The light faded, and the air fell still.

Tessa was the first to move, namely her wide eyes darting across the unfamiliar landscape.

"What in the…?!" Her voice trailed off as she spun in place, trying to make sense of it all. Just a moment ago, they were standing in the throne room, watching Calypso's old seat of power being taken by Kaiden in the heart of the dungeon. And now… this?

Vaelira's porcelain face twisted in disbelief, her pale eyes flicking between Kaiden and the shifting horizon. "How the hell did we end up here?!" Her tone was sharp, accusatory even, though the trembling in her voice betrayed her unease. When her gaze landed on Kaiden, her jaw tightened with that familiar jealousy seething just beneath the surface.

Jack turned his head slowly, visor reflecting the massive gate, muttering under his breath, "This doesn't make sense…" He planted his mace-shield into the dirt with a soft thud, as if needing to ground himself.

The members of Nova Circuit exchanged looks, showing confusion, disbelief, and a great deal of fear. They had been inside the throne room one heartbeat, and now stood at what was unmistakably the entrance of the dungeon.

Kaiden's girls didn't fare much better.

Bastet tilted her head, her feline ears twitching as she inhaled deeply. Her nostrils flared, inhaling deep to gather as much information as possible.

Aria's brow was furrowed. "Kai, what's going on?"

Luna, however, was the opposite. She snorted and folded her arms with a grin tugging at her lips as she noticed the way Kaiden's smirk had returned. "You're way too smug for your own good, you arrogant bastard."

He didn't deny it.

Behind them, Calypso slowly turned in a full circle, her fingers brushing against the air as if feeling something invisible. The expression on her face was pure marvel, awe, and disbelief. "It's… the same," she whispered. "My dungeon. But it's so different!"

Her words faded as realization struck. The dungeon had been reborn; not hers anymore, but Kaiden's. There was zero regret on the beautiful demoness' face, however. Instead, her eyes studied her lover, full of joy and pride. She was overjoyed to have Kaiden become the new owner.

But then, the members of Nova Circuit began taking uncertain steps, intent on exploring just what was going on.

At that exact moment, Kaiden's calm, commanding voice sounded.

"Stop."

The word alone froze the group in place.

He stepped forward. "No one is allowed to enter my dungeon without permission besides my family. I ask that you all leave immediately."

The declaration sent a wave of unease through Nova Circuit. Tessa hesitated before stepping closer. "Kaiden," she began softly, nervously. "You've… done something inexplicable again, haven't you?"

He nodded once, but the playful smugness his girls observed in him was gone. Nova Circuit was business, not pleasure. He had to get this done before relaxing. "Tessa, I still consider you my ally. You don't have to worry. When you called us, even though we were amateurs, and even though it was for mutual benefit, you gave us a chance. I wouldn't be here if you hadn't made that call. And I certainly wouldn't have my awesome tanned lover at my side."

He smiled faintly toward Bastet, who purred like a lovestruck maiden in response, before continuing, "So, you don't have to fear me. As long as you don't move against me, I'll treat you well."

Tessa's shoulders loosened. Her lips parted slightly with relief. She'd feared he might see her and her guild as burdens, leeches clinging to his rising power. But his words proved otherwise. He still saw her as an ally.

Then Kaiden's expression sharpened.

"However, I want you to ensure none of your guild speaks about what they saw here."

That sentence hit her like a spark. Understanding flashed in Tessa's eyes; this was a test. If she couldn't control her people, if Nova Circuit couldn't be trusted to keep their mouths shut, they would cease to be allies in Kaiden's eyes.

Tessa straightened, resolve hardening in her posture. She turned sharply, and her voice rang out. "Everyone, fall back! We're leaving right now. No one speaks of what we witnessed here, or you'll be sued for breaking your contracts! And that's just the official punishment! The gods know I'll ensure you have a 'tragic' accident."

Jack immediately nodded, Sasha followed suit, and even Vaelira, though she clicked her tongue in frustration, turned away, muttering under her breath.

Kaiden then turned toward Diaz, the only outsider who remained. "You too, my friend. I'm sorry, I trust you greatly, even with my back. But the fewer eyes, the better. However, let me promise you that if the day ever comes that you're in great danger, just call."

The assassin remained silent, then grinned and flipped a dagger masterfully around his finger. He seemed to understand.

"Enjoy your new crib, man."

With his departure, the tunnel ahead stretched into darkness. The air was still, until Kaiden brought two fingers to his lips and let out a sharp, piercing whistle.

At first, nothing. Then came the sound. A low rumble, like thunder caught underground, followed by the rhythmic beating of leathery wings and excited screeching. The shadows in the distance moved fast.

Dozens of shapes poured from the darkness, their eyes glowing red, their shrieks echoing like twisted laughter.

Abyssal Nightclaws. Lean, winged horrors with scales black as ink and fangs that gleamed in the gloom. Their approach was a blur of wings, claws, and venomous gurgles.

Aria's reaction was instant. "What the hell is that?" she squeaked, stumbling back and grabbing onto Kaiden's arm, perfectly playing the role of a fragile maiden in need of a brave knight's protection.

Nyx watched the obvious needy reaction from the Yandere Princess with wry eyes before chuckling, "Kaiden, those things look like they came out of a nightmare!"

Luna folded her arms and sighed deeply, giving him the driest look imaginable. "Of course you'd whistle and summon actual demons from the dark. Because why wouldn't you?"

Bastet tilted her head, unimpressed. Especially when the felinid saw the adoring look her master was giving these terrible, filthy creatures of the abyss. "They're drooling poison, Master. That's not cute, that's toxic waste with wings."

Kaiden, instead of being alarmed, only smiled fondly. "I have no clue whatever you could mean, my tanned kitten. They're like cute dogs, just with wings."

"Cute dogs?!" the felinid yelped.

Despite their terrifying looks, they moved with a strange intelligence; sniffing, chirping, and clicking their teeth, akin to excitable dogs meeting their owner.

Calypso, meanwhile, was overjoyed. Her golden eyes went wide, and she clapped her hands together. "Nightclaws! Darling, such a great choice! They're perfect for this cavern!" She stepped right up to them without hesitation, brushing her fingers along one of their smooth, scaled heads.

The creature purred.

Actually purred.

Calypso giggled, then leaned in and gave Kaiden a quick peck on the lips, far too proud and in love to contain herself. Her long tail even curled affectionately around his legs.

Kaiden chuckled and spread his arms as the pack swarmed closer. One landed on his shoulder, another on his back, a third perched boldly on his head. The others crowded around his legs, chirping and nudging for attention.

The girls, however, stood frozen, wide-eyed and thoroughly unconvinced.

Bastet's nose wrinkled. Their stench was brutal. "You pet these things?!"

Aria peeked from behind him, whispering, "They… they're not going to bite, right?"

One Nightclaw turned toward her and blinked, tilting its head. Then it chirped softly in greeting. Aria squeaked again and ducked behind Kaiden fully. She was playing her scared maiden self-imposed role far too greatly.

Calypso crouched beside one and cooed, stroking its wings. "They love me too! They know their Matriarch."

And indeed, the Nightclaws reacted warmly to her touch, crowding around the demoness, but their heads constantly tilted back toward Kaiden, checking for approval. Their loyalty was absolute.

Calyspo might've been the Infernal Matriarch, but their Abyssal Patriarch was the one and only person they viewed standing at the apex of the pecking order.

Kaiden's smirk returned. "Alright, girls," he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ready?"

"Ready?" Aria echoed, instantly suspicious. "Why do you sound like you're about to do something I'll not appreciate?"

He extended both hands, and two Nightclaws eagerly stepped forward, offering their legs. Kaiden gripped them without hesitation, and with a few heavy beats of their wings, they lifted him clean off the ground.

The rest of the pack spread their wings and approached the others, offering the same invitation.

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