The first night of the Conclave of Five Peaks descended upon the valley, a blanket of stars glittering in the cold, clear sky. In the master chamber of the opulent Jorailian pavilion, however, the air was hot, thick with the aftermath of a different kind of summit.
Alaric Steele lounged on his massive bed, a picture of sated, yet still potent, power. He was naked, his Archmage physique, honed by battle and countless nights of strenuous activity, radiating a subtle, commanding aura in the soft glow of the mana lamps.
With him were his three most powerful and recently acquired Archmage-level women. They too were naked, their magnificent, mature bodies artfully arranged around him like offerings on an altar.
Queen Ondine Bellerose, her raven hair a dark cascade against the pale silks, was behind him, her skillful hands massaging the hard, unyielding muscles of his shoulders. Her touch was both reverent and deeply sensual, each knead a silent act of worship.
