Chapter 121 pt2
**Avery**
We are about to make a very indecent proposal. But there is no alternative, we have to offer anything we can besides our lives. The beast's gaze shifted to Rory, its expression curious. "Speak."
Rory's eyes darted to Draven, then back to the beast. "What if... what if we offer a moment of pleasure? A moment of connection, of shared power? It's not a life, but it's something rare, something precious."
The beast's eyes narrowed, its gaze intense. "Explain."
Rory took a step forward, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "Avery, Draven, and I... we share a bond. A connection that's unique, powerful. If we... if we come together, if we share that power with you, would it be enough?"
The beast's gaze swept over the three of us, its expression unreadable. "A risky proposition. But... intriguing."
My heart raced. I knew what Rory was suggesting, and it was bold, reckless even. But it might just work. "We will do it. Together." My mates will have to forgive me because we have no other choice.
Draven's eyes met mine, his expression dark but determined. "If this is what it takes."
The beast's voice was a low rumble. "Very well. But know this: if your offering is not sufficient, the price will be your lives."
We stepped closer to each other, our hands brushing, our gazes locking. The air around us crackled with tension, with anticipation. We knew what we had to do, and we knew the risks. But in that moment, as we prepared to come together, to share our power, our bond, we also knew that we had no other choice. As we moved closer, the beast watched, its eyes gleaming with a mixture of hunger and curiosity. The chamber seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the soft, rhythmic drip of water.
And then, in a surge of shared desire, shared power, we came together. My hands tangled in Draven's hair, my lips pressing against his in a kiss that was fierce, desperate. Draven's hands roamed over my body, his touch firm, possessive, as he pulled me closer, our connection deepening with every passing moment.
Rory, her eyes closed, her breath coming in short gasps, joined us, her hands exploring, her body pressing against ours. The air around us seemed to shimmer, to pulse with energy, as our powers intertwined, our desires merging into one. The beast's gaze never wavered, its expression intense as it watched the scene unfold. The chamber was filled with the sounds of our passion, our moans, our whispered words of encouragement.
And then, as our climax approached, as our powers reached a fever pitch, the beast stepped forward, its massive form looming over us. Its hand reached out, its touch gentle yet firm, as it drew our energy, our essence, into itself. The moment was intense, overwhelming, as our powers were siphoned, our connection stretched to its limits. But we held on, our bond unbreakable, our trust in each other absolute. Finally, it was over. The beast stepped back, its eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Your offering was... acceptable. You may pass."
We collapsed against each other, our bodies trembling, our breaths coming in ragged gasps. We had given everything, and now we were drained, vulnerable. But as we looked up, we saw the passage ahead, clear and unobstructed. The beast's promise had been kept. "We did it," Rory whispered, her voice hoarse.
I nodded, my gaze meeting Draven's. "We did." But as we began to move forward, the beast's voice stopped us. "Remember, dragon shifter. Our paths may cross again. And next time, the price may be higher."
My heart pounded in my chest as I turned to look at the beast, its form already fading into the shadows. "We'll be ready." Especially now that I know what the beast is, I can discover his weakness and defeat him. Power begets power and mine is growing while he needs it to stay alive because his is fading since he has no mate. With that, we stepped into the passage, our escape from Nightshade territory finally within reach. But as we disappeared into the darkness, the beast's eyes glowed with a hunger that promised a future encounter, one that would test our limits, our bond, and our very lives. However, it won’t be just the three of us next time and if I have had children by then, their powers could be what saves us all. The suspense hung heavy in the air, a silent question lingering as we vanished into the unknown: What happens if the last of a species is forced into extinction? I am supposed to bring life not take it. Perhaps, I could give him a mate. I am the Mother so there must be a way. Yes, the stirgoi would cease to exist, but it would create something new. The beast expressed a slight tenderness towards me and now maybe I might have some respect because I gave it a power it hadn't tasted before. My mates have the power of three and now my friends and I do. We need to figure out what all we can do with it to avoid situations like the one we just encountered.