Chapter 16 - The Minotaur
There were several gasps and a quick 'fuck yeah' from Gemma in response to Lukas' request.
After the initial shockwave dissipated, there was a jarring silence as five sets of spectating eyes alternated between Lukas and Elvira. Elvira's face remained painted with shock for several seconds, but then an unnerving smile gradually crossed her face as her blue eyes remained fixed on the Deviant Dominant.
"I have grossly underestimated you," Elvira said with a hint of admiration. "It has been rather stimulating being your adversary, and not just sexually. You realize I could be sacrificing my political career? Of course you do. That's why you saved your last task until this moment. You clever fuckin' devil."
"It wouldn't be a very punitive task if there was no risk to you," Lukas replied.
Elvira glanced at Laera, then back at Lukas. While her younger sister had constructed the framework of the gauntlet she was running, she was more aware than ever who was actually in charge. "Can I request a day to think about it? I'm not saying no. In fact, part of me wants to say yes. I have to be careful, though. My first act as Guildmaster can't be sending my sister's team to the tournament. Nepotism isn't very popular. I need a proper strategy to make it happen."
Lukas nodded thoughtfully. "I'll grant you a day."
Elvira took a moment to collect herself. Her mind was already racing, and doing what it did best: playing out political scenarios. "Thank you. I'm going to give it my best shot. I feel a burning desire to impress you."
Elvira offered Lukas a coy wink, but her eyes lingered on the tall, young Adventurer another moment before she snapped into action. She went to find the staff, eager to relegate dish duty back to them. Meanwhile, Lukas found himself surrounded by his eager companions. Their excitement was radiating as they showered him with delighted exclamations.
"I can't believe you did that!" Laera gushed.
"Daddy is always surprising us in the best ways," a worshipful Gwyn said.
"Using your last task so strategically," Lucy chimed in. "Pure genius!"
Gemma was beaming. "I can't believe we are going to the Tournament of Immortal Heroes! I'm so stoked!"
"The elf still has to pull through for us," Fiona added, "but damn, Lukas. Well played."
Lukas chuckled, enjoying the moment. Their admiration was like fuel, igniting his spirit as he reveled in their astonishment. "I've been trying to find a way to get us into that tournament," he replied, eyes glinting with mischief. "Poor Elvira. She didn't know what she was getting into when she interrupted me and Lucy."
"Poor Elvira?!" Fiona exclaimed. "Nah, she's enjoying this. You should've seen how deep she buried her tongue in me this morning."
"She asked me this morning if I needed any more help getting mana out of you," Laera concurred. "She's not suffering."
"She's definitely been more pleasant, too," Lucy remarked. "Hopefully the new Elvira sticks around."
"She just needed some tough love," Lukas said, "and perhaps some normal love, too."
"If she gets us into that tournament," Gemma said, "I'll give her all the love she wants."
The girls all laughed and continued to smile, excited by the prospect of getting the chance to prove themselves in the most competitive arena. The energy in the room was infectious, and Lukas felt a sense of camaraderie swelling around him. "Are we ready for the after-party?" he suggested.
"What will we be doing at this 'after-party'?" Fiona asked with a naughty smirk on her face.
"I was actually thinking it might be best if you headed to bed early," Lukas teased. "We want you to be fully healed for tomorrow."
"No fucking way," Fiona insisted. "I'm going to be the life of this after-party. I'm assuming it will be in your room?"
"It will," Lukas agreed.
"Let's go then," Fiona said with urgency. "I'm not missing this."
The group headed down the hallway to Lukas' room. The one question that remained in Lukas' mind was whether or not Laera would be comfortable enough to join. It was quickly answered when Laera slipped her arm through Lukas' muscular one.