"And," Quinlan added with a knowing smirk, cutting off her flustered question spree, "she'll be able to watch over you… as you journey with me." He paused, letting the words land. "And with the rest of my wives."
Serika's mouth fell open, eyes wide. "W-Wives?!"
"Serika Vael."
His voice shifted, no longer teasing but stern, commanding. Instantly, the proud Fire Sovereign felt smaller, as if standing before a towering figure of absolute authority. She couldn't help it; her eyes darted away with a faint shiver running down her spine and cheeks burning crimson.
"Y-yes?" she stammered, voice soft as a girl about to be scolded by her strict father.
"I've told you about them many times during our many months of training," he reminded her. "You even said you couldn't wait to meet Ayame, my first teacher."
"No, I remember! It's just-"
"You thought I was speaking utter nonsense," Quinlan finished smoothly. "That I didn't truly have eight heavenly beauties waiting for me at home."
