CHAPTER 23

~ Ruathar Bànrigh ~

 

As the last of the magickal light of transformation fades away, Callie’s new form is revealed.  The unassuming female who previously stood less than five and half feet tall, now stands well over a foot taller.  A crown of five wickedly dangerous golden horns give her a regal and otherworldly appearance.  Her long hair is now free of the braid and flows down her back in lustrous waves of mahogany silk, reaching the tops of her rounded buttocks.  Her flawless human skin is no longer the pale peaches and cream of her mortal being, but now resembles smooth reptilian scales.  Scales that shimmer in various shades of ruby, deep crimson, burgundy, and blood red.  Each jewel faceted scale reflects and refracts the light in the cavern, causing an unworldly glimmer to radiate from the transformed Callie. 

But the most startling changes are much more profound than alterations of stature and skin.  The woman before them has been irrevocably transformed on a much deeper level.  Every being in the cavern can now feel her power, her majesty, and her undeniable aura of altruism and protectiveness, and the irrefutable wherewithal to back it up.

Callie is instinctually aware of the very ancient magick thrumming through her blood, and she knows she has been wholly converted at a cellular level.  Even if she did not possess this knowledge by some mystical means, the awed and shocked expressions on the faces of everyone else in the cavern would have told her plainly she had undergone a massive alteration. 

At first, she stands there blinking as though confused, but when no one says a word after several long moments, Callie looks down at her hands and gasps to see deadly claws.  Thankfully, the claws retract right before her eyes into her fingertips.  Her relieved sigh causes her mates to smile their understanding.  The thought of always having those dangerous talons on the tips of her fingers was truly horrifying, because she would never be able to caress her mates or hold her child with such lethal appendages.

As she continues to stare at her hands, the truth that she has been truly and irrevocably changed hits home, and more than a bit of uncertainty over the loss of “herself” to this mysterious magickal destiny fills Callie’s spirit. 

Morrígan steps forward to embrace Callie and reassure her.  “Easy, dearie.  This is your battle form.  You do not have to go about looking like a lizard skinned warrior goddess for the rest of your life.  Callie Boyd, you are still you.  This is just the enhanced version that you will need, at times, to assume the role ahead of you.” 

When Callie nods mutely and finally smiles faintly, Morrígan turns to face the rest of the silent witnesses.  “Don’t just stand there with your thumbs up your arses, greet the first of the new Dragon Queens, Ruathar Bànrigh – The High Queen Mother of all Dragonkind.”

Acting on some long forgotten ancient instinct encoded in their very DNA, Kazar and Nyle fall to their knees before the regal being that is their mate.  Tears well up in Callie’s eyes as both males solemnly swear their undying fealty and protection.  “No way,” Callie asserts with a frustrated huff as she tugs her mates to their feet.  “You are my consorts, my mates, and my sentinels.  There will never be any question of your loyalty.  Therefore, you will never kneel to me…” After a heartbeat, she chuckles wickedly and amends; “Unless we are playing naughty sex games, then I might enjoy having you kneeling at my feet.” 

The amused chuckles from their witnesses remind Callie that they are not alone.  Fortunately for her, the blush she feels heating her face isn’t obvious to anyone else because of the cosmic makeover.  Ignoring her audience, Callie takes a moment to admire the changes wrought in her mates.  Both males tower over her as the magick has wrought physical changes to their bodies as well.  Both of her males now possess a new aura of power and purpose.  They have become her regal consorts, keeping all of their previous abilities, and gaining new ones they will need for their new roles as her sentinels, consorts, and lovers. 

Kazar’s lean and powerful body towers over her new regal height and is now covered with dark shimmering scales that remind one of a string of natural black pearls.  Each cool dark scale is tipped with a hint of flaming scarlet or violet, revealing his inner fire.  Two massive black horns protrude from his crown to curl at the side of his head.  His facial features are the same… just more.  More defined, more beautiful, more pronounced, and certainly more frightening to any enemy. The ancient wealth of knowledge and vast abyss of pain Callie has always seen in her vampire’s eyes is now tempered with a new peace and surety of purpose.  Kazar, the oldest and wisest of the Triad, will serve as her mentor and guide.  Helping her to act wisely and patiently.

Callie turns her head to gaze at her other mate with obvious affection.  Nyle’s height equals Kazar’s.  His powerful build radiates savage menace to any who might harm his mates and their offspring.  His well-defined form is covered in dazzling blue, citrine, and obsidian scales, gleaming with vivid scarlet, amber, and orange highlights.  The massive black horns that grace his crown are somewhat shorter than Kazar’s, but still imposing as hell.  His brilliant blue eyes now radiate not only his innate fortitude and confidence, but also new power and knowledge.  What this male lacks in experience, he will more than make up for in sheer determination to protect those he sees as his.

As Callie drags her gaze down Nyle’s fine, muscular form, she gasps when she realizes, while naked, his lovely cock seems to be nestled behind a protective shield of scales.  A quick glance at Kazar confirms that he too is similarly covered.  A crazy fleeting thought flashes through her mind.

Did our transformation somehow make these virile males eunuchs?

Kazar chuckles and shakes his head. No worries, Beautiful One, we are still all male.  All of our parts are in working order.  It’s in that moment the mates understand they are sharing their thoughts mind to mind rather than speaking out loud.  The trio begin to chuckle and Callie extends her hands to her mates, who instantly respond by clasping her hands as the Triad savors the moment.

The soft sounds of shuffling of feet and whispered comments force Callie to drag her greedy and appreciative gaze from her mates.  She instantly sobers and turns her attention to everyone assembled in the ancient cavern of magick.  Kazar and Nyle move to stand beside Callie, and the triad are shocked to see several new additions to the gathering.  Five familiar immortal women and one giant god with blazing white hair and eyes have materialized in the cavern and are watching with gleeful anticipation.  Callie smiles warmly because she has seen these women and the magnificent god in her dreams since childhood.  “Welcome,” she greets regally with a genuine smile on her newly transformed visage.

The five women all nod and smile in greeting as the nine foot tall god with blazing eyes and wild mane of brilliantly white hair and a flowing beard beams proudly.  When he speaks, the very cavern rumbles with the power of his words.  “I am well pleased, Beautiful One.  I have nurtured your soul since the very inception of this world and I am well pleased with the woman that you have become.  Destiny has set many trials in your path, and our enemies have tried over and over to prevent this day, but you have proven truly unstoppable.”

Callie curtsies gracefully before replying regally; “Thank you, milord.  I am honored to serve at the feet of Creation.”

“As we all are,” the giant god agrees without even a hint of superiority or conceit.  In fact, the mighty god seems… humble.

The appearance of Pnév̱ma tou Patéra – the Father of all spirits and the five proxies from the famous confrontation on the Assyllian Plain doesn’t inspire too much curiosity for Kazar and Nyle, but the state of the Beast Realm’s Caomhnóir, who is dressed in a barely there green halter dress and Alpha of the Beast Realm, decked out in a tuxedo is cause for raised eyebrows.

Mara Montgomery, Caomhnóir – eternal guardian of the Beast Realm, chuckles and winks at the males knowingly.  “News of what is happening came to us while we were on a mini vacation at a place called Primal Heat.” 

Nyle smirks perceptively, he’s well aware of the Immortal resort’s reputation for supernatural debauchery and hedonistic delights.  The resort attracts paranorms who have a taste for BDSM and other carnal delights.  The sexy redheaded warrior mage looks down at her very revealing dress and blushes a bit.  But the hint of embarrassment disappears when her mate and Alpha takes her hand into his own to give it a gentle squeeze.  Mara looks up into Logan’s face to smile adoringly before she turns her full attention to Callie and grins like a loon.  “Welcome, your majesty.  I cannot tell you how grateful I am to see you transformed.”

Callie smiles warmly at the Beast Realm’s guardian and nods.  The transformation supplied the new dragon queen with knowledge of everyone in the cavern.  She recognizes them all and understands the stake each of them has in seeing the revival of the Dragon Western Péntearchy.  “Callie.  My name is Callie.”  When Mara grins and nods. “I bet you are pleased to see this transformation.  Today signals that the end of your duty is finally on the horizon.” 

“That’s true,” Mara concedes happily.  “But that is not the only reason.  I am gratified to know the true protectors of the human realm and the dual-natured are finally returning.”  Mara gnaws on her bottom lip nervously and says; “Some bad shit is on the horizon, Callie, and I was really worried we wouldn’t be able to handle it on our own.”

Callie frowns slightly and admits; “I have no idea when my sisters will awaken, but I am pleased to begin learning about my role and responsibilities from Morrígan and the leaders of the Beast Realm.”  Before she can say any more on the topic, a guttural gasp tears from her lips as a particularly forceful contraction grips her in the throes of sheer agony. 

Mara squeals her delight and rushes forward to take one of Callie’s hands.  “Ahhhhh, the princess is eager to join the fun!”

Callie can only nod and lean into the support of her mates.  Mara steps back and allows Nyle and Kazar to minister to their mate.  As the newly made dragon queen embraces her closest mate she gasps anew.  “You have wings?”

Nyle chuckles wryly.  “You do too, Beautiful One.”  Resisting the urge to try to see behind herself, Callie simply leans into the protective embrace of her males to ride out the painful contraction.

Once it finally lets up enough to allow her to speak again, she turns to Kazar and says; “Our daughter is coming.”  As though to prove the veracity of her words, a gush of fluid flows down her legs.  “Oh, please tell me that my water just broke and I did not just piss all over myself in front of everyone.”

Her mates chuckle and lean in to kiss her cheeks at the same time.  “Your water just broke,” Nyle assures, amusement dancing in his beautiful eyes as he supports his mate when still another contraction seizes Callie’s body. 

Kazar turns his head to snarl at the gathered witnesses.  “Our mate is about to give birth, everyone needs to leave.  Now!”  None present miss the weight of command in the ancient Egyptian’s voice and many move as though to obey.

Blood steps forward and opens a portal.  “This goes into the Twin Ravens’ gathering room upstairs.  Please, wait for us there or come back at another time.”  He turns apologetically to Callie and says; “I have no wish to intrude upon such a private moment, but I am the Guardian of this cavern and the magick that lives here.  I cannot leave until everyone leaves.”

Callie nods and turns to look at both of her mates in turn.  “I want to have our baby in our home…”

Blood waves his hand and a beautiful four poster bed materializes beside the fount of the cavern’s magick.  The ancient spirits hover around the bed, creating an inviting aura, beckoning Callie to come rest upon the pristine sheets.  “It would be better, for the baby and for you, Beautiful One, if you had the child here.  It would also please the ancient guardians of this continent to have the first of the next generation of protectors born here at the source of the land’s most ancient magick.”  He smiles and cocks his head as though listening to some voice only he can hear.  “They wish to gift your daughter with the native magick of this land, the land of her birth and reign.”

“But it will also bind our child to this land,” Kazar says worriedly.

“The baby will be a bridge between worlds.  She’s already bound to this land,” Callie says breathlessly as another contraction builds.  “We all are.”  Kazar simply nods, recognizing the truth of Callie’s words. 

Another pain tears through Callie’s body.  “Get me to that bed… please!  It’s time.”  She turns her head in time to notice la Fey leaving with the others.  “Morrígan, stay please.  Unless childbirth troubles you, I’d like for you to stay.  I think that you more than anyone here has earned the right to be here when this little girl draws her first breath.”

The redheaded warrior squeals like a delighted girl and rushes to hug Callie, despite the protestations of two very protective mates.  “Thank you, Mo Bhanríon!”

Callie chuckles.  “You know as well as I do that I am not truly the Dragon Queen, I am simply her vessel.  So there is no need to call me by that title.”

“Perhaps,” Morrígan concedes.  “The protocols are yours to establish, but you are more than just a vessel.  You and the Dragon are bound heart, soul, and spirit.  You are one.  The dragon will be yours to release when the beast is needed to protect your realm.  As the head of the Western Péntearchy, you will lead the four other queens as the Péntearchy protects the Americas and Europe.”