Page 2 of Progeny of the Cursed Egg
I rumble softly in agreement, letting him know I understand. I promise him, wordlessly, that we will help each other find justice forthe pains of our pasts. His acceptance hums through the bond that connects us, an unspoken vow.
“I know you will, and I will help you with yours,” Klauth says as we fly back toward the academy. As we break the horizon, the sun rises in a flourish of gold, painting the academy grounds in warm, russet tones. I feel the cool morning air rush over my face, and beneath it all, the faint smell of dew-damp grass. “I was but a hatchling when the first stone was set in the foundation for the dragon dorms. It was my father’s dream to make a place for all shifters to go to school safely.” His voice holds a melancholy that tugs at my heart, a reminder of how much time has passed—and how much has been lost.
We approach Malivore and I circle the building twice, scanning for any hint of threat. My vision is sharper in my dragon form, each silhouette, and subtle movement catching my attention. Satisfied, I land and carefully fold my wings, lowering my body. Klauth slides off my back, eyes alert as he scours the surroundings for any hidden danger. We share a look of mutual understanding before I shift back and take his hand in mine.
This moment—leading him into my nest—is either going to solidify my standing or shatter it entirely. The academy grounds smell of fresh earth and the faint tang of metal from the gates. My heart pounds in my chest, a mixture of fear and hope crowding my senses.
I squeeze Klauth’s hand, drawing strength from his presence. Together, we walk toward the entrance, the golden light of dawn spilling across the corridors, guiding us to whatever awaits.
CHAPTER 1
Mina
Every footstepI take resonates down the dim, narrow corridor like a death knell, each echo scraping at my nerves as we approach my suite. The air here tastes stale, tinted with an underlying mineral tang that reminds me of the catacombs beneath the academy. I can practically feel the darkness slithering along the walls. My hand hovers over the door’s iron handle for one heartbeat too long, uncertainty coiling in my gut. Klauth’s palm settles on my lower back—warm, steady—and the tension in my shoulders loosens just enough for me to twist the knob.
The door creaks open, and a wave of my scent rushes out to greet us. It’s a potent combination of lingering smoke, spiced chai, and the faint musk of dragon—my dragon. The warning in that aroma is unmistakable: this space belongs to me;enter at your own risk. The guys are gathered around the kitchen island, each gripping a steaming mug, and the moment they catch sight of me, their heads snap up in unison. A hush settles over the room, broken only by the hiss of the kettle on the stove.
Iinstinctively step back, pressing my shoulder blades to Klauth’s broad chest. His heartbeat thuds against my spine, matching my own racing pulse. He urges me forward with a gentle push. After we step inside, I hear the lock click behind us, metal sliding into place. The finality of that sound rattles through me, and my eyes dart around the suite, my gaze flitting from one mate to another. My heart thunders so violently, I swear they can see it pulsing beneath my skin.
“Everyone, I’d like to introduce you to Klauth.” My voice quivers with adrenaline as I tilt my head back, looking up at Klauth upside down. He bends to kiss my forehead, a brief brush of warmth that steadies me before I shift my attention back to the others.
By custom, Abraxis is the first bonded drake, so he’s the one to formally introduce Klauth to the nest. He reaches for another mug on the counter, the scent of strong coffee rising between us, and offers it to me. I tip my neck to the side, exposing my throat as a gesture of submission to my dragon mate. The air crackles with an undercurrent of tension.
“Abraxis Havock, I hail from the Blackhaven nest.” Abraxis’s voice rumbles through the space, and he lifts his fist over his heart in greeting before extending his hand to Klauth. The weight of their individual strength makes the tiny hairs on my arms stand on end.
“Blackhaven, you say?” Klauth replies, his tone gruff but carrying a note of respect. “That is the same nesting grounds Thauglor comes from. Good strong stock come out of Blackhaven.” He clasps Abraxis’s hand firmly, and a wave of relief washes through me—like my veins flush with cool water. “I accept our mate’s choice to let you lead this nest. Unless,” he adds with the ghost of a smirk, “my influence better protects it.”
With that, I feel a million pounds of tension lift from my shoulders. My entire body sags with gratitude, even though my heart still hammers away.
Klauth slips his fingers into my hair, gently brushing it aside. I sense his breath against my neck, warm and steady. He gestures to the faint purple bruises and faint tooth impressions left by Abraxis. “Typical black dragon—biting their mate constantly,” he teases in a low rumble. He then tilts my chin, displaying Abraxis’s mark on the front of my throat and his on the right side.. “If I know my old friend, he’ll leave his mark on the opposite side, giving our mate here a full collar of bites.” There’s a note of dark amusement in his voice as he lifts my hair again, his gaze landing on the crescent-shaped imprint Leander left at the back of my neck. “Who did this one?” he growls softly, amber eyes flecked with crimson sweep the room.
Leander, usually so silent and watchful, steps forward. The heat of his presence mingles with the earthy scent of coffee, and his voice is quiet. “I did.”
Klauth arches a brow, tilting his head as though analyzing Leander from every angle. “Tactically brilliant to bring a nightmare cross into the nest. I smell a displacer beast, a basilisk, and a gryphon…” His attention drifts to Vaughn’s gargoyle form. The flickering overhead light skims the stone texture of Vaughn’s skin, making him appear carved from living rock. “Did someone steal his amulet?” Klauth’s brow furrows as he scans the space.
“During the attack—right before you saved me,” I explain, turning so that my back now presses to Abraxis’s chest. His warmth anchors me, and I lean into him, tilting my gaze up at Klauth.
“Where’s Thauglor?” Klauth’s voice rumbles through the silence, a soft inquiry weighted with concern.
I answer with a small smile, slipping out onto the balcony, where a chill wind cuts across my cheeks. I return moments later, cradling Thauglor’s ebony egg in my arms. Its glossy surface gleams under the harsh overhead light, and I can feel the slow, rhythmic pulse that matches my heartbeat. “Klauth, hatched in time to keep me safe,” I whisper to the egg, which vibrates with a restless urgency. A softcomplaint thrums in my mind. “Shhh,” I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss to its smooth shell. “Your time will come, I swear it.”
I glance between Abraxis and Klauth, noticing the way the tension in the room seems to recede at the sight of me holding this precious piece of our family. I point a finger at Abraxis. “You, of all people, know how much I talk to my eggs. Don’t act like this is new.”
The corner of Klauth’s lips curves faintly as he watches me with the egg. A rare softness lights his gaze. “Your voice is what gave me hope I’d be free,” he says, voice hushed. “I heard every word, felt every kiss, and understood how fiercely you fought to keep me with you always. We are lucky to have such a strong dragoness.”
The ambient light flickers, and I catch sight of Klauth’s reflection in the window, tall and confident as he brushes a hand gently over Thauglor’s shell. “Rest easy, old friend,” he murmurs to the egg, his tone dipped in respect. “A descendant of your line stands in our nest. We are safe.”
Klauth meets Abraxis’s eyes then, a silent exchange passing between them. I hold my breath, feeling the tension coil between all of us like a living thing, yet tempered by relief and acceptance. The hush in the suite is electric as the rest of my mates come forward, ready to greet the new drake, each footstep echoing softly on the tiled floor. The scent of coffee, the warmth of my dragon nest, and the steady pulse of Thauglor’s egg promise a tenuous but powerful bond—one I must protect at any cost.
I turn my attention to my other mates and take Klauth by the hand, guiding him over to the kitchen island. The polished stone surface gleams in the morning light, cool against my fingertips. He settles onto one of the tall stools, and I am pulled onto his lap. Apparently, Abraxis isn’t the only dragon who believes I’m incapable of sitting by myself. Though I can’t deny the warmth of Klauth’s arms around me is comforting.
“Balor, what’s for breakfast?” I ask, trying to keep my tone light. The sizzling snap of bacon crackles in the background, and the rich smell of melting butter drifts through the kitchen, making my mouth water.
“Bacon, eggs, and ham steak with a side of potatoes,” Balor answers. Klauth’s stomach rumbles against my back, a low, hungry sound that makes me smile.
“Two plates, please. Apparently, I’m not the only one starving this morning.” I turn and place a soft kiss on the tip of Klauth’s nose. His skin is warm under my lips, and I catch the faint scent of embers lingering from his dragon form. Then I reach out, fingertips brushing each of my mates—an unspoken greeting, a reminder that I need them all here.
Balor slides two plates in front of us. The aromas of crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs fill the air, and the savory ham steak, glossy with its own juices, makes my stomach twist with anticipation. Klauth wastes no time digging in, cutting through the ham with quick, efficient motions. I pick at my breakfast, letting the flavors of salted meat and starchy potatoes coat my tongue, but my attention drifts elsewhere.
