Chapter Seventy-One
The first pale light of dawn slipped through the curtains, brushing across Avery’s face. She blinked awake, instantly aware of the familiar problem — she was pinned.
This time it wasn’t Riven’s arm or Kael’s leg trapping her. It was Molly, sprawled across her side like a warm, stubborn blanket, and Lucien draped over her legs, his arm hooked lazily around Molly’s waist.
From the other side of the bed, Riven’s eyes opened, catching hers. He gave her a slow, conspiratorial wink. Leaning in, he whispered, “I’ll help. Let’s go for a run.”
They moved in silent coordination, Riven gently lifting Lucien’s arm while Avery slid her legs free. Molly made a soft, disgruntled sound and rolled over, muttering, “Not happening,” before burrowing deeper into the blankets.
Lucien mumbled something unintelligible, his voice muffled against Molly’s shoulder, and tightened his hold on her.
Kael, already awake, rolled quietly off the far side of the bed. He stretched, glanced at Avery and Riven, and gave a small nod — wordlessly joining the plan.
The three of them dressed in comfortable training clothes, moving through their morning routines with the quiet efficiency of people who’d done this a hundred times before.
By the time they stepped onto the porch, the air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and the faint promise of sunrise. The world was still, the cabin behind them warm with the sound of soft breathing from those still asleep.
Avery inhaled deeply, feeling the tension of the past days ease just a little more. This — the quiet before the day began — was hers.
Riven glanced at her with a small smile. “Ready?”
Kael adjusted his stance, eyes on the treeline. “Let’s go.”
And together, they stepped off the porch into the waking world.
The long trail wound through the forest like a ribbon of memory, and Avery led the way with purpose. She pointed out the moss-covered boulder Kael might like for meditating, the sun-dappled glade Riven would probably claim for sparring, and the quiet stream where she and Molly had once sat and talked about everything and nothing.
When they reached the overlook — a high ridge with a sweeping view of the valley below — Riven stopped, breath caught in his chest. The wind tugged at his hair, the early light painting the sky in soft golds and blues.
He turned to Avery with a slow, reverent smile. “This,” he said, “is perfect.”
Then, without warning, he sprinted toward the edge and leapt.
Mid-air, his body shimmered, bones stretching, wings unfurling — and in a flash of light and power, the dragon emerged. Sleek, silver-scaled, and radiant in the morning sun.
Avery and Kael stood in awe as Riven soared upward, circling once before linking them both. I’ll meet you back at the cabin.
Then, with a playful flick of his tail, he added, Kael — race you.
Kael grinned, eyes gleaming. He turned toward the trail and shifted in one fluid motion, his black-brown wolf form bursting forward with speed and grace.
Avery laughed, the sound echoing through the trees, and set off after them at a more reasonable pace — her heart light, her soul steady.
By the time she reached the cabin, the sun was higher, the porch warm with laughter.
Riven and Kael were already there, lounging with Auron and Remy. Riven was grinning like a child who’d just won a prize, and Kael was mock-pouting, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.
“Riven won,” Remy said, handing Avery a steaming mug of coffee. “Barely.”
Auron raised an eyebrow. “Kael nearly took him out on the last bend.”
Avery took the cup, smiling as she settled beside them. The morning had unfolded exactly as it should — with movement, magic, and the kind of peace that only comes after a storm.
Molly’s head peeked around the doorframe, her curls tousled and her voice teasing. “Breakfast is done. You three need to shower and change — council meetings today, remember?”
Lucien leaned in behind her, smirking. “And you smell like forest and sweat. Not exactly diplomatic.”
Avery groaned, flopping back against the porch railing. “I don’t want to leave the bubble.”
Riven nudged her with his shoulder. “You’re the glue, remember? The glue doesn’t get days off.”
Kael chuckled. “Come on. We’ll make it quick.”
Inside, breakfast was loud and full of laughter. Molly and Lucien had made a spread — eggs, fruit, toast, and something that smelled suspiciously like cinnamon. Teasing flew across the table, forks clinked, and Avery found herself relaxing again… until she noticed the absence.
Mark and Elena hadn’t shown up.
Her brow furrowed. She scanned the room again, just to be sure. Still no sign of them.
After the last bite, Riven and Kael volunteered for cleanup, trading mock insults about who was better at dishes. Avery turned to Auron, about to ask if he’d heard from her adoptive parents, when the back door creaked open.
Elena stepped in, her face pale and drawn, a folded message clutched tightly in her hand.
The room fell silent.
Avery was on her feet instantly, Remy right behind her.
“Elena?” Avery asked, voice low.
Elena didn’t speak right away. She just handed the message to Avery, her eyes flicking to Remy with quiet urgency.
Avery took the paper, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded it.