37
AURA
I didn’t think I’d be this nervous. I’ve faced wild wolves and bears, rogue dragons in their ritual chambers, hunger and cold, and even the fear of my own magic breaking loose. But flying over Blackwood Forest again makes my palms sweat and my stomach twist in ways I can’t blame on childbirth.
This forest holds both the hardest and the most beautiful moments of my life.
It took my innocence. It gave me my daughter. It almost killed me. It tied me to my dragon mates. It offered me a second chance and a happy future. The emotions war within me as Kelan flies ahead, and Ronyn keeps me close, his red wings slicing through the wind. I let the rhythm of flying calm me and the rush of air cool the warmth under my skin.
Darial stayed behind with the eggs. Knowing he’s there to protect our children gives me focus. It’s been so sweet watching all my dragons settle into their fatherly roles since I gave birth. He’s curled around them now, golden fireglowing softly, humming to them in that gentle voice he uses when he thinks no one can hear.
My dragon babies are safe.
Today is about something else.
We land in the clearing in front of the wolves’ cabin as the sun sinks low. Ronyn touches down first, his claws digging into the ground before he shifts. His bones shorten, wings pull back, and scales fade into skin and runes. Heat rushes through him before he stands, fully human, his breath misting in the cool air. I gaze on in awe that doesn’t subside with time.
Kelan lands a moment later, shifting from dragon to his strong human form. He straightens first, tall, and dark, his black hair brushing his collar. Ronyn rolls his shoulders, his temper still close to the surface even now.
They stand on either side of me, to protect rather than intimidate. I hand them their black cloths to tie around their waists before the cabin door opens.
Nixon steps out first, broad-shouldered and alert. Reed and Finn move to stand beside him, protective rather than openly hostile. The air is tense, which I understand given the situation.
“What brings dragons back to our doorstep?” Nixon asks evenly.
His gaze flicks between Kelan and Ronyn before settling on me. There is no gratitude in his eyes now, only caution.
And why wouldn’t there be? Dragon power changes everything.
“We’re not here to threaten your home,” I say quickly, stepping slightly forward. “I promise.”
Reed’s jaw tightens. “Then why are you here?”
My throat dries. This is harder than fighting enemies inthe sky.
“I gave birth,” I blurt, unsure where to start.
Silence falls heavily between us. Ronyn’s hand settles lightly at the small of my back. Kelan remains still as stone.
“I gave birth to three dragon eggs,” I continue, trying to keep my voice calm and hold pride and fear in check.
Finn exhales slowly. Nixon’s eyes narrow.
“And that concerns us, how?” Nixon asks.
I swallow. “They are Ahya’s half-siblings.”
The wolves exchange a glance.
“Please don’t think that I’m here to take her. I won’t. She belongs here with you. With Scarlet. With her pack. I know that.”
The cabin door opens wider, and Scarlet steps out.
She looks tired but fierce, her red hair braided over one shoulder, and Ahya balanced on her hip. My heart stutters at the sight of my daughter.
She’s grown. Her curls are wilder and her eyes are bright and curious. When she notices me, she lifts her small hand, and in that moment, everything else fades away. The noise, the tension, and the past all disappear.
“I came to thank her,” I say softly, my voice thickening. “She showed Darial what I couldn’t. She led them to me. If she hadn’t…” I shake my head. “I might still be there. The other dragons might have killed my children.”
