iamGoddess0808
Genre: High Fantasy / Romance / Mythic Fiction
The Birthing Chamber of the Black Citadel smelled of ozone, crushed obsidian, and the sharp, metallic tang of ancient magic. Queen Amirah lay back against the silk pillows, her pale skin glistening with sweat, her chest heaving as the final wave of labor subsided. Beside her, nestled in a bed of velvet and heated volcanic ash, lay ten perfect, midnight-black eggs. But they were not merely black. Beneath the dark, diamond-hard shells, a brilliant, molten gold light pulsed in tandem, mapping out glowing veins that mirrored the heartbeat of the universe. King Alaric, the absolute ruler of the Black Dragon Clan, stepped forward. His massive shadow fell over the nest. He leaned down, closing his eyes, and inhaled deeply. The scent of the ten black dragon eggs filled his lungs-a intoxicating mixture of raw shadow, crackling lightning, and something deeply ancient, pure, and searingly hot. He could feel the immense, undeniable power of a legendary lineage vibrating right beneath the shells.Alaric turned his piercing dark eyes to his wife. Moving with a gentleness that defied his massive, armored frame, he wrapped his strong arms around her waist, drawing her damp back against his chest."Rest, my love. I know you are exhausted," Alaric murmured, his deep voice vibrating against her skin. He leaned down and pressed a tender, lingering kiss against her temple. Amirah closed her eyes, letting out a soft breath, her hand resting over his forearm. Safe in the heart of the Shadow Realm, she allowed herself to forget the long, agonizing road of betrayal that had brought her here. She was no longer the abandoned, broken she-dragon of the Eastern Skies. She was a mother, a queen, and the last true sun of a forgotten age.