Chapter 6: The Queen’s Private Chambers (and the Fireteam’s Live Commentary)

The inner sanctum of the Reef was quieter than the vacuum of space, lit only by floating crystals that pulsed like slow heartbeats. Silk curtains drifted in artificial breezes that smelled of starlight and something far more primal. Mara Sov had dismissed most of her guards, leaving only four handmaidens—elegant Awoken women in flowing robes that left very little to the imagination.

Vane stood in the center of the chamber, robes already half-unfastened by Mara’s own hands. His usual scholarly composure was hanging on by a thread.

“Relax, scholar,” Mara purred, circling him like a predator. “You brought me the Gatelord’s eye. Now I will show you what lies beyond the veil ... and what lies beneath it.”

Kira and Jax had been “invited” to observe from a raised alcove overlooking the chamber. “For diplomatic transparency,” Mara had said with a straight face. Jax was eating snacks he’d smuggled in. Kira was leaning forward on the railing, chin in her hands, grinning like she’d just won the lottery.

“Ten glimmer says he lasts thirty seconds,” Kira whispered.

“I give him twenty,” Jax rumbled, crunching loudly on what sounded like a protein bar. “Warlocks talk big but they’re all theory.”

Vane shot them a mortified glare. “Could you two not—”

Mara’s fingers traced down his chest, silencing him as she pushed the robes off his shoulders. “Let them watch. Let them learn what it means to serve a Queen.”

The first handmaiden stepped forward, then the second. Soon Vane was surrounded by five Awoken women whose hands and mouths explored him with centuries of refined hunger. Mara herself dropped to her knees with surprising grace, taking him into her mouth while maintaining eye contact that could have melted a Vex mind.

“Holy Traveler,” Kira muttered, eyes wide. “She’s got technique. That’s not diplomacy, that’s a public service announcement.”

Jax nearly choked on his snack. “Is that ... is she using the Light down there? I think I just saw sparkles.”

Vane’s head fell back with a groan as Mara worked him deeper, her tongue swirling with expert precision. One handmaiden kissed his neck while another stroked his chest. A third dropped down to join her Queen, licking along the shaft whenever Mara pulled back for air.

“Fuck—Your Majesty—” Vane gasped.

Mara pulled off with a wet pop, lips glistening. “You will address me properly when you fill me, Guardian.”

She rose, shedding her robes in one fluid motion. Her body was flawless—pale purple skin, glowing tattoos that pulsed with each breath, breasts full and nipples already hard. She pushed Vane onto a wide, cushioned platform and straddled him.

Kira’s voice drifted down as she commented something Vane didn’t quite catch.