Page 51 of Dragon's Revenge

Erwan could barely stomach the thought of a winter without Rhene, but he shoved that thought down, instead raising his hand to greet Zack, who was hurrying past, carrying a basket of vegetables.

“He’s amazing,” Sivney said softly. “He’s like a desert flower that’s received rainfall after a long drought. You can see him bloom and prosper.”

“They’re all doing well, right? The omegas?”

“As well as can be expected. Some better than others, but we knew some of them would have a long road to recovery ahead of them. But they’re starting to trust us and feel safe, so that’s a big step forward.”

“I’m glad, though nothing can ever make up for what they lost or suffered.”

“No.” Sivney let out a deep sigh. “But we can try to make them feel like human beings again, like people worthy of love. Well, dragons who are worthy of love, but same difference.”

Erwan put a hand on the omega’s shoulder. “They chose well when they picked you as second-in-command. No one could’ve led the pack better in Rhene’s absence than you. We’re so lucky to have you.”

Tears formed in the omega’s eyes, and Erwan panicked. Had he said something wrong? Sivney was rarely emotional.

The omega muttered a curse. “Dammit, you made me cry. Ignore me. It’s hormones.”

Hormones? Was he…? Oh, Erwan wassonot going to ask. He knew better.

Sivney took a few deep breaths, then put his hands on his hips. “You’re not gonna congratulate me?”

“For what? I don’t know anything until you tell me.”

Sivney’s expression softened. “I wasn’t sure if and how to announce under the circumstances. I’m pregnant with Lev’s son.”

Lev? That was a bit of a surprise. Erwan would’ve figured Naran would come first. The man had to want an alpha heir, right? He caught himself as soon as he thought it. That was sexist of him, wasn’t it? Sivney already had a daughter, so was she less? “I’m sure Lev is over the moon.”

Sivney snorted. “He barely lets me out of his sight. He’s so overprotective. The man was born to be a father. Trust me, if he could, he would’ve carried this baby himself. He wants nothing more than a house full of babies. That’s not gonna happen, but I can give him a son. After that, we’ll see.”

“You should announce. We could all use some good news.”

“I’m so frustrated that there’s nothing we can do for Rhene. That whole prophecy thing Fallon did was cool and all, but I hate feeling this powerless. I can’t even imagine how you must feel.”

“It’s awful.” Erwan’s voice broke a little, and he needed a moment to recover. “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. But I do trust him. I do trust that fate knows what it’s doing. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but all I can do is be patient and have faith.”

Something inside him stirred. He instinctively held Ainle a little tighter. What was that?

Rhene.

He felt Rhene. Something was…wrong? No, not wrong, but something had changed. Rhene was excited, happy, his energy bubbling through their bond. What had happened? Had he managed to escape?

“Is something wrong?” Sivney sounded alarmed.

“It’s Rhene.”

Sivney’s expression immediately sharpened. “You can feel him?”

“You need to gather everyone and put security on high alert. Something is happening. I think he’s coming home.”

“By himself?”

“I don’t know.”

“Security has been on high alert since you came back, but I will let them know to be vigilant. Does it feel like we’re about to get attacked?”

“No. I don’t know how I know that, but the fact that I brought Ainle out tells me my dragon feels safe. It’s restless, though, and something is definitely happening.”

Sivney put a hand on his shoulder. “Go find his brothers. I’ve got this.”

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