Page 70 of Within the Veil

Hudson, is pregant with her own cubs and in a coma after a battle with Nici's people due to two betrayers. While she is still alive and hooked up to an IV that seems to be helping her regain her strength, she has yet to awaken. While she is a fierce warrior, a God had interfered and she fell victim to the Sword of Hephaestus, and was drained of her powers. That battle also claimed Kalen's life as he sacrificed himself in order to save Hudson, who was engaged in a standoff with Kalen's mate, another traitor. He died by the hands of his mate.

They took a sharp breath and shook their heads sadly.

"We knew he was slain, but it still boggles our minds that he was slain by his Mate. The Mate Bond is sacred. To murder your mate is a crime against nature. It will drain them of all power. Weaken them beyond help," Aurelia says and looks behind me. I follow her gaze to notice that the entire cavern is full of Dragons. That was sloppy of me, but it is dark in here. That is my excuse. One of those Dragons gives a quick nod and takes off. I don't bother to question it, I know that Alvor had disappeared, but whether that was into thin air or to his death, I do not know.

"The sword. I believe you have it strapped to your back, it will be best kept here, where we can guard it until Hudson is ready to wield it. It is a little-known fact that A God's weapon, steeped in the blood of a defender who sacrificed himself for the very person the weapon was meant to kill, becomes infused with the life force of that noble soul. Though the sword was initially forged for Gaia and later stolen, it now bears an unwavering allegiance to Hudson, much like the one who was slain," Aurelia says.

An allegiance?I ask, walking forward for them to take the sword from my back with their claws.

"Yes, a weapon forged by a God is not your typical weapon, far from it. They are sentient, powerful, and have a mind of their own. Especially one that has been imbued. I know with certainty, that for this coming war, Hudsonmustlearn how to fight with this sword. But to fully master it, she will need to train with us, learning our ancient ways and honing her skills in harmony with the sword's consciousness. The time for that rigorous training will come soon, and when it is all said and done, Hudson will unleash the power of the Gods and strike down those who threaten her people," Anya adds.

"As for the cubs, we are aware she is with child or, in her case, children. It is why we sent little Li'Ella the message to have you come," the dragon to the left of Aurelia finally speaks, and I turn my attention to him, admiring his obsidian and blue scales. "I am, King Consort Balor," he inclines his head.

While I'm grateful not to be eaten, I am still a little uneasy at their overt kindness.

Do not look a gift horse in the mouth,Ceri whispers in my head.

I send him a mental scowl,That is a stupid saying. Besides, this is more a 'gift terrifyingly-large-murderous-dragon,'I retort.

Laughter erupts, throughout the cavern, making it quake slightly. Gaia, take the wheel. I hope this mountain is imbued with something, too, because 'buried alive' is not a good look on me.

More chuckles. Apparently, my desire to live is hilarious.

"Yes, you are indeed refreshing. You fear us, but you have a healthy sense of humor," Anya says.

I prefer healthy respect instead of 'fear,' but I won't argue.

Suddenly the room is filled with the sound of wings, and I spin around to see two more dragons,surprise, surprise,enter the cavern. One with matching blue scales to Balor and one with iridescent scales. I look closer at the dragon, who is larger and more muscular and while I can't exactly pinpoint the color of those scales, I imagine that they will be almost invisible to the naked eye once this dragon is in the air. What I do know, although don't ask me how, is that he or she looks absolutely pissed.

The one with blue scales steps closer, "Well met, Xena. I am Prince Aureus of the Zirnitra Clan, and this angry dragon next to me is Princess Elysia of the Seraph Clan. Although, right now, I'm considering a formal request to change her name to Hemrroid since she is acting every bit of a royal pain in my scaly ass." He finishes the last with an angry growl.

She gives a small roar, unfurling her wings before shooting out purple,purplefire at him. I'm taken aback.

Princess? From a different clan?I question.

"Ah yes, years ago, during a meeting of the clans, Elysia, Aureus, Pyralis, and Erebos presented with the mating bond and as such are a mated quad. Very rare with our kind. As it stands, Anya and Balor are my mates and as the strongest triad, we are leaders of our kind. These four will take over the helm as they already present with extraordinary power. Although they understand their duty and the gift of a true mate bond... They all... haven't accepted their predicament," Aurelia huffs out, clearly over their bullshit.

"The fates had no right. It is archaic bullshit to be bonded against our will, and I will not be subjected to it," Erebos roars out.

Before I can top myself I scoff,asinine. As one of the original creations of Gaia, you should understand the importance of duty. Beyond that, you should be happy that you have found your true mate. You stomp around and talk a good game but how a creature of your size and power is afraid of a mate bond is beyond me. Hudson had no problem accepting all facets of her destiny, stop being such a whiny asshole.

"Careful, Lioness, I may decide I want kibble for dinner," he growls out, stepping towards me with his eyes narrowed.

His family rolls their eyes.

That is for dogs, you pompous ass, I am of feline descent. Superior.I face him dead on, bristling at his insult. Even if I were a dog, I would have a more delicious and nutritious meal than kibbles and bits. The fucking nerve.

I sense his family leaning in closer, apparently drawn in by our angry banter.

We are going to die. We are going to die. I lived centuries, and this lion is going to get me killed,Ceri moans.

"Well then, whatever the equivalent is for cats, that is what you would be!" Erebos yells.

"Something like Fancy Feast, perhaps?" Aureus throws and he and Pyralis chuckle.

You guys know way too much about animal foods,I turn my attention to them, choosing to ignoring Erebos, considering that will piss him off more.

Christopher gave the equivalent of a shrug, "we are near mortals. They may not come too close but we catch thoughts here and there. You would be surprised how much humans think of their pets. It's a bit unhealthy actually," he laughs with a shake of his head.

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