Streets of Ravetham

The following morning, Kaelen stirred awake and nearly lost his composure. He found himself sandwiched between not just Loren and Seraphis, but also Alyssa, who lay comfortably in his bed. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of Alyssa—her presence posed a potential threat to her career as a high-profile lawyer. For a brief moment, his thoughts raced, wondering how things had escalated, but they were quickly interrupted by a familiar, mechanical voice in his head—the voice of his nanite, Nexus.

Nexus: “Host: Dragonborn form.
Host: Control immunity.”

The sterile, robotic voice was strangely calming as it resonated through his thoughts. Without hesitation, Kaelen activated his shapeshifting ability. This time, it felt radically different. Normally, the process drained his mana and taxed his life force, but now, it was smooth and effortless, as if his body had fully adapted to the strain. He stood, retracting his wings and tail, marveling at how natural the transformation had become. His hand brushed against the tribal necklace his grandmother, Matron Zelyndra Nyxaris, had gifted him. It still hung around his neck, feeling like it had become a part of him—an extension of his evolving power.

Kaelen headed to the shower, needing to clear his mind. The water hit his skin like a cold rush of reality, washing away the chaos of the previous night. After a long shower, he dressed in fresh clothes and returned to the room. Alyssa was awake, slowly pulling on her clothes. Her movements were graceful, her professionalism and elegance not fading, even in such a personal moment. Kaelen couldn't help but admire her and Loren as they both dressed.

But his admiration was interrupted by Seraphis, who sat up lazily, her pink scales shimmering faintly in the morning light. Her crimson eyes locked onto his, and she smirked.

“You’re looking more like a dragon every day, bonded,” Seraphis purred, her voice teasing yet laced with affection. “Maybe there’s hope for you after all.”

With a snap of her fingers, Seraphis displayed a level of magic Kaelen hadn’t known she possessed. Her signature gothic, frilled dress materialized out of thin air, accompanied by her punk-styled spiked boots. Kaelen had seen magical feats before, but Seraphis’ casual use of spatial magic left him momentarily speechless. She stood, casting him one last look.

“If you need me, I’ll be at Shadow Sweets,” she added, strolling out of the room without another word, leaving Kaelen to wonder just how many more secrets Seraphis had up her sleeve.

Alyssa, now fully dressed, looked up at him with a coy smile. “Last night was incredible, Kaelen. I hope this doesn’t complicate things between us, professionally. But…” she bit her lip, her eyes glittering with mischief, “I wouldn’t mind doing it again. With all of you.”

Before he could respond, she was gone, leaving Kaelen alone with Loren, who was still blushing. She stepped closer, her eyes full of warmth and desire. This time, when she kissed him, it was different. Kaelen didn’t blackout or lose himself in the sensation. Instead, he leaned into it, savoring every moment.

When they finally broke apart, Loren’s playful grin returned. “Want to go another round?” she asked, her voice low and inviting.

Kaelen smiled. “Obviously.”

Kunai had always prided himself on being the most fashionable individual in the world. His wardrobe was a meticulous collection of high-end pieces, each outfit a statement in itself. Whether it was the minimalist yet bold asymmetry of Yohji Yamamoto, the sharp, dark, and almost dystopian edge of Rick Owens, or the sleek, high-tech designs of Balenciaga, Kunai always looked like he had stepped off a runway. His accessories were no less impressive, with black rings and polished necklaces from Cartier, and shoes that ranged from the elegant Saint Laurent boots to the futuristic street flair of Prada high-tops, all custom-tailored for his Kenku form.

But his carefully constructed world of style and detachment was shaken the moment he met Trap Icy. It was at one of her performances, and as a supermodel with VIP access, Kunai had been able to see her backstage. The instant he laid eyes on her, something inside him shifted. It wasn’t just her undeniable presence—it was the fact that, for the first time in a long while, he felt real *lust*. As a gay Kenku in Japan, Kunai had been shunned by his family for his identity, making his departure with Trap Icy to the United States all the easier.

Meeting Kaelen had been the next whirlwind in his life. Kunai had always enjoyed watching people, assessing their potential, and Kaelen was no different. The moment he laid eyes on the half-elf, he knew this one was going to be a wild ride. Trap Icy’s fixation on Kaelen only added to the intrigue. There was a magnetism there—something irresistible—and Kunai found himself eager to see where their new business relationship would take them.

It didn’t hurt that he had finally taken care of some old business, namely his ex-boyfriend Ryuji and the mess of Kenku operations back in Manga, Japan. Now, returning to his hometown felt like a distant memory—a world he had escaped from, leaving the small, rigid life of tradition behind. Now, Kunai thrived in the chaotic, glittering world of fame and freedom.

As Kunai and Trap Icy signed autographs at a bustling mall, posing for pictures with adoring fans, Kunai marveled at how far he had come. He felt alive, more than he ever had before, and the thrill of Kaelen’s powers, his sister’s spark, and the limitless possibilities that lay ahead filled him with excitement.

Cygnus wasted no time once she learned that Delphinus had spiraled into madness. The rogue space dolphin had grown increasingly unstable, his obsession with power endangering the delicate balance they had maintained for eons. With swift precision, Cygnus contacted the Annunaki. Using Aquila as both a translator and a transponder, the message was sent across the stars in an instant.

Within moments, the Annunaki responded, warping Planet X to an undisclosed location, far beyond the reach of Delphinus. The planet, hidden deep within the fabric of the universe, would be safe for now.

This maneuver gave Cygnus the time she needed. Delphinus had already shown his willingness to cross any boundary, and hijacking a planet was only the beginning. She knew it might already be too late to reason with him, but she wasn’t ready to give up—not yet.