Chapter 33
Sir Keyon
Toast let out a surprised snort and crept forward with wide eyes. He bobbed his head slightly, trying to scent her better while I tried to find words to express my shock and elation.
Hatchlings? I asked in astonishment, needing to hear it again, perhaps with words not chosen by Elpis’s playful unicorn. Elpis, is this true? Are you pregnant with our offspring?
If this is a joke, Rein, and you are simply holding several pieces of baked bread in your claws, I will be very cross with you, Toast said, but he didn’t sound serious about that threat. He just seemed full of wonder as he continued to sniff at Rein’s neck, belly, and slightly under her tail. Rein surprisingly didn’t kick him in the face for that last one. I supposed beasts were less shy about that kind of physical checking than humans.
The Sun God verified… Elpis said nervously. I was trying to find the right moment to tell you.
When did we… I asked again, slowly starting to make connections in my brain. This must have been why she was smelling differently !
Ah… she murmured shyly. The night I discovered your fantasy.
Oh right… that makes sense. That was the only time in between… I replied, distracted by the exquisite memories of that night. I desperately wished that Elpis could shift back so I could kiss her, please her, and care for her until she fell asleep. My gods… Elpis, I can’t express… I… I was absolutely tongue-tied. Flamin’ shit, we’re going to be a father, Toast!
We’re going to be a father! Toast echoed, but he seemed way more in the present than I was. What shocked me even more was when he started grooming Rein. Not only had I never seen dragons groom each other in public, but this was also my squeamish dragon doing so.
Rein was covered in dirt and a little blood from her fall, and Toast seemed displeased enough to take care of it. My partially gynophobic, absolute dominant dragon alternated between licking her scales and blowing little bursts of fire. He didn’t give a shit about who was watching.
When he was done, he settled himself next to Rein and gently swung a protective wing over her. Toast nuzzled a very pleased and relaxed Rein as he emitted a low rumble in his chest, beside himself with happiness.
Are… you happy… Keyon? Elpis asked me privately, sounding anxious. Toast was making a huge display of his joy with Rein, but I was struggling to communicate without my body.
I decided I would describe what I wanted to do. Elpis, I. Am. In. Euphoria! So beyond absolute joy. I want to pick you up and parade you around the camp, screaming that my mate is carrying my offspring. I want to lay my entire hoard at your feet, you exquisite being. I want to give you everything you want. I want to kiss you, hold you, care for you, and fall asleep with my head on your belly! I want to make love to you if that’s what you want to do. I want to provide for you. It’s driving me insane that I can’t do any of that! I can’t express my joy the way I want to!
I will accept all those things when I shift back, she said, a warm glow in her voice. I felt her worry dissipate, and it was replaced with the pleasures of deep satisfaction, happiness, and well-being. Despite all the excitement, Rein and Elpis were soon fast asleep.
I ended up resting, but apparently Toast chose to stay up all night to keep watch over our pregnant and injured mate. When dawn came and the night shift went to rest, Toast reluctantly let me get back to work.
I shifted back and went to check in with my knights. As I made my rounds, I discovered that some of the Reborn had chosen to leave the safety of our encampment. We knew it was possible, but that didn’t make it any less of a disappointment. They were free to do as they wanted. I’d just hoped that they’d all stay to accept help until they got back on their feet.
Then I met with Leofwine to discuss the potential routes we’d take Elpis along in our search for slaver dens. We targeted wealthy areas and locations that were close to multiple trade junctions.
“And now that I don’t have to dig up enough dirt on Franco to get permission to raid his properties, we’ll swing by those too,” Leofwine said with a demonic grin. “Never thought I’d be so happy to defect! Gods, I can’t wait to take him down.” He rubbed his hands together gleefully.
“And the locations we’ve considered for housing the Reborn? We can’t fly them all back here,” I said, looking over the map for the spots we’d marked.
“They’ve been scouted, but I’m waiting to hear back from one more,” he said. “You mentioned leaving several knights behind at each location to keep an eye on them. I think that should be enough if we’re quick about our raids. How is Rein doing?”
“She’s healing a bit faster after her meal last night. I’m hoping she’ll be better by this evening. Her healing powers are pretty fucking potent,” I said, glancing over my shoulder toward the cabin, but both her and the building weren’t quite in sight .
“Good, good.” Leofwine nodded. “See if she’s up to a morning or afternoon departure when she’s healed. If not, I can just use another day to do more scouting and get more intel.”
“Sounds good,” I said, slapping my hands down on my knees to get up and check on my knights again.
The day was pretty much centered on getting the Reborn to be self-sufficient in our absence. There were plenty among them who were strong enough to hunt and provide food, and I made sure they all knew where to find water. I prayed to the Sun God that they’d behave and that no one would get hurt while we were gone. A couple knights were enough to provide guidance but not regulation for the number of humans and shifters we had.
Everything seemed fairly well oiled by the early evening, so I returned to the cabin to be with my mate. Rein had finished the second bale and was currently stripping bark off a nearby pine tree. She ripped at it with gusto, and we felt her satisfaction through the mate bond. Though I knew some pines were toxic, I gave up worrying about that with Elpis and Rein. Their furnace just so happened to be in their stomach.
“Hello, Rein,” I asked, walking up to rub her scaly arm. “How are you feeling?”
All better! Can we take the bandages off now? They’re so uncomfortable! And itchy! Rein replied excitedly.
“Well,” I said, scratching at my jaw, “if you’re sure you’re better, I can cut them off.”
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! Rein said gleefully and lay down so I could reach her wings.
She’s been going stir-crazy for hours, Elpis said while I sliced at the ties made by the witch. Something tells me that Rein is not fond of bed rest.
“I don’t think most people are,” I mused while I worked on her other wing. “Oh, Leof wants to know if you’re ok with a morning or afternoon departure tomorrow. If you’re not up to it, we can wait another day.”
No! Elpis said, rejecting the idea vehemently. I’m ready. I want to start the search quite badly!
But uh… how hard is it to learn to fly? Rein asked with a cringe.
Not hard, mate, Toast said. Instinct will guide you. Let’s take a little fly now, and I’ll show you. At that cue, I stripped and shifted into Toast so he could take her through the process. He did, however, spend several minutes rubbing against Rein and nuzzling her before he remembered what he was supposed to be doing.
He led her up the mountain and found a short cliff for Rein’s first attempt. She wasn’t nearly as nervous as she’d been as a unicorn, and I was grateful that the Sun God had given her dragon instincts too. Toast showed her which muscles to engage when she launched and how to angle her body to increase her altitude. She wouldn’t get any assistance from thermals at this time of night, so he’d teach her about them another time.
After only one failed attempt, Rein soared into the sky, wobbling a little while she tried to maintain her balance. Instead of screaming in fright, she was just laughing at her own mistakes, completely high on adrenaline and the daring new experience.
Toast released his own dragon laugh and snorted at her wild enthusiasm. The longer Rein flew, the more stable her form became, and Toast was radiating pride. Let’s fly to the lake again, mate, so you may have sweet grass and water. I’m sure it’s better than bark.
Rein released a soft, growling hum and said, It is not so bad, but fresh grass sounds very good to me.
Toast guided her toward the lake, where they landed to take a breather. Rein cut off Toast before he could drink because she obsessively wanted to purify the lake again. Just in case… she said and made room for him to quench his thirst.
You will be a good mother, Toast complimented after drinking from the crystal-clear lake .
Even though I had nothing to do with making our hatchlings? she asked a little too innocently.
Th-that is not true, Toast sputtered. They are in you. You nurture them as we speak.
It’s too bad I didn’t get to experience the fun part, though, she said, sighing dramatically. She rubbed up against Toast’s shoulder suggestively.
Th-the fun part? Toast asked hesitantly, eyeing her as she slid her tail under his chin. His heart started to pound, and his breathing quickened. I smiled to myself because Toast was getting worked up for the first time in his life, and I wondered how long he could hold out against her. Could he resist Rein’s encouragement? This was fucking historic.
Toast growled quietly when she rubbed her scent into his chest again. C-careful Rein… he said a little more firmly this time. He backed up hesitantly.
What? she asked with a pout. I’m just trying to butter up my toast…
He growled louder and snapped lightly at her, but it didn’t faze her at all. He snorted out a blue flame, but she shrugged it off, knowing she was immune to it. She dragged her tail along his chin again, teasing my poor virginal dragon. Rein... You don’t know what you’re asking for, he snarled, starting to sound a little feral.
Are you encouraging her, Elpis? I asked her privately, grinning at the show.
This is all her, Elpis said, already laughing. I can’t say she’s not getting ideas from my memories, though.
Of course I know what I’m asking for.. . Rein moaned sensually. I just want to get your dough to rise. Yes, she was definitely pulling inspiration from Elpis. But I guess it needs more heat, she sighed.
Toast finally lost his mind when Rein raised her tail in front of him. The hulking absolute dominant roared and crawled on top of her, caging the female of his species under him. He clamped onto her neck with his teeth, in the typical position that dragons take when they couple.
Oh my goddess! Elpis cried out to me. Keyon, how do I hibernate? HOW DO I HIBERNATE?
Just tuck your mind back, like you’re scooting back into the dark to sleep, I answered, trying not to laugh at her distress. Why was she so scandalized? Our beasts were us. We’d give them privacy, but there was no need to panic...
You wanted a baguette, but you’re getting a full-sized loaf, Toast snarled to Rein. This is what happens when you tease an absolute dominant, female.
Yesss! Preheat my oven! Rein simpered like a wanton.
KEYON, Elpis shouted. IT’S NOT WORKING. OH MY GODS!
Try again. Good luck, moonflower, I said with a grin and went to hibernate while my dragon finally got laid.
Elpis
It was sweet at first, then it was funny, but when Toast got that look in his eyes and approached Rein, I began to panic. Part of me was overjoyed that Rein and Toast could finally experience physical intimacy, but I wasn’t ready for this! I hadn’t known Rein long enough to share this much with her!
When I saw what the gods had blessed Toast with, I prayed for Rein’s lady bits. I prayed hard. I just hoped that he knew how to wield that thing, or my poor unicorn wouldn’t be able to walk for a week. I also tried desperately to avoid using her eyes because her gaze was fixed!
Then Keyon disappeared from the mind-link, leaving me all alone to figure out hibernation, and Rein was not helping. She was horny, distracted, and her wordplay was rampant. Toast was going a bit feral like Keyon sometimes did, and he was no longer flustered by her begging .
From what I saw, it’s already reached the right temperature, female, Toast growled and readjusted his grip on her neck. Oh my goddess, I was out of time!
I scrambled and finally managed to tuck myself away in hibernation but not before hearing a triumphant, earth-shaking roar.
I had no idea how to manage being in hibernation. It was like that state of being between asleep and awake. I was resting, but I simultaneously had some awareness. I sort of knew how much time was passing, and I still felt my connection to Rein, but it was muted.
I would occasionally check to see if they were done, but I was accosted by sights and sounds that I was not prepared to experience. Were our dragons fighting or mating? I balked at the violence and immediately went back into hiding, feeling more worried than ever. I hadn’t even thought to check on her emotions. Rein was fine, right? She was tough. She healed fast. Right?
I waited much longer this time, and she finally nudged me. It was faint, but I heard her say, It’s safe to come out now. She chuckled like my terror was all one big joke.
I warily removed myself from hibernation to find her grazing in her dragon form. As I feared, she was moving with a heavy limp and let out soft, rumbling groans every several minutes.
Are you… ok? I asked with a grimace.
Oh, he destroyed me, Rein informed, but before I could reply, she added, and I loved every second of it!
That’s… good, I replied cautiously, not knowing what else to say. I tried to reach Keyon instead, hoping he was awake. Keyon?
I’m here, moonflower, you shy thing, he answered, laughing.
I would have blushed if I were back in my body. He knew I wasn’t shy! This was just… different. How is Toast doing? Rein is as happy as her limp is heavy .
Oh, he’s a real smug bastard. He’s a new dragon. Rein’s created a monster, and his confidence is through the roof, Keyon answered, complaining playfully. He sounded deeply relieved, though.
I guess we should go back now, I said to Keyon and our dragons. We’re leaving tomorrow, so… I need Rein to rest… and, er… heal.
I was met with amusement over the bond from everyone, and Rein turned to wobble after Toast. He waited patiently for her before launching into the sky. Rein was definitely tired, and her head drooped on the flight back to the cabin. Toast rushed ahead to their nesting spot and lay down first so she could lean against him in her sleep. Just like Keyon did with me, he draped a wing over her, and they fell into a deep slumber.
I think Keyon could tell how deeply touched I was by Toast’s attentiveness. The more Toast healed, the more he reminded me of Keyon. I had so much to learn about beasts—ours, in particular.
Do you see it now, moonflower? They’re us.
I think I do now.
Rein was ready to go by late morning, and I was incredibly excited. I couldn’t wait to find and liberate more slaves. As much as it was a deep craving, I hoped someday to have nothing left to satisfy that craving. I wanted them all freed as soon as possible.
“Communication between our teams will probably be our main issue when we’re shifted,” Keyon said with a sigh to Leofwine, looking westward from the cliffs. “Two different Infernos will be a challenge, but we’ll make do. We’ve sorted our signals out. I just hope we don’t come across anything unexpected.”
I watched Leofwine frown and rub his chin. “I spoke to my team earlier, Keyon. Why don’t we just merge the Infernos? We’ve all defected. Doesn’t matter that we have two specialties. It won’t change the teams. ”
Keyon snorted. “That’s like asking two alpha lycans to share one pack.”
Leofwine crossed his arms. “You know that’s not true. I may be on the same level as you at the castle, but you’re the dominant here. You should absorb my Inferno. I’ll be second-in-command. The incredibly handsome mstovari knight, Captain Leofwine. That has a nice ring to it, yeah?”
My mate ran his hands through his messy chestnut hair and sighed. “That would make things easier. We can separate them again later.”
“Then it’s settled!” Leofwine clapped and turned to face his spies. “We’re merging like I said! Get in line and sell your soul to Keyon.” He chuckled and gestured for his team to make haste.
“Like you said?” Keyon sent his friend a wry look. “You assumed I’d say yes? I’m not that predictable.” Leofwine grinned and placed his hands on his hips, choosing not to answer.
Keyon pressed his lips together, then addressed the first spy. “Do you—”
“Norbert Hallbjorn,” Leofwine supplied helpfully.
“Norbert Hallbjorn, swear to defend the knight general’s Inferno with your bravery, commit yourself to honorable action, defend the defenseless, and fly as commanded by your leader?”
“I do so swear,” Norbert said, taking to a knee and offering his hand like a sacrifice. Keyon cut his own palm with a claw, then cut the spy’s palm before clamping their bloody hands together and lifting him to his feet. I watched in fascination as the spy’s pupils flickered to slits for the briefest of moments. Were their dragons acknowledging each other?
“I dub thee, Mstovari Norbert Hallbjorn of Knight General Keyon Kenelm’s Inferno,” Keyon said resolutely and waited for the next spy to approach.
This is going to take forever, but he looks quite kingly, though, doesn’t he? I asked, staring obsessively at my mate, who had adopted a very serious expression. His brown locks occasionally flickered in the breeze, his brow was set, and he gave every dragon his full attention. I’m glad we’re shifted so no one can tell how aroused I am.
Yes, it’s good that Toast isn’t doing this. Last night is all I can think about, Rein mumbled happily and curled up to sleep while surrounded by Keyon’s devoted knights.
Keyon woke us several hours later, and we finally took to the skies with his terrifying, expanded Inferno. Finally! I couldn’t believe we were finally doing this! I’d been waiting for this moment for days and days!
There were way too many of us to not attract attention, so we swarmed along our route as I focused on finding the slaver dens. I stayed as low as Keyon would allow, and I was surrounded by knights who kept watchful eyes for other dragons and ranged attacks. The first place we checked was clear of slaves. I sensed nothing at all, not even one slave, so we continued to our next destination, Nord’rove.
Nord’rove was another upper-class community, and when I dipped down a tiny bit more, I sensed what I was expecting from a place like this. Underneath all the finery was ugliness.
More slaves down there, Keyon, I reported, feeling pleased with my second discovery. Not as many as Astertrove but still a significant amount!
Excellent work, moonflower, Keyon said with a smile in his voice. I shall have to reward you later.
Tee hee hee! Rein giggled. I helped. Toast, I want a nickname too!
I already gave you one, he replied slyly, and Rein went quiet. What name did he give her?
It’s not publicly appropriate… she eventually—and meekly—protested, but he just laughed. Now I was curious…
With our target in sight, Keyon ordered his troops to converge on Nord’rove. Rein landed, shifted, and I led Keyon and several knights to the closest location. We found about two hundred and fifteen slaves between several estates and another hundred and fifty in a mansion that was located in the center of town.
Since we weren’t equipped to take prisoners this time, Keyon’s dragons had to either scare off, subdue, or kill the slavers who tried to keep us from leaving with the new Reborn. If we wanted our mission to succeed, Keyon had no choice but to make some hard decisions. I saw that his Inferno tried very hard not to kill anyone, but a knight was occasionally pushed too hard and ended up executing the particularly relentless slavers. Also, the slavers and sympathizers who kept hostages during the raid had forfeited their lives, per Keyon’s orders. He tolerated no threat to the Reborn, and Leofwine’s spies slayed the captors without hesitation.
I tried not to focus on the violence and—with the help of several spies—carefully healed the Reborn who were at the highest risk of dying during relocation. Once we herded the ex-slaves out of town, Keyon left several knights to escort them to the designated hiding place. They were to follow the previous orders of settling them, getting them into some state of self-sustainability, and guard them until Cyneric was overthrown.
We had to keep moving to stay as far ahead of any reports as possible. Keyon said that once Cyneric caught wind of our activities, he would likely try to strike us hard and fast. Hopefully, the more slaves we ended up freeing, the more reckless he would grow. We were relying on their sloppiness to win this war. Each knight could take down a large number of mercenaries, and Cyneric himself might not be calm enough to focus on a winning strategy. He might underestimate the number and skills of those who’ve defected.
We passed over a large forested area in the northwest that was sectioned off for logging and liberated about fifty-seven slaves. There wasn’t a lot of resistance, and the slave owners mostly looked on helplessly as we escorted the Reborn to safety. The group of ex-slaves was so small that Keyon and Leofwine decided to have them carried to another raid to combine with the next group.
We collected a heartbreaking two hundred and thirty-five from a quarry, and I had to hide myself behind a tent to cry after healing several dozen hatchlings with crippling injuries and a handful of adults with severe breathing difficulties. Keyon tracked me down, but instead of berating me for going off alone, he just picked me up and brought me back to his Inferno without saying a word. He ordered another escort for the near three hundred Reborn we had collected.
Rein and I were exhausted, emotionally and physically. Toast kept looking over at us, and I could feel our mate’s worry grow until Keyon instructed his Inferno to land and nest for the night. I knew it was done for our sake. Perhaps the others could have done another raid, but Rein and I had nothing left.
Leofwine verified the safety of a location by clean, running water, and camp was swiftly made. Rein shifted as soon as we hit the ground, and I dragged my feet to the water, feeling worn down to the very marrow of my bones. I plopped down by the bank and pursed my lips, trying to figure out the best way to drink. Rein had become very particular about her water now, but running water didn’t hang around after being purified.
I cupped water in my hands and leaned down to dip my horn into it. It was awkward, and I spilled a little on my dress, but it worked well enough. Then I heard footsteps from behind me, and I could tell that my mate was here.
Keyon simply sat, turned my head to his, and softly placed his lips on mine. After a minute of absorbing some of his energy and affection, I released a sigh into his lips and felt my body grow heavy. He continued to kiss me sweetly and brushed back a strand of my hair that the playful wind tried to lift.
He didn’t say anything, and he didn’t mind-link. He just kissed me. It was a blessed moment of silence, and it felt like his body was relieved to finally have a moment with mine since I told him I was carrying our young. His heart filled as mine did. He cleared away the shadows that I’d collected today and left behind warmth and comfort.
Keyon massaged his lips into mine, and I enjoyed the rough sound and texture of his stubble scraping against my skin. Every motion of his jaw and pull of his teeth spoke of how completely focused he was on me. His warm tongue dipped to stroke mine, and his hands slowly slid to my waist, squeezing ever so delicately with his fingers.
He moved one large, rough palm over my lower abdomen and left it there, acknowledging the life that was slowly forming—the offspring he’d kindled within me. He’d been right that night; the fire had caught.
We stayed by the water, kissing and breathing each other in as the sun slipped away to rest. His palm never left, and his thumb stroked idly in affectionate caresses. He pulled his head back just enough to speak while brushing our lips together. The warm words floated on foggy puffs in the cool evening air.
“I love you, moonflower.”