"Come with me to the Dragon Realm," Kairos said calmly, as if it were the most casual thing in the world.
Rayna glanced at her mates, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.
Seeing her hesitation, Kairos sighed softly. "In fact, all of you are cordially invited to the Dragon Realm."
Soren frowned slightly. "All of us? Wouldn't the others object? I've never heard of non-dragons being allowed there."
Kairos nodded once. "Exceptions can always be made. And I know she wouldn't come without you three by her side."
Rayna hesitated. "But still... going to the Dragon Realm—"
"Think it over tonight," Kairos interrupted gently but firmly. "Find me after the meeting tomorrow. No one will dare defy me, but I'll still inform Karnyx about this." His deep voice left little room for argument.
"Alright," Rayna murmured.
Soren bowed slightly. "Thank you, Lord Kairos."
Kairos didn't respond, he simply turned and walked out of the hall, his presence lingering long after he was gone.
That night, after the feast, they all retired to their chambers.
"I think we should go to the Dragon Realm," Ezra said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"I mean, when else would we ever get such a chance?"
Yunxi nodded eagerly. "Exactly! And since Lord Kairos invited all of us, it can't be a bad thing, right?"
Rayna sat quietly on the edge of the bed. She had wanted to visit the Dragon Realm ever since she first heard of its existence. The thought of seeing it with her own eyes filled her with curiosity and awe.
She turned to Soren, who sat beside her in silence. "What's wrong? You don't want me to go?"
Soren shook his head. "It's not that, my love. I just worry about your mark. What if being there... triggers something? We don't know enough yet."
Ezra waved a hand dismissively. "Come on, Soren. Lord Kairos doesn't seem like the kind to play tricks. Dragons aren't interested in petty schemes anyway."
"Yeah," Yunxi added. "And if Rayna's mark is connected to them somehow, we'll only find out the truth in the Dragon Realm."
Rayna reached out and took Soren's hand, her gaze steady. "I understand your worries, Soren. But I won't be alone. You'll all be with me. I'm sure nothing bad will happen if we stick together."
Soren held her gaze for a moment before sighing. "You're right. I just... worry too much sometimes." He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"So we're going then?" Yunxi asked eagerly.
Soren nodded.
Ezra grinned. "Yes! Finally! I've always wondered what it looks like up there."
Rayna smiled, leaning into Soren's warmth. "Besides," she teased softly, "it's a little strange, don't you think? I'm a dragon but I've never visited my own realm."
Soren chuckled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Fair point, my love. I guess it's about time."
"Are you going for the meeting tomorrow?" Rayna asked softly.
Soren nodded. "Yeah, Darian asked me to be there with them."
Rayna hummed in understanding. "Alright then... we'll catch up with you after the meeting?"
"Of course, my love," Soren said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "For now, rest. It's been a long day." He gently ran his fingers through her hair, his touch light and comforting.
"Here," Ezra said, walking over with a bundle in his arms. "I brought you something more comfortable to wear."
Rayna took the soft white tunic and blinked. "Isn't this yours?"
Ezra grinned, eyes glinting mischievously. "Hehe, yeah. But that's fine—you'll just smell like me now."
Soren let out a quiet huff but didn't say anything, though the faint flicker of possessiveness in his eyes didn't go unnoticed.
Rayna chuckled softly and changed into the tunic. It was loose and light, the fabric cool against her skin. She lay down on the bed, her eyes growing heavy.
Soon, her mates settled around her, forming a warm cocoon—Ezra to her right, Yunxi curling close, and Soren pulling her gently into his arms. The room fell silent, save for the soft rhythm of their breathing.
After the long, eventful day, they finally drifted into peaceful sleep, together.
The next morning...
The soft streams of sunlight spilling through the curtains fell across Rayna's face, stirring her awake. But it wasn't just the light that pulled her from sleep—it was the absence of warmth beside her.
She blinked groggily, reaching out to the empty space where her mates had been. The sheets were still warm, a lingering trace of their presence, which meant they hadn't left long ago.
Rayna yawned, stretching lazily before sitting up.
Then it hit her—today was the day of the meeting.
Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Kairos. That face—sharp, sculpted, and impossible to forget. His crimson hair glinted like flame, and those deep red eyes carried a quiet power that seemed to draw everything in their orbit.
There was something about him... a presence that lingered even after he was gone.
Rayna sighed, running a hand through her messy curly hair.
I just couldn't take my eyes off him.
Then, almost immediately, she shook her head and huffed softly to herself.
Ahem. Not very nice to be thinking about another beastman when I already have three perfectly handsome mates, is it?
A faint blush crept to her cheeks, but she couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh, you're awake, Rayna?" Yunxi's soft voice came from the doorway as he walked in, carrying a jug of water.
Rayna sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Where are Soren and Ezra?" she asked, accepting the cup Yunxi handed her.
"Ezra's outside somewhere, probably talking to the guards again," Yunxi replied with a small laugh. "Soren already left for the meeting a while ago. He said to meet him around noon."
Rayna nodded, taking a slow sip of water. "What time is it now?"
"We've got some time," Yunxi said, sitting down beside her. "Did you sleep well?"
"Mm-hm," Rayna murmured with a small smile.
Yunxi's expression softened. Without another word, he slipped an arm around Rayna and pulled her close.
"Hm? What happened?" Rayna chuckled, surprised by the sudden embrace.
"Nothing," Yunxi said, resting his head on Rayna's shoulder.
"Just... morning cuddles for my mate." He pressed a soft kiss against Rayna's cheek.
Rayna giggled quietly. "Hehe, okay then... I'm not complaining."
Rayna ate a few berries and fruits that Ezra had brought for her, their sweetness lingering on her tongue as she got ready. She slipped into proper clothes, adjusting the fabric carefully.
"How long do you think the delegation meeting will last?" Rayna asked, glancing at Ezra.
"Hmm, Soren said to catch up around noon—so it should be wrapping up by now," Ezra replied. "Come on, let's go."
They walked together through the stone corridors until they reached the great entrance of the hall. Two towering guards stood by the doors, their armor gleaming faintly under the morning light.
"Can we go in yet?" Rayna asked.
The guards bowed slightly. "Yes, my lady. The meeting is nearing its conclusion—you may enter."
Rayna exchanged a quick look with Ezra and Yunxi before stepping forward, her pulse quickening slightly as the heavy doors began to open.
As they entered, the meeting had indeed drawn to a close.
The dragons and beastmen were rising from their seats, exchanging curt nods and polite smiles. The once-heavy atmosphere now felt lighter, the faint hum of relief lingering in the air.
Soren, Darian, and the Patriarch sat at one end of the long table, while Lord Karnyx and Kairos occupied the other.
From the looks of it, the talks went well—an achievement in itself.
Rayna noticed the Patriarch's satisfied expression, the faint upward curl of his lips hinting that the discussion had gone better than expected.
As soon as Soren spotted her, his eyes softened and he gestured for her and the others to come closer.
"So, did the talks go well?" Rayna asked as she approached.
Soren nodded once. Before he could speak, Darian leaned forward, a grin breaking across his face.
"Oh, you wouldn't believe it! Big brother handled everything perfectly. You should've seen him—so calm, so composed. I swear, he'd make a better Beast Lord than I ever could. The offer still stands, brother, if you want to—"
"Darian."
Soren's voice cut through smoothly, low but firm. One sharp look from him was enough to silence the rest of Darian's teasing.
Rayna couldn't help but chuckle at the brothers' exchange.
"Glad the talks went well," she said lightly.
"Indeed," the Patriarch added, his deep voice carrying across the hall. "Peaceful resolution, and perhaps, a new beginning between realms."
Across the table, Kairos rose to his full height, his presence commanding even in stillness.
He came near Rayna and asked, "Your decision?"
"We all are coming to the Dragon Realm." Rayna said firmly.
Karnyx stepped forward, his expression darkening. "Wait—Rayna and her mates are coming to the Dragon Realm? And you didn't think it was necessary to inform me?"
Kairos didn't even flinch.
He crossed his arms lazily, his crimson eyes meeting Karnyx's cold stare. "And why would I need to?"
Karnyx exhaled sharply through his nose.
"You know how strict our borders are, Kairos. The Elders won't be pleased if—"
"Oh, come on, old man," Kairos interrupted, his tone bordering on amused.
"Rayna's a dragon. That alone settles half your concerns. And of course," he added, the edge in his voice sharpening, "she'll bring her mates along."
The way he said the word "mates" held a faint bitterness, something only Rayna seemed to catch.
Karnyx pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath before straightening.
"Fine. But handle whatever trouble this brings yourself. I'm not interfering."
"Good," Kairos replied, lips curving into the ghost of a smirk. "I prefer it that way."
"Then the matter is settled," Kairos said with a pleased smile.
"We'll depart by tomorrow's first light. The dragon realm will be ready to receive our guests."
The air between the two lords hummed with silent challenge before Kairos turned, his white cloak brushing the floor as he walked away.