I sat in the study for what felt like hours, my heart hammering against my ribs with every creak of the castle's ancient timbers. I tried to read the maps on the desk, but the tiny flags just blurred together. My mind kept replaying Seraphina's words: When I come back, I'll be yours. And you'll be mine.

A soft knock pulled me from my spiral. The door opened, and Seraphina stepped inside, still in her armor but with her hair loose now, silver waves cascading over her shoulders. She looked different—softer, but no less determined. Behind her, the hallway was empty. She closed the door and locked it.

"Father is... not thrilled," she said, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "But he's accepted it. The council is already drafting recruitment notices for 'specialist candidates.' They're framing it as a magical bonding ritual. Technically true."

"Recruitment notices?" I said, my voice squeaking.

"For the harem. I told you, efficiency." She stepped closer, her green eyes searching mine. "But first things first. Alex, I've thought about this carefully. I understand the conditions you explained. I know what I'm agreeing to—the transformation, the forced love, the intimacy required to activate the boost." She took a breath. "And I consent. Fully and freely. I want to be the first member of your harem."

The words hung in the air between us. Then something shifted. A warmth bloomed in my chest, spreading through my veins like honey. I felt an overwhelming surge of affection for the woman standing in front of me—not just attraction, not just gratitude, but a deep, genuine love that felt like it had always been there, waiting to be unlocked. My eyes stung.

"Seraphina," I breathed, and her name felt like a prayer.

Her eyes widened. Her hand flew to her chest. "I feel it," she whispered. "I feel... you. In my heart. Like I've known you my whole life." She laughed, a shaky, joyful sound. "I'm in love with you, Alex. That's so strange. And so wonderful."

She stepped forward and cupped my face in her hands. Her palms were calloused but gentle. "And I feel something else," she said, her voice dropping lower. "The transformation. It's happening."

I looked down. Her armor seemed to shift, the metal plates realigning. Then a bulge pushed against the front of her leather pants, growing, taking shape. She gasped, her cheeks flushing.

…