Page 268 of Gift from the Source
For the past one hundred years spent with her, she’s never doubted me. Even in this. This isn’t the first time she’s said those words, but just like the first time I heard them, the confidence she has in me warms my body from the inside out.
“Yeah, we are, little wanderer.”
Our shifts take over and we reappear in the same size as Tanith.
My brothers and dad nod to the two of us as we join their circle here in the middle of the mansion’s lawn.
Purrs start up in Willow’s, Tanith’s, and my throats. Everyone else hums like I made them practice.
The louder our melody grows, the more the little egg vibrates.
“Come on, little man, we believe in you.”
“Come on, baby, we’ve got you. Your family is here waiting on you.”
Willow’s and my words continue to filter through our minds. We push as much encouragement as possible. When my brothers start murmuring sweet words as well, my heart melts.
The first ground-quaking shake has the birds in the forest squawking as they take flight.
The second sends a split down the center of the egg.
“One more big push. You’ve got this.”
Tillman’s gift flows from his fingers as he pulls the earth back together as it cracks open all around us. Gaster’s flows to the forest to hold up the trees.
Every window in the mansions rattles as the third vibration is accompanied by a bright flash of light as the pieces of the egg shatter all around.
As it dims, it seems to drag Willow, my brothers, and myself closer. We couldn’t stop ourselves even if we wanted to.
Shock races through my chest as we all lay eyes on our hatchling. A deep, primal connection flows through me and into him. It’s so strong, it’s hard to draw in any air.
His little head pokes up and a small wail pours from his throat.
I immediately react.
My head gently lays against his and I purr until he tries to mimic my sounds.
“You’re perfect.”
I breathe the words as an unbelievable sensation crawls through me. The information I’ve been blessed to receive over the last one hundred years flows from me and into him. The line of connection between the two of us stays taut until there’s nothing left from me to give.
As I pull back, another little sound has Willow moving into my place. I’ve never seen a tear fall from a dragon’s eye before, but the one that slides down her cheek has my own forming.
My brothers all move in around him and he’s just as receptive to them as he was to me and Willow.
“Glorious,”Cas whispers as the little guy nuzzles his head into his hand.
He, Corentin, and Tillman fall completely still, and my breathing grows deeper as their emotions sear through my skin.
When they pull away, their misty eyes meet mine, asking a question I don’t completely have an answer to.
Tanith moves in next and lays her forehead to his. Her purr shakes me to my core. The love she has for him vibrates through my claws in the dirt all the way to my heart.
Keeper and Gaster move in together. The little guy ruffles himself out like he knows he’s about to be spoiled.
The energy in the air changes beside me as Willow shifts back and I follow her.
Our little guy gets so excited when he sees her, he attempts to flap his wings and run toward her. She’s there in a flash to catch him as he stubbles.
