Page 69 of Within the Veil

Xena

Dragon.

The thought reverberates in my mind as my gaze travels up the massive figure looming before me. His massive form blocks out the sun, casting long, dark shadows that dance around us as if looking for weakness. I can't help but gawk as my whiskers twitch from the power that is pouring out of him like a damn tidal wave. His black obsidian scales, each one like a polished piece of armor that cover the rippling muscles underneath, glitter in the sunlight. As I look closer, I think that maybe glitter is the wrong word. No, it's as if the scales are fighting off the sunlight, scattering the shimmering beams across the landscape. I hold back the shiver that wants to escape as I take in his wings, tipped with sharp spikes, coiled at his sides, a network of veins visible through the black membrane.

He continues to roar like a psychopath, displaying his long, sharp-teeth, each one bigger than me, and dripping saliva onto the floor. Gross.

I swallow, my throat dry as I war between awe, fear, and annoyance as I resist the urge to put my paws over my ears to muffle the onslaught of excessive bitching. I get it. Roar. Dragon. But the effect is totally lost when he doesn't shut the fuck up. There is more power in silence.

Barely resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I simply sit back on my haunches and stare at the beast. Hoping my furry conveys how unimpressed I am.

"You have no business being here, Xena, familiar of Queen Rhiona. Your journey is a folly. There is nothing for you here but death," his voice, gravelly and deep, rings true, sure of himself. Well, that is just unfair, he knows me, but I don't know him.

We mean no harm, nor do we wish to offend or spend more time here than necessary. We simply come at the behest of wanting to save our world from being overtaken by a false queen,Cerubus tries diplomatically. The dragon huff in disdain, fire shooting out of his nostrils as he rolls his large eyes.

"To assume that we care is a problem in itself, but even more so is the fact that you let this come to fruition in the first place. We may not be on the other side of the Veil, but we know all. You are all fools. Weak. Motivated by fear and prophecy, encumbered by a lack of understanding of your unique strengths and abilities. Oh, we know, we talk, and we are ashamed to be of blood kin," he scoffs, turning around and giving us his back as his large feet, tipped with claws the size of tree trunks, stomp off.

Taking it as a sign to follow him, Cerbi and I exchange a look and do just that. We walk into what could be deemed as a village, butsmall,it is not. On the edge of a cliff, where an unforgiving sea crashes onto the rocks, are huge homes carved into the sides. As we walk, I ignore the hostile glares aimed at us, more curious about the screams I hear in the wind. I peer closely at the bedrock where I can make out large trees tied by thick ropes. Surrounding the trees are large Dragons, varying in color, height, and girth, some obviously pregnant. But what brings me joy is that at the end of each tree are the unmistakable forms of dark-winged Fae. I scent the air, the smell of depravity from the souls of those being tossed in the wind reaching me. The satisfaction of their torture warms my chest.Take that fuckers.

I consider what the Dragon said before walking off. Calling us weak, he has some damn nerve.

You call us weak as if Gaia didn't save your asses from being Unseelie meat. My Hudson is anything but weak, she is the one that will change the world. If anything, you can learn from her,I scoff.

Ceri groans, and the Dragon whips around, his large tail knocking a few of the smaller dragons around us to the ground in the process.

"You dare insult us in our domain?" He roars, stepping closer to me to shove his muzzle in my face. I feel the heat of his breath on my face but I stand my ground and stare him down. Or up, in his case. While, a lot of the Fae can be assholes, my Hudson and her mates are not. To anyone but them, he can fling as many insults as he wishes. After all, the things he says aren't far off from the truth, and his thoughts are a mirror image of my own thoughts and opinions. Hell, Hudson's opinions as well. The Faehavebeen operating with fear in their hearts, too blinded by the emotion to take bigger strides in furthering our position in the war. It is why I will always admire Kalen; he didn't stand idle, instead he trained soldiers, fought skirmishes and worked to save as many as he could. He may died, but his sacrifice to save Hudson will not be in vain. I will not let it be.

Suddenly, he chuckles. His laugh making the ground shake.

"I like you, tiny Lion. It may not save you. But I like you," He turns back around and continues to walk.

I share incredulous looks with Cerubus. Well as much as we can in animal form. But the intent is there. The dragon leads us into a large, overly warm cavern where there are three Dragons, thrice his size sitting. Shit, was he just a child?

"Yes, that is our son. Ralph," a matronly voice echoes throughout the cavern and I have to bite back a laugh. I ignore the fact that she can clearly read my thoughts, stuck on the name of Ralph for a Dragon.

"Mom, you cannot call me that in front of people. I'm supposed to instill fear into the hearts of our enemies. Who names a dragon Ralph," he mutters with a whine. I wish I could cackle, not so tough in front of Mommy are you?

"Stop wrecking shit and maybe she wouldn't have nick- named you that," a slightly bigger dragon, this time with white scales, drops into the room.

"Shut up Pyralis," Ralph snarls. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Their mom has no such problem, her own large eyes looking towards the heavens as if asking for a reprieve from the bickering. "Hush, both of you. We have guests," she leans back on her haunches and gives me her full attention and I find myself falling into a violet, golden gaze. The dragon before me is a larger version of Ralph, except her scales are a beautiful combination of shimmering green, blue, and golden hues, much like peering into a lake until the light of the bright sun.

"Well met, Xena, familiar of Hudson, also known as Queen Rhiona of Fhaell. Well met, Cerubus, familiar of Remi, Queen Consort of Rhiona of Fhaell. I am Queen Aurelia of Clan Zirnitra. Despite the childish actions of Prince Erebos, who we affectionately call Ralph, you are welcome within our lands. I know why you are here. You will have to earn it, but you will leave with what you desire if you do," she nods her head, peering at me closely.

I admit, her words confuse me. I was expecting a blood bath and unreasonable entities full of anger and hate but instead I am being welcomed instead of roasted over an open fire.

"What you expected is quite valid; our reputations indeed preceded themselves. For those who wish us harm, seek power, or seek information that is not theirs to have, we are their worst nightmare. But to those who have proven themselves friends of Dragons, they and their family will always be welcome," the dragon to the right of Aurelia says. Her deep voice wraps around like a warm blanket. The same size as Aurelia, her obsidian scales match those on Ralph. She sighs deeply and the plume of smoke that comes out of her mouth, one that is big enough to be its own cavern, fills the room.

I look at her with a turn of my head. Proven themselves friends of Dragons? Has Hudson been taking secret trips beyond the Veil? I wouldn't put anything past my human.

She chuckles,"no we have yet to meet Hudson. However we have had the pleasure and honor of knowing Kalen. He has led many battles against the scorge that are the Unseelie Fae, especially those under the imposter reign of that twat Nici. Years ago, Kalen came upon a group attempting to take our cub, Pyralis, who was barely a couple years old, and had wandered too far. We had been tracking them but Kalen happened to be walking the perimeter of the Seelie territory.The fury he unleashed on those that had my cub, was a sight to behold. His skill with a weapon was inspiring. From that day forward, he was always welcome here and would visit often. During those visits, he spoke most highly of Hudson or rather the 'daughter of his heart' as he called her. How is she fairing?"

She asks but her tone suggests she is already aware of that information.

I go to answer but hesitate, unsure of how to address her, seeing as I have yet to get her name.

"Apologies, I am Queen Consort Zyanya, but you may call me Anya. I am also mom to these little scaled monsters you've met," she says affectionately. I turn to see Pyralis give a roll of his eyes.

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