Reunion

[Ona]

“So,” Orion raises one eyebrow, his expression so much like his father’s that it pierces me in the heart. “You are our mother?”

We are sequestered in my private rooms, the rest of the family giving us space and time to “bond.” I’m not really comfortable around dragons this age, I never have been. I never expected to be a mother. And in many ways, I guess I’m not. What kind of mother abandons her clutch and doesn’t even return to name them?

“Yes, biologically. I did lay you,” I admit. “I’m not sure if I deserve the title of ‘mother,’ that is for you to decide.”

“Why did you leave us?” Ursa’s golden eyes glow brightly. “Didn’t you want us?”

“I’ll be honest,” I look them both in the eyes. “I did not expect you. Once I learned I was carrying a clutch, I went to the celestial kingdom before your grandfather could catch a whiff of you. I knew that if he found out you existed, he would have had you killed as soon as you hatched.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “I am not sa