The four of them remained in that bath for quite a while, pleasing each-other and just having a good time, but all good things eventually needed to come to an end.
Time swiftly passed in the Demon Kingdom, and while they were having their morning sexual fun, the sky above the capital shifted from deep obsidian to a rich gradient of violet and crimson, streaks of glowing light cutting through the horizon like veins of molten gold.
The mana in the air stirred more actively with the rising light, flowing through the city in steady, controlled currents.
Now however, within the Demon Kingâs Palace, Jax was standing in front of a full-length mirror, not wearing any armor, his cloak or gauntlets.
There was no overwhelming aura of unmatched power and dominance around him either.
Instead, he was dressed simply, or at least,
simply
by his standards.
A fitted black shirt, the fabric smooth and refined, hugging his form just enough to highlight his physique without being excessive.
The top few buttons were left undone, revealing a glimpse of his collarbone and chest. Over it, a long dark coat, tailored, elegant, with subtle crimson accents along the edges that shimmered faintly when they caught the light.
Dark trousers, clean and precise with polished boots that perfectly matched the theme of the rest of his clothes.
It was casual and minimal, but undoubtably handsome.
Jax adjusted the cuff of his sleeve slightly, his golden eyes scanning his reflection.
"...Not bad."
There was something different about him like this. Less like a king and more like a man. Though the presence beneath it all still couldnât be hidden.
He exhaled lightly and turned away from the mirror, stepping out onto the private balcony connected to his chambers where he spotted Alexi remaining, the other two having gone to do their separate business.
"You look amazing," she said, bouncing up from her chair and hugging him, "I bet this little date will go well, and soon, sheâll be joining us,"
Alexi muttered with a smile and Jax just thanked her before heading out to meet Orianna.
The capital stretched out before him. Even from here, he could sense it, the military already active with deployments beginning and Lylaâs district pulsing with increased magical output.
Everything was in motion and moving smooth.
Jax reached the meetup point and rested his arms lightly against the railing.
"...Good."
A couple minutes passed before finally, Jax sensed a soft but unmistakable shift picked up by his senses before his eyes did.
He turned, and saw her. Orianna stepped onto the balcony, and for a brief moment, even Jax paused spotting her outfit.
She wasnât dressed for war, similar to him she didnât have any armor or weapons on her, and the usual powerful draconic aura around her wasnât here.
Instead, she wore a dress.
Deep crimson, almost black at certain angles, flowing down her body in a way that perfectly complemented her tall, powerful frame.
The fabric shimmered faintly, like it held traces of draconic scales woven into it, catching the light with subtle iridescence.
The dress hugged her upper body before flowing freely down, with a slit along one side that revealed just enough of her leg to add to the elegance without compromising her natural strength.
Her rainbow-colored hair was styled differently, still wild, still unmistakably
her
, but more controlled, cascading down her back with a deliberate softness.
Her prismatic eyes met his.
"...Well?"
She crossed her arms lightly, though there was a hint of something beneath it.
Jax blinked once and then smiled.
"...Damn."
Orianna raised an eyebrow.
"That good?"
Jax stepped toward her slowly.
"No."
He stopped just in front of her.
"Better."
Before she could respond, Jax leaned in, and gently pressed a kiss against her cheek, then the other.
Orianna froze for half a second.
Then exhaled quietly, a faint heat rising beneath her skin.
"...Youâre starting strong," she muttered.
Jax smirked.
"Only telling the truth."
She huffed softly, though the small smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.
"...You clean up well too."
Jax chuckled.
"I try."
There was a brief pause.
Then he tilted his head slightly.
"Ready?"
Oriannaâs eyes gleamed.
"...Lead the way."
Jax didnât hesitate, space folding around them. A distortion formed beside them, the air peeling back like a veil to reveal something entirely different on the other side.
Jax stepped forward and Orianna followed, and in the next moment, the Demon Capital vanished.
The new world that greeted them was vast.They stood atop a mountain peak that pierced through the clouds themselves. The air was crisp and cool, fresh in a way that even the Faerie Realm couldnât quite replicate.
Below them, an endless sea of clouds stretched outward, glowing softly under the morning light. Peaks of other mountains rose through them like islands in a sky-bound ocean.
The horizon seemed infinite.
Orianna stepped forward slowly.
"...You picked this?"
Jax shrugged.
"Seemed like a good spot."
She walked toward the edge, her gaze sweeping across the view. For once, she was just quiet.
"...Itâs beautiful," she admitted.
Jax moved to stand beside her, "Yeah."
The wind moved through them, gentle but constant, carrying with it the scent of sky and stone. For a while, neither of them spoke, as they didnât need to.
Then, Orianna glanced at him.
"...So."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"So?"
"You brought me out here," she said. "What now?"
Jax smirked faintly.
"Now we relax."
She stared at him.
"...Relax."
"Yeah."
Orianna let out a short laugh.
"...Youâre serious."
"Very."
She shook her head slightly, though the amusement in her expression was clear.
"...Youâre weird."
"Probably."
There was a pause.
Then she leaned slightly against the edge, crossing her arms againâbut this time, it wasnât defensive.
It was comfortable.
"...You donât do this often, do you?" she asked.
Jax glanced at her.
"What, take someone out like this?"
"Yeah."
He thought for a moment.
"...No."
She nodded slowly.
"Didnât think so."
Her gaze shifted back to the horizon.
"...I like this though, any plans after this?" Orianna asked and Jax chuckled.
"A couple, youâll see it all soon,"