Page 32 of The Dragon King's Awakening

"It seems the time for reflection has passed," I say.

Rachel glances down at her simple sleep clothes, then at our state of undress."I only have jeans and a T-shirt.I'm not exactly prepared for a war council."

"We can fix that," Finn says with a grin."Strip."

She raises an eyebrow, but complies, pulling her sleep shirt over her head.I feel a surge of possessive pride at the sight of our marks upon her chest, the combined sigil pulsing gently with each beat of her heart.

Finn and I exchange a glance, then simultaneously exhale—his breath crimson, mine gold.The smoke swirls around Rachel, merging into a shimmering cloud that clings to her form before solidifying.When it dissipates, she stands transformed.

The garment we've created for her is elegant, yet practical: a deep violet tunic with gold and crimson accents, fitted trousers, and soft boots.The neckline dips low enough to display our mark proudly, while subtle dragon motifs wind around the sleeves and collar.

"Oh," she breathes, examining herself."This is beautiful."

Finn exhales another stream of crimson smoke, this time enveloping himself.It solidifies into clothing that manages to look both formal and relaxed, typical of his contradictory nature.

I follow suit, golden smoke pouring from my lips to create my own attire.I choose something that honors my past while acknowledging this new present—a high-collared jacket with subtle hieroglyphics embroidered in thread that gleams like real gold, paired with fitted trousers that allow for ease of movement.

Finn grins, tugging at Rachel's collar."We'll work on teaching you the finer points of dragon magic after we deal with the whole 'ancient monsters trying to destroy the world' situation."

His attempt at levity draws a smile from Rachel, but I feel her anxiety through our bond—not for herself, but for me.She worries how I will react when faced with Nikhil, fears what might happen if my ancient rage overwhelms my reason.

I capture her face between my palms, pressing my forehead to hers in a gesture of intimacy that predates even my long imprisonment."I will not dishonor what we have built," I promise her."Whatever happens today, I will remember that I am no longer alone in my purpose."

Her relief flows through our bond, warm and bright.Finn steps closer, completing our circle, his presence steady and grounding.

"Together, then," he says, offering his arm to Rachel while I take her other side.

"Together," we agree in unison.

I open the door, and we step into the hallway.The sound of urgent voices already echoes from the direction of the war chamber.Finn's stride lengthens, and Rachel quickens her pace to match.I feel the weight of three thousand years of hatred in my chest, but also the counterbalance of this new bond.

The war chamber buzzes with activity as we enter.A massive holographic display dominates the center of the room, projecting a detailed map of Greece with glowing markers tracking movement patterns.Dragons in human form cluster around it, some tapping at the sleek tablets in their hands, others speaking urgently into smartphones.The technology is alien to me, yet I sense the subtle current of dragon magic enhancing these human inventions.

Racha stands at the head of the table, her petite form commanding attention despite the chaos.Her mate, Corey, remains at her side.They both look up as we approach, conversation halting around us as others notice our arrival.

"Zahraxis," Racha acknowledges with a nod."Sullivan.Rachel.Thank you for joining us."

I incline my head in response, the gesture of respect coming more naturally than I expected."My queen."

The words still feel strange on my tongue—not because I resent her authority, but because for most of my existence, I answered only to the Dragon Council.To acknowledge a single ruler of our kind, and a Green at that, would have been unthinkable in my time.Yet the world has changed, and I with it.The Dragon Council still lives, of course, but evidently only acts as advisors to the dragon race.

"We have two days," Racha says, gesturing to the holographic display.The image shifts to show Mount Olympus, surrounded by pulsing red indicators."The Titans have given their ultimatum—either we deliver the key to Olympus, or they will curse all of dragonkind as they did the four Court dragons."

"Which we have no intention of doing," Corey adds firmly."Giving them access to their primordial essences, their godseeds, would be suicide for everyone."

"And the gods?"I ask, studying the display with narrowed eyes."They offer no assistance?"

A ripple of grim laughter passes through the room.A dragon I don't recognize—Asian features, with an aura that suggests significant age despite his youthful appearance—shakes his head.

"The gods have 'retired,'" he says, making air quotes with his fingers."They've made it clear this is our problem to solve."

"Tartarus is the exception," Racha clarifies."He and his guards will form the vanguard of our defense.He's still attempting to secure the key himself—not to give to the Titans, but to harness the power of their godseeds for our side."

Rachel studies the display intently, her expression grave as she takes in the scale of what we face.

"We'll need every advantage," Finn says, leaning over the table to examine the tactical markers.

"Indeed we will," a new voice answers from the doorway."Which is why I've brought reinforcements."

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