All Chapters of Dawlya’s Dragon: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

32 Mikan extended his hand toward Tia. She hesitated not because she didn’t want to take it, but because she knew the weight of what they’d done. Still, she slipped her hand into his, and together they walked toward the villa. Cain leaned close to Avi and spoke softly. “Mikan’s rule over Malta has been steady and fair. The people love him. Some might not take kindly to the idea of him stepping down especially over a mating.” He was right. As Mikan and Tia entered the courtyard, the conversations around them stopped. Shock rippled through the gathered guests, quickly giving way to anger. Many glared at Tia, whispering accusations under their breath until Mikan announced that there would be no formal ceremony, that Tia would be named Royal Companion, not queen. The shift was immediate; outrage softened into uncertain acceptance. When Straider and Trace heard the news, they were less concerned about politics and more about Mikan’s long-term plans. Both feared this would end his camp

34 Another team of ghosts was brought in to assist with the search for the intruder. Security tightened around the villa, but for the sake of the guests, daily life went on as normally as possible. Avin refused to leave Cain’s side. She checked on Chance constantly through telepathy, her voice soft but anxious. “Chance, are you still there?” “I am here, Lady Avin,” he always replied, patient and calm. Through the night, Cain lay beside her. Though she managed to rest, nightmares woke her three times. Each time, he soothed her until she fell asleep again. By morning, Brie and Trace took turns keeping her occupied. Avin found comfort in holding the baby even when the little one changed form mid-cuddle and flew off to land in Max’s lap. Cain stayed close, and Chance stayed even closer, an unseen guardian within the room’s shadowed corners. As dusk settled over the villa, the search remained fruitless. Everyone stayed up late, trying to keep the atmosphere light. Stories flowed bet

36 Cain found Tia standing guard outside Avi’s quarters. “Mikan’s talking with Brie and Trace,” he told her. “I’ll stay with Avi, you should join him in the front room.” Tia hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left. Cain opened the door quietly and stepped inside. The room was still, too still. Avi lay on the bed, her face turned toward the wall. He walked over and sat beside her, brushing a tear from her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open. She stared up at him. “Why are you crying?” he asked softly. “Everyone’s mad at me,” she whispered. “No one’s mad,” he said gently. “Just… concerned. The Dawlya and our kind have never mixed well. We’ve learned to keep our distance.” He sighed. “Avin, you’ve been gone for two thousand years and only back for three months. When a Dawlya sorceress shows up this close to the royal family, and then we find out you have Dawlya abilities too it’s a shock, that’s all.” “I didn’t tell anyone because it’s been a hundred years since I’ve used magic,”

38 While Avi spoke, she never realized the steady stream of quiet conversation moving around her. Several people verified details, cross-checking her memories with Puc’s constant updates. More than once, something Avi said caused someone to stiffen or glance sharply toward Mikan. One particular detail made Cain take a step toward her, instinctively protective but Mikan caught his arm and held him back. It wasn’t time to tell her about Pana. “You seem to have led a full life,” Trace finally said when she finished. Avi managed a half-smile. “Officer Sunner,” Brie said abruptly. Avi immediately stood and snapped to attention, saluting sharply. Brie rose to face her. “Your presence in my kingdom is both a liability and an asset. But joining my military without disclosing the information you have just shared cannot go unaddressed. You will do the following: “First, you will complete a new application for military service complete and honest in every detail and deliver it personal

40 Tucker and Chance were waiting as soon as everyone landed. The royal family was glowing from the flight, relaxed, happy, and delighted that Avi had joined them. Cain met her the moment she shifted back, telling her how breathtaking she looked in the air. Then he told her about the maple bark’s effect on Draynor emotions. Avi froze. She swore she hadn’t known. And for a moment her expression shadowed with doubt was Cain’s affection real or just amplified tea? He cupped her cheek gently. “My feelings were there long before the tea,” he reminded her. “And they’ll be there long after it’s out of my system.” Tucker approached then, explaining the details of the magic assessment: a test of her herb knowledge, her spellcasting range, and finally her magical resilience and strength in combat. There was risk associated with the last phase, which was why neither Cain nor Trace would be permitted to watch. Cain protested instantly at the mention of possible injury, but Avi squeezed his