Here we are at the finish line 😭
I hope you all enjoy it.

Play the song when told - it's Spring 1 -2012, by Max Richter

🥲❤️

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Kalem's P.O.V

I remember the first time Lincoln told me I was free.

It had been at the end of my first day with him, he was putting me to bed despite my protests, and he'd told me that I was free to do whatever I wished. Then a few words later, he'd said it again, that I was free.

At that moment, I couldn't understand what he was saying because it didn't make sense to me. I'd never heard the word 'free', so I was confused. For weeks after that day, I'd secretly thought about the word, plus all the others he called me, wondering what they meant, and when I finally discovered what a dictionary was, I looked them all up.

Brilliant meant that something was very good or very bright. Master had said that I was brilliant, and I'd squealed so loud after seeing the meaning that Master had run in scared. When I was next alone, I'd looked up a few more, each making me happier than the last; astounding, intuitive, compassionate.

By the time I'd reached the word free, I was one big burning ball of joy to know that my Master thought I was all those amazing words. But free... I'd struggled with free.

Free meant so many things. In one place, it said that if you were free, you could act on your own and that no other had power over you, which made no sense to me at the time because I believed Lincoln had all the power over me. The word also meant 'to be given something without charge' and 'to not be obliged to certain engagements'.

There were so many meanings to the word free, and it was all so confusing, but eventually, I settled on the one that said that I wasn't confined or imprisoned, which was the only one I could understand because Master never put me in chains or a cage.

From that day onwards, I'd told myself that I was free, only understanding it to mean that one thing. But over the first year with Lincoln, as my mind opened up and I saw just how much had been taken away from me, I slowly understood the word's other meanings.

To be free wasn't just a physical thing; it was so much more, and as I got stronger and more confident, I realised that I wanted it every way, not just the one.

So, I'd left a special space at the end of my secret yellow book, where I'd written all my lessons and the little things I needed to remember about myself, and I told myself that one day, I'd be able to fill it three words.

I didn't know when that day would be, and sometimes I worried that it may not come in a long time, but I knew that eventually, one day, it would come.

As a faint grumble comes from below, I return my attention to the man who'd changed my life in the first place. I bite my lip, trying to stifle any sounds from escaping as I watch him scrub at the floors, his face fixed in the deepest frown in the world.

I couldn't laugh– laughing would be mean, and I was not a mean person.

But then again, this was Master, so maybe I should be... Plus, he was in trouble, so technically, being mean wouldn't really be a bad thing now. Nodding to myself, I stop biting my lip and let a little of my giggles slip free.

Lincoln immediately whips his head my way, his glare deadly, but it just made my giggles grow.

"This isn't funny, Kalem," he scolds, scowling the way he did whenever he found Wequie and me cuddling.

"It is to me," I reply, kicking my feet out as I shift to look down over the gleaming floors that were almost perfect. "And you missed a spot, Master."

"I did not–"

"Right there," I say, pointing to the tiniest smudge just at the bottom of the marble steps. "Now, more cleaning, less talking. This is a punishment."

Lincoln's eyes turn a bloody red, and his jaw clenches, but he stays quiet as he goes back to scrubbing the floors so hard that his already pale knuckles turn as white as snow.

I grin, falling back into the rest of the throne with a happy sigh.

Today, Master was cleaning the throne room as punishment for breaking the rules.

It was one of our newer ones, rule #15, that said that we had to spend every Thursday afternoon in the gardens together.

With how busy each of us got, it was very important to have times for just us, outside of our favourite sexy times, so that what happened before would never happen again.
We'd done really well for the last six months, but this week, Master lost track of time in one of his meetings and missed our special gardening time.

I wasn't really angry with him, I knew his duties as Pylen were important, but rules were rules. I couldn't let him slide even if it was a mistake; otherwise, how would I keep him in check?

So, here we were, with Master scrubbing the floors of the throne room, wearing gloves and my favourite yellow apron.

I'd only been teasing when I said he had to wear the same outfit as me when I cleaned, but Lincoln hadn't picked up on that, and when he showed up today, grim but dressed and ready, I couldn't tell him the truth— not when he looked so cute!

"This is torture," Lincoln grumbles between his muffled curses.

"No talking!" I snap, causing Master's mouth to fall open as he stares at me, speechless. It takes all my effort to keep my snickers inside, so I looked super serious. "One more word from you, and I'm going to have to gag you, Master."

Lincoln sputters a bit before he shakes his head, "You wouldn't."

I raise a brow before I pop to our naughty chest and back. When I return, it's with his black ball gag spinning from my fingers, "I wouldn't?"

Gulping down what looked like a little bit of fear, Lincoln shuts his mouth, and he goes back to work with a frown so deep I almost felt bad– almost. I would've felt bad if Master really was upset, but I knew he wasn't; he was just whining, and besides, these types of punishments weren't supposed to be fun.

Usually, I loved to give Master punishments that ended up with me being full, but this time, I'd chosen one that would really teach him a lesson— cleaning.
I knew it was the perfect punishment, even before he'd gotten on his knees and started begging me to change my mind, and it was reconfirmed now as I watched him on his hands and knees.

My eyes shift from Master's hands to his arms that were flexing from his efforts and then to the curb of his butt. For some reason, Master looked different to me with the apron on. It made me feel naughty below as I tracked his movements, forgetting everything around me.

Maybe this was a punishment for both of us...

"Kalem!"

I jerk in my chair, crossing my legs to hide how hard I was down below. "Yes?"

Huffing, Lincoln sits back on his heels and throws his rag down, "I asked if this is enough for you? Have I cleaned this room to your satisfaction?"

"Um," It takes a moment for me to force my eyes away from his wide heaving chest, but when I do, I quickly look over every inch of the throne room that was sparkling from corner to corner. "I-It's perfect, Master. Your punishment is officially over!"

"Oh, thank the Gods," Lincoln moans as he stands to his feet, eagerly tearing the gloves and apron off. "I love you dearly, Kalem. Truly, I do, but for the life of me, I can not understand how you enjoy this."

"Cleaning makes me happy," I reply, giggling despite his opposing scowl. "It's calming."

"It's deranged," Lincoln shoots back, making me giggle even more.

"Well, it's finished," I promise as I shift forward, "which means that now I can-"

"Uh, uh, uh," Lincoln tsks before he rushes forward. Moving faster than my eyes could follow, Master settles within my lap, using his weight to lock me down. "What it means, my love..." Lincoln's eyes glow with something wicked, "...is that I am now free to do with you as I wish."

I swallow, my mouth suddenly feeling very empty and wet.

"Isn't that correct?"

I stifle my whimper as my hole slicks, "Yes, Master."

I was supposed to be on my way to my newborns to check in and make sure they were okay, but plans could be altered, right? I didn't have to leave right now.

Lincoln smirks as he slowly rolls his hips and grinds down on me, "I wonder what I should do first. I can't decide whether I want your mouth, your cock or your hole."

I tremble beneath him, struggling to function from the wonderful friction and his dirty, taunting words.

Master had been teasing me lately by only allowing the tip of me inside him before he'd pull off and tell me 'not yet'. He did it when I woke up, when I was reading, in the shower, and he even did it in the gardens– he'd give me just a little, letting me in enough to drive me crazy, and then he'd pull away, and kiss my tears away.

It was crazy because before he started, I'd never even thought about being inside of my Master, not once! But now that I knew how warm he was inside and how good it felt, it was all I wanted, but he still wouldn't give it to me.

No matter how much I cried or begged, he never allowed me anymore, saying the two words I now hated more than any others.

"I think maybe your mouth," Master muses as he eases off me, "and then, I'll make a mess of that wet hole of yours."

I whine as lust invades my body like a storm, sending excitement and want hurdling together and making my brain turn fuzzy all over.

"But no cumming for you," Master instructs as he steps between my legs, bringing his straining cock to eye level with me.

I lick my lips, eyes glued to the print of his erection against his legs before his words register.

"No?" I question, feeling my heart sink, leap, and then sink again.

"Not until I say you can," Lincoln says sternly.

I whimper as I shift in my spot, feeling the plastic band of my cock-ring rub against my skin. It was meant to help me last longer, but it always made me cum faster because I felt so naughty with it on.

"But I already want to, Master," I confess while he rubs his thumb across my bottom lip.

"I know you do," he smiles even wider, "but you want to be a good boy more."

I nod quickly, kissing his fingers as I look at him, "Master's good boy."

"That's right. So, no cumming, no messes. You can do that for me, can't you, love?"

My cheeks warm, but I nod, wanting to be the best boy for my Master that I could be.

Master smiles as he slides his hand into my hair. Gripping the ends firmly, he shoves me forward, burying my face between his spread legs. I moan as his scent floods my senses, the warmth of his cock making my hips buck beneath me as slick spills from my hole. I push in closer, mouthing every inch of his length I can from over the fabric with dutiful kisses and licks.

"That's it, love," Lincoln praises as I rub my cheeks against his balls and inhale deeply. "Such a good boy."

I whimper at the praise, wanting more of it and him, but he pulls me back too soon.

"Take me out," he instructs, his voice gruff with arousal. I swallow the saliva pooling in my mouth as I reach up, but Master tsks. "No hands."

My heart beeps so hard I fear it might break free, but it stays in place as I lean forward and take Master's zipper between my teeth. With my eyes glued to his, I slowly drag the metal down and mouth my way inside until Lincoln's cock springs free and hits my cheek.

"You have one minute," Master says as his hand comes behind my head so he can rub his dripping cock all over my face. "Only one."

I whine, wanting more, but when he releases me, I quickly lap at his cock— licking every inch from top to bottom before I swallow him down. My eyes roll with pleasure, and I moan in time with him, relishing in his taste as it invades my body, lighting up my insides. I whimper around his length as it hits the back of my throat, wishing I could stay here forever.

"Thirty seconds,"

I move up and down Master's cock in slow, deep sucks, wanting to get every drop I could with the clock on me. I savour the taste and the weight of his cock on my tongue, mine dripping just the same as I fight my orgasm back.

If I made a mess now, I might not get Master inside of me, and that could not happen.

So, I focus all my attention on Master, taking him as deep as I can until my throat burns and I taste him with ever strained breath. But all too soon, he draws his hips back, dragging his cock out until it pops free and brushes against my lips.

I look up at Master, breathless and proud of myself even before he tugs me to my feet and smashes our lips together.

When he groans, "Good boy," I turn into a puddle in his arms, feeling so good I thought I'd make a mess right there, but I manage to hold it back somehow.

As Master hoists my leg up, I jump in his arms, and he catches me with ease, letting me wrap myself around his body while he claims my mouth as his in every way.

Between desperate kisses, Master turns and settles himself on his throne, fixing me in his lap, right over his cock.

"Lincoln," I moan between kisses, "oh Gods, Lincoln... please."

Cursing, Master hurriedly works my pants open, shoving them down along with my underwear enough for his cock to slide between my cheeks, the tip catching my rim. We moan together as I rub against him, wetting his cock with my slick before I reach back to quickly work two fingers inside of me.

"Gods, you're killing me, love," Lincoln curses as he watches me closely, his eyes glowing red.

I smile even as I feel myself blush. I loved when I made my Master needy for me; it made me feel so special.

"I could cum just looking at you," he confesses as he works his hands up and down my thighs, making me shiver.

"Master, please, no," I beg as I squirm, feeling so close to messing. "I want to be good."

Lincoln smiles widely, "Then be good, and ride me, love. Make me cum inside you."

My entire body trembles as my magic wavers so much that my wings almost come out.

"Quickly, Kalem," he groans against my ear, "I want to fill you up, keep you happy and full."

Biting my lip, I fight my orgasm as I slip my fingers free and push myself up to my knees. My hand is shaking as I stroke Master's cock, drooling just as little as I line him up with my hole.

With my eyes on his and my heart beating fast enough for the two of us, I slowly sink down and let him inside.

Pleasure blooms inside of me as Master's tip forces my hole to open, the stretch and the burn so perfect I almost made a mess, but Master wraps his hand tightly around my cock.

"Deeper," he groans while watching my precum leak over his fingers. "Work your way down."

I do as I'm told and work my way down Master's length, taking my time until every inch of his cock is buried so deep inside me that I feel him with every breath I take.

"Ma-Master," I whimper as I settle at the base, my entire body shaking from holding back my messes. "Master, please."

"Please?" Master asks, his red eyes roaming all over my body. "What do you want, love?"

"I want to cum."

Lincoln laughs, deep and mocking and so wicked a gush of slick comes out around his cock. It made his predatory gaze dart downwards while he tongued his fangs; the rest of him relaxed within his silver throne.

"No," he whispers when his hungry eyes reach mine again. "No, you can not cum...not until I say so."

"Master," I whine, struggling to breathe as I watch his hand stroke my cock, gifting me with more pleasure than I could take.

"Ride me, Kalem. Now."

My entire body washes over from the white, hot pleasure as I grip either side of the throne and start to move.

Rocking my hips, I move up and down on Master's cock, thrilling in the way it makes speared me completely. I barely breathe as I move, shuddering every time he brushes my special place and makes my vision double.

"That's it, love," Lincoln groans beneath me, his free hand on my shoulder to help me down each time he thrusts up. "Just like that."

My lips part, allowing drool to slip free and wet his chest, but Master doesn't mind, his smile only spreads wider as he watches me.

It felt so good to have his eyes on me; it felt like he was touching me in other, secret ways that made my pleasure mount.

I loved when Master watched me because I saw so much in his eyes when he did.

I saw his love for me, his care.
I saw how much he wanted me, desired me, mind and body.
I saw how desperate he was to never lose me and how much he wanted to make me happy.

I saw it all in those deep, beautiful eyes, and it made me feel complete in ways words could never describe.

"You are a vision, my love," Lincoln groans as I circle my hips, clenching around his thick length. "A vision."

Bumps form across my skin, sending a shudder down my spine as my pleasure builds, mounting with Master's that I could feel climbing by the minute.

"My love," he whispers, sitting up to hold me closer and mouth my throat. "My sweet boy."

"L-Lincoln," I moan, feeling myself growing closer as his hand pumps my length between us and his cock jerks inside of me.

"My Kalem," he rumbles, his lips finding my own and claiming them wholly. "Cum with me."

"I-I...ahh!" My entire world blacks out as I cum, leaving nothing else but my Master and me.

I cling to him as the pleasure blinds me, touching every inch of my shaking body and making me scream for him.

"Lincoln!" I whine, grinding down on him as wave after wave of pleasure crashes through me.

It's the type of orgasm that makes time slow even without my instruction.
It's slow and steady, numbing

When Lincoln's cum finally floods my insides, I feel my lips spread into a happy smile.

The pleasure keeps rolling and rolling as I feel myself spill over Lincoln's fingers. He doesn't stop stroking me or thrusting inside, driving his cum so deep inside I swear I taste him on my tongue.

"Such – a good – boy," Master praises between his final three thrusts, leaving me shaking all over as I cling to him and ride the wonderful waves of pleasure.

After a few minutes, our lust begins to settle, leaving us glued together and sharing every breath. My lips spread wide, then Master's do the same, and soon enough, we're laughing between our kisses, our bond so perfect it made me feel like I was flying.

Best messy time ever!

"I can't believe we did that!" I whisper as I look around the throne room.

"I can't believe it took us this long," Lincoln counters with a snort that I mirror.

When I'm sure no one is watching, I lean in close to let our lips brush, "That was perfect, Master."

"Mhmm," Lincoln agrees, "what a splendid way to start the day."

I giggle, "I think you cleaning was better."

Lincoln's smile wavers before it grows even bigger than before, "You tease and punish me to your heart's desire, but I will never tire of loving you, never."

My spirit lights up like if I'd stolen the sun and hidden it in my heart. I could feel how much Master loved me, but when he said it... when he said it in such pretty words, I had to learn how to breathe again.

I open my eyes to stare at my Master, wondering how I'd ever gotten someone so amazing as him.

If I had seen this very picture two years ago, I would've never believed it or wanted it, thinking that I was only meant to serve and that love was never in the equation for me, but I knew better now.

Lincoln was my Master because I wanted him to be, but he was more than that. Lincoln was also my lover, my closest friend, my most precious treasure, and the love of my life.

Lincoln wasn't just my Master; he was my everything, my forever.

"I love you," I whisper as I lean in for another kiss, this one slow and gentle; precious.

When I pull back, Lincoln smiles at me, soft, sweet, and perfect, just like him.

"I love you too," he promises without hesitation. "Which is why I shall be selfless and remind you of the time instead of coaxing you into another round."

I stiffen, remembering the newborns and then whimpering because Master was still hard inside of me, and I very much wanted more.

"I know," Lincoln soothes with a chuckle. "But we shall have plenty of time to make up for that over the coming days."

I frown, raising a brow, "The coming days?"

I scratch my head, worried that I'd missed some special day, but Master's birthday had passed, and so had mine, so what could be coming up soon?

Lincoln only shakes his head, "Do not fret. You go to your newborns, and when you're done, find me in the library."

I frown— that just made me worry more.

"Unless you wish to go again," Lincoln whispers.

"I do, but no! No more naughty times," I say as I reluctantly get up, frowning when I feel Master's cum leak out. "I have to clean up, and I'm already late."

Master nods, looking smug and very happy from the mess all over his body and clothes. "I have to meet with Wequie and Fae, but... I do have to clean up as well."

I pause and lift my eyes to meet Master's darkening ones. "And we happen to share the same bathroom."

Oh no.

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No matter what Lincoln ever said, he was the neediest Master in the whole world!

Lincoln, my wicked, needy Master, had made me messy three more times in the shower before he'd let me go. It didn't matter that I loved every second of it and wanted more, he was the one to blame right now, so I was blaming him. Plus, he refused to give me my butt plug! So I was extra mad with him as I raced down the hallways towards my newborns.

My newborns, I grin as that familiar, comforting feeling spreads through my body, relaxing me down to my bones.

It had taken a while for me to figure out exactly where I belonged in the clan— what I was meant to do. I knew that I loved to clean and that making people smile made me happy, but I wanted to do more than that. So I'd tried all sorts of things, but nothing had felt quite right until Master had allowed selective turnings, and the first newborn came to the castle.

From the moment I saw them, scared, nervous and struggling to take it all in, something had clicked inside of me.

It was like an awakening, like someone had opened up my petals and allowed me to feel the sunshine. At that moment, I knew exactly what I had to do. I didn't need to think about it. I just had to guide them so that one day, they could be all they were meant to be.

'You are a Nyphilim,' Zhoron had told me after I'd told him about it. 'This is what we are made for.'

And it was. I was meant to help people, literally made for it, and nothing had felt more right than helping the people who had become my home.

So, now, I had the very best job in the whole world— I was in charge of every newborn.

When anyone was turned, they came straight to me and wouldn't leave until I was sure they were ready to flourish. It wasn't like a prison, though, prisons were for bad people, and my job was to make sure they never became bad people.

Newborns had strengths and urges they had to learn to control, and I helped them do that. I even had vampires who worked under me and a section of the castle that was meant for only the newborns— it was where I was heading now, keeping my fingers crossed that they wouldn't be too mad at me.

"Look who finally made it," Sin says the moment I come into view. "I was beginning to believe you weren't coming."

"Stop!" I beg in a near sob. "You're making me feel worse!"

"Good," he replies despite his big, teasing smile. "Did the Pylen keep you tangled up again?"

"He—" lying was bad. I nod as we head for the large double doors that were surrounded by flowers imbued with my magic to let me know every time someone goes in and out.

"What's this about tangled limbs and inappropriate orgasms?" Gazium asks as he appears at my free side with a happy grin.

"No one said anything about that," I whine between them.

Sin ignores me, "Kalem's late because he's a pervert."

"I am not!" I whine, shoving him, but not too hard— I didn't actually want to hurt my friend.

Sometimes, I still found myself wavering just a little on that word– friend. After Thén and Aias, it had taken a lot of effort for me to trust that not every friend would hurt or betray you, but I now knew that they could. It was the knowing that was hard.

I still missed Aias; I thought about him every day, but what I felt now was complicated. After watching what he'd done to Malcolm and learning how he literally couldn't live on without him, it was hard to keep defending him against Master, especially when he cried so harshly for his best friend. But even then, I worried that while Malcolm had us, Aias might have no one up there.

I hoped he was okay, that he wasn't all alone, and most of all, I hoped that one day, he'd come back.

I shake those thoughts away, not wanting to be sad before I saw the newborns; they got nervous easily, and I didn't want to make their anxieties worse. Clearing my mind, I remind myself of why I was here as Sin and Gazium push the wide doors open for me.

Walking into the large, indoor viewing room that was overwhelmed by plants of all kinds, I breathe in deeply and smile when I see all the newborns gathered together. They were speaking, but it only took a second for them to notice me before they all surrounding me with happy, beaming smiles.

"Kalem, you're okay!" Khol, three months turned, says first. "We were starting to worry that maybe something happened."

"Do tangled limbs count?" Sin asks, making their excitement turn to worry.

"Nothing happened. Sin's just being silly," I promise, as I shoot a glare his way. "I'm sorry I'm a little late, but I'm here now, so let's get started!"

Working with the newborns was a little different each day.

When they first came, everyone struggled with how much they wanted blood. They were so desperate that they would do and say anything for it, and that's where my magic came in. I used it to keep them here and also to help them fight the horrible urges. I couldn't use too much because they had to learn to control it themselves, but I could make their fight a little easier.

After that, it was about adjusting to their new life and what it would mean. They learned about the vampires, the history, and how the species – the clan – functioned. We taught them how to fight and be strong, just like Master taught me, and when they were at their lowest or just needed to cry, I was always there to listen and hold them while they did.

Master liked to say that the newborns were like my babies, and maybe they were because I cried every time one left. So far, eleven newly-turned vampires were gone, and they were doing great in their sub-clans. There were five here now, each at different stages, but I made sure to help them each.

With my magic, it's not hard for me to bounce between each of them as we work through feedings, fighting and their classes. I knew I didn't have to be here for every second of it, but I liked to be because I knew how much it helped to have someone who cared close by when you were figuring things out.

Master had been there for me every step of the way, and I wanted to give that to every person I could.

"Did you get my gift?" I ask as I sit with Drew, she'd only turned one month ago, and she was struggling the most with her body, not the cravings.

"Yes!" She beams as she takes my hands in her and squeezes, "Kalem, I can't thank you enough! I can't believe you got me a piano!"

I grin at her, feeling fluffy and happy inside, "You told me that it made you feel safe and calm. That's all I want for you, so of course, I did!"

"But," Drew shakes her head, "a piano! And a FAZIOLI!"

I didn't know what a Fazioli was. I just popped around and looked for the best piano I could find and left lots of money back when I took it.

"I'm glad you like it," I say instead, "I hope it's helping?"

"It's..." she pauses, taking a breath, "It was hard— it is hard just breathing sometimes. This body feels like a machine, but now I can feel my soul inside of it. I'm still me, but then I listen for my heart, and when I don't hear it beat, I panic. I try to breathe, and I can't... but I don't die. I'm in skin that doesn't feel like mine anymore, but you gave me a piece of the old me again. When I feel like I'm about to lose it, I find those keys, and I can breathe."

Drew smiles brightly at me after she lets out a deep breath, "Just... thank you, Kalem. Thank you for everything."

Drew didn't see it, she couldn't, but from my eyes, I saw the golden threads that were between us glowing brighter, their binds growing stronger, everlasting, just like the binds between her and the rest of the clan. I see the start of her bond with the clan in her eyes and all around her.

No matter where she went or how much time passed, she would remember what it was like when she was here, freshly turned and adjusting to this new world. She'd remember the love she got here, the friends she made and all the fun times, and she'd remember this moment.

I sigh happily, feeling my own soul glow brightly with satisfaction. This was where I always meant to be.

"I have been sent here to collect a very special person," I stiffen as a familiar voice echoes around the court. "He's the sweetest person in the world, and he has a very disturbing love of all things floral."

I giggle as I stand, looking at Drew, who nods quickly; she was fine. I hug her tightly, promising to see her again soon before I rush towards Wequie's voice, finding him standing within the doorway. The second he spots me, a wide smile breaches his face, and he spreads his arms.

"There you are, flower,"

Squealing, I run over to him, landing in his arms as he holds me and spins me all around. It didn't matter that we saw each other every day; we still reacted the same way each time. When Wequie sets me down, I smile up at him, his height still hard to adjust to now that he had taken his original form.

Before, Wequie was only a little taller than me, with soft features and a small body that made him all breedable and cute. Now, Wequie was as tall as Lincoln, with tanned, golden skin and smooth muscles that showed in all the right places. His face was stronger, more masculine and tempting, and his voice was so much deeper.

It made me feel very naughty things to be around Wequie now, which was probably why Master hated us cuddling so much, but it wasn't my fault! It was Wequie's, for being so handsome now!

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, I've been tasked with escorting you to the ancient one's personal library, and I take my jobs very seriously," Wequie replies with a grin. "Are you all done here?"

I turn around, looking at the newborns, who all smile at me, waving me off before I turn back to Wequie and nod.

"Great, then, shall we?" Wequie offers his arm, and I take it with a giggle, holding on tight as we start walking together.

"Do you know what's going on?" I ask while nibbling on my lip.

"Yes, and it's nothing bad," Wequie promises, crossing a finger over his chest. "And don't even bother asking me what it is because, for the first time in all my existence, I'm keeping these lips shut."

I pout, not liking the sound of that at all, "That's too bad."

Wequie's golden eyes narrow on me before he shakes his head, "If you keep flirting like that, you're going to get me in trouble."

I shrug, "You like trouble."

Wequie gasps, "I told you that in confidence, Kalem!"

Laughing, I pull him in even tighter, forever grateful for the friendship we'd formed together. Wequie and I had gotten along before, but over the last few months, we'd grown something so close that sometimes I didn't even have to say what was on my mind; he just knew.

I worried that maybe I was stealing Master's friend, but we all had fun together on special movie night, and sometimes, when Wequie was really down, Master let him stay with us in bed.

Wequie said it was coping; I thought it was love.

"Alright, flower," Wequie says when we reach the door to the room, I'd always love more than any other in the castle, "this is where I leave you."

"I'm scared," I admit, feeling tense for what had seemed so simple at first but now felt so important.

"Don't be," Wequie says, leaning down to kiss my forehead. "You guys deserve this."

With that, Wequie walks away, leaving me to turn over those words as I face the door.

I could feel Master waiting on the other side; his emotions were too strong to miss— his excitement, nerves, and glee. They were mostly happy feelings, and with how much I loved my Master, it was enough for me to open the door and peek inside.

Standing in the centre of the library that was shining from its most recent clean, Lincoln stood with a nervous smile and several bags at his feet. They were full and zipped up, and he was wearing... weird clothes. They weren't weird, really, just weird on Master, who usually wore fitted things, but now he stood in a loose open white top and black pants.

"Are you okay, Master?" I ask as I step inside, blinking twice to make sure I wasn't imagining this.

Lincoln laughs while he rubs his hands in front of him, "I'm fine, love. Is it really so strange to see me like this?"

I nod because lying was bad, and I never lied to my Master.

Lincoln laughs again as I walk toward him, looking more nervous with each step I take. When I'm standing just in front of him, he looks down at me, his lips struggling to stay curved up.

"Lincoln?"

"I um, I came here some few days ago, for some specific book I suppose, but I took one look around, and I was met with all these memories," As Lincoln speaks, he looks around. I follow his gaze, running my eyes over the armchair we always cuddled on to read, the shelves I cleaned one by one, and all the special candles I'd gotten for him.

"I remembered so much of our earliest time together, and I realised that I was failing us both in an aspect," he says, his eyebrows pulling closer together. "I promised you the world with the condition that it would all be done once the war was over, but the war has long since come and gone. This world is as I made it, safe for us, for you, and we haven't even explored it."

I shake my head, not liking the guilt coming from him. "We have the clan, and you're Pylen—"

"I will always be Pylen," Lincoln cuts in quickly. "I will always have some responsibility or the other, and so will you. I love it all, I enjoy fulfilling my duties, but I did this all for you. This all started because I wanted to give you the world and be sure that you'd be able to lavish in all of your heart's desires."

My heart warms as I look up at Lincoln, watching him closely as he steps forward.

"I know these last few months have been horrible for us both. In all we prepared for, we never expected to lose the ones closest to us...." Lincoln swallows hard, taking a moment before continuing, "but we can not continue to press pause on all we want because it is not how we expected it to be. We both deserve so much more than that. You deserve more."

Dropping his gaze, Lincoln breathes in slowly, looking lost and anxious all at once.

"Before I met you, Kalem, I was living in darkness. I've seen every inch of all these realms, but never once without this shrouding cloud of darkness over it, and then I saw you. From the moment I first saw you, Kalem, I started living."

Play song – replay until the end of the book

Tears fill my eyes, making my vision blurry as Lincoln takes my face in his hands, holding me so gently like I was the most precious thing in the world.

"I've told you before, love, you are my light, and I meant it. You brought me out of that darkness, and I want to do the same for you." Lincoln confesses, his voice trembling slightly now. "You have this beautiful light, Kalem; it's like nothing I've ever seen before, and it's a tragedy that it hasn't gotten the chance to shine, to truly shine— that changes today."

"H-How?" I ask, feeling my heart charging between us.

"We're going to see it all," Lincoln says with a shaking smile. "All this planet, this realm has to offer. We'll travel together, just like we always planned. We'll see those Northern Lights I told you about, dip our toes in every ocean, and enjoy all sorts of festivals, not just the pixie ones." I laugh, and Lincoln does as well as he rests his head against mine, "we're going to live life the way we deserve to."

"But what about the clan?"

"Wequie and my council will take care of everything while we're away," Master answers quickly.

"A-And my newborns?"

"All your friends have pledged to devote every bit of care you do to them as well,"

"Malcolm?" I whisper, knowing how Lincoln visited him every day.

Master tenses for a moment, just like he did every time someone said his name. It had been months since Malcolm had gone to sleep, but time didn't make it any easier seeing him like that— as still and cold as stone. But Master and Wequie saw him every day, cleaning him and talking to him, and there were enough guards for an army protecting his resting place.

"Malcolm is protected," Lincoln says carefully, "I have seen to it, and Wequie is here. I trust him with the clan and with Malcolm as well."

I look up at Master, my mind whirling as I try to think of something else because there was always something else.

"Kalem, we're not leaving forever. We will be only one jump away if we need to come back, and we will," Lincoln promises, "but love," he rubs his thumbs against my skin, "there's nothing holding us back anymore. We're free to do whatever we want."

Free. We're free.

The words replay themselves over in my mind, growing louder each time it does until it's blaring louder than ever before.

"We're free?" I repeat softly.

Lincoln's dark eyes dart between mine, filling and breaking just a little, "Yes, Kalem. We're free... in every way. Free."

Maybe he felt it through our bond, or maybe, he knew that it was what I needed to hear, that it was what I was looking for before I'd even started searching. Either way, Lincoln had just given me the very last piece, the most important piece.

"I've packed everything, handled every little detail," Lincoln promises, "you just have to pick a place, and we'll leave."

"I—," I pull back as my magic swells. "I'll be right back."

Master frowns, looking worried, so I kiss him quickly, holding him close and pouring all my love into him.

"I'm fine, a-and I want to go! My head is all busfkn, but I want to go, and I will. I just need to do something first, Master."

Lincoln nods, his acceptance undeniable in our bond, so I kiss him again before I let my magic take me away to my first room. I look around all the spots of white and yellow, the place as safe as it always felt.

I hardly came here anymore since Master's room became our room, but there were still so many of my first things in here. It was a little daunting to be here now, but I didn't waste any time rushing to the old clothes Lincoln had filled with new clothes.

I push the doors open and fall to my knees. Pushing aside the small boxes, I use my magic to pull back one of the first barriers I'd ever made. It's small and tiny, but it was enough to hide my small yellow book so that no one else would ever find it.

I open it and quickly flip through the pages that had helped me for so long.

I am Kalem. I am not a slave.

I am a brave boy.

I can like flowers and books, and I can always ask for more food.

Lincoln is my Master because I chose him. I choose him!

I like to make Master happy, but that does not make me a slave. I don't have to do it.

Cleaning isn't forced. No one can force me to do anything.

I don't have to do anything I do not want to do.

I wipe the tears from my eyes as I turn to the last page, to the one that was almost full except for the last line that I'd never dared to fill in. Tugging the waiting pen free, I take a deep breath and let myself feel this moment, this one moment that I'd had to learn to want— the one I always deserved.

It was better than I'd ever imagined.

Letting my pen reach the paper, I smile as I write the three words that save me.

I am free.

I stare at the words, not daring to blink when I felt like my chest would explode just seeing them written there.

Through blurry eyes, I swipe my fingers over the words, over and over again until I convince myself that I've swiped up enough of their power to say them out loud.

"I...I am free."

Quiet washes over my mind. Perfect silence as the world stops moving without my direction, settling, and letting me breathe.

I am free.

Closing the book very carefully, I pass my shaking fingers over the top before I put it back in its place. I don't move until I'm sure it's safe, forever guarded by magic, and only then— when everything is back as it was, do I stand to my feet and return to my Master.

Lincoln stops his pacing the moment I return, his obvious nervousness making me smile despite the tears pouring from my eyes.

"Kalem?" he starts, so worried that it had all been too much when it had been all I'd ever needed.

I shake my head as I let my joy and my gratefulness fill our bond, pushing it forward so that he could feel just how right everything was. It physically takes his breath away when it hits him, leaving him speechless for what feels like a timeless moment before he nods, understanding it all without even a word.

When he offers his hand, I don't hesitate to rush forward and take it; squeezing it tight, not daring to ever let him go. Lincoln pulls me in close, wrapping his arms around me, and I stare up into the dark, kind eyes that I'd first seen through metal bars I thought I'd never escape.

They were kind even then— when everyone else was trembling in fear, when his power overpowered any other in the room, his eyes were kind. And I knew, before I even knew the man behind them, that everything was going to be okay, and it was.

Lincoln said I was his light, that I led him through the darkness, but the truth was, he'd been the one to save me... he was the one who'd freed me.

"Are you ready, love?"

"Always, Master," I promise as I let my magic wrap around us.

Lincoln smiles as he holds me to him, his lips brushing softly across mine, "Lincoln and Kalem forever?"

My lips spread as wide as his, the corners made wet with tears— but they were happy ones. I nod, cherishing the words, and the eternal love behind them.

"Lincoln and his Kalem, forever."

THE END

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