This was absolutely fantastic and a great mirroring and reconstruction of the themes in the rest of the story. The same thing that doomed Gilbert saves Aaron. Also does a great job establishing the grandmaster as flawed but sympathetic, and Collin as someone who might be able to change everything. Makes chapter 4 work for me in a way it didn't on its own. Great job, and looking forward to seeing more of Colin in "Knightly Duties".

WOW. It is so hot. it make me so horny

I knew that Tyler would figure things out about Brian’s scheme right away. But now why am I worried that Brian and/or Riley can now seduce Javi to turn him against the other three? I really _(really)_ don’t want Brian to win. Great stuff so far. I can’t wait for the next part.

I'm so glad I stuck around--thank you for your kindness in messaging me, @Naedre! This chapter is INCREDIBLE (and a lot of that has to do with the fact that Brian doesn't appear much, ha ha). Seeing Tyler, Noah, and Joe use their brains to outwit Brian is especially great given that he spent the whole last chapter bragging about how "superior" he is to them. Plus it's interesting to see characters thinking things through carefully in these stories; many of the tales on here have characters inadvertently falling into magical/hypnotic traps, and having Tyler immediately piece together what happened to Riley and how Brian was trying to use him as bait made me cheer. And you've done a fantastic job adding new dimensions to the heroic trio: Tyler's desire to protect others and his insecurities at being alone, Noah's hidden knowledge base (and social justice side!) and desire for love, and Joe's himbo nature belying a strong moral compass and acceptance of sexual liberation (he's a proud slut and encourages others to be the same!). The scene where he saves the kind woman from Warren (and she, in turn, proves completely accepting of homosexuality) is fantastic, and you do a great job at contrasting the transformative sex between Brian and the groom party (which was all for Brian's pleasure and didn't acknowledge their humanity) and Joe's time with Warren (when he fairly warns the other man about what will happen and is careful to consider how he is feeling). It's also great to see Javi actively assisting Tyler via loopholes--exact words are one of my favorite tropes, and seeing a genie use them for *good* as opposed to evil is a refreshing twist. It will be interesting to see what happens with his new human form--and Noah's contract; somehow I doubt that Brian will like being outvoted, and the democratic process might not work when magic is involved (especially since, as we saw, he could force Tyler to vote with him by threatening Riley). I'm genuinely excited to see what happens next! :D Thank you for the fantastic story!

Great transformation!

@[darkblade2814](/user/show/243317) Most likely that is likely how Collin will try to bargain with them if he can't cure them. It would likely be a way to stave off any demonic outbreaks in the east and obtain time to find a cure. On the other hand, if William and the others come to the conclusion that humans are too weak to survive the invasion, things might get even more terrifying as Collin will be on the run from everybody. But I can see them coming to a truce- the west are the enemy right now for those of kinghtly duties. I just hope that at least gil has some good reason for doing what he did to aaron and collin by extension. I can imagine him possibly actually liking the guy as a potential grandson and possibly bonding with him- but I can see considering how possessive they are of family why he's so infuriated. Still, the guy is being unhinged right now and it's terrifying. I hope Aaron manages to get some screen time to figure out how to navigate that. He'll likely become important in the coming war- he's essentially in the same place gil was 50 years ago to some extent- if his western stepmother was gils daughter, then its likely gil did see him as family so this became very personal, and considering his own experienves living amongst easteners i can get why aaron staying in the east is so enraging. So I get why he's doing it- I still hate that Collin is a puppet in between Daniel and gil though. Not to mention, based on how Daniel speaks of western custom, something tells me anti western sentiment is still strong in the east which would likely backfire on them. They can probably kiss the border regions goodbye for the most part once war starts. Not to mention if the demons wind up in large enough number, they'll probably be infuriated over how Collin was severed from his family as their leaders are infuriated, particularly if they were former knights. So really, the order is facing certain doom.

Congratulations on another reworked chapter. The bath scene has been one of my favourite moments with the dynamic between Rhys and Jasper. There's a chance it introduces suspicion from Rhys about Jasper's quick acceptance of petness and Rhys also learns of the layers of his pet. I enjoyed his fantasies about the two of them domming other Coins. The tenderness mixed in with the eroticism is really wonderful. It feels like something you both do very well.

so this is why Colin's death was faked, I wonder how his family would react to the WHY he has to leave them, it complicates things, a lot also, is the Primal Beast a demon too?

Good second chapter! I had mixed feelings about Chapter 1, because I loved the premise but had trouble telling the boys apart, since they were all exchanging bitchy repartee like young gays who'd watched too much Drag Race. But now I think the characters are emerging a bit more clearly. I just hope the resort starts messing with their minds a little more in Chapter 3!

When is the brother coming into the picture? Can’t wait to see what happens to him.