you silently approached the pair huddled over an unseen project.

“One ear is still bigger than the other.” Hunter’s disappointment was clear in his tone as he frowned down at the hidden object.

“Aye, it is.” Dell agreed softly with a gentle pat on the shoulder. “You’d be hard pressed to find any creature in nature that’s perfectly symmetrical. She’s still a beautiful first attempt.”

“Can I see?” You called out softly as you closed the distance between you, an excited smile on your face. Hunter had been so nervous when he told you Dell thought him ready to start carving palismen. He had even refused to tell you what his first project was “in case it goes horribly wrong”.

“Mom!” Hunter leapt to his feet, his hands darting behind his back to hide the finished palisman from view. “I.. uh… I mean, it’s not exactly what I intended.”

Dell smiled and gave the boy another gentle pat. “Go on and show your Mother, lad. You carved it for her after all.”

“For me? What are you-” Your words died as Hunter slowly produced the small wooden figure and held hesitantly before him.

The deep purple wolf was almost black in the filtered light of the sun through the trees. Silver irises reflected the varnish in such a way that her eyes seemed almost alive. That same silver color dotted the tips of her ears and all four paws. Freckles, each the shape of a tiny star blanketed her body like constellations.

“Grandma got me a book about wolves when I was living with her and Grandpa.” Hunter explained quickly, his voice a little shaky. “When I read about how much they do to take care of their pups it reminded me of you.” He started to pull the inanimate palisman back towards his chest. “But she’s not done yet. The carve lines are wonky on her tail, the left ear is still too big-”

“She’s perfect.” You cut him off as you gently tipped the wolf into your hands, your blurry vision making it difficult to appreciate all the intricate details. “Thank you, Hunter. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve a son as wonderful as you, but I promise I’ll keep doing everything in my power to earn it.”

A brilliant lilac light flashed in the grove, accompanied by a cheerful yip as the wolf burst to life. Falling into your arms, the silver eyed canine’s maw split into a grin as her tongue lolled out. Glancing back at Hunter, she let out another soft yip.

“Wait, he’s been calling you what?” You questioned the familiar happily nested in your arms, the shock of her birth being completely swept aside from the absurdity of the name she just thanked the teenager for.

Hunter’s lopsided grin of wonder lit up his face as he looked between you, the wolf, and his beaming mentor. “I- I did it!” His brain finally catching up to your question, he forced his full attention to you with some difficulty. “Oh, Dell told me palismen like it when you talk to them while carving. I didn’t want to call her ‘it’ so I used a wolf name Luz told me was popular on the human inter-spiderwebs; MoonMoon.”

You silently swore to yourself and every deity under the sun several times that day that you would never let Hunter find out the actual origins of your palisman’s name. Thankfully, despite her rather humorous honorific, MoonMoon was quite the competent assistant. You two had only known each other an hour before you returned to your cottage to finish setting up for Caleb’s party yet she happily leapt off your shoulders and started pulling items and decorations into place with her teeth like she had planned the whole affair with you.

At least until your other children came home. Your two youngest, with all three bonus Blight siblings and Luz took turns gushing over your starry palisman. Luz at least had the decency to look rightfully embarrassed when you revealed her name in a deadpanned tone. Still, even with the excitement of a new familiar friend, the kids had finished setting up the cottage while you settled Caleb for his afternoon nap.

“Good job guys!” You complimented them in a slightly hushed tone. “I’m going to make some tea before I sit down. Luz, you’re doing decaf and Edric, you still like two sugars, right? Amity and Emira I know you both prefer the human-safe milk. Hunter, I still have some of that ginger root Grandma sent. And CeeCee, are you going to sit on the couch this time or do I need the gravity-proof cup?”

After confirming everyone’s preferences you quickly brewed the tea and portioned it out into seven steaming mugs. Passing out the treats with MoonMoon’s assistance, you smiled as you received six soft “thank you”s.

“So… Mom .” Amity addressed you with a gentle smile as she leaned into her girlfriend’s embrace. “So does this mean you’re officially dating Dad now? Titan knows it took you two long enough.”

“Alador’s going to be our Dad now? Sweet! I wonder if he’ll want to play abomination ball with me and Hunter!” CeeCee literally bounced off the ceiling in excitement, their hot drink mercifully kept from spilling on the others by the lid of his plastic sippy-cup.

You, on the other hand, nearly choked on your tea, your eyes tearing as your throat burned. “Well, don’t get me wrong. Your father is a wonderful friend.” Your smile widened as you remembered the nearly daily trips he had taken out to your remote cottage when you first moved in. Between keeping your youngest entertained and using his abominations to help unpack and set up furniture, your sanity had been saved. He still, months later, made sure to drop by once a week with an armful of human-safe groceries. He insisted it was because there were so few stores near your home but he always ended up staying until one of his kids came by to collect him.

“I just don’t know if he’s interested in dating at the moment. He often talks about how much fun he’s having focusing on you three.” Your smile widened as you winked at the Blight siblings. “And, oh wow, now that I have six kids of my own I should probably follow his lead and focus on you all, right?”

You should have known better than to trust that conniving group of troublemakers when they dropped the subject all too quickly.

In retrospect, it was the perfect ambush. You had your hands full all evening making sure everyone got equal time with Caleb, properly introducing MoonMoon, reminding your parents which plates of food were safe to eat, and praising CeeCee for letting his baby brother have the spotlight to himself.

The party had predictably spilled out into the garden as the remaining guests arrived. Between your family, the Blights, the Clawthornes, the Nodecas, the Porters, and the Parks, there wouldn’t have been room to swing a staff. After passing Caleb and MoonMoon off to an amusingly flustered Raine, you quickly excused yourself back inside to whip up a replacement for the pitcher of lemonade Vee accidentally knocked over with her tail.

“Mittens said you needed some help.” Alador’s quiet voice cut through your frustrated grunt as you pressed a cut lemon against a thick glass juicer.

You huffed out an amused chuckle as you pieced together their plan. “Ah, I’m sure she did.” Straightening, you glanced out the kitchen window and was mildly surprised you didn't see half a dozen teens peering back at you. “I’m sorry, Alador. Edric jokingly called me Mom this morning and it kind of snowballed into your kids, mine, and I suspect Camila’s trying to push us together.”

Alador blinked at you a few times, his posture straightening considerably as his cheeks and ears blushed the faintest pink. “I’m sorry about that. I think they’re just happy to have a wonderful maternal figure in their life. I’ll talk to them about this. I understand after everything you’ve been through you wouldn’t want to be with me.”

You folded your arms across your chest, your head cocked to the side. “What is that supposed to mean, exactly?”

Alador’s hand came up to rub at the back of his head as he looked literally anywhere else except at you. “Well, I mean, you could do better. You deserve someone who hasn’t messed up the whole parenting thing.”

“Excuse you!” You shot back immediately, frankly offended that your closest parent friend apparently thought so little of himself. “Yes, you’ve made mistakes but I will not stand here and let you speak so poorly of yourself! When push came to shove you got out of an abusive relationship and did your damndest to repair those rifts. You need to start paying closer attention because your kids think the world of you! Not to mention how much you’ve done for my boys.” Your frustrated pout melted to a slightly teasing smirk. “ I could do better .” You parroted back at him. “You are a catch, Alador Blight. Your ex-wife was a damn fool not to see your worth.”

Silence, teetering on the edge of uncomfortable, stretched between you as Alador’s gaze returned to you. You had learned through months of companionship that he preferred time to fully digest and consider information before contributing to a conversation. Besides, it gave you time to enjoy his presence in a new light. The golden color of his eyes was much warmer than any of the opulence of the palace. His permanently disheveled hair and ever present stubble was perfectly imperfect. He was, like you were, a continuous work in progress and one you always felt immense joy in being near. Whether as a friend or maybe something more, so long as he was in your life, it was a bit brighter.

“Would you like to have dinner at my place sometime?” He finally asked, his signature half-smile back in place. “Your boys could hang out with Amity and the twins afterward….” The pink on his cheeks and ear-tips darkened ever so slightly.

You felt heat radiating from your own face as well. “I’d like that very much.” Turning back to the counter, you took a small step to the side. “And, if you’re still interested, I could use a hand with these lemons.”

Outside the kitchen window, neither of you were aware of the glamor spell shielding you both from the dozens of eyes peering in.

“I still say I should have put them both in a locked room until they kissed.” The Collector mumbled under their breath as they effortlessly maintained the spell. 

“Yeah but then we wouldn’t get to watch.” Amity countered as she smirked at her Dad awkwardly sidling up next to you, his arm brushing against yours every few seconds or so.

Chapter Text

“Should I invite Skara’s family? Emira’s dating Viney so she’s definitely coming. Gus, and Willow are also attending. It would be rude not to include the only other member of the Emerald Entrails.….” You murmured to a dozing MoonMoon as you frowned down at the flattened scroll before you, your knee bouncing as your brows furrowed. “I’ll have to make time to catch her parents after the next game.”

“There you are.” Alador’s fatigue tinged voice brightened with genuine warmth as he approached. “Thought you’d be at the stable.” A heavy sigh escaped him as he settled into the empty metal chair beside you. 

You spared your partner in crime a quick smile. “Our balcony lets me work and keep an ear out for the boys. King figured out his ice glyph and wanted to show CeeCee.” You gestured over the railing to the grassy yard below. The tiny titan was currently basking in praise from The Collector, Caleb, and Edric as he created crude ice sculptures and small hills of snow.

“Ah, that’s what all the hollering was about.” The older witch peacefully watched the boys for several moments before speaking again. “...you sure Caleb is fine down there?”

As if on cue, Caleb glanced up from his perch atop a snow pile about half his height, eyes brightening and grin forming the second he caught sight of the two adults looking down. “Hi Daddy! I’m playing in the snow with King!”

You waved back at your youngest before turning your full attention to Alador. “He’s not a baby anymore, lovie. He starts kindercare at Hexside next week, remember?”

“He’s only three. He could stay home another year or so.” Alador’s brow furrowed as he watched the little boy struggle to keep up with his older siblings and playmate.

“He’s been begging to go to school for months now.” You countered softly, your smile widening when Caleb slipped on a patch of snow only to be caught by Edric before he could fall. “Besides, Emira’s now the school’ Assistant Healer. If anything goes wrong he’ll have his big sister there with him. Human’s often say ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. Caleb has an amazing support system. He’ll be fine.”

The older witch watched the children for several long moments before leaning back in his chair, his face softening considerably. “You’re right. It’s just hard letting him go. I missed so much time with the twins and Mittens… and now the youngest ones are slipping away too.”

You hummed in agreement. While there was always something going on with one of your six children, they were starting to need you both less and less. Following his older sister’s lead, Edric also picked up a full time job. He spent most days off with a few prominent ex-members of the Beast Keeping Coven. Philip’s final rampage had done a number on the local wildlife. It was important to maintain accurate census records and develop species survival programs.

Hunter had been so busy with his apprenticeship he often spent more than half the week crashing at your cottage than in his bedroom at Blight Manor. Of course that meant you either flew with MoonMoon or rode Idlestep to the grove at least twice a week to make sure he was eating properly. At least he had his new palisman, a sweet bluejay named Waffle, to keep an eye on him when you couldn’t.

Amity was out of the house more often than not nowadays. With her and Luz’ first semester at the University of Wild Magic coming up, there was a lot to do. You still weren’t quite sure how the girls were going to manage both taking classes and giving lectures on the historical events they had a hand in but you were confident they’d manage so long as they had each other.

Even CeeCee was out and doing their own thing. With King’s magic maturing, they were the only one with living memory of other young titans. You didn’t completely understand his daily recap of their adventures but the dynamic duo always seemed in high spirits. So long as they were happy, you were too.

“It will be quiet around here with Caleb at school during the day.” You finally admitted with a bittersweet smile, your hand idly stroking your still napping palisman. 

Alador hummed in agreement, his eyes lingering on the boys a moment longer before they drifted to the handful of papers littering the small table in front of you. “What’s all this? More stuff for the… Chrissy Mast party?”

An exasperated chuckle left you. “Yup. This is the guest list.” You shook the parchment still clenched in your hand. “On that pile is the list of presents for the kids organized by whether they’re hidden in my parent’s basement or in the Bat Queen’s cave with King’s old concealment collar to keep CeeCee from peeking. Under that are the recipes for the Noche Buena dinner and Christmas dinner, separated into human-safe and witch-safe of course. Then there’s the list of decorations and music requests. The chores list, the room assignments for when the kids sleep over on Christmas eve, and “Secret Santa” assignments are in that pile as well.”

“All of that for one human holiday?” He didn’t even try to hide the surprise in his tone. 

“Technically yes. But we’re mixing together a few different traditions into one twenty-four hour celebration.” A soft whimper left you as you mentally took stock of the mountain of preparation before you. “It will be worth it. My parents have been wanting to do a Christmas with Caleb for a couple years now. But we’ve just been too busy with the restoration projects. Plus, like you said, the older kids are starting to move on and do their own thing. It would be nice to do one big holiday as a family before they’re too focused on starting their own.” 

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Alador hesitantly reached over you to grab a list from the top of the small stack, mindful not to disturb MoonMoon.

“Oh no you don’t.” You shot him a playful glare as you caught his hand in yours before listing it to your face to press a kiss across his knuckles. “You’ve been working yourself half to death on the sigil removal machine.” Even with The Collector explaining the instructions he gave Philip years ago to create the sigils, it still took a full team of six abomination witches to generate enough magic to remove one sigil. Even with extremely powerful witches powering it, they could still only manage to remove around a dozen sigils a day without collapsing from near exhaustion. Not to mention the tedious task of recalibrating it depending on which sigil was being removed.

Alador stared at you for half a moment before sighing in defeat. “Alright. I’ll leave you to it…. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help you?”

“A kiss would be nice.” You smiled up at him, your eyes bright. “I haven’t had one since breakfast.”

“My apologies.” He replied with an equally bright smile before dipping low to press his lips softly against yours. “Just promise not to push yourself too hard. You can get carried away when doing something for the kids.”

“Says the witch who pulled two all-nighters combining my cell phone with a scroll so I could call and text my parents.” You countered coyly.

The stress and seemingly endless “to-do” lists had been worth it. Peeking out from the manor’s kitchen you smiled at the scene before you. The large living room was nearly bursting with holiday cheer. Garlands, wreaths, and ribbons hung from every window, doorway and ceiling beam. The enormous fireplace still managed to seem nearly overwhelmed with the volume of stockings hanging from the mantle. Centered against the ornate, floor to ceiling windows was a massive red pine tree; the usually sturdy branches straining to support the wonderfully chaotic combination of ornaments the kids either dug out from your parents' old stash or made themselves.

Soft, instrumental holiday music, crooning from a record player borrowed from Camila, created a perfect undercurrent to the cheerful conversation. Even with the oversized room of the manor, the sheer number of guests had people huddled close as they shared stories, sampled traditional dishes, or just enjoyed each other's presence.

Not that you would have it any other way. This time of year was meant to be shared with those who mattered. There was no way you would have been content without all six of your children, your parents, the Nocedas, all three generations of Clawthornes (Hooty included, of course), the Porters, the Parkers, Darius, the Emerald Entrails, and, of course, Steve. 

Your smile widened as you leaned against the doorframe, your eyes drifting to the small mountain of presents beneath the tree. Alador had laughed, full bellied, when you insisted that you had, in fact, showed quite a bit of restraint. With your parents, Camila, Luz, Vee, Gus, Willow, Viney, King, and Skara all staying the night, you wanted to make sure everyone had at least a few things to open in the morning.

“Taking a break?” Alador’s soft voice murmured in your ear as he sidled up next to you, one arm gently slipping around your lower back. “You deserve it; this is amazing.”

“Thank you, hun.” You smiled up at him. Stretching up on your tiptoes you pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “And yes. Just waiting on the final dishes for dinner to finish reheating. Then we can eat and do Secret Santa afterwards.” You glanced over your shoulder to where MoonMoon sat diligently in front of the oven. Her nose was better than any kitchen timer.

“Good. Could you come with me for a second? I want to give you something.” The tips of his ears flushed pink as he dutifully avoided your gaze.

You spared the group one final glance, making sure Caleb and CeeCee were happily distracted by their grandfather before following Alador through the manor and out into the backyard.

A blanket of snow covered the grounds; a combination gift to everyone from King and The Collector. The mix of enchantments meant the scene would stay for at least a few days and would refrain from ever getting too cold to the touch. You mentally thanked your middle child for the latter half of that enchantment as you followed Alador through the softly crunching snow, your path lit by twinkling starlight.

“Ok, I think this is far enough.” The older witch finally stopped you both several yards from the back door, a half-smile on his face. With the twirl of his finger, a light purple ring of light appeared before him. In reply, an enormous circle of deep purple magic formed around you two, the light dancing beautifully off the snow.

A twinge of anxiety crept into your heart for just a moment as the memory of Philip’s enchanted chains flashed in your mind’s eye. But when your eyes met the golden ones of the man standing before you, as quickly as the fear came, it left. You knew in your heart the safest place you would ever be was at his side. “It’s beautiful Alador…. But I’m afraid I don’t know what this light spell is.”

Alador blinked a couple times in confusion, the pink hue on his cheeks and ears highlighted by the purple glow of his magic. “I asked Luz and Camila about human courting rituals. Did I not use the engagement ring correctly?”

Oh Titan. Your heart stopped for a moment before jumping into overdrive. Your face flushed with heat as an excited grin split your face. “Oh! It’s perfect, really! I just… oh wow. I didn’t think you’d ever want to consider marriage again.”

His expression softened as he carefully took your hands in his. “Only with you. And only if you’re willing to give it another chance as well. It really doesn’t matter what we call each other so long as we’re together.” He swallowed heavily, his brows furrowing ever so slightly as he waited for your answer.

“So long as it’s you at my side, I’m willing to try anything.” You had meant to say more; thank him for letting you into his and his children’s lives, express how much you appreciated all the effort he put into restoring the Isles, and a million other things. Only those thoughts seemed to escape you the moment his lips met yours. With a soft hum you leaned heavily into his chest, your arms slipping around his neck as his circled your waist.

Yeah, with Alador, you could give marriage another go. Blight was a much better surname than Wittebane anyway.