I observe with fascination as he instinctively shifts partially, extending his wings to create a protective embrace around his offspring. The sight speaks to a deep biological programming that transcends conscious thought.
Turning back toward Mina’s body, I witness the next wave of contractions beginning, her powerful muscles working to bring another precious life into our world.
I position myself to watch for the emergence of the second egg, my heart racing with anticipation for what comes next.
“No matter how many times I am blessed to witness this miracle,” Klauth says with genuine reverence, gesturing toward Mina’s laboring form, “each delivery feels as magical and profound as the very first time.”
I turn to study his expression and recognize the subtle changes that occur in him after each successful birth—the way his ancient eyes soften when hatchlings draw their first breaths. Little by little, through these moments of new life and hope, we’re helping to erase painful memories that have haunted him for centuries.
“It absolutely amazes me that Mina can give the mammalian members of our group biological children of their own,” I muse, sighing with wonder as the next egg makes its appearance. “The biological mechanics alone should be impossible, yet here we are.”
The emerging shell displays beautiful swirls of gold and rich brown coloration that immediately identify its parentage. “It’s gold and brown! Callan, I think you’re up, buddy!” I yell with excitement, completely forgetting how close Klauth is standing near me.
Callan runs forward with eager enthusiasm but slips dramatically on the birthing fluid, skidding past Mina in a display that would be comical if the stakes weren’t so high. A muffled laugh escapes from Abraxis’s lips as he steadies and straightens Callan back into proper position.
This time, Callan approaches slowly and deliberately, making sure of his footing. But he can’t resist making eye contact with me and wiggling his eyebrow over his empty eye socket in a gesture he knows disturbs both Klauth and me.
“Damn it, Callan!” Klauth exclaims with laughter despite himself, as we watch the egg work its way slowly but steadily into the world.
When the egg finally emerges, it displays an almost spiral pattern of colors—streaks of brilliant gold intertwined with bronze-brown shades that perfectly mirror Callan’s gryphon feathers. The artistic beauty of the shell takes my breath away.
Callan walks slowly and carefully back to Klauth and Thauglor, cradling his precious burden while his remaining eye gleams with desperate hope. “Is it truly mine?” he asks, voice thick with emotion as he searches their faces for confirmation.
“It is absolutely yours, Callan,” Thauglor confirms with a warm smile, gently patting the new father’s shoulder in congratulation and support.
Callan moves with reverent care over to where Mina rests with Vaughn, settling down across from his fellow new father. Both men cradle their eggs protectively while Mina purrs with deep satisfaction, her golden eyes moving lovingly between them.
The sight of my dear friends holding the physical proof of their dreams fulfilled makes every moment of planning, every risk taken, every elaborate romantic conspiracy completely worthwhile. Our family continues to grow in the most beautiful way possible.
Chapter
Thirteen
Leander stands with anxious energy,his entire body tense as he stares at Mina, waiting for his egg to make its appearance. The contrast between his nervous anticipation and the quiet contentment of the other two new fathers is striking. I walk over and rest a reassuring hand on his shoulder, feeling the tight knots of stress in his muscles.
“Don’t worry, it’s coming,” I tell him gently, tilting my head to catch his eye and offering my most encouraging smile. “Sometimes the timing varies a bit between deliveries.”
The anxiety radiating from him touches something deep in my chest. This man has waited just as long as the others, has shown the same devotion to our family, and deserves the same joy that Vaughn and Callan are currently experiencing.
“I know, it’s just...” he sighs heavily, his shoulders drooping with the weight of worry and anticipation combined.
“It’s not how your kind usually reproduces,” I finish for him, understanding immediately what’s troubling him beyond the normal nervousness of expectant fatherhood.
He nods, grateful that I’ve voiced what he couldn’t quite articulate. The biological impossibility of what we’re witnessing would unsettle for anyone, but especially for someone whose species has never produced offspring this way.
“Let’s face reality—my kind isn’t born from eggs either, but look at my daughters,” I remind him, motioning toward my kittens sleeping peacefully on their mother’s hip. “They’re strong, healthy, and absolutely perfect despite the unconventional circumstances of their creation.”
“You’re absolutely right,” he acknowledges, his voice carrying more confidence as he motions toward the other children scattered around the chamber in their various forms. “It’s the same process as all the other births we’ve witnessed.”
“Exactly,” I say with complete conviction, then glance meaningfully toward Thauglor.
The ancient dragon catches my look and nods almost imperceptibly, understanding the concern I’m not voicing aloud. If Leander’s offspring doesn’t develop the specialized egg tooth that allows hatchlings to break free from their shells, it could die trapped within what should be its protective cradle.
The familiar pattern of contractions begins again, and Leander immediately starts bouncing in place with nervous energy as he watches for his egg to emerge. His excitement is infectious, though tinged with the unique anxiety that comes with being last.
“Let’s move closer so you can see everything clearly,” I encourage him, guiding us both nearer to Mina’s laboring form.
The first thing we glimpse looks almost like technicolor—a riot of vibrant hues that defies simple description. After a few morepowerful contractions, more of the shell becomes visible, and the sight takes my breath away.
