Chapter 175: The Lair
**Avery**
I lead my group deeper into the forest, the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath our boots a stark contrast to the silence that seems to envelop us. The cliffs loom ahead, their jagged edges cutting into the sky like the teeth of some ancient beast. My heart pounds in my chest, a mix of excitement and trepidation as I approach the cold, unyielding stone. I reach out, my fingers brushing against the rough surface, and as I press my hand against it, the rock crumbles like ash, revealing a dark, yawning passage.
"Fuck, that’s hot," Clint mutters, his piercing green eyes widening as he steps closer, his athletic frame tense with anticipation. The rest of the group follows, their whispers echoing softly in the confined space. The cave swallows us whole, its darkness pressing in until the walls begin to glow—a kaleidoscope of colors that dance in sync with our dragons’ essence. Red, yellow, blue, purple, green, and iridescent hues pulse like a living heartbeat, casting an otherworldly light on our faces.
"Guys, we are meant to be here," I say, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me. My striking red and blonde hair catches the light, cascading over my shoulders as I turn to face my mates. Their expressions are a mix of awe and determination, their trust in me a weight I carry with pride.
As we reach the center of the cave, the air grows colder, and the glow intensifies. Standing before us is Armond, the rival dragon leader, his presence commanding yet tinged with an air of shared purpose. His long, dark hair falls like a curtain around his face, and his piercing eyes seem to see right through me. "Avery," he begins, his voice deep and resonant, "I am Armond, and we are from Altima, as are some of your group. We can take you home, but first, we must defeat a common enemy. I know you have met him because I can feel the darkness."
His words send a shiver down my spine, the kind that makes my nipples harden and my pussy clench. The darkness he speaks of is all too familiar—a malevolent force that has haunted our journey, threatening to consume everything we hold dear. I glance at my mates—Cassius, Clint, Conner, Donn, James, and Vincent—their faces a mix of determination and concern. Cassius, with his lean, athletic build and piercing blue eyes, steps closer, his hand brushing mine in a silent gesture of support.
"What do we need to do?" I ask, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. Armond’s gaze meets mine, his eyes filled with a strange warmth that makes my stomach flutter. "We must unite our strengths," he replies, his voice low and urgent. "The darkness feeds on division. Together, we can purge it from this realm."
Before we can devise a plan, a low rumble echoes through the cave, the ground trembling beneath our feet. The darkness is here. My mates spring into action, their movements fluid and synchronized. Cassius transforms into his dragon form, his sapphire scales shimmering as he unleashes a torrent of fire that roars through the cave like an orgasmic release. Clint follows suit, his golden dragon form soaring through the air, claws slicing through the shadows with precision that makes my breath catch.