"I need a nap," Tally stated with a yawn as she kicked her boots off, tossed her pants on a chair along with her jacket, and then face planted on the bed.

Sarah chuckled and undressed as well before she crawled underneath the covers. She opened her arms as Tally snuggled in.

"That went so much better than I thought it would," she told Sarah.

The General hummed her agreement. "It was also much more entertaining than I thought it would be. You certainly didn't hold back with the Imperatrix."

Tally winced. "Sorry."

"No," Sarah stated simply, reaching down to tilt Tally's chin up to meet her gaze. "There is no need to apologize. You defended me, and your freedom as a person. I'm proud that you stood up for yourself and told her how you felt. You were right to call her a 'glorified witch breeder.'"

Tally chuckled. "That was pretty good, wasn't it?"

"Exceptional," Sarah urged.

They laughed together and Sarah set to rubbing Tally's back soothingly.

"So you really want us as your private unit?" Tally asked next.

Alder nodded firmly. "Truth be told, I was considering your positions as such when we were in the Tarim. Your abilities, especially, were essential. I didn't doubt your sight for a moment. You stood out as a soldier. I want you to know that your merits to be in my private unit are strictly those of your capabilities. It is merely a bonus that I will be by your side."

Tally's eyes watered as she snuggled into Sarah's neck. She sent her gratitude through the bond, sighing as she felt Sarah send a wave of affection back to her.

"Raelle and Abigail now, I also knew if I were to have a private unit again—they would be a part of the deal. Their quick reflexes were impressive. Then after they returned, and with Raelle's awakening of the Mycelium inside her…there wasn't much debate in my mind."

"You've really been considering us as a private unit for that long?" Tally asked, wide eyed.

Sarah nodded and stroked Tally's cheek. "Raelle's abilities…that power she has…of course I would want her by my side. Abigail, powerful Work in her, she just needs a little more guidance to give her the boost she requires. Your unit is easily the most naturally talented unit I have seen in decades."

Tally beamed.

"I knew that for whatever was to come next with the Camarilla, I would need to surround myself with the witches I would trust the most with my life."

"And that's us," Tally finished for her.

"Yes," Sarah confirmed. She kissed Tally softly.

"What an honor on all fronts," Tally told her, smiling against her lips. "Private unit member, songmate, a place in your bed…"

Sarah chuckled against her and kissed her again. "An honor indeed."

Tally slapped her chest playfully before capturing her lips in a slow kiss. There was no urgency in it, just the two of them basking in the feeling of being against each other.

When they broke for air, Sarah murmured, "I don't think I will ever tire of that."

Tally smiled. "I certainly hope not since we are together for life."

Sarah chuckled and kissed her again.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to Tally and she pulled back from the kiss.

Sarah looked at her with concern, unsure why she had ceased their kissing.

"I'm going to die," Tally said, voice full of realization. "You have the biddies and I—"

Sarah gazed at her softly. "My love, no."

Tally remained silent, confused.

"Darling," Sarah began, cupping Tally's cheek. "You'll have biddies of your own. I refuse to go on in this life without you by my side. And should you not want biddies of your own…then I will go when you do."

Tally's eyes widened. "But you can't they…they need you."

"Tally," Sarah urged. "Sweetheart, I don't think you understand the magnitude of this bond."

Tally waited, her head leaning into Sarah's touch against her cheek as they lay together.

"If something would happen to you…or something would happen to me…there isn't much of a choice for either of us I'm afraid."

"So…" Tally mulled it over. "If you die, I'll die no matter my health or age or…"

Sarah sighed sadly. "A songmate bond transcends…everything. It's the most powerful, intricate, unknown piece of work. The previous confirmed cases…if something happened to one, it happened to the other—whether the passing of the mate was because of a broken heart or because of what befell the other…I do not know. Again, it's very unknown. Before we knew of what this connection was…I was quite shaken from you feeling my pain during Nicte's attack. I didn't want to think it was a songmate bond in part because of that. You shouldn't have to suffer at all for my actions."

Tally pressed her lips against Sarah's, pulling her into a reassuring kiss. "I love you. I'm sorry that it scared you so much."

Sarah chuckled and stroked Tally's face. "You're so…good, Tally Craven."

"So, we really are mated for life," Tally confirmed with a smirk. "Hopefully it is a very long life."

"I will do whatever I can to make it so," Sarah replied.

They kissed again, and soon the softness of the kisses turned heated and desperate. Sarah's hands wandered underneath Tally's shirt, stroking her sides before sliding down to grab her ass.

Tally moaned into the kiss as Sarah continued to knead it. A groan rumbled in Sarah's chest as Tally's breath hitched with each touch. She hummed appreciatively as her nails bit into the soft flesh, earning a deep moan from her younger witch.

"Mmm you enjoy that," Sarah commented as she gave Tally's ass another squeeze.

Tally's teeth bit into her lower lip, and she nodded quickly.

A slap echoed in the room as Tally gasped against Sarah's mouth. She wiggled her ass back into Sarah's hand more, enjoying the way her palm glided over the tender flesh.

"Would you like me to touch you properly, sweetheart?" Sarah asked in between kisses against Tally's witch mark.

Tally nodded her head, unable to trust her own words. Her nipples were stiff against the fabric of her shirt, and she could feel her wetness against her panties that had grown uncomfortably wet.

Sarah's hand landed another smack to Tally's ass, earning a sharp gasp followed by a deep moan. She grabbed Tally's leg and threw it over her hip, opening her. She pushed the panties to the side and slid her fingers through Tally's soaked folds.

"So wet for me," Sarah murmured against Tally's lips. She slowly licked up the center of them, earning a whimper from the redhead.

"Please, baby," Tally pleaded, enjoying the way Sarah's eyes flashed.

Her head went back as Sarah entered her with two fingers. She met no resistance, and Tally could hear just how wet she was.

"More," she requested as she ground into Sarah's hand.

Another finger slipped inside and she moaned into Sarah's mouth. The older witch thrust into her as she trailed her lips everywhere she could reach. Her free hand slid behind Tally and roughly grabbed her ass, encouraging her hips to rock into her harder.

"F-fuck," Tally whined as Sarah hit the right spot. "There, there, don't stop,"

Her hips canted against Sarah's thrusts, which had grown harder but continued to curl into her g-spot. She was pretty sure she was going to see stars when she came.

"You do so good for me," Sarah cooed. She knew the younger witch was close. Her wetness was spilling over her hand and onto her own thighs, but she couldn't care less.

"I'm go-gonna," Tally stuttered out as she approached her peak.

"Cum for me," Sarah commanded as she thrusted.

Tally did as she was told. She came with a cry, squirting onto Sarah as she rode out her orgasm with uneven jerks.

Sarah growled as she felt the flood against her hand. She wanted her to do that again and again. She wasn't sure what it was about it that sent her into such a frenzy…but she wasn't complaining, and it seemed Tally wasn't either.

She rolled over so Tally was underneath her, adjusted her legs so that she was spread wider, and continued pounding into her.

"Fuck, Sarah!" Tally cried out as her fingers delved deeper.

She didn't even feel like she was in her body anymore. She arched her back, moaning loudly as Sarah's head dipped to take a nipple in her mouth.

"Don't fucking stop," Tally urged.

She could hear the sound of Sarah's fingers pounding into her wet pussy, and it was driving her closer.

Sarah was enjoying Tally's commanding tone. She could feel her own slick between her legs, as well as the needy throbbing of her clit. She ignored it for now though. She made a mental note to definitely acquire a strap on for them so she could have use of both of her hands. She mentally sent a few images through the bond of how she'd like to fuck Tally with one.

"Yes, yes, please," Tally begged at seeing the images. "Deeper, baby."

Sarah immediately complied, diving as deep as her fingers would allow. She could tell Tally was close again. Her walls were fluttering around her fingers, and she added her thumb to rub against Tally's clit.

"Sarah!" Tally cried out, cumming hard again around Sarah's fingers. Her nails dragged down Sarah's back as she came. She knew she had to have squirted again, and she knew once the haze left she would probably be embarrassed.

But it seemed Sarah had no intention of stopping yet.

Once Tally came down from her orgasm, Sarah shimmied down her body to lick up the mess Tally had made, moaning at every taste she got.

"You are so incredibly sexy," Sarah told her before she held her eyes with her own, and licked up Tally's center.

Tally shivered under the intensity of Sarah's stare. Her blue eyes were much darker, her pupils blown wide with a hunger Tally hoped she could satiate.

"So are you," Tally replied, a little breathless still.

"Are you too sensitive?" Sarah asked softly before she licked up Tally's cum from her thighs.

"Inside a little," Tally answered. Sarah had certainly fucked her thoroughly.

Sarah hummed. She carefully pulled her fingers from Tally, cleaning them before she slid her arms beneath Tally's thighs. She dipped her head, licking up Tally's center again before she swirled her tongue around her clit.

A breathless moan escaped the younger witch, followed by a half-moan, half-cry when Sarah sucked her clit into her mouth.

Tally's hands grasped the back of Sarah's head, holding her in place as she ground against her face.

She wasn't sure how she continued to be so needy after Sarah made her cum so hard she squirted twice…but here she was, grinding against the General's face as Sarah ate her out like she was her last meal on earth. Sarah's short nails bit into her flesh, keeping her pressed against her face as she dove into her cunt.

Her third orgasm was quick and hard, cumming against Sarah's face and feeling proud when Sarah finished cleaning her up and pulled back—Tally's cum glistening on her lips and chin.

"You're a messy eater," Tally teased as she held out her hand for Sarah to take.

The General crawled back up Tally's body, laying flush on top of her and pulling her into a deep kiss so Tally could taste herself on Sarah's lips.

"Only because you're so delicious," Sarah retorted seriously. "I could live between your legs."

"Goddess, we would never leave the bed," Tally murmured as they kissed here and there, sharing soft, love filled smiles. "We also definitely need to get a strap."

Sarah hummed with approval. "I can't wait." She lightly bit Tally's lip.

Tally pulled her in, kissing her properly before she pulled Sarah's head to the side by her hair to expose her neck. She kissed and bit the flesh softly before sinking her teeth in on a spot that always drove Sarah crazy.

She released a deep moan, hips pressing down and into Tally.

"Stay there," Tally told her as her hand slid down Sarah's chest, down her stomach and over her taut abs, and then to the apex of her thighs. Her first contact with her heated flesh made both of their breaths hitch. "I'm so glad you get as wet for me as I do you."

"Always," Sarah told her seriously. She rolled her hips against Tally's hand, silently requesting her to touch her.

Tally captured her lips in a kiss, swallowing the moan she pulled from her when two of her fingers sank home. She curled them, thrusting into Sarah and enjoying the feeling of her wet heat surrounding her.

Sarah was soaked, and her essence was running down Tally's hand. The way they were positioned allowed Tally to feel it against her own thighs, and an idea suddenly came to her.

She pulled her fingers free of Sarah, waiting until the General's curious, heated gaze met her own. Then, while holding eye contact, she slowly rubbed those same fingers against her own pussy before sliding them inside.

Tally was pretty sure that she just made the best decision of her life with the way Sarah's breath hitched, and her eyes darkened impossibly further.

A loud clap of thunder boomed outside, shaking the room. She quickly sang a seed before she reached down and pulled Tally's hand out.

"I wanted you inside me," Tally admitted.

A growl left Sarah as she captured Tally's lips in a bruising kiss. The redhead moaned as Sarah slid Tally's fingers back into her heat, riding them hard as soon as they were where she needed.

Tally slipped a third finger into Sarah, moaning as Sarah laid flush on top of her, rocking her hips to meet Tally's thrusts.

She curled her fingers and picked up her pace as Sarah did the same. It didn't take much longer for her to teeter over the edge. She came with Tally's name on her lips, her forehead pressing against Tally's as she clung to her and rode out her orgasm.

Tally eased her down and smoothed the sweaty strands of hair away from Sarah's forehead.

"I love you," Tally told her as she placed a gentle kiss to Sarah's nose.

"I love you too," she replied, lifting her hips so Tally could remove her fingers before she collapsed on top of her, laying just to the side so she wouldn't have all her weight on her.

Tally licked her fingers clean, moaning at Sarah's taste.

"So," Sarah began with a coy smile and dancing eyes, "you enjoyed having my cum inside you."

Tally blushed but smiled and nodded. "You seemed to like it as well."

Sarah groaned pleasantly. "I really did. I wasn't aware that was a thing for me but Goddess it is."

They both chuckled.

"If there's ever a seed for you to actually cum in me, I'm pretty sure I'll die," Tally told her honestly. She couldn't help the mental image of Sarah pounding into her and being able to fill her up. She thought she'd be embarrassed by it, but instead found how turned on it made her.

"So, a seed for my seed," Sarah said, completely straight faced.

Then they both fell into a wave of laughter at Sarah's joke.

Tally cupped her face, kissing her sweetly between their giggles.

"Yes," Tally answered with a smirk. "Now. Do you think you're rested enough for me to eat you out? I'm famished."

Sarah chuckled and rolled onto her back and spread her legs in invitation.

Tally didn't waste any time. She devoured her enthusiastically until she exploded in her mouth twice. When Sarah had finally come down from her orgasms, in a bit of a haze, Tally set an alarm and snuggled into Sarah's side.

Both women yawned before they fell asleep, tangled up in each other and satiated.

When they awoke from their naps, they both hopped in the shower—managing to behave despite some teasing touches here and there.

Tally was starving and was heading off to meet up with her unit mates for dinner while Sarah went to her office to finish up some work before Petra would be coming for their meeting—and then to the Weather Work field to drink with the others.

She would definitely be taking her own bottle of whiskey.

Her time passed quickly enough, and before she knew it the clock nearly sat at 20:00.

What do you think she wants to discuss? Corinne asked.

Sarah poured two glasses of whiskey as she sighed. I assume it has something to do with the way I reamed her out the other night.

She deserved it, Erin said seriously.

No argument from anyone in this room, Analese agreed.

I know that I am new, but I knew instantly that each of you would have encouraged Sarah to fight Petra on the spot after what happened to Tally, Aria commented with an amused chuckle.

You have no idea, Tessa replied dramatically before sipping her wine.

Personally, the fact that Sarah hasn't fought her shows her incredible restraint. Corinne's eyes flashed with amusement.

Sarah rolled her eyes as she carried the glasses to the fire, setting them down on the small table that sat between the two armchairs.

Do you really think you'll be able to trust Petra with Nicte? Liza asked softly through the link.

Everyone's eyes fell on Sarah.

She'd been wondering that herself. Honestly, Sarah began, I'm not sure. I will probably try and put a fetch on Nicte that will fly below her detection.

Would you place one on Petra? Margaret asked.

No, Sarah answered immediately as she took her preferred seat in the chair, I want Petra to trust me.

A knock resounded on the door, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

"Enter," Sarah called out.

The door clicked open and Petra entered, walking around the chairs to stand behind the empty seat. Sarah gestured to the vacant chair.

Once Petra sat down and had her glass of whiskey in her hand, Alder spoke.

"What did you want to see me about?" she asked, eyes trained on the fire before her.

"I wanted to apologize," Petra said, drawing Sarah's full attention. "Going behind your back…sending Abigail off with that bridle…attempting to undermine your authority…all of it. I am truly sorry."

Alder couldn't help the surprise she felt. She was sure Petra was going to try and justify her actions, reason that she only did what she did because she doesn't feel like Sarah could be trusted to lead…a million other things…but not an apology.

"There are not many things that surprise me anymore; yet here you are, apologizing for your insubordination," Alder murmured, eyes going back to the fire. She hummed and took a sip of her whiskey. "I accept your apology. However, you also owe Tally a genuine apology."

Petra nodded her agreement. "I do, and I will."

Sarah nodded, content with that. "Was there anything else?"

Petra hesitated a moment before she said, "Did you have any idea what you were doing, when you swept Nicte under the rug?"

Sarah's gaze remained trained on the flames flickering in the fireplace—deeply inhaling the scent of burning wood before replying.

"Not at first," she answered. She paused then. "I underestimated the situation. And soon enough, it became advantageous for the world to have a common enemy so we didn't destroy each other…and the Spree were easy to hate."

A long pause encompassed them as Sarah mulled over what she wanted to say next.

"You think you would have done a better job?" She finally settled on, her eyes leaving the flames to look at Petra with a piercing gaze.

Petra remained silent, unsure if the question was genuine or rhetorical. Sometimes it was difficult to tell with Sarah, so she went with the latter. She merely waited for Sarah to continue.

"How many Heads of Intelligence do you think I've appointed?"

"Must be at least a dozen."

"Twenty-eight." Sarah's gaze remained trained on the other woman. "How many conflicts do you think I've fought? On the ground."

Petra glanced down, finding the gaze to be too much. "Fifty…" she trailed off uncertainly before her gaze returned to Sarah.

"Eighty-one wars," Alder breathed, her eyes beginning to glisten in the light of the fire. "Each more brutal than the last." She shook her head. "You can't even imagine what I've seen…The Bay of Bengal…running red with British blood as far as the eye could see…the whole of the Anatolian plateau swarming with just woken dead so thick, you could not see the ground."

Her jaw clenched, fighting her muscles that desperately were trying to quiver with the heartache, rage, and anguish she felt as the memories welled to the surface. Her tears were visible, clinging to blue irises and brightening them but refusing to fall.

"A glacier cutting through downtown Vienna in the height of summer—" her voice trembled. "One hundred thirty thousand died in an afternoon." Her voice cracked and she finally glanced to the ground. "All the horror…all the glory…"

Petra's eyes had begun to water at the visible emotion pouring from Alder.

"You're ambitious, Petra. And foolish."

Petra willed her emotions to heel. "I'm human. Somewhere along the way, I think you forgot you are too."

Alder's chin quivered as she tried—desperately tried to keep a sob from tearing through her.

"I am human, Petra. I think that it is you, who forgot that," she replied, voice thick. Her eyes returned to the fire, the tears finally spilling over her lashes and blazing a trail down her cheeks.

"Perhaps I did," Petra said softly. "You carry a burden that…no one should want to carry."

Silence encased them, and Petra said nothing more as Sarah quietly grieved. The biddies were trying to soothe her pain, but it was Tally who broke through.

"What's going on?"

Her voice was warm and strong, wrapping around Sarah like the warmth of the sun. She suppressed a sob, allowing the feelings to flow through their connection.

Goddess bless Tally Craven, because she pulled that grief into herself—lifting it from Sarah in the bond so that she could actually breathe. She gasped quietly as it lifted, and she wasn't sure how Tally was doing it

"Let me help, yu'ánk'è mé azwà," Tally said firmly as a wave of love poured down the link.

Sarah shuddered under it, and she knew Petra was aware something was going on—though she thankfully remained silent.

"Tally," Sarah called—no, pleaded. Another wave of warmth filled her up, forcing her chest to expand in a deep breath as calm washed over her.

Her tears had ceased and she released a relieved sigh. "Lóù imé wèlá."

"I love you too," Tally replied.

Sarah could feel her reassuring smile before she pulled back from the link—only a little so Sarah could focus.

"Are you alright?" Petra broached softly.

"Tally," Sarah answered, her eyes shifting back to Petra's. "Concerned."

Petra gave a stiff nod, waiting for whatever was going to leave the General's lips next.

"I'll ask you again, Petra, can I trust you?" Sarah asked, voice strong as steel. "I need to know that you won't be running to Wade, and that you have my back because I will surely have yours. I truly do not want to have to have you make a vow, but if it's the only way I can be assured…"

"I'll do it," Petra said, holding her hand out.

Sarah's eyebrows rose. She could see the determination in Petra's gaze, as well as the seriousness. She would truly make a vow of trust if she demanded it of her right now.

"No need." Sarah took a swig of her whiskey as Petra pulled her hand back. "Then let's begin…with total honesty. Raelle's connection to the Mycelium…"

She explained everything that had transpired to lead up to their visit to Her, then her interaction with Jem and exactly what the others had to say. She had told her Generals about needing an alliance with the Spree…she just didn't tell them everything, and for good reason.

"What I've told you is highly classified. Understood?"

Petra nodded before she finished her whiskey. "Understood. I just…I can't believe that they're all there…"

"All of them."

Petra's eyes widened suddenly. "Charvel?"

Sarah nodded. "I didn't see her but she died on American soil…she's with Her, and with Raelle. Just as the others are. All of your lineage, as well as so many others."

Petra wiped at her eyes. Sarah could see the immense relief that washed over her at the news. She was glad she could provide some comfort to her regarding Charvel, and the Bellweather line.

They fell into a comfortable silence as Petra refilled their whiskeys.

"I do love Tally," Petra told Sarah, drawing the woman's attention. "Her and Raelle have become like daughters to me because of Abigail. I truly wanted no harm to come to her, and I certainly never intended that bridle to go on her. I didn't anticipate losing two other squads and theirs being the only one that returned." She met Sarah's gaze. "I wasn't thinking. I was too focused on what I could gain, instead of the safety of the soldiers and the mission."

Sarah nodded her agreement.

"Basically I feel like shit about it all," Petra finished with a scowl.

"As you should," Alder commented, "but you should know that I forgive your insubordination against me…Tally is another matter. Only she can forgive you."

Petra nodded her agreement.

A soft smile crossed Sarah's face and Petra hadn't missed it.

"What?"

Sarah chuckled. "Tally was just checking in through our bond again. She wanted to make sure I hadn't fried you."

Petra chuckled. "She seems to be keeping you in check."

"She does," she replied with a genuine laugh.

Petra remained silent for another moment before speaking, "What's it like?"

Alder's gaze returned to Petra's. "You mean the songmate bond?"

Petra nodded.

"It is…" she trailed off, a smile crossing her face. "It's unlike anything I have ever experienced. I've never felt so seen or heard. Every dark crevice of my life is brightened with a blinding light filled with warmth and love. It's incredible…and incredibly vulnerable."

"But worth it."

"Worth everything," Sarah corrected. She smiled softly. "I honestly expected some more resistance from you at the news."

Petra scoffed. "Believe me I'm surprised at myself as well. But, the way that you two look at each other. It's undeniable, even before seeing the bond. You're in love. And…even though I have been wanting to dethrone you…you certainly have earned some happiness."

Sarah nodded her agreement and raised her glass in a toast before taking a swig.

"What're the girls up to tonight?"

"Well, they are currently at the Weather Work field with Anacostia. They're about to settle in there and drink. I'm heading there after this."

"You're going to go drink with cadets?" Petra asked with a laugh. "That's a new one."

Sarah returned the amusement and shook her head. "They all want to celebrate Anacostia's promotion, as well as our courtship." Her eyes searched Petra's face for a moment. "Would you like to join us? I'm sure Abigail would love to see her mother piss drunk in a field."

Petra let out a loud laugh, the memory surfacing in her mind. "It was once, Sarah."

"Your mother was so mad," Sarah reminded her with a loud laugh. "I'll never forget the way she dragged your ass across base."

"Yes, and right in front of you to prove a point to me," Petra recalled with a sigh.

"Well, I am sure Abigail would love to hear that story, as well as a few others. Goddess knows I have enough information on the Bellweather family."

"I will join you," Petra agreed.

"Excellent," Sarah replied. Then, she reached out to Tally, smiling softly when she felt the redhead's presence coiling around her. "Darling, Petra is going to be joining us. I just wanted to give you notice to tell Abigail."

"Everything go okay?" Tally asked through their link.

Sarah could feel the curiosity, as well as the protectiveness for her surge through the bond. "Yes, better than I expected."

She knew Tally was pleased with that, and she stood to collect the empty glasses. She moved to one of her cabinets and pulled out three full bottles of whiskey to take with her.

"Are you planning on getting sloppy?" Petra asked. Her eyebrow rose in curiosity as she eyed the bottles.

"Of course not," Alder retorted as she led them from the room. "I know that whatever they are drinking is guaranteed to give them a horrid hangover. I simply want to offer a better alternative."

"Plus you won't drink whatever it is they're drinking because it's below your palate."

"Exactly," she replied easily, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

yu'ánk'è mé azwà - moon of my life