Page 21 of Progeny of the Cursed Egg
“It’s a beautiful campus,” Klauth says, nodding at the towering spires of Arcanum in the distance. “I remember watching its construction from my balcony.”
“What was it like back then?” I step closer to him, relishing the warmth he radiates against the brisk wind.
“Wilder,” he replies, eyes flicking toward the horizon. “Threats everywhere. Battles for territory, battles to keep territory. Yearly displays for when the females migrated, searching for males worth giving them offspring.” He gestures toward the skyline, where ancient battlements and new buildings clash in a strange architectural dance.
“Females approached the males?” I ask, glancing up at him in surprise.
“It’s why we would make grand displays when we were willing to take a mate.” His smile is tinged with nostalgia, and he kisses my temple. “I dug you a nest instead of making a public spectacle. Better use of my time and energy.”
“I agree. Abraxis made one within Shadowcarve,” I say, remembering the crisp scent of fresh wood and the warmth of newly turned earth. “He nailed his to the tall wooden walls.”
“That was his display?” Klauth arches a brow, looking genuinely intrigued.
“Yeah,” I answer with a shrug as we reach the entrance to Arcanum. The grand stone steps are worn smooth by countless students over the years, and the building’s tall doors creak as Klauth holds one open for me. A faint smell of chalk dust and old books washes over me when I step inside. “I guess it worked for him, too.”
We climb the stairs to the lecture hall, our footsteps muffled by the threadbare carpet. My skin tingles in the stuffy warmth of the corridor, and I scan the white walls lined with old portraits and dusty fixtures before finding the correct door. Klauth follows me in, and we settle at the far back near an exit, the seats squeaking in protest under our weight.
“Today’s class is going to be on the science of mate selection,” Kai announces from the front of the room, marker squeaking against the whiteboard. The fluorescent lights overhead flicker softly, their hum joining the scattered whispers of other students. I note each point he writes, though my mind drifts as I watch Klauth gazing at the vaulted ceiling, curiosity flickering in his crimson flecked amber eyes.
Kai calls on the females in the room, one by one. My heartbeat quickens, a prickle of nerves threading through me as I think of what to say. Arista answers first, mentioning her three mates. Anxiety twistsin my stomach—when Kai’s gaze finally lands on me, my pulse throbs in my ears.
“Miss Mina, mind sharing with the class?” His tone is polite but firm.
I stand, feeling Klauth’s hand at the small of my back—a solid reminder of his support. “I have seven mates,” I say with a steady voice. “A black dragon, a red dragon, a basilisk, a gryphon, a displacer beast, a nightmare, and a gargoyle.” Arista’s eyes widen, her jaw practically hitting the desk. The corner of my mouth lifts in a triumphant smile, and I give her a playful wink before Klauth tugs me back down onto his lap.
He brushes his lips over the mark on my neck and rumbles softly, a reassuring vibration against my spine. Despite being the strongest dragon on the continent, he’s a snuggler—and I can’t help but melt into him. The steady rhythm of his breathing grounding me in this strange, crowded classroom.
CHAPTER 12
Vaughn
How much have I missed?
I have no idea what day it is or what time it might be when I awaken every evening. My room—dim, draped in thick black curtains—feels perpetually caught between late twilight and dawn. The air is stale from being shut in all day, smelling faintly of my musk and the leather of my old jacket tossed across the chair. Despite the hush, there’s a low hum of distant chatter from the corridors, reminding me the academy never truly sleeps.
Mina has been keeping me up to date with all of my classes. She’s made it a point to gather all of my assignments for me. Then, in front of either Callan or Abraxis, I do my homework. They seal the envelopes and hand them in the next day to assure Mina doesn’t do my work for me. It’s equal parts embarrassing and reassuring—at least I’m not falling behind.
One of the guys goes with me to Shadowcarve or meets me there to do the hands-on work in the evening, so I don’t fall behind. The chill night air always wraps around me as soon as I leave the Malivore Conservatory, a sharp reminder that while most students arewinding down, I’m just starting my day. I feel like such a burden to the nest, it’s not even funny. They moved my night with Mina to Saturday, so classwork doesn’t cut into my time with her.
“Hey Vaughn.” Her voice, warm and lilting, greets me as she comes through the front door after her training. She smells like the night breeze and faint sweat—tangible proof of her hard work.
I close the distance and hug her tightly before kissing her. My senses flood with the sweet scent of her skin and the warmth of her body against mine. The soft rumble of her dragoness warms my soul. There is so much love in her heart, and I’m honestly shocked considering how she was raised. “What class did you have tonight?”
“Archery and weapons.” She smiles and motions to Klauth as he comes through the door behind her. A slight gust of cool air follows him in. “Someone’s a little rusty.” Mina winks before heading to her room to grab clothes.
“You try being cursed and trapped in a dreamless sleep for a thousand years and see what happens.” Klauth’s voice is low and gravelly, carrying a faint undertone of centuries spent in silence. He shakes his head and looks at me, extending his hand. I can smell a hint of dust and old parchment on him, like he’s been rummaging through the academy’s long-forgotten corners. “Are you well?” he asks.
I grasp his hand. “I feel much better knowing you’re able to be with Mina all day, keeping her safe,” I say, smiling as relief settles over me. Even though I can’t be by her side constantly, at least someone I trust is.
“Now, if we can get the youngling to be as sensible, it would be helpful.” Klauth grumbles a little before heading toward the kitchen counter, his footsteps echoing on the polished floor.
“Don’t be late for your training.” Mina’s voice drifts from the bathroom door. She brushes past me, the faint smell of her soap trailing in the air as she presses a quick kiss to my cheek.
“I’ll see you later,” I call over my shoulder before leaving the suite. The corridor is dimly lit by old wall sconces, casting flickering shadows that make everything look slightly ominous. I walk until I am out of the building and into the open night. The sky is clear, spattered with stars, and the moon hangs low like a curious eye. The fresh air, tinged with the scent of damp grass, fills my lungs as I shift to my gargoyle form. My skin hardens, my senses sharpen, and with a powerful leap, I’m airborne.
Flying to Shadowcarve is always a rush—wind whipping past my stone-like wings, the academy grounds below me silent and sprawling. I spot the large courtyard, lit by torches lining the perimeter. When I land, my claws scraping the stone with a metallic screech, I find Abraxis and Balor training with dual-wielding swords. The ring is a circle of packed dirt, ringed by tall stands. The air here smells of sweat, iron, and the faint tang of tension.
I duck into the locker room, the overhead fluorescent lights flickering with a dull hum. I can almost taste the stale odor of well-worn leather and disinfectant. I slip into my own leathers, the material snug and smelling faintly of me—an odd blend of stone dust and night air. Stepping back out to the ring, the chill of the evening air pinches my exposed skin, and adrenaline tingles in my fingertips.
