Chapter 68: Celebratory Feast & Alaric’s Lust

The aftermath of the battle settled over the courtyard like a heavy mist. The clang of weapons had faded, leaving only the faint rustle of the breeze and the occasional pained groan from the wounded.

Alaric stood over Eskil, the icy pillar still jutting up from the ground, pinning Eskil like a captured beast. Blood stained the crystalline surface, glinting in the dim light. Alaric’s breathing was steady, controlled, the only outward sign of the immense effort he’d just expended.

Across the battlefield, Asmund hesitated mid-swing, his mace poised above Lyra. His sharp eyes took in the scene—Eskil bloodied and defeated, his aura diminished to nearly nothing. The sight sent a jolt of uncertainty through the older warrior, and his grip on his weapon faltered.

“This ends now. I am surrendering,” Asmund said finally, his voice cutting through the stillness. It was heavy with resignation, but there was an edge of defiance that hadn’t quite dulled.

Lyra, still holding her sword at the ready, narrowed her eyes at him. “And why should we believe you? You don’t seem the type to give up so easily.”

Asmund sighed, lowering his mace. “Eskil is my responsibility,” he admitted gruffly. “As his teacher, I can’t have him getting badly injured or killed. If something happens to me on my watch, there are too many people at the Lionheart Martial Institute who would have my head. In fact, I wouldn’t be safe anywhere in the Eloriath Kingdom if something does happen to him.”

Alaric approached the pair, his strides purposeful but calm. His gaze locked on Asmund, who straightened under his scrutiny but made no move to raise his weapon again.

“That’s a smart decision,” Alaric said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. He extended a hand. “Now, hand over the antidote to the poison you used on my mother.”

Asmund hesitated for only a moment before reaching into the pouch at his side. He pulled out a small vial filled with shimmering liquid and offered it to Alaric. “This will cure her,” he said solemnly.

Alaric took the vial, his expression unyielding. “If this is a trick, or if this harms her, your surrender won’t save you.”

“It’s no trick,” Asmund assured him. “I’ve no reason to lie.”

Without another word, Alaric turned to Lyra. She had leaned against the courtyard wall, her face pale but her eyes sharp with determination. He approached her, holding the vial out. “Mother, this will counteract the poison. Drink it.”

Lyra eyed the vial skeptically for a moment before nodding. She uncorked it and drank the contents in one swift motion, her throat bobbing as the liquid disappeared. Almost immediately, a flush of color returned to her cheeks, and her breaths grew deeper, steadier. Relief flickered in her eyes, and she managed a small smile.

“Well done, Alaric,” she said, her voice steady. “You’ve done me proud.”

Alaric’s chest swelled with a mix of pride and relief. “It wasn’t easy,” he admitted. “But we’ve made it through.”

Nearby, Cassandra and Fiora had been handling Eskil’s remaining comrades. Cassandra’s movements were like a dance—fluid, precise, and devastating. Her strikes landed with pinpoint accuracy, her years of training and natural talent shining through.

One by one, the students fell to her, their weapons clattering uselessly to the ground. Each time she downed an opponent, she moved swiftly to bind them with thick ropes she had gathered from the supplies scattered across the courtyard.

Fiora, meanwhile, held her ground with sheer determination. She wasn’t as skilled as her mother, but she had courage and enough training to keep herself safe. Her blade deflected incoming strikes with careful precision, and though she didn’t press an attack, she managed to avoid harm.

Each time an opponent charged at her, she shifted her stance defensively, waiting them out until her mother Cassandra could intervene.

Once the last of the attackers was subdued, Cassandra let out a sigh of relief and turned to Fiora. “You held your own well, my dear,” she said, a proud smile gracing her lips.

Fiora’s cheeks flushed slightly as she nodded. “I just focused on staying alive. I didn’t want to slow you down, mother.”

“Nonsense,” Cassandra replied. “You did exactly what you needed to. I’m proud of you.”

Together, the two made their way to Alaric, who was standing with Lyra. Cassandra’s face lit up with gratitude as she called out, “Alaric!” Her voice wavered with emotion as she hurried to him. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around him, her embrace warm and sincere.

“You saved us,” she said, her voice trembling. “You saved House Galanis.”

Fiora joined her mother, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “We owe you everything,” she said, her voice soft but steady. “Thank you, Alaric.”

Alaric’s body tensed as the two women pressed against him, their warmth enveloping him. He could feel their gratitude and relief radiating through the embrace, but the softness of their curves against him sent a jolt of awareness through him.

He fought to school his expression, settling into a bittersweet smile.

“It was my responsibility,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with self-blame. “This happened because of me—because of the Steele Family.”

Cassandra pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. “Don’t speak like that,” she said, her tone a mix of reproach and playfulness. “You talk as if we’re strangers to you. We’re family, Alaric. This wasn’t your fault.”

Alaric opened his mouth to protest, but Cassandra silenced him with a finger pressed gently to his lips. “Listen to me,” she said, her voice soft but firm. “The blame lies with these cowards who thought they could harm my family to get to yours. And you stopped them. You protected us.”

Lyra stepped forward, her arm draping casually over Alaric’s shoulder. “My sister’s right,” she said, her voice filled with pride. “You did what needed to be done. In fact, if not for you defeating that Eskil and also protecting Cassandra and Fiora from that girl, it would have been a very dangerous situation.”

Fiora nodded, her eyes shining with admiration. “You’re our hero, Alaric. Never forget that.”

Alaric looked at the three women—his mother, his aunt, and his cousin—and felt a profound sense of belonging. Despite the chaos, despite the bloodshed and pain, this moment anchored him. The warmth of their gratitude and love washed over him, and he allowed himself a rare, genuine smile.

“Thank you all,” he said finally, his voice steady.

Cassandra and Fiora exchanged smiles, their earlier tension replaced with relief. Lyra squeezed Alaric’s shoulder affectionately before stepping back.

“We should secure the rest of the these students as prisoners and make arrangements to deal with them,” Cassandra said, her voice taking on a more practical tone.

“And then,” Lyra added, a playful glint in her eyes, “we’ll celebrate our victory.”

Alaric chuckled, the sound light and unguarded. “Let’s take care of business first. Then we can celebrate.”

~~

The courtyard of House Galanis buzzed with a flurry of activity as Alaric, Lyra, Cassandra, and Fiora moved swiftly to secure the estate. The guards and servants, who had been bound and gagged by Eskil’s comrades, were quickly freed from their restraints. Relief washed over their faces as they rubbed their wrists and ankles, gratitude shining in their eyes.

“Thank you, Master Alaric,” one of the guards said, his voice thick with emotion. “We feared the worst.”

Alaric nodded, his expression serious but kind. “You’re safe now. Help us secure the prisoners.”

The group worked efficiently, rounding up Eskil and his comrades, including Yvonne. Their mouths, legs, and arms were restrained with powerful ropes that even some of the most skilled martialists would struggle to break. The prisoners were led to the dungeon, their faces a mix of defiance and fear.

As the last of the prisoners were secured, Lyra turned to the servants. “Prepare a banquet,” she ordered, her voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and triumph. “We deserve a celebration after today’s ordeal.”

The servants nodded eagerly, dispersing to carry out her commands. Within an hour, the grand dining hall of House Galanis was transformed into a scene of opulence and celebration. The long table was laden with an array of exquisite dishes and expensive alcoholic drinks. The aroma of roasted venison, glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce, filled the air. Platters of tender lamb chops, seasoned with fragrant herbs, were arranged artfully alongside bowls of creamy lobster bisque. Freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, was accompanied by dishes of creamy butter and pots of rich, aromatic stews.

The drinks were no less impressive. Bottles of vintage wine, their labels adorned with intricate designs, were opened and poured into gleaming crystal glasses. A selection of fine brandies, their amber liquids glinting in the candlelight, were set out alongside carafes of sweet, fruity liqueurs. The air was filled with the sound of clinking glasses and the murmur of conversation as the family took their seats.

Alaric, seated at the head of the table, raised his glass of vintage wine. “To our victory,” he said, his voice filled with pride and relief.

“To victory,” Lyra, Cassandra, and Fiora echoed, raising their glasses in unison. The crystal clinked softly as they drank, the rich flavors of the wine warming their throats.

The meal was a symphony of flavors and textures. The venison, tender and juicy, melted in their mouths, the sweet and tangy glaze complementing the rich, gamey flavor. The lamb chops were cooked to perfection, the herbs adding a fragrant depth to the succulent meat. The lobster bisque was creamy and indulgent, the delicate flavor of the lobster enhanced by the velvety smoothness of the soup.

As the meal progressed, the atmosphere grew more relaxed. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories and jokes, the tension of the battle gradually fading away. The wine flowed freely, and the glasses were refilled again and again.

Lyra, her cheeks flushed with wine and victory, leaned back in her chair with a contented sigh. “This is just what we needed,” she said, her voice soft and slightly slurred.

Cassandra nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth. “It’s been too long since we had a chance to celebrate like this.”

Fiora, her youthful face glowing with happiness, raised her glass. “To family,” she said, her voice filled with love and gratitude.

As the night deepened, the festivities within House Galanis began to wind down. The once lively atmosphere grew quiet, save for the occasional crackle of the dying fire and the soft, rhythmic breathing of those who had succumbed to the effects of the evening’s indulgences.

Alaric, his gaze sweeping over the scene, couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of his mother, Lyra, fast asleep at the table. Her head rested on her folded arms, her long blonde hair fanning out on the table.

Cassandra, too, had been claimed by slumber, her form slumped elegantly in her chair, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

Fiora, on the other hand, had attempted to make her way to her chambers, only to be overcome by exhaustion mid-journey. She lay curled up on the cold stone floor, her cloak draped over her like a makeshift blanket.

Alaric pushed his chair back, the legs scraping against the stone floor with a harsh grating sound that seemed deafening in the otherwise silent room. He stood, stretching languidly, his muscles protesting slightly after the day’s exertions. His eyes lingered on the sleeping forms of his family, a small, affectionate smile playing on his lips. Despite the chaos of the day, they were safe, and that was all that mattered.

Crossing the room, he approached Lyra first, his footsteps soft so as not to disturb her. He paused beside her, his gaze roaming over her form appreciatively. The flickering light from the nearby fireplace cast dancing shadows over her, highlighting the curves of her body, the soft swell of her breasts, and the gentle flare of her hips. Alaric felt a stirring of lust deep within him, a primal hunger that gnawed at the edges of his restraint.

He leaned down, his arms sliding beneath her knees and back, lifting her effortlessly from her seat. She murmured softly in her sleep, her head lolling against his shoulder as he cradled her against his chest. Her breath was warm against his neck, her hair soft and fragrant as it brushed against his cheek. He could feel the heat of her body seeping into his own, her curves molding against him in a way that made his heart race and his blood run hot.

Carrying her from the dining hall, he made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the manor, his steps sure and steady despite the writhing need that coiled within him. He pushed open the door to one of the guest chambers, the hinges creaking softly as he stepped inside. The room was bathed in the silvery glow of moonlight, the large four-poster bed draped in shadows that seemed to beckon him closer.

Alaric approached the bed, his heart pounding in his chest as he looked down at Lyra. Her lips were slightly parted, her breaths deep and even, the effects of the wine and the day’s exertions ensuring a deep, dreamless sleep. He knew she wouldn’t wake, and so he knew that it was safe for him to induge, to explore the dark desires that churned within him.

He laid her down gently, her body sinking into the soft mattress with a faint sigh. Her hair fanned out around her against the dark fabric of the bedspread. Alaric’s gaze roamed over her, his eyes lingering on the swell of her breasts, the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips. He could feel his desire growing, his body responding to the sight of her laid out before him like a feast.

He started with her breasts, those magnificent mounds of flesh that had been the subject of many a fantasy. They were large, larger than his hands, and they strained against the fabric of her dress, begging to be freed. He obliged, his fingers deftly unlacing the front of her dress, the fabric parting to reveal the creamy expanse of her cleavage. He slipped his hands inside, his palms cupping her breasts, his fingers kneading the soft flesh. Her nipples hardened under his touch, twin peaks that begged to be sucked, to be bitten. He pinched them, rolling them between his fingers, a soft moan escaping her lips even in her sleep.

He leaned down, his mouth capturing one taut peak, his tongue swirling around it, his teeth grazing the sensitive flesh. She tasted sweet, her skin soft and supple under his ministrations. He suckled at her breast, his hands continuing to roam over her body, tracing the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips. Her skin was warm, flushed with desire even in her sleep, and he could feel her heartbeat quickening under his touch.

He pulled back, his eyes gleaming with lust and triumph as he looked down at her. Her breasts were marked with his touch, her nipples red and swollen from his attentions. He felt a surge of primal satisfaction at the sight, a sense of ownership that sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through him.

His hands moved lower, tracing the curve of her stomach, the dip of her navel. He reached the juncture of her thighs, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her undergarments. He could feel the heat of her, the dampness that betrayed her arousal even in her sleep. He hooked his fingers into the waistband, pulling the fabric down, baring her to his gaze.

Her pussy was a thing of beauty, a masterpiece of soft, pink flesh that glistened with her desire. He could see her clit, swollen and begging for his touch, and he obliged, his fingers circling the sensitive nub, making her moan softly in her sleep. He slipped a finger inside her, then another, his movements slow and deliberate. He could feel her body tensing, her muscles clenching around his fingers as he brought her closer and closer to the edge.

He leaned down, his mouth capturing hers in a searing kiss. His tongue slipped past her lips, tangling with hers, tasting the remnants of the wine on her breath. She kissed him back, her body arching against his, her hands clutching at his shoulders even in her sleep. He deepened the kiss, his fingers moving faster, his thumb circling her clit, his body pressed tightly against hers.

She came with a soft cry, her body convulsing with pleasure, her juices flowing around his fingers. He swallowed her cries, his mouth never leaving hers, his fingers never stopping their relentless assault. He wrung every last drop of pleasure from her, his body aching with the need to bury himself inside her, to feel her clenching around him, to take her completely and utterly.

But he restrained himself, his body trembling with the effort it took to hold back. It wasn’t time yet, he told himself.

And so, he pulled back, his eyes gleaming with lust and triumph as he looked down at her. Her body was flushed with pleasure, her breaths coming in soft, shallow gasps, her chest heaving with each inhale. He had done that to her, he thought with a surge of primal satisfaction. He had given her that pleasure, that release.

With a final, lingering look at Lyra’s sleeping form, Alaric covered her with a blanket, tucking her in gently before making his way back to the dining hall.