James reached the city before night began to fall. It was still a few hours before dark and Shadow Paw went back to his mate while the wolves went to their den to rest. Left alone, James wandered numbly toward Mother.

The giant white dragon laid her head on the ground as he approached. "James. If you need me in any way…" She left statement open ended as he forced himself to smile.

"I'll be okay. Someday they will be back, and I'll be with them again."

"I understand. When are we leaving for the Underworld?"

"I was hoping to leave tonight, but I have to figure out what do to with the demi-humans."

"In the morning then. Your animal companions won't be able to stay out at night anyway. You can rest in my nest."

Closing his eyes, James walked over and sat on the rough cloth. "There was no stopping this, was there?"

"No. Even I didn't see this coming. All I knew was that something bad would happen. But everything changed when you chose Luna over Amber. You broke the strands of fate and forged a new path."

"Do you see anything now?" he asked.

Closing her eyes, she hummed. "Death. So much death. Blood everywhere. But through it all, I see a massive temple with rising spires and expansive windows. Your family is inside waiting for you. Their arms are open, and they are happy."

James was forced to wipe the tears from his eyes as he leaned back against the dragon. "What about Amber and Zenaria?"

"They are by your side. Amber's stomach is swollen with a kitten. Zenaria is carrying a book while holding your hand. Yours is a different love with her."

That sealed it. He wasn't going to push Zenaria into anything. If he wanted her by his side, they needed to take things one day at a time. But knowing that Amber was pregnant made his heart flutter.

"Do you think Luna will be mad that Amber is pregnant?"

Laughing, Mother shook her head slightly. "You know she'll expect you to put a little Fenrir in her the moment you are back together. That woman won't care that she has to share you. The moment she can feel you again, you are hers."

Sharing a laugh with Mother, he honestly felt better. "Thank you for this."

"Of course, James."

Closing his eyes, he let himself relax for the hour it took for the ladies to show up. Before he could open his eyes, Amber sat on his lap and pressed her cheek against his. With a shiver, she relaxed as well.

"We should get started," he whispered.

"Can we hold them one last time?" Zenaria asked.

James swallowed hard. "Yes. One at a time. Then we will burn them together and gather their ashes."

Amber climbed off his lap but not before kissing his cheek. He didn't need to feel her soul to know that she was ready.

Moving to the center of the street, James felt all of the dragons gathering nearby. His animal companions came out of their dens, their emotions raw as they watched him pull Luna out of his storage.

Cradling the woman in his arms, he watched as small wet drops appeared on her chest and neck. He knew he was crying, but couldn't stop himself. "We survived because of you. You gave me the strength to win against Venice. I owe you everything, Luna. From the time you accepted me and pushed me to gather others. To the time at the very end when you saved my life. I promise we'll be together again. I only hope that you like children. We'll have plenty when this is all over."

Amber took her next. "Hey, love. I'll take care of him for you. His soul may belong to both of us, but without you, he's going to get into so much trouble. I don't know if I can handle that all by myself, so you damn well better remind him to behave when you can." Kissing her brow, the nekorian passed her onto Zenaria.

"Luna…I miss you so much. I don't think I'll ever be the same until you are back with us. I'll make sure James doesn't wipe out any cities. And I'll read him every story that I can. I love you."

Setting her down gently, Zenaria crossed her arms over her chest and kissed her brow. Once she was settled, Amber brought out Grace. The woman was covered in blood with holes punched through her body. James felt a sob catch in his throat as Amber used a wet cloth to wipe Grace's face.

"You fought well," Amber whispered. "I can guarantee that James misses your tail already. Your black and white fur that smelled like sweet flowers. When we are back together, we are going to open a tavern and you are going to teach me how to run a business. We'll be partners as we set aside our claws."

James took her next. Running a few fingers through her hair, he said, "you were amazing, Grace. The way you spun poison together and danced through the streets. Ferocious, beautiful, and full of love. When we meet again, I promise to pamper you until you can't walk."

Zenaria snorted a laugh. "What kind of pampering will that be?"

Rolling his eyes at the remark, he passed her over.

Taking a deep breath, Zenaria kissed her brow. "I'm going to write a story about our family, Grace. There will be an entire section on the embarrassing stories you shared with me. The laughs we had, and tears we shared. I hope you are ready to read it."

Amber took her and laid her down next to Luna before pulling out Linda. The elf looked like she was at peace with a small smile on her face.

James took her first. "I'm happy you have Bronson again. I won't say much because I know you'll just roll your eyes or tease me. But our children will play together when this is over. I expect you to be pregnant after the first day."

Amber laughed. "Damn, James. Putting on the pressure." Taking the elf, she kissed her cheek. "I wish I could share a dream with you. You were an amazing friend and strong fighter. You put me to shame when it came to precision and grace. I gathered your crossbow and club. When we build our house, they will be hung and waiting for you."

Zenaria took her next. "It seems everyone already told you what I wanted to say. When you get back, we'll watch the stars together. I'll even watch your children so they don't take after James in any way."

"Hey!" he protested.

Giggling, Zenaria laid her down. Amber pulled out Jamie next.

"You little minx," she started. "When we are back together, I'll give you one night with me. Just one so that I can tease you and taunt you about what James gets to enjoy whenever he wants."

Rolling his eyes, James took her. "We already talked, so I won't say too much more. But I'm not going to enchant our house until you are with. We'll make everything perfect for our family. I'll even help you find a girlfriend. Not sure how, but I will."

Zenaria laughed. "Don't promise something like that. You'll have her sleeping with half of a city." Taking Jamie, she let out a slow breath. "If you ask nicely, I'll share a night with you. I won't promise anything more than that. I know you'll be back with us before long, so you better be ready."

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Once Jamie was laid down, Mender was pulled out. James started with him. "Brother. I can't thank you enough for saving Amber. You are the most admirable man I know. You never cared about race, and you healed everyone the same. I'll miss our talks, and now that I'm stuck with Amber and Zenaria, I'll be praying to keep my sanity."

"Hey!" Both ladies growled.

Smiling, James passed him to Amber.

"Now that James will be sleeping by himself…" she narrowed her eyes at him. "I want to tell you that I'll take care of him. I'll never be able to replace your calm demeanor, nor ability to talk things through with the troublesome man. But I'll try." Passing him to Zenaria, she sniffled.

The kitsune held him gently. "Until you are back with us, know that you will be missed. We never spent a lot of time together, but I promise to remedy that when we are back together. I'll even let you fluff my tails."

Once he was laid down, James pulled out the Elson brothers and laid them down. "I know we've already said goodbye, but I know Linda would want you sent off together. I'll be using your ashes to make a weapon, so I hope you don't mind. You'll like be covered in blood more often than not."

"Most likely," Amber teased. "I won't let him break you guys."

Zenaria kissed each of their brows before backing away. Once they were clear of the street, Mother stepped forward. Building flames in her mouth, she blew over their family, turning them to ash near instantly.

James held up his hand and spread his soul over the ashes. He could feel his Royal Crafting skill begging for him to be used. With as simple flick of his wrist, the ashes began to gather and he formed the mental image of what he wanted. A sword began to manifest, compressing the ashes and turning them into an element stronger than any metal he had ever seen. He didn't even know what to call it, but it thrummed with violet Soul Energy. Once it finished forming, he held the longsword with one hand, feeling the perfect grip and balance. It was simple in design, yet he knew he could use his Sword of the Soul King with it, creating a soul and physical weapon for what was to come.

"I've never seen something like that before," a unfamiliar voice stated.

James snapped his attention to the intruder and found a man as black as midnight walking toward him. Mother didn't try and stop him, so he relaxed. Once the man was closer, James recognized him.

"You," James stated.

"It's good to see you again, My King. I've never known a Valiant to reach violet. You have ascended past your ancestors."

Amber nudged James in the side. "Who is this man?"

"He's the one that came out of the giant Forsaken."

"Ah…" Amber crossed her arms. "Why is his soul active and so weak feeling?"

James touched the man's soul and found it far weaker than when they were last together. "What did you do?"

"He's a Priest," Mother stated.

"A what?" James asked.

Smiling, the man walked up to him. "We have much to discuss, young king. But first, I must express my sorrow for your family. I wasn't able to kill enough of the bastards before they reached you. Once my energy ran low, I was no longer able to keep up with them."

James stepped back in shock. "You fought them for me?"

"Killed a few too." Stepping forward, the man rested his hand on James's shoulder. "You can call me Priest, for that is what I am. I came to teach you more about your people now that I know the state of the world. If you don't mind my advice, of course."

James closed his eyes for a moment. "Let's start with what you are." Adding the sword to his storage, James moved to Mother's nest. Amber took a seat nearly in his lap, while Zenaria pulled out a notebook and pen.

Priest sat a little distance away. "Priests are created by your people as their greatest warriors. We start with exceptional skills and power and nearly the same Soul Strength of our masters. We cannot absorb souls however and must be recharged between fights. Your grandmother was my Valiant before she sealed me away in that giant."

"My grandmother," James whispered.

"Yes. You have your mother's eyes. I'm sorry for not telling you when we first met, but you were not ready."

James gripped Amber's hand. "You were bonded to my grandmother? I…"

"Take your time." Priest sat patiently for several minutes while James processed.

"But you can't recharge now, can you?" James asked.

"I cannot. But if you'll have me, I'll teach you how to bond with me and how to create more Priests. I'll also teach you more about your people and their end. You are already far advanced with your Soul Arts that you won't need my help with that."

James held out his hand. "Can you tell me about my mother?"

Smiling, Priest took his hand. "Yes. Yes, I can. But first, you need to sleep and figure out what to do with the fifty souls I feel below us."

Letting the man go, James blew out a slow breath. His grip on Amber's hand tightened, making her squeeze him back.

"Let's go lay down," she said softly.

Nodding, James let her pull him away. Zenaria stayed behind, asking Priest questions as he was led into a building off to the side. A few bedrolls and blankets were laid out, clearly having been used by Zenaria and Grace while they were here.

Pushing him onto the ground, Amber laid next to him, her hand resting on his chest. "So much is changing. Zenaria agreed to let us be exclusive, but she wants to write your story it appears."

James pulled her closer. "Tomorrow, we head to the rent. I'll help Zenaria get stronger for what's to come. But first and foremost, we both needs baths before bed. Are you ready for me to clean your tail and hair?"

"I'll clean you in turn. I may not be Luna, but I'll do my best." Closing her eyes, she rested her head against his shoulder. "I'll hold you tight tonight if you'll let me."

"I never want you to leave me," he whispered.

"I'm not going to, but I won't hold back on getting answers from our enemies. My claws are going to drip crimson by the time we are done. I'll paint the Underworld with blood and then we will bring our family back. Together."

"Together," he confirmed.

Epilogue

Luna pulled out a chair before taking her place at the head of the large table. Normally, it would be James's place, but for now, she was in command. "How is he doing?"

Linda had her feet kicked up on the table. "He's cleaning Amber as they talk about this so called Priest."

"He might learn about his family," Jamie added.

Mender stood up from leaning against the wall. "Have you finished mapping the temple?"

Luna nodded. "I have. It's only going to grow larger as he grows stronger. As he spends time with Amber, the cracks are healing and he'll be solid in the next few days."

Grace yawned as she came into the room. "What did I miss?"

"How's conserving your energy going?" Luna asked in return.

"Good. I'll be meeting with him soon." Crossing her arms, the skunk leaned against the back of her chair. Watching the far wall, she frowned. "Is he already making a move on Amber?"

Laughing, Luna turned to the screen that was displaying James's active life. "We'll turn it off if they go further. Are we all in agreement that they should cement their relationship to get through these trying times?"

Linda raised her hand. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"

Luna pursed her lips. "He needs her now more than ever. I can't be there for him, so she's the next best option. But once we are out of here, he's mine!"

Everyone winced as the temple shook with her statement.

"Yup. You're his soulmate alright!" Mender quickly stated.

With a smug smile, Luna kept her eyes on the screen. "You better take care of him, Amber. You have no idea who you are fucking with if you hurt him."

Jamie cleared her throat nervously. "Can we go back to happy Luna now?"

Smiling, Luna met each of their gazes. "I'm happy. I don't know what you are talking about."

They all knew she was growing stronger as James grew stronger. She may have only had a white soul when she died, but she already matched him at violet. He was her soulmate, and she was more than ready to help him in the coming days. She would remind him how much he meant to her. Sadly, she had to give time to the others. She wanted to greedily hog his dreams.

"You're the boss!" Grace said with a chuckle. "Just please don't smite me."

Holding a hand to her chest, Luna gasped. "I would never! But there's a chance that James certainly finds extra strength when he needs it the most. I've already set up his soul to funnel all of his gains to this temple. I will be refining that energy and helping him grow. Now. Shall we take bets on how long it takes before he kisses the nekorian?"

Linda took her feet off the table. "You're on! I'll give you a quarter of my energy if he does it within the first three days."

"Tomorrow," Jamie stated. "I'll match your bet."

Mender laughed. "You're both wrong. He'll make it a week if not longer. Once he gets to the rent, sex will be the last thing on his mind."

Luna hummed. "I think I like you that much more, Mender. Anyone else?"

Grace shook her head. "No thanks."

Holding out her hand, Luna grabbed a quarter of their energy and morphed it into a ball. Setting it on the table, she put a dome around it. "The bet is set. Shall we decorate while he sleeps? This place is huge and I'm not going to do it alone."

Jamie beamed and jumped up. "I'll start in here! I know the perfect decorations."

"No naked ladies!" Luna chided. "Or naked men! He wouldn't want that."

Pouting, Jamie slumped. "I'll stick with murals…"

"No!" Groaning, Luna turned to Mender. "Keep her in line. But a few murals of our battles would be nice."

"I was thinking more provocative scenes," Jamie teased. "He's had you and Grace after all. Soon he'll have Amber. I can work all three of you together."

A deep growl vibrated Luna's chest before the temple shook.

Holding up her hands, Jamie backed away. "It was only a joke!"

Taking a calming breath, Luna let the tension pass. "Let's get started."

Switching off the screen, she started walking away. Her thoughts were mixed about the bet. She didn't want James to kiss Amber at all, but knew he needed it. Amber may be his soulmate, but Luna was far beyond that. For now, she would let Amber have her time with him. But once Luna was back, he was hers. For now, she would just have to help him grow his soul as efficiently as possible.

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