The drumbeats grew louder, echoing through the streets and rattling the palace windows.
Rayna leaned out to look, and the sight nearly stole her breath.
Crowds had gathered at both sides of the road, parting like waves as the dragons advanced in perfect formation.
They didn't ride horses or chariots—none were needed. Even on foot, their presence was regal, overwhelming.
Tall and graceful, they walked as though the earth itself bowed to them.
Sunlight spilled over their garments, well made, silks so fine they shimmered with every step.
Vibrant colors blazed against their pale or bronzed skin, their clothes heavy with jewelry and crystals that caught the light like fire. Some wore their hair long, flowing like liquid silver or flame; others had it cut short, sharp and commanding.
Each one radiated power, having a heavy aura around them.
"Wanna go down and see?" Ezra asked at her shoulder.
Rayna's lips curved with anticipation. "Of course. Let's go."
When they reached the palace gates, she saw Soren, Darian, and the Patriarch already waiting, their figures rigid with ceremony as the delegation drew closer.
The crowd hushed as one figure stepped forward from among the dragons. He was taller than most, his black hair falling in sleek waves down his back. He looked striking, his skin was pale, almost marble-like, and he narrowed his emerald eyes as it fell upon the Patriarch.
"Oh... you've grown older," the dragon said, his voice smooth and deep yet edged like a blade.
His gaze flicked briefly toward Soren and Darian. "And these are your sons?"
The Patriarch straightened, his expression guarded.
With one hand fisted over his chest, he bowed slightly. A careful balance of respect.
"Yes," he said evenly. "My blood, my heirs. I trust you are well, Lord Karnyx."
For a moment, silence stretched. Karnyx's lips curled. "Well...yes."
Lord Karnyx's emerald eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his tone edged with judgment.
"Do you plan to keep us standing at the gates, Patriarch?"
The Patriarch bowed with a fist pressed against his chest. "Ah, no—of course not. Please, welcome to the Beast City. I assure you, this time there will be no problems or... complications."
Karnyx's expression did not soften. As he crossed the threshold, his voice dropped, cold and stern.
"I hope so."
Behind him, the other dragons followed in striking procession—some with silver hair that glimmered like moonlight, others with green or gold locks, their features sharp and almost unnervingly handsome.
Yet, for all their beauty, it was Karnyx who drew every gaze. With his pale skin, long black hair, and emerald eyes, he looked severe—unyielding.
And in his brief exchange with the Patriarch, it was clear: his words cut sharper than courtesy, almost too harsh, as if old grievances still lingered between them.
That evening, the palace glowed with music and laughter. The city outside pulsed with celebration—after all, the arrival of dragons was a rarity, a story people would tell for years.
"Rayna?" Yunxi slipped into her chamber, his arms piled high with leaf-wrapped packets.
Ezra raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Wow, you're early. Didn't expect that."
"I... just lost track of time," Yunxi said with a sheepish grin.
Rayna smiled as she helped him set the packets down.
"I saw the dragons today," she said softly. "They were taller than Ezra and even Soren." Yunxi said.
Ezra chuckled. "Now that's saying something."
"They sparkled," Yunxi added, his eyes lighting up. "Covered in jewels and crystals—but not gaudy. Somehow they looked... elegant."
Rayna nodded. "Yeah. Like they were born to wear it."
The door creaked open, and Soren stepped inside.
"My love?"
Rayna's breath caught for a moment.
He wore a white feathery cloak that shimmered in the lamplight, a thin chain of gold resting against his collarbone, and the crystal she had once bought for him at the market.
His hair fell in loose, slightly messy strands around his face—but the look only made him appear more striking.
So handsome, Rayna thought without meaning to.
"You're not dressed yet?" Soren asked, glancing around the room. "I thought I had sent clothes over already."
"What clothes?" Rayna asked, confused.
"Wait." Soren turned and disappeared into the corridor. Moments later, he returned with folded garments in his arms. "Here. Outfits for the three of you."
He hesitated before holding up one particular bundle, his smile softening. "But for you, Rayna... something special."
He lifted the dress carefully, the fabric catching the candlelight like water.
The dress was breathtaking. An elegant off-shoulder neckline flowed into bell sleeves, the bodice fitted with delicate crisscross straps and a diamond cutout at the front.
The back was open, laced with thin straps, and the layered skirt fell like a cascade of sunset — lavender melting into pink and golden yellow, with a high slit that gave it movement and grace. Tiny embellishments shimmered at the neckline, waist, and sleeves, catching the light.
"Wow..." Rayna whispered, her eyes wide. "Where did you get this? It's so beautiful."
Soren smiled softly, pride glinting in his eyes. "I made it myself. The moment I saw the fabric, I knew I had to make something for you."
Her head snapped up, disbelief flashing across her face. "You made this? Yourself?"
He chuckled. "Well... yes. But I did get a little help from Darian. And from Father too. He used to make dresses for Mother, you know." His voice softened.
"She lives in the mountains now, with one of her mates for peace and her health... but if she saw you, she'd be so happy."
Rayna stared at him, touched.
"This is why you for the past few days you weren't coming to me often at night, isn't it?" she teased, crossing her arms.
Soren leaned closer, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Guilty. Forgive me, my love." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You like it, right?"
"I love it," Rayna said, her voice firm and eyes shining.
"Good," he said, relief in his smile. "Now, wear it quickly and come. We'll enter together."
Just as Soren was about to leave, Rayna interrupted him,
"Wait, your hair's messy. Let me braid it," Rayna said, reaching for Soren.
He sat down without protest, letting her fingers weave through his long hair.
When she finished, Soren stood and glanced at the others. "Yunxi, Ezra — you two should get dressed as well."
"Mm, thanks for bringing our outfits too," Yunxi said with a small smile.
Soren nodded, returning it, before slipping out of the room.
Rayna slipped into her new dress, the soft fabric flowing around her like dusk and dawn.
Afterwards, Ezra stepped forward, gently running a comb through her hair. She left it open, but let him pin two strands back, locking them in place with flowers.
As her hair fell in soft waves, it conveniently covered the mark on her back— the one she had no wish for anyone else to notice just yet.
"Rayna, wear the necklace we bought at the market," Ezra suggested. (Ref Ch 34) "It'll match perfectly."
"Alright," she said, and Ezra clasped it around her neck. The crystals and beads caught the light, glowing faintly against her skin.
Meanwhile, Yunxi and Ezra changed into their own outfits — cloaks trimmed with subtle embroidery, adorned with a few pieces of jewelry that made them look impressive.
Rayna helped smooth their hair, brushing it to one side. Both of them looked radiant, shining and sharp.
She stepped back to admire them with a grin. "You both look so handsome and dashing."
Both of them smiled.
"You yourself look too beautiful though Rayna. This dress really suits you." Yunxi smiled.
Ezra too nodded. "Ofcourse whatever my sunshine wears, she always looks pretty. She's a goddess after all." He winked.
Rayna chuckled, "Okay, guys... let's go."