Solaris vibrates again, clearly asking for more information.
“Dad made it so eligible males sit at tables with their bloodlines documented on parchment,” Raven explains patiently. “The females walk around and examine the options, see if anyone strikes their fancy. We have the choice, like the females of the past did before the old ways were corrupted.”
Raven rubs Solaris’s shell affectionately as he vibrates with what I assume are more questions or commentary.
“He’s telling her about the past—females used to migrate looking for grand displays the males used to attract females centuries ago,” Finlay fills in for the rest of us who can’t hear the ancient dragon’s voice.
“Let’s draw the new rotation to start on Monday,” Corvus suggests, pulling out the smaller bag he prepared earlier and shaking it. The paper slips inside, rustle with the movement.
Keir goes first, reaching in and pulling out a folded piece. “I got four.” He holds up the slip of paper so we all can see the number clearly written.
“I guess I’ll go next.” I stick my hand into the bag and swirl it around, feeling the paper slips brush against my fingers. Eventually, I grab one and pull it out. “Two.” I hold the slip out to show the others, noting Corvus already has his phone out to record the new schedule.
Corvus hands me the bag and reaches in himself. “Three.” He shows us the slip with a satisfied nod.
“Looks like you get Monday, Finlay.” Corvus reaches out and shakes the phoenix’s hand with genuine warmth before standing to head to the kitchen to tackle the dishes.
“I just got here?” Finlay looks at me with genuine puzzlement, then stares at the last slip as he pulls it out of the bag like it might bite him.
“It’s what’s fair. Luck of the draw and everything,” I explain with a smile, looking at him and clapping him on the back with friendly force. “We’re a family, and we do things as fair as possible. No favoritism, no special treatment—even for the newest mate.”
It’s gonna take him a while to fully settle in and understand how we operate, but for now, I’ll be here to help him adjust the best I can. We all will be—that’s what family does.
