Chapter 33 Raven
Raven
I stand in my room with my two nest fathers, their familiar scents—Balor’s cedar and leather, Ziggy’s something wild and untamed—usually comforting but doing nothing to ease the knot of anxiety in my chest. They examine everything with predatory focus, their eyes cataloging each surface, each shadow.
Neither of them picks up the brush and comb set, treating it like a venomous snake coiled on my dresser.
“Do you know when this appeared?” Balor asks, his green eyes never leaving the silver implements that gleam too innocently in the afternoon light.
“No, I left midday yesterday to seek counsel from Daddy Leander about Hemlocke and his shift.” My hand rests on the egg carrier, seeking comfort from my mate trapped within, the smooth shell warm against my palm.
“It wasn’t there before I left. We came back a little while ago, and it was here.
” The words taste bitter. Someone violated my sanctuary while I was gone, walked through my space, possibly touching my things.
Daddy Ziggy shifts on the spot and starts prowling my room like the displacer beast he is.
His movements are fluid, predatory, as he sniffs every corner and visible item.
The sound of his breathing is deliberately controlled, testing the air for any trace of an intruder.
He’s searching for a clue I don’t think he’ll find.
Watching him hunt makes my skin crawl with the realization that someone else was here doing the same thing.
“We didn’t find anything with the drow head. I highly doubt he’d slip up now.” The resignation in my voice surprises me. When did I start thinking of this stalker as inevitable? When did I accept that someone unknown is circling my life like a predator?
“No, but there’s always a chance he will slip up and reveal himself.
” Balor says as he pulls me against his chest. The familiar warmth of his embrace should comfort me, but I can’t shake the feeling of being watched.
“Abraxis did the same thing, dropping gifts for his your mom in her room. He had Ziggy helping him with it.” No sooner does he finish the sentence than Ziggy shifts back to human form, his feline features melting away.
“Hindsight, it was probably a mistake helping him. Look how badly he messed things up for everyone.” Ziggy says, exasperation thick in his voice.
He allows the eerie green to fade from his eyes as he approaches me, but something flickers there—knowledge, suspicion.
He takes my hands in his, and his touch is warm, calloused from years of fighting.
“More than likely, it’s a mate who may or may not be the one that can phase.
” His eyes dart over to Balor, and that’s when I see it. He suspects someone specific.
My stomach drops. It’s not just theoretical anymore.
“Spill it, Dad. You have a suspect in mind.” I rest my palm on Ziggy’s chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my fingers, and stare up into his feline eyes.
“I have three if I’m being honest.” He sighs, the sound heavy with worry. “The first is a blink hound, one of the ones at Shadowcarve. The second is another displacer beast from my pride.” He stops and looks over at Balor, waiting for a nod that makes my blood run cold.
“We also have spectral panthers, white unicorns, and shadow dragons who can do something similar to what I can.” Ziggy’s voice grows quieter with each species he lists.
I nod slowly, my mind racing through the implications.
“White unicorns are thought to be extinct or damn close to it. Shadow dragons live on the northern continent. None have ventured down here since Klauth and my father returned.” I pace my room, my bare feet silent on the cool hardwood.
The familiar motion helps me think, but I can’t shake the paranoia that someone might be watching me even now.
“Spectral panthers don’t have a human form.
So that logically leaves the very large pack of blink hounds and your pride, Dad.
” I look at Ziggy, and he nods sadly. The thought that it could be someone from Ziggy’s own pride makes my chest tight with betrayal and fear.
“I’m going to assign more guards to you.” Balor’s voice carries the finality of a royal decree.
“No...” I growl, the sound rumbling up from my chest like distant thunder.
“I need to be able to sense everything around me, and another body attached to me tighter than Corvis and now Hemlocke will hinder my ability to protect myself.” I flex my wings, feeling the leather membranes stretch and contract with my agitation.
“Okay, but if he escalates, or you feel threatened, we will place a guard with you. You’re the heir apparent—we have to protect you above all others.
” Ziggy’s tone carries a seriousness I rarely hear from my normally happy-go-lucky father.
The gravity in his voice makes this feel more real, more dangerous.
“Alright, if there’s an escalation, I’ll agree to a guard of my choosing.” I raise my chin and tilt my head—a combination of both my parents’ moves that signals I won’t be argued with.
“Who would you choose?” Balor asks, and I smirk despite the circumstances.
“Orpheus while in Shadowcarve. What I can’t do, my brother can.
Outside of Shadowcarve, I want Evan with me.
He gives me the ability of a quick escape.
” What my father doesn’t know is I’ve been planning for this ever since I was crowned heir apparent.
I’ve always known this position would paint a target on my back.
“Solid choices, and since my son is in all of your Shadowcarve classes, it won’t be obvious that he’s guarding you.” Balor smiles, pride mixing with concern in his green eyes.
“It’s times like this I wish I had Mom’s lightning.” I hug both of my nest fathers, breathing in their familiar scents one more time before leaving my room to join my mates.
“Is everything okay?” Hemlocke is the first to move close, his pink eyes searching my face as he kisses my cheek. His lips are warm and soft, and I lean into the contact. Corvis is on the phone with someone, but his pale silver eyes track my every movement with protective intensity.
“It will be. My brother Orpheus is going to be my guard at Shadowcarve, and Evan is going to be on duty for my other three classes.” I kiss Hemlocke softly on his velvety lips, tasting the faint sweetness that’s uniquely him, before walking over and hugging Corvis from behind.
I rest my head against his shoulder blade and sigh, feeling the soft rumble of his dragon through his chest—a sound that always calms me.
When he gets off the phone, he spins and takes me in his arms. “Are you okay?” His silver eyes search mine with an intensity that makes me feel both protected and exposed.
“Yeah, Orpheus, and Evan are going to be on guard duty going forward.” I press my forehead against his throat and close my eyes, folding my wings tight against my body so he can hold me closer. The steady thrum of his pulse against my skin grounds me.
“At least most of your bloodline is at Shadowcarve, so we know you’re safe there.” His contented purr grows louder as he holds me, the vibration traveling through both our bodies.
“Hey kids...” Ziggy says as he and Balor step out of my room, their expressions deliberately lighter.
“Since we didn’t get to do our normal Solstice family party this year, I’m holding it tomorrow night.
You guys can stay at the cabin on the property instead of flying back here.
” His smile is so broad it looks almost manic.
“There has to be a catch, Daddy Ziggy. That look on your face screams you’re up to something.” I laugh, but there’s an edge to it. Even in moments of normalcy, I can’t shake the feeling that someone unseen is watching, planning.
“It’s a wacky pajama party! I’m going to wear one that will set Leander on edge. He’s probably going to smack the hell out of me, but it will be worth it.” Ziggy’s eyes dance with mischief as he wiggles his eyebrows comically.
Before we can say anything else, he grabs Balor and vanishes in a displacement of air that smells like ozone and wild places.
“Yes folks, that is one of my nest fathers.” I laugh, and for a moment the sound is genuine.
“Ziggy is almost as bad as most of the children. Hell, Mom calls him her twelfth child.” My gut tells me I already know what costume he’s going to wear.
Leander is definitely going to at least chase him around the living room.
“What does your family consider wacky pajamas?” Hemlocke asks, his pink eyes bright with curiosity and something that looks like relief at the change in topic.
“We’re going to the store, and we’re buying adult-sized onesies.
I will not be outdone by Daddy Ziggy.” I head toward the door, looking back at my mates with determination.
For tonight, I can pretend this is just about family chaos and silly pajamas.
“Do we want to match or join in on Ziggy’s prank?
” I arch a brow, and the look on my mates’ faces answers my question.
Time to join the insanity of the Sovereign nest. But even as I smile, the back of my neck prickles with the persistent feeling that somewhere, someone is watching and waiting for their next move.
Corvis and I fly side by side across the landscape, our wings catching the late afternoon thermals as we head toward the costume store.
The wind rushes past my scales, carrying the scent of pine and distant wood smoke.
Hemlocke sits securely on my back, holding the cursed egg carrier close to his chest. I can feel his thighs gripping my spine, his weight a comforting presence even as my mind won’t stop scanning the horizon for threats.
Solaris rarely speaks anymore, and my dad told me that the longer they’re imprisoned, the harder it becomes to communicate. He also has the theory that because Solaris broke loose once, he may be exhausted and needs to rest. The silence from the egg feels ominous, like the calm before a storm.
Corvis leads us toward town, his silver scales gleaming like polished metal in the fading sunlight.
When we reach the landing field, he descends first, his massive form touching down with practiced grace.
I circle overhead, my sharp eyes scanning the surrounding buildings and tree line.
Every shadow could hide someone watching.
Every empty window could conceal eyes tracking my movements.
When Corvis signals that it’s safe—a quick wave of his hand—I spiral down and land silently in the field, my claws barely making a sound on the packed earth.
My nostrils flare as I search the area, tasting the air for any unfamiliar scents.
The paranoia has become second nature now.
I won’t let Hemlocke dismount until I’m certain no one is lurking nearby.
Several moments pass as I continue my surveillance.
Finally satisfied—or as satisfied as I can be—I lay down, extending my front leg out to allow Hemlocke to climb down safely.
His boots hit the ground with a soft thud, and he keeps one hand on my scales as he moves, trusting my senses more than his own.
I shift back to human form, the transformation rippling through me like water.
My leather wings unfurl as my body shrinks and reforms. The cool air raises goosebumps on my now-exposed skin.
I take the egg carrier back from Hemlocke, the familiar weight settling against my chest like an anchor.
I offer him a soft smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes—I’m too busy watching the edges of the field, the dark spaces between buildings.
Corvis takes my hand, his fingers warm and calloused, leading us into town.
The contact grounds me, reminds me I’m not alone in this.
Reaching back, I grab Hemlocke’s hand and hold on tight.
Walking between my two mates should make me feel safe, but I can’t shake the crawling sensation on the back of my neck.
Someone could be watching right now. Someone with the ability to phase could be standing three feet away and I’d never know.
We enter the costume store, the bell above the door chiming cheerfully.
The smell of new fabric and plastic packaging fills my nose—a stark contrast to the wildness of the flight.
Daddy Callan is already inside with his son Connor, along with several of the other kids from the nest. Their laughter and excited chatter create a bubble of normalcy that feels fragile.
“Raven, guys, how’s everyone doing?” Callan’s warm smile reaches his eyes as he looks at us before handing Connor a dinosaur onesie to try on.
“Doing good. Ziggy told us about the pajama party, so we’re shopping.” I smile back, but my eyes keep darting to the store windows, checking reflections, watching for movement outside. Even here, surrounded by family, I can’t relax completely.
“I’m happy that you’re coming home for it. We’re doing it in the lower courtyard. Your sisters are hanging fairy lights. Your mom and Cora are decorating the area.” Callan’s voice carries genuine joy as he pulls out another costume for himself—something ridiculous involving a llama.
“Excellent, we’ll see you there tomorrow night.” I kiss Callan on the cheek, breathing in his familiar scent of coffee and cedar, before moving deeper into the store. My leather wings brush against clothing racks as I navigate the narrow aisles.
I need to find three costumes for my mates and me, something that will be both fun and comfortable.
But even as I sort through hangers, my peripheral vision stays active.
The store’s front windows reflect the street outside.
Every time someone walks past, my muscles tense.
Every shadow that moves makes my dragon stir restlessly beneath my skin.
Hemlocke stays close, his pink eyes watchful. He’s noticed my hyper-vigilance, the way I position myself so I can always see the exits. Corvis browses a nearby rack, but his posture is too alert, too ready. They’re both on edge because I am.
The cursed egg rests warm against my chest, and I find myself touching it periodically like a talisman. Somewhere out there, someone is leaving me gifts. Someone is watching. Someone thinks they have a claim on me.
But tonight, I’m going to pretend everything is normal. I’m going to find ridiculous pajamas and go to a family party tomorrow and laugh with my sisters.
Monday, I can go back to looking over my shoulder.