Mina’s deep rumble echoes through the cavern, and both of my daughters suddenly blink out of existence with their inherited phasing abilities. When they reappear moments later, they’re carrying a freshly caught deer between them, which they send flying toward their mother with impressive coordination.
Mina rumbles again, and Klauth’s ancient eyes widen with surprise and what might be concern. “Are you absolutely certain about that timing?” he asks, and Mina’s confirming rumble carries a note of urgency that makes everyone in the chamber suddenly alert.
“Well, that certainly changes our timeline,” Klauth announces to the assembled group. “Mina informs me that the species genetics involved doesn’t require the same incubation period as pure dragons or displacer beasts. She expects to lay her eggs as early as tomorrow.”
The announcement galvanizes everyone into immediate action. The expectant fathers scatter to prepare for the arrival of their offspring, each with specific missions that have clearly been planned well in advance. Thauglor issues orders with military precision, while Abraxis coordinates security arrangements.
My mission, as always, involves hunting fresh game to nourish our pregnant mate. My daughters have already begun showing their hunting prowess by feeding their mother, and pride swells in my chest as I watch their natural abilities developing.
Now it’s my turn to show them how true hunting mastery is achieved. The next twenty-four hours will test every skillI’ve developed over years of caring for Mina during her fertile periods, but I’ve never been more ready for the challenge.
Our family stands on the brink of beautiful expansion, and I couldn’t be more honored to play my part in making it all possible.
Three hoursand five deer later, Mina rests peacefully with a satisfied purr rumbling from her full belly. The sight of her contentment after successfully nourishing herself fills me with deep satisfaction—every hunt was worth this moment of seeing her completely at ease.
All seven of our family’s children have arranged themselves somewhere either on or around their mother’s massive form, creating a living tapestry of scales, wings, and protective instincts. Their positioning speaks to deep bonds and an understanding of their roles during this crucial time.
Interestingly, Mina won’t allow either Thauglor or Klauth to hold her during this vulnerable period. Instead, Callan’s gryphon form rests regally on her hind foot, watching the chamber with his good eye—the missing eye socket a testament to battles fought in service of our family’s protection.
Vaughn has shifted into his imposing gargoyle form and paces within the chamber with restless energy, his stone feet creating a rhythmic pattern against the cavern floor. The nervous anticipation radiating from him is palpable, and I understandhis need to move, to channel the overwhelming emotions into physical activity.
Leander’s nightmare form lies sleeping peacefully between Mina’s front legs, his dark coat gleaming in the chamber’s gentle light. Even in sleep, his positioning speaks of protection and devotion.
As for me? I prowl the interior of the cavern like the predator I am, my eyes constantly scanning, watching everything with hyper alert attention. Every shadow could hide a threat; every sound could signal danger to the precious lives developing within my mate.
Abraxis has positioned himself in his dragon form near the mouth of the cavern, his bulk effectively blocking the entrance from any unwanted intrusions. The ancients sleep on carefully arranged furs between Mina and Abraxis, their presence providing additional layers of security.
Balor is shifted into his basilisk form, coiled close to Mina while facing the entrance—a living weapon ready to defend our family at a moment’s notice. Every member of our family is accounted for, positioned with strategic purpose born from years of experience protecting what matters most.
If Mina’s biological instincts prove correct, we should witness the first eggs sometime tomorrow. The anticipation is almost unbearable.
At some point during my vigilant prowling, I must have drifted into an exhausted doze, because Leander’s sudden bellow nearly scares the fur right off my body. The alert call of his stallion form makes every strand of my coat stand on end as adrenaline floods my system.
Everyone jolts awake instantly, years of family crisis management kicking in as we watch the expectant fathers shift back to human form with record-breaking speed. The chamber fills with the sound of transforming bodies and rapidly moving feet.
“I can see an egg!” Vaughn screams with joy and terror combined, his voice echoing off the cavern walls as everyone moves into their predetermined positions with military precision.
With each powerful contraction of Mina’s body, more of the shell becomes visible. The sight of new life literally emerging into our world fills me with awe that never diminishes, no matter how many times I’ve witnessed this miracle.
“It looks silverish?” I observe with puzzlement, glancing over at Klauth for his ancient wisdom and experience.
“I honestly have no idea,” he admits, looking to his oldest friend for answers. “Thauglor?”
“Iron dragons traditionally laid black eggs, while green dragons produced green ones,” Thauglor explains thoughtfully, tilting his head as he studies the emerging shell with scientific interest. “My best educated guess is that it could belong to either Vaughn or Callan, given their unique species heritage.”
His voice takes on a commanding authority as he addresses the nervous father-to-be. “Vaughn, prepare yourself to catch that egg before it hits the ground.”
The order sets Vaughn into immediate motion, positioning himself with the focused intensity of someone whose entire world depends on the next few moments.
When the egg finally slips free from Mina’s body, Vaughn dives forward with athletic grace and catches it securely in his arms, then freezes completely. He stares at me with wide eyes, his bottom lip quivering with overwhelming emotion that threatens to spill over into tears of pure joy.
“It’s definitely a gargoyle,” he whispers with reverent awe. “The egg texture feels exactly like stone—just like mine did when I was born.”
He carries his precious burden closer to Klauth and Thauglor, both ancient beings nodding their confirmation as they examine the miraculous creation.
“It’s absolutely yours, Vaughn. Congratulations,” Thauglor declares with warm satisfaction, clapping him on the shoulder before guiding him toward Mina’s massive head and then positioning him between her protective forelegs.
Watching Vaughn’s face transform with pure happiness makes my chest tight with emotion. His smile stretches from ear to ear as he shows Mina their egg together, the first tangible proof of their love made manifest.
