Ancestral Lineage

After the hearty laugh and the men moved to make preparations, the women—all Ethan's women—retreated to their shared quarters for a long-awaited conversation. One they had delayed for far too long.

Their main quarters were nothing less than a sanctum, vast and elegant, the size of a full house in its own right. At its heart lay the living room, broad as two grand chambers joined together, with high arched ceilings that seemed to drink in the light. Polished marble floors shimmered faintly, scattered with thick woven rugs of intricate patterns, softening the space and inviting warmth. Plush lounges and carved wooden chairs circled a low crystalline table, its surface alive with faint glimmers of light that shifted like starlight caught beneath glass.

To the left opened the bedroom—a chamber so large it seemed to breathe, with a bed framed in carved obsidian and draped in silken sheets, its canopy embroidered with constellations only visible in the skies of Anbord. On the right lay a serene meditation hall, minimalist yet profound, its walls etched with faint sigils that pulsed gently with ambient energy, the perfect balance between silence and power.

But it was the far end of the quarters that drew the eye. There, a balcony stretched outward, framed by gilded pillars, overlooking the sweeping cityscape beyond. Beside it flourished a breathtaking garden, lush and fragrant, as though stolen from a dream. Exotic plants and flowers blossomed in vibrant colors, their petals dripping with dew that glowed faintly in the dusk. Some species hailed from Anbord, but many were rarities from the Beast Plane—flowers that hummed faintly with energy, leaves that shimmered in colors unseen by mortal eyes, vines that curled upward as though alive with thought. The air was perfumed and alive, carrying the faint, sweet song of blossoms that opened only under the gaze of the moon.

But, tonight wasn't the time to admire the beauty of the place. It wasn't the time for outward beauty but the time for honesty.

"I hate to say this, but, I don't really like any of you apart from Harley," Clara started as she took a seat on one of the chairs, Harley sitting by her side and caressing her bulging belly.

Her blue eyes turned pink for a second and went back to their usual blue.

"Honestly, I don't care the number of women Honey has. I'm just concerned about his happiness. So as long as he's happy, I'm happy," Harley said, still caressing her belly like she had nothing else to say.

"But, whether we like it or not, we are connected in ways beyond our imagination and understanding, so it's high time you people come to a consensus. I have to sleep and talk with my daughter," she added, her tone turning a bit chilly and commanding which most didn't like but they couldn't refute what she was saying.

First of all, she was the first woman in his life. Secondly, she was like the one with the most authority among his women as she accepted Clara, then Andriel and Lisa and it followed till Asteria. In a way, Harley was the Empress among them, the second in command after Ethan and her position was undeniable.

And last of all, no one wanted to be a victim of her gaze. Not even Seraphis, Asteria and Barki, as funny as it sounded.

"You know, honestly I don't know why we are having this conversation in the first place. I had insecurities about our relationships at first but after sometime, I found it worthless. Truth be told, whether we like it or not.

Whether we hate or love ourselves, we are now soulmates. That is more than enough for me to let go of all fears. After all, I have nothing to lose," Lisa said with a huge smile.

"I don't necessarily hate anyone, but I don't you either. I even came here because Ethan kinda forced me to in the first place," Seraphis said.

"I didn't know my student wouldn't like me," Carmen said while gazing at Clara who turned away like she'd committed a very grave crime. If Harley was Ethan's first woman, Carmen was before first as she was betrothed to him at a very young age before he could even walk. In reality, she should have been the first but because of her own mistakes and fate, she ended up being the fifth woman. But, just her past with Ethan was enough to warrant her as a very important pillar in his life. She was his teacher after all!

"Honestly, my time here is coming to a closure. I will have to get back to my duties as a Ruler after the potential war. At most, I can stay for about three months maximum.

I don't care for some hierarchy or emotional issues that has been plaguing you. My love and heart is for Ethan but I have an understanding of souls and fate to know that, our emotions are basically null and void when it comes to the concept of soulmates. Whether you were rivals or whatnot, your fates were sealed once Ethan came into the equation. Take it or leave it. I have no problem with any of you," Barki said with an indifferent expression.

"I love Ethan more than anything!" Pisces screamed making all of them release groans of annoyance.

That was Pisces for you. Once it was related to Ethan, she became a hardcore fun. Whether Ethan was the devil or the angel didn't matter. What mattered was that, it was Ethan. To her, this conversation was a waste of time.

"Are you guys done? I have to sleep!" Elaine stated, her eyes already closing.

"I'm glad you all love him," Asteria said with a loving smile.

"I'm pregnant," Christel stated causing everyone to turn silent.

"Me too," Clara added shyly.

And just like that, the heavy atmosphere that was almost entirely becoming suffocating disappeared without a trace, replaced by joy and envy.

Although some of the girls didn't talk, it seemed that they all came to the same conclusion.

From now on, they wouldn't hide or pretend. They would be honest with each other.

Just like how Harley was being with Carmen now.

…

"You are really stupid, you know?" Harley said with disdain on her face.

"What do you mean?" Carmen asked, feeling her anger rising.

"How long do you plan to stay at the Grandmaster rank? It's been twenty years already!"

"I…"

"Are you scared?"

"No!"

"Then why?"

"I… I have no reason."

"Then you're being selfish. Ethan loves us all regardless. If you think that he will hate you for it after you breakthrough, then you're mistaken. Very mistaken."

"But, I might lose myself and and…"

"That's why we are here. If you don't trust the others, trust me."

"We will all have to cross the wall eventually whether we like it or not."

"Thank you."

"Anytime."

"I think I'm ready to advance. I've been holding it in for far too long. It's time to free it."

"Good luck."