Bonds of Power
Copyright© 2025 by SomethingLewd
Chapter 26 – Gaps in the Armor
Science Fiction Sex Story: Chapter 26 – Gaps in the Armor - In a world where magical incursions known as dungeons threaten humanity, a select few are marked with classes that grant them extraordinary abilities to combat these threats. At the age of 25, Ethan, along with his twin sister Alice and girlfriend Penny, receive their classes. Ethan's class is anything but ordinary. As an Essence Bonder (S Rank), he has the unique ability to create powerful bonds with others through intimacy, generating essence that enhances his power and abilities.
Caution: This Science Fiction Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Fa/Fa Lesbian Heterosexual Fiction GameLit High Fantasy School Science Fiction Magic Sharing Incest Brother Sister Group Sex Harem Polygamy/Polyamory Cream Pie Exhibitionism Facial Masturbation Oral Sex Voyeurism
The team split up as they arrived, Ethan, Grace and Alice moving off together while Mei followed Penny towards the sweets shop.
The three wandered through the mall, their steps synchronized as they browsed the shops. The air was filled with the hum of chatter and soft Christmas music playing overhead, despite thanksgiving still being a week away.
“Think about it,” Ethan said, his eyes scanning the display of dungeon gear in a store window. “If I can channel Surge from you, imagine what else I could do. Mei’s elements, Penny’s shadows ... even Grace’s Sentinel abilities.”
Alice nodded, her fingers tracing the edge of a display case filled with combat gloves. “But the Essence cost,” she reminded him. “We don’t know how much it’ll take to channel those abilities. You said you were nearly out of Essence after using Surge twice and healing me.”
“And what if Boost doesn’t work on them?” Grace added. “Shadow minion is fine and all, but it’s nothing compared to when it’s Boosted. There are probably going to be some abilities that have an outsized impact.”
Ethan nodded, taking in both of their points as he examined a shield. “Speaking of Shadow Minion, even if I can’t boost it, we could have me summon one and then we could replenish the Essence between fights.”
“That sounds like an excuse for a dungeon quickie!” Alice laughed.
Ethan chuckled at Alice’s joke, though his mind was already racing with possibilities. “Maybe,” he admitted, “but it could be useful. We should test it out later.”
Alice clapped her hands together, a mischievous grin on her face. “We should find some sexy gear to wear while we raid. We’d never be short on Essence.” She held up a pair of armored assless chaps. “Do you think these would make my butt look good?”
Ethan laughed, shaking his head. “You and your fashion sense,” he teased. “But sure, why not? The payout for the dungeon loot was pretty good. Let’s see what we can find.”
They moved from store to store, trying on gear and debating its merits. Grace found a reinforced vest that would protect her vitals without hindering her movements, while Alice insisted on a pair of boots with enhanced traction.
Ethan, meanwhile, focused on finding something practical. He settled on a belt with multiple pouches, perfect for storing potions and other necessities. As they shopped, their banter filled the air, a mix of laughter and friendly teasing that drew smiles from passersby.
Mei and Penny stepped into a fancy candy store, the air thick with the sweet scent of chocolate and caramel. The display cases were filled with an array of colorful treats, from delicate truffles to elaborate sugar sculptures.
Penny’s eyes sparkled as she took in the sight. “Oh, look at that!” she exclaimed, pointing to a tower of macaroons. “We should get some for Grace. She talked about missing the shop near campus in California.”
Mei nodded, the mention of Grace bringing her mind back to the situation. “We need to talk about Marcus,” she said. “He’s not just going to leave, Penny. He followed Grace across the country. He’s not going to give up that easily.”
Penny’s smile faded, replaced with pursed lips angled to the side. “You’re right,” she admitted. “But what can we do? We can’t be sure he’ll even try something. He’s only shown up once at the hospital.”
Mei sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I don’t know,” she said. “But you heard him, he outright said he wouldn’t leave her. He made it sound as if she were trapped here.”
They moved on from the candy store, treats in hand, their conversation continuing as they browsed other shops. Penny suggested setting up a watch, taking turns sleeping at Grace’s apartment. Mei proposed going to the Guildmaster, but Penny shot that down, not wanting to escalate without Grace’s permission.
“We don’t know what he’s planning,” Mei said, feeling frustrated at not being able to do more. “We need to be ready for anything.”
Penny nodded, her expression serious. “You’re right,” she said. “We’ll talk to the others. We’ll figure something out.”
As they turned a corner, Mei did a double take. Her eyes widened as she spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. She grabbed Penny’s arm, pulling her back around the corner.
“Mei?” Penny asked, confused. “What—”
“Shh,” Mei hushed her, peering around the corner. “Is that him?”
Penny followed her gaze, spotting Marcus weaving through the shoppers. He seemed to be looking for something—or someone.
“That’s him,” Penny confirmed, her voice barely a whisper. “He’s looking for Grace.”
Mei’s hands flew to her phone, typing out a quick message in their group chat. Marcus is here. She hit send, her heart pounding as she waited for a response. They needed to warn the others. They needed to protect Grace.
Their phones all went off at the same time, the telltale sign of a message in the group chat. Ethan and Alice were busy talking to a shop keeper, and Grace checked her phone, expecting Penny and Mei wanting to meet back up.
Her face paled as she read the message.
Alice noticed quickly, moving to her. “What happened?”
Grace turned her phone around, letting Alice read the message.
“Fuck,” she swore. “Ethan!” Her tone caught his attention immediately, bringing him over.
His expression hardened as he looked at the message from Mei. His mind began to race. Marcus was here, in the mall, looking for Grace.
“Where are they?” Ethan asked, his voice urgent. “We can make sure we avoid him.”
Alice nodded, her expression determined. “Let’s go,” she said, already moving towards the mall entrance as she called Penny.
Grace followed closely behind, her eyes scanning the crowd nervously. She clutched the shopping bag in her hand tightly, as if it were an anchor keeping her grounded.
As they moved through the mall, Ethan kept a watchful eye out for any sign of Marcus. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his senses heightened by the adrenaline coursing through him. He reached out and took Grace’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. She looked at him gratefully, her grip tightening around his fingers.
They found Mei and Penny near the food court, their eyes scanning the crowd anxiously.
“Did you see him?” Alice asked as they approached.
Mei shook her head. “No, but he was headed this way,” she said, pointing towards the direction Marcus had been walking.
Ethan’s mind raced with possibilities. They needed to find Marcus before he found Grace. But how?
“We should split up,” he suggested. “The three of you take the long way around, Alice and I can hold him up.”
The others nodded in agreement, and they quickly divided into pairs. Ethan and Alice headed towards Marcus, while Mei and Penny took Grace in the other direction.
Ethan’s eyes scanned the crowd as they walked, his mind focused on finding Marcus before he could get to Grace. He could feel a growing sense of unease, a gnawing fear that they might miss him.
As they rounded a corner, Ethan spotted Marcus up ahead. He was standing near a shop window, his eyes scanning the crowd intently. Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest as he quickened his pace, Alice close behind him.
They approached Marcus cautiously, their eyes never leaving him.
“Marcus,” Ethan said, his voice firm but calm.
Marcus turned to face them, his expression surprised but quickly turning to a smirk.
“What are you doing here?” Ethan asked, his tone accusatory.
Marcus shrugged innocently. “Just shopping,” he said. “Is there a problem?”
Ethan stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied Marcus’s face. He could see the deception in his eyes, the way they darted nervously from side to side.
“You’re looking for Grace,” Ethan said, stating it as a fact rather than a question.
Marcus’s smirk faltered, and for a moment, Ethan thought he saw a flicker of fear in his eyes. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a cold, calculating look.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Marcus said, taking a step back.
Ethan took another step forward, closing the distance between them. He could feel the tension radiating off Alice beside him, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
“Cut the bullshit, Marcus,” Ethan said, his voice low and dangerous. “We know what you’re up to. And we won’t let you hurt Grace.”
Marcus’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as he studied them. “You think you can stop me? Marcus said finally, stepping forward, his voice cold and mocking. “From talking to her?”
Ethan didn’t flinch, his gaze steady as he met Marcus’s eyes. “Yea.”
Marcus scowled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he spat. “I’m here to make sure my Grace is safe and I don’t need your permission to speak to my girlfriend.”
Alice stepped forward, her voice sharp as she cut off Marcus’s words. “You’re not her boyfriend,” she said firmly. “Grace made that clear when she left California. You need to respect her wishes and leave her alone.”
Marcus’s expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He quickly schooled his features, replacing the anger with a look of concern. “You don’t understand,” he said, his voice sounding sincere. “My Grace is confused right now. She doesn’t understand what happened. I’m just trying to help her see that.”