The descent from Celestia’s threshold felt like waking from a dream woven of starlight and storm. The rift Alice had opened spat them back into Enkanomiya’s ruins, the group tumbling out in a heap of exhausted limbs and triumphant laughter. The air below was thick and real—salty ocean spray mingling with the earthy tang of ancient stone— a stark contrast to the sterile ether of the divine realm. Varka landed on his feet, claymore still gripped tightly, his scars fresh and stinging but his grin unbreakable. Nicole materialized beside him, her form no longer flickering at the edges; the curse lifted, she felt the weight of her own body fully for the first time in eons, her heartbeat a steady drum against her ribs.
The allies erupted in cheers. Jean rushed forward, clapping Varka on the shoulder. “Grand Master! You… you did it. Celestia bent to your will.” Mika scribbled furiously in his journal, eyes wide as saucers. “This will rewrite history—literally!” Razor sniffed the air, then bounded over to Nicole, nuzzling her hand like a protective pup. “Nicole… smell strong. Good.” Even Diluc cracked a rare smile, his Pyro Vision flickering in approval. “Defying gods. Not bad for the Mightiest Knight of Boreas.” The Natlan warriors whooped, pounding their chests in rhythmic celebration, while Alice danced around Barbeloth, who murmured, “The stars realign… a new branch in the Irminsul.”
Varka pulled Nicole into his arms, lifting her off the ground in a spinning embrace. His laughter boomed through the ruins. “We did it, my guide! No more fading lights, no more curses. Just you and me, together with each other through Teyvat’s winds.”
Nicole’s voice in his mind was warm, laced with that familiar teasing edge, but now it carried a new depth—echoing slightly in the air as well, her muteness partially lifted by the divine amendment. You reckless fool. Storming Celestia like it’s a tavern brawl. But… thank you. For returning my love, for fighting… for me. I feel… whole.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
He set her down but kept her close, his hands on her waist. “Whole? Good—because I’m not letting go. That kiss up there? It’s just the start. I hope you’re ready for more.” Grinning as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a heated kiss that ignored the watching crowd. It was gentle, slowly burning into a passionate exchange—his tongue tracing hers, bodies pressing together as if to reaffirm their solidity. Cheers turned to whoops and awkward coughs from the group, but Varka didn’t care. When they broke apart, breathless, they stared at each other and cracked a wide smile. “Now, let’s get back to Mondstadt. I owe Angel’s Share a round—or ten.”
The journey home was a blur of portals and winds, courtesy of Alice’s magic. They emerged in Mondstadt’s square under a starlit sky, the city alive with unaware citizens who soon joined the impromptu festival. News spread like Anemo— the Grand Master had returned victorious from the heavens themselves. Bards strummed lyres, singing hasty ballads of the “Knight Who Wooed the Stars.” Varka hoisted Nicole onto his shoulders, parading her through the streets as she laughed mentally. Put me down, you oaf! I’m no trophy.
“Oh, but you are—my greatest one!” he retorted aloud.
That night, in the Knights’ headquarters, they stole away to Varka’s quarters. The room was simple—maps on walls, a claymore rack, a half-empty wine flask—but it felt like a sanctuary. Varka lit a fire, then turned to her, eyes dark with desire. “We’ve earned this.”
Earned? We’ve defied gods. What more? she teased, but her mental voice was husky.
He pulled her close, hands roaming her back, untying laces with surprising gentleness for his size. Their kiss deepened, clothes shedding in a trail to the bed. It was hot, awkward in moments of rediscovery—her form now fully tangible, his scars sensitive under her touch. Bodies entwined, rhythms building to ecstasy, whispers of love mingling with teasing quips. “Want me now?” he growled playfully.
Always, she replied, pulling him closer.
