Page 85 of Mantle

I started as I saw that familiar dragon’s head pendant encrusted with rubies. The one that came from my necklace. “Kai, what’s going on? I asked you to destroy it.”

“You wanted it destroyed because of what it represented. I’ve altered that now.”

“How?”

“It will function similarly to the Nexus Band that I gave you. Your brother will wear it and it will grow as he does. With this we can monitor him, ensuring that he is safe, and alsolook in on himmuch like a holoscreen does. You’ll be connected to him no matter what. It also can’t be removed so you can rest assured there as well.”

“Holy… thank you, Kai.”

“My pleasure.” He handed it to Draven, who pocketed it in his coat.

“I will ensure it is placed on him as soon as he is born.” He stepped up to me and laid a hand on my shoulder. “I am sorry it had to happen this way. But I assure you, House Vortimer will do right by the Dracoryn Realm and its people.Thank you, Vorzyr.”

I gave him a chin lift, and then we all watched as he sprinted forward, leapt up into the air and shifted into dragon form, erupting into a shimmer of fractured frost as his body elongated, bones rearranging, and wings unfurling, vast and jagged at the edges and a glacial blue with frozen veins. His tail lashed like a spiked serpent behind him, snow flurrying in his wake as he disappeared into the night.

I released a heavy sigh, and turned to my new family, my better family. “Thank you. All of you.”

Kai wrapped his arm around me, as Ariana slipped her hand into mine and gave it a squeeze.

Nyx planted a sweet kiss on my cheek. “Come on, let’s turn this night back around. Comfort, healing, fun, and a little dirtiness, here we go.”

That was his way of making it better.

And I loved him for it.

I loved all of them for it.

He bounded toward Hollowshade Hearth, calling out, “Feast time is coming! It’son!”

His magic sparked as he disappeared inside, already getting down to it.

And despite everything, a hearty laugh escaped me.

It was fucking perfect.

Just what I’d needed.

What we’d all needed.

We lounged on a whole lot of fuzzy blankets and colorful pillows in the sunken hearth.

As Ariana nuzzled against me while Kai played with her hair, I absently rubbed my fingers over her pendant that she’d taken to wearing all the time now. It was the right way to be gifted something by family—just out of love with no strings, honoring who she was. At least now mygiftwas going to be used for good, to help my little brother.

Nyx was sprawled horizontally across all our legs, his head resting on Kai’s with a pillow tucked underneath.

He’d really outdone himself with the feast he’d conjured, and we were all lazily allowing that to settle now, full and satiated.

Well, satiatedfood-wiseat least.

“So, Solumira renos… I’ve got some thoughts,” Nyx murmured, stretching his arms out lazily like a cat uncurling from its slumber.

“Let me guess,” I cut in. “You want an indoor playground to do your parkour shit on?”

“Like the ones humans take their kids to?” Nyx queried.

“Yes.”

He didn’t take offense, his eyes actually lit up. I knew it.

---