"Wait... is this—?" Rayna's eyes widened as she tried to decode the painting before them.
"Yes, absolutely what you're thinking, Rayna," Ezra replied with a smirk.
Yunxi chuckled. "Both of them look so cute."
Soren's face turned red, mortified that Rayna, Yunxi, and Ezra were looking at his childhood self—especially one that was far from dignified. He cleared his throat and muttered, trying to divert their attention, "There's nothing to see here. We're getting late, let's go—"
"Oh, there's so much to see here," Ezra interrupted gleefully.
"Look at little Soren, standing with a spear, clutching the Patriarch's fur skirt with one hand. And there's tiny Darian in the Patriarch's arms." Ezra chuckled as the image settled in their minds.
It was a family painting—Soren, Darian, and the Patriarch together. Soren and Darian were just small bird-lings. The Patriarch looked younger, radiant, and strikingly handsome.
Darian looked scared, clinging to his father, while Soren stood stiff with a spear, trying to look brave. But the nervousness was written all over his little face.
Oh, how I wish I had my phone here... I'd store this picture forever, Rayna thought wistfully.
Ezra leaned in with mischief glinting in his eyes. "Did I do a good job, my sunshine?"
Rayna smiled and patted his back warmly. "Such a good job, my little fox."
Ezra tilted his head, voice dripping with playfulness. "Then give me a reward... something to keep me motivated to find more treasures like this." His gaze flicked deliberately to Soren.
Soren snarled, jaw tightening. "We're leaving. Now."
But before his temper could flare further, Rayna gave Ezra a quick peck on the lips. "Okay, let's go. I'm hungry."
Ezra smirked triumphantly. Soren wasted no time; he slipped an arm firmly around Rayna's waist, pulling her close with possessive ease as he walked ahead.
As they reached the hall, the same burly guards who had earlier escorted Soren in bondage were stationed by the entrance. This time, they bowed low.
"Lord Soren," one of them said. "The Patriarch and the Lord are waiting inside."
Soren gave a curt nod. The guards hesitated, their expressions heavy with guilt. "And... we apologise, Lord. We only followed orders..."
Soren's hand tightened around Rayna's waist, pulling her closer as he replied calmly, "It's alright." Without another word, he led her forward.
Inside, the hall opened up in splendor. At the center stood a long wooden table, polished and grand, its surface covered with platters of fruits and delicacies.
Rayna's eyes widened.
She had never seen fruits like these back in the Vukari village. Brilliant colors, strange shapes, glistening skins that looked both exotic and inviting. The scents rising from them made her mouth water.
At the middle of the table sat a large hollowed fruit, its insides steaming with a rich, fragrant broth. Wisps of steam curled into the air, carrying an aroma that made Rayna's stomach growl softly.
"Let's sit, my love. You haven't eaten since afternoon." Soren gently helped Rayna into her seat before lowering himself across from Darian, a seat just next to Rayna.
Ezra and Yunxi soon settled as well.
The patriarch's smile was warm. "Welcome, everyone. Today's feast has been prepared especially for you. Please, eat to your heart's content. We'll talk after we fill up our belies."
The long table brimmed with dishes so mouthwatering that even the air seemed fragrant with spice and sweetness.
Yunxi was the first to dig in, reaching eagerly for a platter. He picked up a Leafwrap Roll—glossy green leaves stuffed with a filling of mixed grains, roasted nuts, and spiced vegetables, tied neatly with slender vines. His eyes lit up after the first bite. "Mhm, this is good."
Ezra's hand wandered to a bowl of bright orange fruits.
He carved into one and took a bite, sighing with delight. "Ah, I always miss these Sunfire Melons in Vukari village. Sweet, with that faint tang of spice—just perfect."
The fruits had been carved into intricate shapes and drizzled with golden, honey-like sap.
Seeing them relish the food, Rayna reached for one of the fruits as well.
Soren leaned closer, pushing a dish toward her.
"My love, try this. You'll like it."
It was a platter of shrimp, their shells glistening as if they were carefully roasted over fire.
Soren explained softly, "Spiced River Shrimp. It's grilled over an open flame, brushed with a glaze of wild honey and ground peppers. Eat it with rice."
Rayna took a spoonful, and her eyes widened as the flavors burst on her tongue.
"Yummm..." She closed her eyes briefly, savoring the warmth of spice and the sweetness beneath it.
Finally—after such a long time—she felt the joy of truly delicious food again.
Among the platters, a steaming bowl of stew caught Rayna's attention.
The aroma was rich and comforting, and as she took a spoonful, her lips curved in delight. The broth was silky, with a faint sweetness that reminded her of coconut. Tender pieces of root vegetables and herbs melted on her tongue—succulent and soothing after the spiced shrimp.
As Rayna savored another bite, she noticed Darian stealing glances at her. The moment their eyes met, he quickly looked away, pretending to busy himself with the food.
The patriarch cleared his throat, voice low but steady. "So, my child, how have you been these past years? I heard fragments of news, but I would rather hear it from you."
His gaze shifted between Rayna and Soren, lingering for a heartbeat too long.
Soren set his wooden spoon down, his tone calm but edged. "Life in Vukari village was... tolerable. At least better than here. I did my duty—patrols, keeping watch."
He paused, then his expression softened. "And then... one day I bumped into Rayna."
His eyes turned gentle as he looked at her. "We talked. Fought and argued. Things happened. And now here we are."
Soren entwined his fingers with Rayna's, lifting their joined hands slightly as if to declare it to the table. "She's my mate, Father. My love."
Rayna's heart fluttered, and she smiled, warmth blooming in her chest despite the quiet tension lingering in the air.
The patriarch's eyes softened as he smiled. "You can't imagine how happy I am for you. I was so troubled for you, Soren—you always seemed so stiff, so guarded. But now..." His voice warmed with pride. "Now you've finally grown, my son."
Darian muttered under his breath, just loud enough to be heard, "Hmph. He got such a pretty and capable mate... but what about me?"
The patriarch's smile hardened into a glare, silencing Darian. He looked down at his soup.
Turning back, the patriarch addressed Rayna with curiosity. "So, Rayna, tell me—what's your beast clan? Are you from Vukari Village as well?"
Rayna set her spoon down, the question catching her off guard.
She shook her head gently. "I'm not from Vukari Village. Soren found me when I was lost in the forest... and brought me there." Her eyes flickered, uncertain, contemplating whether to reveal everything or not . "As for my beast clan, well... I'm—"
Her words trailed off, her eyes flicking to her mates asking what to do.
Soren squeezed Rayna's hands gently, leaning in to whisper.
"It's alright, my love. I believe if we tell them, they can help us better. They can guide us. You don't have to carry this alone anymore. We'll figure out your mark together."
Both Yunxi and Ezra nodded, their eyes agreeing. Rayna drew a slow breath, then finally spoke:
"Well... I'm a dragon."
The words seemed to hang in the air. For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
Darian's eyebrows shot up, which looked comical.
"Wait—you're a dragon?!" he blurted, his voice louder than he intended.
His gaze darted between Rayna and Soren, then back to Rayna.
"That explains why your presence felt so... different."
But—" he stumbled, cheeks warming, "you're so pretty I didn't expect you to be, uh... a dragon. They're fearsome."
The Patriarch leaned back slightly, his golden eyes fixed on her with an unreadable calm.
"A dragon..." he repeated softly, "Interesting."
Then, after a long pause, his gaze shifted to Soren. "So why did you all come here? Because I know my son—Soren would never return to Beast City without a proper reason."
Rayna continued, "Yes... well, I have a mark that is..."
She stopped there, her words cut short by a sudden voice.
Everyone turned sharply, their eyes narrowing at the unexpected interruption.