Page 73 of Within the Veil

"Okay," I breathe out excitedly. "What is next? You said the reason I came here, to begin with, was because of Hudson's cubs."

"Ah yes," Anya holds out a ridiculously large clawed hand, and in the center is a bag that resembles the one that is currently hanging from an IV pole in Hudson's room. Except, this bag is filled with a swirling blue fluid that mirrors the colors from Aurelia's scales.

"Every few days, you will bring an IV bag, just like this one, to Hudson's nurse. She will have to mix it with the vitamin concoction she has created. It will not only strengthen Hudson's body and mind but it will also nourish the cubs with everything they need in order to thrive. Small doses of essence, our magic, make up the contents of this bag. It is not given lightly," Anya says, her voice calm and gaze steady.

"Are there long-term effects?"

"Yes, but none that would cause her harm or danger. If she has need of us, we will be able to hear her calls and vice-versa. She will also be able to come into our lands without impediment, as our clan will be able to sense our power within her, and if she were to meet another clan, they will sense the same. It gives her certain protections..." Anya trails off, and she looks at Aurelia.

"It will make her skin much like ours--Impenetrable to blades and magical attacks. It will also give her the ability to block her thoughts and emotions, even from her mates, without her having to erect her walls fully. She may know that she is blocking since it is something she has already learned to do, but in this case, it will be a complete block, and that may be done unconsciously as well. She will have to work to keep her blocks down. The cubs will be even more powerful, able to communicate their needs and wants effectively even while in-utero...."

Balor cuts Anya off with a scoff, "Not thatthatis a benefit. Take it from a father who would have to hunt down deer at three am because his cub wouldn't stop sending mental demands. It is a right pain in the ass."

Ayna and Aurelia chuckle.

"Yes, we all know how much you hated those middle-of-the-night trips. But you were rewarded well," Aurelia teases rubbing her muzzle along his.

Anya laughs, "Yes, well. The bag also has small traces of our children's magic as well. Their connection will allow the quad to pick up on any distress or danger to them as well."

Swallowing past the sudden ache in my throat, I place my hand on my chest and bow deeply. "Thank you. You have not only welcomed me into your land, but you have given my family a great gift."

"You are very welcome, Xena. They are not just your family any longer. We areallconnected on a grander scale," Aurelia says warmly.

"After I take the IV and I return, will we start training?" I ask.

"Yes, there is no time to waste. You will train for combat and prepare for the eventual unification of our people. Your battle education will be handled by one, well, two of the greatest warriors. Myself included," Balor chuckles. Anya and Aurelia roll their eyes, and I bite back a chuckle.

"Who?" I ask, my nerve endings flushing with nervous energy. I am so fucking ready.

"By me," a large dragon drops into the cavern, and I turn to meet him. "Well met, Xena. My name is Valerion, but you may call me Master."

My first inclination is to tell him to go fuck himself, but as I meet his icy silver gaze, I find myself awestruck. I don't like it. Still, like a moth to a flame, I'm drawn in by his commanding presence and my eyes travel from his broad, powerful shoulders that ripple with muscle under a coat of gleaming blue scales that shift and change from the darkest midnight to the brightest blue sky. His very being leaks authority and, while that ordinarily makes me chafe, on him it works. And I have to admit that he is fucking beautiful.

He chuckles, "Thank you. Although, I will warn you; your flattery will get you nowhere. I will still be kicking your ass."

His words snap me out of my daze, and I scowl, narrowing my eyes. "Bring it the fuck on."

ChapterSixteen

Hudson

The world spins as Xena finishes her projection. If you can even call it that. It was something like being sucked into a vortex where we were suddenly witness to all of her thoughts and memories as they unfolded. I could almost make myself believe I was there with her. I almost stabbed Erebos my damn self when he decided he wanted Barbeque Lioness. I am going to have several words when I do meet his ass. Then I realized that Anya's voice was achingly familiar, and then all the puzzle pieces started sliding into place. Which reminds me...

"Okay, can I just say what everyone is thinking here? What is with magical beings and their obsession with giving out their iced coffees?" I ask the room as my head swivels slowly to look at their varying faces of shock and awe.

"That is definitely not what we were thinking, Baby Girl. I was thinking more along the lines of 'Hagrid, take the wheel,'" Ryder says, rubbing the back of his neck as he stares at Xena.

"All of those times I gave you extra treats to get packages, not once did I see your eyes change. You could have told me you're a ninja dragon," Ryder pouts as he looks at Xena, who rolls her now purple and golden eyes at him.

I could not speak of it until Hudson was awake. It is something that needs to be heard and understood by all of you. Certain things needed to be seen for yourself in order for all of you to understand what I just showed you. After yesterday I could no longer delay. You have now seen firsthand how Hudson's power is unique. Now you understand why her usual mental block is stronger. Intention, however slight, increases the power of the action. This doesn't make her actions excusable; however, it does explain the 'why' and the 'how.'

I clear my throat, "Uh, is it a good time to mention that I recognize Anya's voice?" I ask as casually as I can. When all heads swivel in my direction, I choose my words carefully, "When I was waking up, I was curious as to the swirling contents of the IV bag. So I touched it, and it spoke to me. It said, 'For those pure of soul, power will grow.' Although, now that I know that the IV bag was filled with Dragon Iced-Coffee, it makes sense." I shrug lightly and turn to take a bite of my food as my belly starts to glow--hungry little winged dragon riders.

"This is extraordinary," Shea mumbles.

"Is that your new favorite word? Because it's really lackluster, pops," I say and chuckle at his shocked expression. He shouldn't get too excited. I will have an arsenal of names to try until I can decide on one that fits because I decided that he is going to be a father to me, whether he likes it or not.

Grayson shakes his head, "Anya speaking to you doesn't really surprise me. However, the next time a disembodied voice decides to communicate with you, feel free to let us know," he pins me with a glare. "I do have a few questions. Xena, considering that you are in your Lion form, I can see that you've learned to control your shift. Have you gained any other abilities? Other than the echo of Pyralis, have you been able to gain control of that particular skill?"

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