The orange egg is pulsing in perfect time with my heartbeat, its surface glowing with an inner fire that matches the rhythm of my very soul.
Chapter 29
Raven
I stareat the orange egg, watching it pulse with inner fire. The warm light spilling from its surface and illuminating the ancient chamber in golden hues. The radiance dances across the stone walls like living flame, creating shifting patterns that speak of power barely contained.
“So that’s what it looks like from this side,” I hear my father’s voice filled with wonder and something deeper—recognition of a moment that will reshape our family forever.
I step off the crystal block, feeling the residual power humming through my feet, and move to stand before the orange egg. The warmth radiating from it grows stronger as I approach, like standing near a hearth fire.“I am Raven Mrithun, daughter of Thauglor Mrithun, ascended child of King Klauth Ragnar.” I name only the ancients in my family’s nest, knowing instinctively that my mother’s name would hold no weight for the creature sleeping within.
The egg pulses three times in acknowledgment, each flash brighter than the last, and I reach out with steady hands to pick it up. The moment my skin makes contact with its warm surface, a surge of raw power moves through me like lightning in my veins. My wings spreadwide involuntarily, black membranes catching the golden light, and every scale on my body stands on edge as I hold the barely contained force of an ancient being.
‘Daughter of Thauglor, I am known as Solaris, or Sol.’His voice feels like a warm blanket wrapping around my mind—soft and protective, with undertones of strength that speak of eons of existence. ‘Am I your first mate?’
The question makes me take an instinctive step back, my boots scraping against the stone floor. “No, you’re not. Corvis is then Hemlocke, and now you.” I look down at the egg as it pulses gently in my hands, the rhythm steady and reassuring.
‘So you’re aware we only ignite for a mate,’Sol says, and I can feel his surprise rippling through our nascent connection.
“You and the other eggs have ignited for males before, so it’s not just for mates.” I fire back at him as I turn to look at my dad and father, seeking their support in this ancient negotiation.
‘Those times were for the chance to hatch. Sadly, they were failed attempts. It’s part of our curse—we will only hatch for our mates and not go insane.’His last sentence catches me completely off guard, and I look at my dad with sudden concern.
“Rest now, Solaris. I will watch over you.” My voice carries newfound authority, and the egg’s pulsing calms down to match the steady rhythm of my heartbeat.
“Solaris—he was a good friend of mine,” Klauth says, stepping closer to examine the orange egg in my hands. His voice carries the weight of centuries and lost companionship. “Good, powerful male. He will do right by you.” The endorsement from someone of Klauth’s station makes something warm unfurl in my chest.
I look over at my dad, and he raises a brow with a knowing expression. “Your mother was hoping you would have a second drake in the nest.” My birth father pulls me into his strong arms and holds me tightagainst his chest, his familiar scent of ancient stone and storms surrounding me like safety.
I snuggle into Dad’s embrace and sigh softly, breathing in the comfort of his presence. “She said for my safety it would be best to have two strong drakes in the nest.” I stare down at Sol’s egg cradled in my arms, the warm surface pulsing gently against my skin, and I don’t know what to think about this turn of events.
“I’ll move you and your mates into Malivore, into your mom’s old suite,” Dad says before kissing my forehead with paternal tenderness.
“I want Lily with me.” There’s a slight snarl that escapes my lips as I mention it, the sound reverberating through the chamber. My protective instincts flare like wildfire. “My sister hasn’t found her mate yet, and I don’t want her unprotected.” Something deep in my gut tells me I need to keep Lily close — an instinct I can’t ignore.
“Is your dragoness demanding it?” Klauth steps closer, his ancient eyes searching mine for confirmation of what he suspects.
“Yes.” My eyes drop to Sol’s egg, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders like a mantle. “She’s not as strong or big as I am. Honestly, I would feel better with Thorne in the same hallway as Lily and me.” The scales on the back of my neck twitch and rise of their own volition, betraying the intensity of my protective urges.
An instinct has ignited in me that’s both thrilling and concerning. I need to protect my sisters—Thorne and Lily need me in ways I’m only beginning to understand. “I believe we have our next flight mother,” Klauth says with a smile that carries pride and recognition.
When he says it, the title feels right, settling into my bones like something I was born to carry. I nod slowly and look toward the door, already mentally arranging the security of my growing family.
“We should go see the others.” I walk past my dad and father, my footsteps confident on the ancient stones, and push the heavy door open. Before Finlay can say anything, I show him the orange egg cradledagainst my chest, the golden light casting warm shadows across his beautiful features. I hold it protectively close and lower my head slightly in acknowledgment.
“Oh, both of my babies have eggs!” Mom squeals with delight and hugs me tightly, her embrace warm and fierce with maternal joy. “Did he tell you his name?”
“He did. His name is Solaris.” I stare down at the egg with growing fondness, understanding now how my sister was feeling when she held Icarus. The connection is immediate and profound.
“Raven?” Corvis walks over with measured steps and looks at the egg in my hands, his silver eyes calm and accepting. “You received a fine-looking egg.” His smile is gentle and genuinely pleased, showing no trace of jealousy or threat from this unknown male in my life.
“You’re handling this better than I did,” Abraxis says as he moves closer to examine both mine and Lily’s eggs, his face showing memories of his own egg experience.
Corvis kisses my cheek tenderly and wraps his arms around me from behind, his chest warm against my wings as he looks down at the egg. “I am lucky to have known my mate from such a young age. If Solaris is her other drake, it only strengthens our nest.” His acceptance sends warmth flooding through me.
I extend my hand to my sister, and she takes it immediately, our fingers intertwining with familiar comfort. “I want you living in the suite with us, at least until your mate hatches.” Slowly, I turn to look at our mother, letting my newfound authority ring in my voice. “I want Thorne moved across the hall from us with her mate.” Another low rumble escapes my lips as I think about needing my sisters close to me.
Mom smiles with understanding and nods. “It will be done.” Ziggy materializes next to Mom with two intricately crafted egg carriers,offering one to each of us. “My visions foresaw this, so I created two carriers for you.”
