Touch of Flame

Ravina and Malachi were taken aback by the warm welcome they received upon their return home. The house was adorned with vibrant decorations, and the whole family, including Araminta and the brothers, were gathered in the dining hall. To their surprise, Kayla, Georgia, and Brenna were also present, accompanied by their respective partners.

The dining hall was transformed into a spectacle of celebration, with intricately designed table settings, colorful floral arrangements, and flickering candlelight. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of a variety of dishes, ranging from roasted meats to delectable pastries and decadent desserts.

Malachi glanced at Ravina, his eyes reflecting his bewilderment. “What is happening?” he whispered.

Aaron, wearing a proud smile, stepped forward to address the gathering. “There is much to celebrate,” he announced. “Ravina has reunited with her long-lost sister and father,” he turned to Ravina, his eyes gleaming with genuine joy. “Congratulations. And let us not forget the reconciliation between our brothers,” he gestured towards Saul and Malachi, who exchanged a meaningful glance and smiled. Araminta beamed with delight, her happiness evident in her radiant expression. “As you can see, there is a lot to celebrate,” Aaron concluded.

“And let us not forget Aaron’s remarkable achievement of completing the court process, with our new court now ready,” Saul added, extending his compliments to his younger brother. Ravina couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride for Aaron’s accomplishments and happiness to see the brothers so joyful and getting along so well. 

Before they could fully take in the joyous atmosphere, their attention was drawn to the sound of more voices entering the hall. Aaron grinned mischievously. “Oh, I invited some additional guests to meet their future queen. As I mentioned, I’ve received quite a bit of assistance,” he winked.

Everyone turned their gaze towards the entrance, where a crowd of guests made their way into the hall. It was evident that Aaron had been busy extending invitations and garnering support for Ravina. He skillfully introduced her to each guest, highlighting her vision for change and the improvements she had suggested. The guests, enthusiastic and open-minded, expressed their support and offered their assistance in bringing about the proposed changes.

Aaron had also taken the opportunity to promote his revolutionary vegetable peelers, sharing stories of their benefits and how they had simplified the lives of many. The conversations flowed seamlessly, and Ravina found herself engaging in meaningful discussions about innovative ideas that could further improve the lives of their people.

As Ravina observed Malachi, she noticed a different side of him. He seemed genuinely happy, enjoying the company of his brothers and cousins, reveling in the joyous atmosphere. Saul, too, displayed a side she hadn’t seen often, smiling and laughing with those around him.

The celebration continued into the night, with laughter, clinking glasses, and lively games. Ravina sat beside Aaron, savoring the delicacies on her plate. “You have truly done an exceptional job,” she remarked, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

He smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. “I must admit, I quite enjoyed my taste of power. Maybe I should consider dethroning my brother, but since we’re friends, I’ll let you be the queen,” he teased.

She chuckled, appreciating his lightheartedness. “How kind of you,” she replied, raising her glass in a toast to their friendship.

Leaning closer, Aaron’s expression turned earnest. “So, when do I get the pleasure of meeting your sister?” he asked.

Ravina’s smile widened. “Hopefully soon,” she replied, pouring herself a glass of wine.

She looked around, taking in the bustling atmosphere and feeling a sense of gratitude for the transformation in her life. She had gone from isolating herself in her room or lab to being surrounded by people, no longer alone, she had found not just one family, but several families and friends from both worlds. There were many who shared her vision, and together she had hope that they could work towards building a world where they could all live together.

Malachi was pleased to witness the outpouring of support for Ravina, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for his brother Aaron. They playfully teased Aaron for enjoying his temporary role of power, but Malachi recognized his brother’s capabilities and decided to appoint him as his personal adviser, offering him a place beside him on the court.

Aaron waved off their comments with a dismissive gesture. “I did enjoy it, but it’s not something I would want to do forever. It can be quite tiring.”

Malachi chuckled, acknowledging his brother’s self-awareness. “Good to know.”

As the celebration continued into the night, the guests gradually departed, leaving the house to grow quieter and more serene. Ravina found herself engaged in another game of chess with Saul, but this time, the effects of the celebration and intoxication hindered her focus, resulting in Saul’s victory.

“This doesn’t count. I’m tired,” she slurred.

“Alright, we’ll let it slide,” Saul chuckled, allowing her to retreat with a sense of playful defeat.

Malachi was getting tired, so he urged his brothers to leave. Aaron stood up with a sigh, addressing the rest of the group. “Let’s go. We have more surprises planned for tomorrow,” he announced cryptically.

Curious, Malachi questioned, “What surprises?”

Aaron smirked mischievously. “Let’s just say we’ve been busy while you were gone.”

The others followed Aaron’s lead, bidding Malachi farewell and promising to reconvene the following day. Ravina, still unsteady on her feet and struggling to articulate clearly, bid her mother and Georgia goodbye at the door. Malachi joined them, personally ushering his brothers out. Finally, as he closed the door behind them, a sense of relief washed over him.

“It’s gotten so quiet,” Ravina observed, attempting to steady herself by leaning against the wall.

Malachi gently took hold of her wrist and pulled her closer, deciding to carry her up to his room. Ravina allowed her head to rest on his chest as they ascended the stairs. “There were so many guests,” she mumbled. “I was so happy to see everyone. Everyone looked happy.”

“Yes,” Malachi responded, his voice filled with contentment.

“Saul looked happy. You looked happy,” she continued.

“Yes,” he agreed, his smile growing.

“I am happy,” she breathed, her words laced with a sense of serene joy.

Malachi’s heart swelled. “And I am glad,” he whispered.

He carefully laid her down on his bed, watching as she curled up and began to settle. Concerned about her comfort, he asked, “Are you comfortable in those clothes?”

Ravina, still wearing the dress of her people, mumbled a response and reached behind her. Malachi bent down to assist her, deftly untying the countless laces until the dress slipped off, leaving her in a simpler, thin white gown.

“Thank you,” she mumbled once more, her eyes closing as sleep claimed her.

As Ravina slept peacefully, a serene smile graced her face, her hair cascading around her like rays of sunshine. Malachi joined her in bed, feeling a profound sense of relief and true happiness that had eluded him for far too long. The night had been one of genuine enjoyment, and his slumber brought him a rare sense of peace.

When morning broke and he began to stir, the soreness in his body signaled that he had overslept. It was a rarity for him to sleep in, as his body typically awakened him early in the morning. However, this time he had experienced a truly restful sleep and almost wished he could prolong it.

Pushing himself into a sitting position, he realized that Ravina was already awake and absent from the room. The sound of her footsteps soon echoed from outside, and as she entered the room, the fragrant scents of lavender and jasmine wafted in with her. Her long hair glistened from a recent bath, and she wore a different attire. 

Observing his gaze, she offered an explanation. “Ah… I thought, since our people will be interacting more, it would be better for me to wear something that blends both worlds. So, I created this,” she explained, gesturing to her dress. The top portion was attached to a flowing skirt, to cover her waist. It had the simplicity of dragon culture but the covering of human culture. 

“Hmm… Have I slept that long?” Malachi questioned, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Ravina chuckled softly. “You seemed to be sleeping so peacefully, so I didn’t want to disturb you. Even the breakfast I prepared has gone cold.”

Smiling, Malachi leaned forward. “And what should I wear now?”

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Ravina picked up his comb and began to gently comb her hair. “Shall I prepare a bath for you?”

“No,” he declined, his focus elsewhere.

“Would you like to eat, then?” she offered.

He paused, realizing his hunger after the indulgences of the previous night. “I should eat what you’ve prepared,” he replied, stepping out of bed to freshen up.

Suddenly, the distant roars of dragons filled the air, accompanied by the sound of gunshots and panicked screams. 

Malachi’s senses heightened, and he rushed outside, with Ravina close behind. Dragons were in a state of frenzy, some shifting and taking to the skies, while others sought refuge. Malachi surveyed the chaos, trying to discern the cause when an explosion nearby startled him, prompting him to instinctively shield Ravina.

It all became clear to him now.

Humans!

They had been discovered!