Chapter 29 Raven
Raven
I stare at 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 spread wide 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 tight against 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 cradled against 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.”
“That’s why you asked me how I would feel about Raven having another drake in the nest,” Corvis says with dawning comprehension.
“Exactly why.” Mom pauses and looks beyond us toward the chamber entrance. I follow her gaze and see Finlay standing there, watching our family gathering with those honey-colored eyes. “Damn secretive phoenixes.” The way Mom says it makes the scales on the back of my neck stand on end with warning.
“Let’s show the girls to their suite, and then we can move Thorne across the hallway,” Balor says, taking the lead down the torch-lit corridor.
His footsteps echo confidently off the stone walls as he makes several turns, finally arriving at a hallway with only two massive doors.
“The one on the right used to be ours. It has seven bedrooms and a small office.”
“It has a full kitchen and a balcony as well. The garden Balor made for your mom is there—empty but still there,” Leander offers as he moves forward to unlock the door with an ornate key.
“It has a good-sized bathing chamber too,” Vaughn mentions with a grin, and Mom blushes a brilliant shade of crimson that makes everyone chuckle.
“Understood.” I step into the space and walk around silent as death itself, my enhanced senses taking in every detail.
New furniture has been placed throughout the rooms with obvious care—rich fabrics in deep colors, sturdy pieces built to withstand dragon strength.
As strange as it feels, the space calls to something deep inside me.
I’m still not a fan of being above ground, but at least this building is made of solid stone.
Carefully, I open each door and examine the rooms, mentally cataloging sight lines and escape routes. I pick the room furthest from the main door and the sliding glass door to the balcony—the most defensible position.
“She picked my old room,” Balor says with a proud smile.
“It makes the most sense, Dad.” I put my back to the door and scan the entire apartment, noting how perfectly positioned this room is. “The entire apartment is visible from here. The bathroom is close, and both doors are within an equal distance from here.”
Lily walks across the apartment with purpose and chooses the room on the other side of the kitchen, maintaining visual contact with my door. “I’ll take this one.”
“That’s my old room,” Vaughn says with a laugh. “I enjoyed being close to the kitchen.” His admission draws good-natured chuckles from the group.
“We kind of figured that,” Ziggy says, slapping his shoulder affectionately.
Carefully, I slide the egg down into the carrier and slip the straps over my shoulders. After several adjustments, it rests securely just under my breasts; the warmth seeping through the leather and into my skin. “How long?” I ask without looking up from the precious cargo I now carry.
“Approximately two years,” Klauth answers before Abraxis can respond.
I nod, staring at the egg nestled safely against my chest. Two years of being the guardian of my mate’s prison. Two years of protecting him while he grows strong enough to emerge. I look over at Corvis as he claims the room right next to mine, his choice both practical and romantic.
Hemlocke is handling the horses and will join us later when his duties are finished. “Being my mate, does Hemlocke still have to tend to the horses?” I look up at my birth father with concern for my second mate’s wellbeing.
“No, but he chooses to because he says they need him.” There’s unmistakable pride in my father’s voice.
He approves of my mate’s choice to maintain his independence and work ethic.
“I’ve converted it to a paid position. After all, he’s a mated man and will one day have a clutch of his own to tend to.
Klauth and I opened the account for him the day after you accepted him. ”
“Thank you.” The gesture touches me deeply. It’s important for a male to feel he’s contributing to his nest, and my father’s wisdom in giving Hemlocke paid work maintains his sense of independence and worth.
I hug and kiss my family goodbye, breathing in their familiar scents and storing the memories of this pivotal day. Then I look at my mate and sister, feeling the weight of responsibility and power settling around me like a crown.
This is my nest now. I am the dominant dragoness in this room, the protector, and provider for those I claim as mine.
I will protect what’s mine, and I will destroy anything that threatens them.