Page 57 of Progeny of the Cursed Egg
“My shift makes that sound for its mate—just as a happy dragoness purrs, a gryphon calls to his mate,” Callan explains, his fingers threading soothingly through my hair.
“The room feels scary…” Cora murmurs, pressing herself closer to Warwick as if seeking solace.
“Your mate spoke of Callan in a way that angered Mina. What you feel now is the presence of her dragoness—a force that can fill a room and intimidate those weaker than her,” Klauth declares, stepping forward to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Abraxis.
I hear a soft “oof” and a cough before turning to see everyone’s concerned faces. Warwick clutches his ribs, holding himself near Vox. “I’m sorry if my statement angered you. I meant no disrespect,” he says, his voice earnest. I nod in acknowledgment, feeling the tension ebb slightly.
“Forgiven,” I reply, glancing over at Balor and then Leander. “Dinner should be just about ready.” The two flank me with knowing smiles. Leander hands me Thauglor’s egg carrier, its cool leather contrasting with the warmth of my skin as I strap it on. Being in charge of a flight isn’t easy, but in this dark, unpredictable world, it’s a responsibility I’ve learned to embrace.
CHAPTER 31
Abraxis
Third quarter begins,and the academy—though well-kept and in immaculate condition—feels like a tomb. The corridors are silent, their pristine stone surfaces echoing the absence of sound, as if the very walls are holding their breath.
Mina is on edge most days—her restless energy sends the weaker dragons scurrying like frightened prey. We suspect Lysander is plotting against her; he’s been scheming to have her removed because of her sudden change in station. I still remember how his last threat nearly set her off—she almost shot him with lightning, the air crackling with raw, barely contained fury.
In fifth period, I find solace in weapons and archery class alongside Vaughn. He stands by the ancient, heavy wooden gates of Ranathor Keep, his eyes fixed on them as he waits for the doors to swing open—and for Mina to appear. “She’ll be here,” I murmur, my voice low, as the other students select their assigned weapons while the soft clink of metal and the subtle scent of oiled wood fill the room.
“She’s never late,” Vaughn remarks, his tone a blend of admiration and exasperation as he struggles with the longbow he’s determinedto master. I glance at the clock high in the tower; his observation is right—Mina is almost fifteen minutes late.
Leander descends from the observation room, his eyes scanning the space before arching a brow at me. I shake my head. “That’s not normal.”
Just as I’m about to call for my familiar, the heavy wooden gates groan open and Mina strides through, flanked by Balor and Callan. Both look disheveled—as if a storm had whipped through them—yet even in their unkempt state, there’s an air of purpose. Mina adjusts the egg carrier strapped under her chest, then retrieves the bow I left for her, her fingers steady despite the tension simmering beneath the surface.
I lean toward Balor and Callan, whispering, “What happened to you two?”
“Mina happened,” Balor replies, exhaling slowly, his breath thick with lingering frustration. “She was still pissed off from earlier.”
Callan scoffs, shoving Balor lightly. “This idiot said, I can’t tell if you want to fuck or fight…” His tone drips with incredulity.
“Oh … I guess we know which option she chose,” Balor retorts, and my gaze drifts over to Mina, who is striking targets at the farthest range with cool precision. The rhythmic twang of her bowstring punctuates the silence.
“In the middle of my class, no less. Next thing I know, she’s dragging Balor out the door,” Callan continues, running a hand down his face, as if trying to erase the memory of chaos. “I go to my office, thinking they’ve left—and find this asshole with Mina bent over my desk, my papers, and books scattered like leaves in a storm. My office looked like a hurricane had hit.”
I let out a quiet laugh as I watch Mina in action. “Oh, act innocent,Callan. Who sat Mina on the arm of the couch and fucked her there? Hmm? It wasn’t me…” Balor teases, and I glance at Callan in shock.
I shift my attention between them and then back to our mate—Mina—who remains absorbed in her target practice. “Did she get into a fight? Lose her temper? Cross Lysander’s path?” I fire off questions, my voice edged with concern.
“Honestly, not sure,” Balor replies, his eyes tracking Mina’s every movement.
I turn to Callan. “What do you know, Callan?”
“Klauth reached out to her during class. A flight of green dragons was seen heading toward your parents’ den,” he explains, raising his hands as if holding the weight of his words. “Klauth sent Warwick to alert them, and Mina wasn’t happy he wouldn’t let Ziggy bring her to them.” Callan’s gaze drops, and I nod slowly, absorbing his tone.
“Did she say why?” I ask, watching as Callan pales, his eye drifting away.
“I said, I am no different than I was yesterday. And unlike your family, I am immune to the acid. Your father’s flight will lose warriors because Klauth is being stubborn.” Her voice is as cold and resolute as the academy’s silent halls, and now she stomps over to stand in front of me, the fire in her eyes a clear warning.
“Where is Klauth right now?” I ask, choosing my words carefully.
“Risedale—in a meeting,” Mina replies, tilting her head in that slow, disarming way that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on edge.
I quickly text Ziggy to come get us, even though a knot of dread tightens in my stomach—I know I might be making a big mistake. Moments later, Ziggy manifests before us, his presence filling the space with quiet authority as he glances between us.
“Why do I think the big guy is going to be pissed?” Ziggy says, arching a brow before moving to envelop Mina in a firm hug.
“I’ll handle him later,” she declares sharply. “We need to go to Risedale.” Her gaze hardens as she addresses Callan and Balor. “You two finish up here. Ziggy will collect everyone later.” There’s no room for argument in her tone.
