Leon's jaw dropped, his blush deepening to a shade that rivaled the Crimson Thorn from his vision.
"I-I wasn't!" he stammered, though his guilty glance at Saria's chest betrayed him. "Okay, maybe a little. Can you blame me?"
Terya chuckled, her green eyes sparkling as she stepped closer. "Focus, kid," she said, her tone playful but firm.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her fingers brushing his neck, and a shiver ran through him. "Picture a flame—sharp, controlled. Like a blade."
Leon nodded, his heart pounding from the dual assault of Saria's kiss and Terya's touch.
He closed his eyes, gripping the stone, and tried again, picturing a flame like Terya described.
The magic surged, stronger now, and a small, steady flame flickered in his palm, no longer tit-shaped.
He grinned, a spark of pride cutting through his embarrassment. "Hey, I did it!"
Saria nodded, her face blank but her eyes approving.
"Good. But you need more control." She paused, then lowered her pants slightly, revealing a faint glowing mark on her lower abdomen, just above her waistband. "This is our bond," she said, her tone instructional. "Formed when you broke my curse. It lets you borrow my fire magic, based on your potential."
Leon's eyes widened, his mind still half-stuck on her skin.
"Bond?" he said, his voice curious. "So… can I borrow magic from other women? Like, if I, uh, do stuff with them?" He glanced at Terya, who raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening.
Saria's expression hardened, her voice sharp.
"Erotic acts with unbonded women only recharge your magic, but you won't be able to borrow their magic. Also, remember, these bonds form only with women stronger than you, or you risk draining them fatally." She folded her arms, her leather tunic creaking. "Always remember, you're a healer. Don't be a prostitute."
Leon's face flushed, "Prostitute? Harsh," he said. "I'm just trying to understand the rules here."
Terya's laugh was low and throaty, and she slid closer, her lips brushing his neck in a teasing kiss that sent a jolt through him.
"Rules are boring," she murmured, her hands guiding his to her waist, her leather pants warm under his fingers. "Let's boost that magic, rookie."
Saria's eyes narrowed, but she didn't protest, stepping closer to join them.
The booth felt smaller now, the air thick with heat and tension.
Terya's kisses trailed along Leon's jaw, her teeth grazing his skin, while Saria's hands slid under his tunic, her fingers teasing his chest.
Leon's arousal spiked, his magic surging like a wildfire. He groaned, his head spinning, the dual sensation of their touches overwhelming.
"Terya, teach him," Saria said, her voice steady despite the faint flush on her cheeks.
She stepped back, giving Terya space.
Terya grinned, her green eyes locked on Leon's.
"Flame Arc," she said, her voice husky. "A sweeping fire slash. Picture a crescent of flame, sharp and fast." She guided his hand, mimicking the motion, her body pressed against his. "Feel the energy. Let it cut."
Leon nodded, his breath ragged, his magic buzzing from their combined touches.
He gripped the stone, picturing the arc Terya described, and thrust his hand forward.
A larger fireball shot out, brighter and hotter, streaking across the booth and singeing the edge of a nearby table.
The wood smoked, and the bartender's voice roared from the bar.
"Not again, Saria! Get the fuck out!"
Leon froze, his eyes wide, while Terya burst out laughing, her hand clapping his shoulder.
"Nice one, rookie!" she said, her voice full of glee. "Let's burn godforsaken place down."
Saria's face remained blank, but her lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk.
"Control, Leon," she said, her tone exasperated but not unkind. "We'll work on it."
Leon rubbed the back of his neck, his face burning with a mix of pride and embarrassment.
"Yeah, uh, sorry about the table," he said, his grin sheepish.
The magic in his chest felt stronger, more alive, and the bond with Saria—plus Terya's teasing—made him feel like he might actually pull this off.
A Flame Arc? Hell yeah.
But as the bartender glared from across the tavern, Leon knew he had to pay for the damages, else he won't be welcome here anymore.