Page 19 of Guardian of the Cursed Egg
My fingers tighten around the edges of the paper, threatening to tear it apart. This isn’t just bad news—it’s a declaration of war. And Mina... how the hell am I supposed to tell her this? Her connection to Klauth is strong, but this could send ripples through their bond. Will she stay calm, or will the weight of it shatter her?
I fold the letter carefully, forcing control over the chaos building inside me. No point in jumping to conclusions until I know more. But one thing is certain—whoever did this just made an enemy out of me. Out ofus.
CHAPTER 11
Mina
Addy and Garrettwere pulled out of school three days ago, just like that. No warning, no explanation. I can’t shake the unease lingering in the pit of my stomach, but there’s nothing I can do about it. Not now. Right now, I’m standing outsideRoyal Protocol, a class so pointless it almost physically pains me to go inside. Dancing and mingling—it’s the year two course.
Bahamut, save me. I don’t want to endure this.
With a reluctant sigh, I push open the door, the cursed eggs strapped tightly to my chest like a shield. I hope the sight of them is enough to keep everyone at arm’s length.
“Today, we work on our waltz,” Finlay announces cheerfully, his voice grating against my already frayed nerves. I cringe. Of course, it’s a waltz.
Callan is busy teaching a class, and Vaughn is holed up in math. That leaves only one option. With a sigh, I send a caress down the bond to Abraxis—a gentle coaxing tug to let him know I need him,but it’s not urgent. I don’t have to wait long before his answering caress brushes back, warm and steady, letting me know he’s on his way.
“Ms. Havock?” Finlay’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I realize he’s looking at me expectantly. So are several of the males in the class, their gazes lingering a little too long.
“My mate is on his way,” I say coolly, tilting my head back and exposing Abraxis’s claiming mark that dominates the front of my throat. It’s a bold statement, one I make with deliberate intent. Finlay bows his head, wisely averting his gaze. He knows better than to challenge a mated dragoness. The others follow suit, their interest dwindling under the weight of my silent warning.
Moments later, the doors swing open, and my smile breaks free the instant I see him. Abraxis strides in wearing his fighting leathers, his wings flexing and unfurling in a deliberate show of dominance. The air in the room shifts as he crosses the distance to me, his presence swallowing the space. Without hesitation, he sweeps me into his arms, his grip firm yet possessive.
“You needed me, mate,” he purrs, his voice low and edged with that dangerous rasp I know so well. His scent carries the faint tang of sweat and battle, and I can feel the energy radiating off of him. He was sparring before this, and he’s still charged from it.
“We’re supposed to waltz,” I say, my voice softening as I nuzzle beneath his jaw. “I didn’t think it would be proper to let another male hold me like you do.” I feel his possessive streak flare, sharp, and consuming, and I soothe it with my touch.
“Mine,” he growls, the word vibrating through me. His hand tilts my head back. His teeth finding my mate mark as he bites down—not hard enough to break the skin, but enough to remind everyone in theroom exactly who I belong to. The act sends a shiver down my spine, equal parts thrill, and reassurance.
He doesn’t immediately release me as we move. His grip is firm but leading, and I let him guide me effortlessly into the steps of the waltz. His presence drowns out the rest of the room. When he releases me, I rest my head against his chest and let the steady beat of his heart anchor me. The music swells, but all I feel is him—his strength, his devotion, his possessiveness wrapping around me like armor.
“There’s something I need to tell you…” Abraxis whispers against my ear, his voice low and careful, like he’s afraid the words might shatter me. A chill runs down my spine, tension crawling into my shoulders.
“Does it have to do with Addy and Garrett being pulled from classes?” I whisper back, close to his ear, and feel him nod. Of course, it does. I pull back just enough to meet his gaze. His amber eyes flicker like twin flames, the war between truth and restraint blazing in them.
“The Risedale nest was razed to the ground. No structures remain standing,” he murmurs. The breath I didn’t realize I was holding escapes in a slow, controlled exhale.
My mind drifts to my gardens—the one part of the nest I’d ever cared about. The thought of them buried beneath the wreckage stings, but only faintly. “Do we know who did it?” I ask, steering us toward the open double doors that lead to the balcony. We move as if dancing, the motion smooth despite the weight of his words.
“No clue.” Abraxis tilts his head, studying me with a curious glint. “You’re a lot calmer than I expected.”
“It’s not my home.Youand my other mates—that’s home. Besides,” I glance toward the horizon where the Risedale nest once stood, “I’ll dig my own nest when I’m ready.” My voice is steady, though mythoughts churn. “My father wouldn’t have done it. That nest was his mother’s before he forced my mom to take it over. Too much sentimental value for him to let it burn.”
I bite my bottom lip and start pacing the patio, each step sharpening my focus. “Is the rubble turned to glass, or just weakened and destroyed?” I glance over my shoulder at Abraxis, waiting for his answer. What he says will tell me more than anything else.
“Rubble. No glass, as far as I know.” He arches a brow, his curiosity deepening. “What did you just figure out?”
“It wasn’t dragon fire. Concentrated dragon fire would have turned some of the ruins to glass.” My voice is calm, calculated, though the implications send a ripple through my chest. Before I can say more, Ziggy appears, Callan and Vaughn in tow. He vanishes again, only to return moments later with Leander and Balor.
I turn to the group, my gaze hard and resolute. “We need to look at what’s left of the nest.” There’s no anger in my voice, no sadness—just the weight of determination. The destruction of the place I was born means nothing to me. What matters iswhodid this andwhy.
The sun dips below the horizon, casting the flight field in hues of gold and shadow as we gather near Malivore. I can feel the pull deep in my chest, a faint but insistent yearning to return to the nest where I was born. It’s like a thread tugging at my soul, reminding me of a place I left behind but can never truly forget.
“What are we waiting for?” Leander’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to him.
“Nothing,” I say, a small smirk tugging at my lips. “At this time of day, my belly scales blend into the sky. I’ll be carrying the entire nest—including Abraxis.”
He opens his mouth to protest, but I raise a hand to silence him. “If whoever destroyed the nest is waiting for me, they’ll strike if I’malone.” I make air quotes around the word, my tone dry but laced with sharp intent.
