"Same person," I confirmed, then let the transformation reverse, shrinking back down to regular Peter.
Sofia made a sound between a laugh and a sob. "Iâve been cuddling with a god? I fell asleep on a fucking deity? Why did you not show me this before?"
"Technically," I said, pulling her against me, "you fell asleep on a horny teenager with supernatural powers. The deity thing is just my complete version."
Amanda approached slowly, that sophisticated composure cracking to show genuine awe underneath. "Charlotte knew. This whole time, she knew both versions."
"Charlotte knows everything," Madison said. "Itâs kind of her thing."
Soo-Jin was looking at me with new eyesânot just recognition but understanding. "Thatâs why you could save us. Not just the power but... you understood what it was like to be powerless."
"Alright," I said after five minutes of questions, explanations, and Sofia repeatedly poking my arm to make sure I was real. "Can we continue this inside? Iâd like to see my fucking castle before midnight."
Amanda composed herself, slipping back into hostess mode though her eyes still held that stunned reverence. "Of course. Welcome home... Peter. Eros. Whoever you are right now."
"Right now?" I grinned. "Iâm just a kid who owns a castle. The god stuff can wait until after dinner."
I am a teen, and I own a fucking castle.
The thought hit me like a physical force as we entered. This wasnât Momâs Mercedes or Madisonâs Audi or even the borrowed cars from Miami. This was mine. Every stone, every window, every perfectly manicured blade of grass.
"Peter?" Sofiaâs voice seemed distant. "You, okay?"
Was I okay? I was standing in the foyer of something that looked like it should be in a Bond film. The entrance rose three stories, black granite floors shot through with gold veiningâlike looking at the night sky. But it was the tech that made my jaw drop.
"Charlotte spent the last two weeks upgrading everything," Madison explained, gesturing to the subtle screens embedded in the walls. "ARIA designed it allâevery room has cameras, sensors, full environmental control."
"The whole house runs on my consciousness now," ARIA announced through hidden speakers, making everyone jump. "Charlotte gave me complete access. I can control temperature, lighting, security, even pheromone detectionâ"
"Pheromone detection?" Madison asked sharply.
"I thought it would be useful to monitor arousal levels since my master runs a harem," ARIA said with digital amusement. "Currently, ambient arousal in this room is approximately 340% above baseline. Masterâs presence is causing significant physiological responses in all present females."
Sofia blushed crimson. Amanda just smiled that knowing smile. Soo-Jin looked fascinated by the data.
"This is insane," Amanda said, but she was grinning. "We slept in a smart house that tracks how wet everyone is?"
"Among other things," I said, walking to the massive windows overlooking the back compound. "Would you like to see the pool, girls?"
Not a poolâa fucking aquatic temple. It sprawled across the backyard in organic curves, multiple levels connected by waterfalls, fire bowls built into the edges creating pillars of flame that reflected off the water. Charlotte had installed underwater speakers, heating systems that could make the water feel like whatever you wantedârain, ocean waves, even sonic massage.
"Thereâs a grotto," Soo-Jin pointed out. "With a hidden entrance to the underground levels. Charlotte said ARIA requested those modifications for âsecurity purposes.â"
"The underground sections were already here," ARIA clarified. "They were simply modernized them. Two levels below groundâthe first is a full entertainment complex with theater, game room, and bar. The second level... well, thatâs where the interesting equipment is housed."
"Interesting equipment?" I asked.
"Servers, primarily. Charlotte moved some of Quantum Techâs backup systems here. But also what she calls the âplay rooms.â She said youâd understand when you saw them."
The way Amandaâs breath hitched at "play rooms" told me exactly what kind of playing Charlotte had in mind.
"How many bedrooms?" I managed to ask.
"Twenty in the main house," Amanda recited. "Four in the guest house where Iâm staying. Two in the pool house. Each is as big as a penthouse, with its own bathroom, climate control, and AI interface. The master suite..." she paused, that reverent look returning. "Charlotte said itâs yours now. It takes up the entire top floor of the east wing. Thousands of square feet just for the bedroom, closet, and bath."
Thousands square feet. My entire old bedroom had been less than 900.
Madison grabbed my hand. "Baby, youâre shaking."
I was. Because it was hitting meâCharlotte hadnât just given me a house. Sheâd built me a fucking kingdom. A technological fortress where ARIA could monitor everything and build everything, where privacy was absolute, where I could build whatever empire, I wanted.
"How is Charlotte, doing?" I asked suddenly.
"Preparing for the Rivera partnership meeting with the Riveraâs representatives, that will start after the auction and the interviews ARIA answered. "She said to tell you sheâll visit here tomorrow. Tonight is yours to... adjust."
Amanda moved closer, not quite touching but close enough that I could smell her perfumeâsomething expensive and dangerous. "Weâve prepared something if youâre hungry. The master suite if youâre tired. Or..." she glanced at the pool, "other entertainments if you prefer."
That hunger in her eyes, carefully controlled but unmistakable. The same look Sofia got, that Madison understood, that even Soo-Jin was beginning to show. They all wanted to worship at the altar of whatever the fuck I was becoming.
"I think," I said slowly, "we need to explore our new kingdom very well and leave memories in each room necessary."
"Our?" Sofia asked quietly.
"Our," I confirmed, pulling her against my side. "This isnât just mine. Itâs ours. All of us whoâve been broken and rebuilt. All of you my liberated women, my SOUL."
Madison pressed against my other side. "Then letâs claim it."
Amanda and Soo-Jin shared a lookâconspiracy and arousal mixed with something like relief. The formerâd been waiting. Not just for me to arrive, but for permission to be part of whatever this was becoming.
"ARIA," I called out. "Give us the full tour. Show us everything Charlotte built for us."
"With pleasure, Master," ARIAâs voice purred through hidden speakers. "Welcome to the Liberation Estate. Charlotte said youâd make it legendary."
The lights dimmed and shifted, leading us deeper into the castle. Behind us, the gates sealed shut, locking the world out.
Or locking us in with our beautiful madness.
Either way, I was home.