Chapter 111: Return of the Heroes

Even after Jax had spoke, the roar of the court lingered around. Everyone remembered what he said and knew to beware of getting on Jax’s bad side.

The cheers had calmed down and now citizens all around mingled with each-other, chatting about Jax and Nulissa’s relationship and what that meant for their future as a species, everyone mostly excited.

Meanwhile, for the pair, neither of them left each other during all the festivities. Nulissa did not release Jax’s hand until the formalities concluded, which included waiting for the heralds to finish their proclamations and until the banners of acknowledgement were raised.

Some of the Elder, influential Vampires also crossed paths with the duo, and despite their frustration at missing the chance to engage their daughters to the Demon King, they had no choice but to bow, however stiffly, however reluctantly.

Once all of that was done, Nulissa led him away from the dais, through a concealed archway known only to the Clan Leaders as a private passage.

The moment the passage sealed behind them, the noise vanished, a sound isolating formation wrapping around them to give them the blessed silence they wanted.

Nulissa stopped walking.

For just a second, she stood there, shoulders rising as she drew in a breath she’d clearly been holding for far too long. The regal composure cracked softened, and she let out a quiet, shaky exhale.

“…It’s done,” she murmured.

Jax turned toward her, noticing that the tension she had from the nerves of the introduction had finally gone, releasing her tense shoulders as she looked towards him and smiled.

“You were magnificent,” she said quietly, “They felt you. Every last one of them. I’m sure you inspired quite a-lot of them for the future,”

He reached up, brushing his thumb gently along her jaw. “You were the one who ended them,” he replied. “All I did was stand where you asked.”

Her lips curved as he said that.

“You don’t realize what tonight means,” she said softly. “For the first time since I took the crown, they can’t pretend I’m isolated.”

She stepped closer, resting her forehead against his chest and hugging Jax, hearing his heartbeat as she relaxed, “They can’t pretend I’m alone.”

Jax wrapped his arms around her without hesitation, holding her fully, solidly, letting her feel just how present he was. His chin rested briefly against the crown of her head.

“You aren’t,” he said simply.

She laughed quietly, muffled against him. “You said that like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.”

“It is,” he replied.

She tilted her head up and kissed her, a firm loving kiss as he also pulled her closer, his hands digging into her waist.

When they parted, she lingered close, her hands still gripping the front of his coat as if grounding herself.

“Come,” she said. “There’s somewhere we can speak freely.”

The private chamber she led him to overlooked the heart of Nightengale. From here, the city spread outward in layered terraces of light and shadow, banners fluttering gently in the evening air.

For a moment, they simply stood at the window.

Then Jax spoke.

“The Capital is nearly finished.”

She turned sharply, eyes widening.

“…Already?”

He nodded, “Most of the Basic Infrastructure is complete, and the Witches have informed me the High Speed Rails are all functional. Defensive arrays are calibrated. Residential sectors are stabilized. For the Vampires, the Eternal Night Domain is already complete. It’s perfectly livable now,”

Her breath caught as she heard all of that, her eyes widening, “You’re serious.”

“I wouldn’t say it otherwise,” he said, glancing at her. “I wanted it ready before inviting anyone to call it home. Start telling your people to prepare, they’ll be moving in sometime soon,”

She stared at him for a long moment, something unreadable flickering across her face, “…You’re really building a future,” she whispered.

“Yes,” he said calmly. Then, softer, “And I want you there.”

Her throat tightened.

“I’ve never been invited anywhere without it being a negotiation,” she admitted. “Or a trap.”

“This isn’t either,” he said. “It’s a door.”

She stepped into his arms again, resting her cheek against his chest.

“…I want to see it,” she said. “I want to walk its streets. I want to know what kind of world you’re building.”

“You’ll like it,” he said.

She closed her eyes. For a long moment, everything felt perfect.

Then, a sudden disturbance rippled through the chamber. Jax felt it first.A subtle displacement of air. A magical signature he recognized instantly.

He turned just as a shadow detached itself from the corner of the ceiling.

A raven materialized midair, wings folding neatly as it landed atop the stone balustrade. Its feathers shimmered faintly with arcane markings, eyes glowing with sharp, knowing intelligence.

Nulissa stiffened, “A familiar?”

“A messenger,” Jax replied.

The raven tilted its head, then opened its beak.

Xara’s voice spilled forth, crisp and precise.

“Demon King. The Heroes have resurfaced.”

Jax’s expression did not change, but his attention sharpened.

“They have appeared in the Kingdom of Lumeria,” Xara continued, “It was very public. They made a big declaration,”

The raven’s eyes glinted, “They claim their intention is to ’save Natasha.’”

Jax heard that and just chuckled, amused at their blind confidence.

“…So they finally made their move,” he murmured.

Nulissa looked up at him, searching his face. “They’re coming for her? Isn’t that the Hero you captured?”

“Yes,” he said calmly. “And for me.”

He gently squeezed her waist, reassuring, grounded.

“They think this is a rescue,” he added. “They think they’re forcing my hand.”

His smile widened just a fraction.

“That means they’ll walk exactly where I want them to.”

The raven let out a low, echoing croak, then dissolved into shadow, its message delivered.

Nulissa studied him, a mix of concern and fierce curiosity in her eyes.

“What will you do?”

Jax turned back to the window, gazing out over Nightengale—the city that had just declared him its Queen’s chosen partner.

“Destroy them of course, there’s a million different ways I can make them wish they never offended me,” Jax explained.

“Then,” she said softly, “I suppose Nightengale should prepare to watch history unfold.”

Jax kissed her again.

“Oh,” he replied. “They’ll never forget this Chapter.”

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