They were both in their thirties. Both had seen shit. Both understood what it meant to survive.

And in that moment, they were sisters.

Reyna came next.

The newest addition before Lila, still adjusting to the reality of being part of a harem this size. She understood what it meant to be overwhelmed.

"Welcome home," Reyna said, smiling warmly. "It's a lot at first. But you'll love it. Promise."

Lila managed a shaky smile back.

Then the others descended. They knew her story.

Not overwhelming her. Not crowding. Just... welcoming.

Madison stood, offered a hand. "Madison Torres. The Queen, apparently, though I didn't ask for the title. I'm glad you're safe."

Charlotte followed. "Charlotte Thompson. CEO of Quantum Tech. If you need anything—tech, clothes, literally anything—just ask. Or tell ARIA. She's usually faster."

Sofia gave a small wave from the couch. "Sofia Delgado. I know what it's like to be trapped. To feel like there's no way out. You're free now. That's what matters."

Isabella approached with Luna. "Isabella Rodriguez. And this is Valentina Luna. We've both been where you are—different circumstances, same feeling. You're not alone."

Amanda came over from the window. "Amanda Wells. I run part of Liberation Holdings with this chaos god and Charlotte's assistant. You'll get used to the insanity. Eventually."

Soo-Jin offered a polite nod. "Soo-Jin Park." My cute blade didn't say much.

The Miami six introduced themselves as a unit—because they did everything as a unit.

Celeste Dubois: "French art curator. The accent is real, the attitude is optional."

Vivienne Carter: "I have the best Fashion sense here. We're taking you shopping tomorrow whether you like it or not."

Gabrielle: "If you need legal protection from anyone, I'll bury them."

Ashby Rousseau. "More bored with normal life, which is why I'm here. Welcome to the circus."

"Sophia, Also the person who makes sure he's kept satisfied in bed." Lila laughed at that.

Anastasia Romanov didn't get up from her chair, just raised a glass. "Anastasia. Russian. Rich; medical genius and royalty where I come from but here, call me family."

They finished in perfect synchronization, which was either practiced or just how they operated after years together.

Victoria: "I can pose as a musician for your dance. And the only one here with any actual talent, according to me."

Anya and Ortega introduced themselves together, their stories too similar and too dark to share right now. Just quiet welcomes from women who understood trauma.

Janet came over together.

"Janet. I used to run this house before the robots took my job."

Luna chimed in, "I do NOT miss laundry day. You'll understand soon."

Rebecca looked up from her book. "Rebecca. I'm the quiet one. Don't take it personally."

Dominique gave a small wave. "Dominique Zhang. Also quiet. Also not personal. The library is on the third floor if you need space. Has all books about sex." They all laughed.

Margaret stood gracefully. "Margaret Thompson. Charlotte's mother. And yes, I'm fully aware how strange this situation is. I've decided strange is better than boring."

And then Emma.

Sweet Emma who'd heard the whole story when I'd explained to everyone what had happened.

She crossed the room and pulled Lila into another hug. Gentler than Ava's. More like a little sister seeking comfort from a big sister who'd survived the worst.

"I'm so sorry," Emma whispered. "I'm so sorry that happened to you."

Lila's arms came up, wrapping around Emma like she'd found an anchor.

They stood there for a long moment.

Two women who'd both been victimized by men who thought power meant ownership.

Emma who'd been nearly broken.

Lila who'd been trapped and nearly destroyed.

Both of them survivors.

Both of them finding family in the wreckage.

Sarah joined them, wrapping both in a group hug. "Sarah. Emma's twin. Also part of the 'fuck men who think they can hurt us' club. Welcome."

When they finally pulled apart, they sat together on the couch, Emma still holding Lila's hand like she might disappear if she let go.

I watched it all and felt something warm settle in my chest.

Pride.

This was what I'd built.

Not just a harem. Not just a collection of beautiful women.

A family.

Women who protected each other. Who welcomed new members not as competition but as sisters. Who understood that safety and belonging mattered more than hierarchy or jealousy.

This was what made it work.

This would've called for an orgy under normal circumstances. A proper welcome into the family, the kind of celebration that ended with everyone exhausted and satisfied and bonded in ways that went beyond words.

But not today.

There were still wounds to heal. Lila needed time. Needed safety. Needed to understand she was free before diving into the deeper aspects of what this family was.

And honestly? I didn't want another orgy until ALL my women could participate.

That meant Sarah. That meant Lila.

I hadn't had sex with them yet. Hadn't crossed that line. And I wouldn't have a full family celebration until every single woman in this room could be part of it.

Until then? Threesomes. Foursomes. Whatever combinations happened naturally.

But the next full orgy—the next time the entire family came together like that—everyone would be included.

No exceptions.

That was the rule I'd set for myself, and I was sticking to it.

This was what made it work.

"Too bad Catherine isn't here," Madison said, smiling at the memory. "She would've loved to welcome you properly."

I laughed. "Yeah, I still remember Catherine's entrance it was... memorable."

"What happened?" Lila asked quietly.

"Oh my god," Emma said, grinning. "So Catherine is Madison's aunt, right? And she found out that Madison's fiancé—" she pointed at me "—has two identities and a whole harem situation happening. Most aunts would freak out."

"Catherine," Madison continued, "laughed so hard she nearly fell over. Then she bowed—" Madison demonstrated, bending at the waist dramatically "—and said 'My Emperor' while looking at Eros."

"Then she turned to me," Madison added, barely containing her laughter, "and said 'Accept this humble subject into this great Emperor's harem, My Empress!' Like she was performing in a play."

The whole room cracked up remembering it.

"She took to the whole thing faster than anyone," I said. "Didn't even blink at the fact that her niece is the Queen of a harem and she'd just asked to join it. Just... rolled with it like it was the most natural thing in the world."

"I love her," Charlotte said simply. "She's chaos in the best way."

"We all love her," Anastasia added. "She makes everything more entertaining."

Lila was smiling now. Really smiling. The terror in her eyes fading into something softer.

"You'll meet her soon," I said. "Along with Mom and Patricia and Priya and Catherine and my stupid best of the best friends. The family's bigger than this. But this is a good start."

She nodded.

And then one of the Homebots glided into the room carrying a tray.

Lila's eyes went wide again.

The robot was sleek. Chrome body with blue accent lighting. Humanoid shape but clearly mechanical—no attempt to look human, just functional beauty. About five feet tall. Moving with liquid precision that made it look like it was floating instead of walking.

It approached Lila directly, sensors reading her biometrics through the quantum watch I'd slipped onto her wrist at the hospital.

The watch was simple. Elegant black band. Holographic interface currently dormant.

But the Homebot had read it. Knew what Lila needed before she'd even consciously felt the need.

It extended the tray.

Water. Room temperature. In a glass that probably cost fifty dollars because everything in this house was expensive.

Lila stared at it.

"It... knew I was thirsty?"

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