Azazel's POV
I got what rest I could before waking up to the soft, overlapping cries of newborns. It wasn't jarring—just a high-pitched chorus of need that pulled me from the light doze I'd managed.
Sliding off the chair I'd been curled up on, I moved toward the cribs. To my surprise, Adam was still fast asleep, unbothered by the crying of his siblings. The other two, however, were clearly just a bit hungry. Their tiny hands twitched, and their glowing eyes fluttered as they searched instinctively for comfort.
I couldn't offer them milk, but I could offer something else.
Thankfully, a few bottles were already prepared. I let a bit of mana flow into each—just enough to nourish them, not harm. The magic hummed faintly as it blended with the liquid, and then I began feeding them, one by one.
As I did, the door creaked open.
Moa stepped inside, her eyes narrowing slightly—though not out of judgment. More curiosity than anything. She didn't speak, just stood there, quietly watching me feed my children with careful, almost reverent movements.
Once they were all settled again, I gently placed them back into their blankets. With a soft hum, I coaxed them to sleep before turning away from the cribs. As I moved to exit the room, I noticed Agu beginning to stir. She groaned faintly but didn't wake.
In the hallway, I paused. Moa had followed me out.
I assumed she wanted to talk, so I lingered in the corridor a little longer than I wanted to. Finally, she broke the silence.
"Have you had a chance to speak with Agu or Rikka?" she asked in a low tone, mindful of the ones still resting inside.
I shook my head gently, keeping my voice just as quiet. "Not yet. I didn't want to wake them. They need rest—gods know they've earned it. I only wish I'd been free to be there when it happened."
Moa's expression softened. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me. I returned the hug as best I could without bending too far to reach her.
"If they wake up before I return," I said softly, "tell them I was here. That I fed the little ones. And that I'll be back soon to take over so they can rest more."
I stepped outside the room and headed to the nearest bench to finish the final bit of business of the day. After pulling my presence away from my body and moved towards cinder and the orcs location.
Cinder's POV
Dragging the unconscious orc woman had been the easy part. She was heavier than she looked, but manageable. I found an old holding cell deep beneath the core room—likely a relic from when the dungeon was first forming. It would serve just fine.
Securing her wasn't difficult. I attached the iron chains to her ankles and wrists, giving her just enough slack to move, but not enough to get far.
With that done, I went searching for something padded—my scales didn't take kindly to cold stone. I found an old cushion tucked away in a storage space and brought it back to the cell, coiling up on it near the entrance where I could keep an eye on her.
Minutes turned into hours.
Eventually, I felt the warm brush of Azazel's presence through the link we shared.
"I'm going to get some rest before I head over there in the morning. Do you need anything before I pass out?"
I nodded, then realized he might not see it.
"An extra guard would be nice," I replied quickly. "It's getting late, and it's cold down here. If you can spare someone, send them my way—and a blanket wouldn't hurt, either."
Warmth spread through the link—a rush of affection and care. He was always like that. Gentle when it mattered.
"I'll send someone. Would you prefer a naga or a summon?"
"Another naga would be nice. Someone to talk to while we watch… our guest."
He chuckled softly through the bond.
"I'm sending the new naga. She's stopping by Ebony's quarters to get suited up. Just a heads-up—she's... a little big. But I'm sure she'll keep the delver in line if she stirs."
A smile tugged at the corners of my lips.
Another naga. Another sister to serve beside.
The warmth of Azazel's presence slowly faded as he withdrew, and the room fell back into stillness.
The orc stirred occasionally in her chains—mumbling, shifting—but she didn't wake.
And then I heard it.
A voice—deep, rich, almost melodic. It poured through the shadows like warm wine.
"You must be Cinder. Pleasure to meet you."
I looked up, and my jaw nearly hit the floor.
She was massive.
A towering naga, her scales a deep, starry violet with glowing blue constellations scattered across her body. Her eyes glowed white, like twin moons, and she had not one but two heads, each with their own serpentine elegance.
She carried a halberd strapped to her back and a shield slung across her coils—equipment that would've been oversized for most, but looked perfectly at home on her frame.
Her armor didn't cover much—designed more for movement and mystique than full protection. It concealed the essentials but left much of her form on display, including two softly glowing appendages I definitely didn't stare at for too long.
I swallowed hard and did my best to keep my posture composed.
"Likewise," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Welcome to the night watch."
She smiled—both of her. And just like that, I knew tonight wouldn't be quiet... but it would be interesting.