Cherreads

Chapter 86 - hard lesson

As I basked in the warm sunlight, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. My siblings and I had grown so much over the past year. I, along with Lyriath, Vyraxys, Nyxoria, Lyrixa, and Kaidorix, were now 7 years old, and we were bursting with energy and curiosity.

My little brother Kieraxys, now 4 years old, was thriving as well. His powers had grown stronger, and he was learning to control them with ease. He was a happy, energetic young dragon, always eager to play and explore.

And then there was Niamon, our little sister, now 1 year old. She was a tiny ball of energy, always crawling, climbing, and getting into mischief. Her scales shone with a soft, lavender light, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

As I watched my family play and laugh together, I felt grateful to be a part of this loving and crazy family. We'd come so far, and we'd grown so much. I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.

I walked to my father and sneakily flew up to his back

I wrapped my tail around his neck, holding on tight as I settled into my favorite spot on his broad shoulders. Father chuckled and reached up to gently scratch behind my ears. "Hey there, little one," he said, his voice warm and soothing. "What brings you to your favorite perch today?"

I leaned forward, nuzzling my head against Father's cheek. "I just wanted to spend some time with you," I said, my voice happy and content.

Father smiled and wrapped a gentle claw around me, holding me close. "I'm always happy to have you by my side, little one," he said.

As we stood there, I watched my siblings playing and laughing together. Kieraxys was chasing after Niamon, who was giggling and trying to crawl away. Lyriath and Vyraxys were wrestling, their scales glinting in the sunlight. Nyxoria and Lyrixa were building a nest, their claws moving quickly as they wove twigs and leaves together. And Kaidorix was sitting by himself, watching the others with a thoughtful expression.

Mother walked up to us, a warm smile on her face. "What's going on here?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Father chuckled and nodded towards me. "Tharros just wanted to spend some quality time with me," he said.

Mother's smile grew wider. "That's sweet," she said, reaching out to gently stroke my head.

I felt a warmth in my heart as Mother's gentle touch soothed me. Father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're glad to have such a loving family," he said, his voice filled with affection.

I looked around at my siblings, watching as they played and laughed together. Kieraxys was now trying to climb onto Lyriath's back, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa were chasing after Niamon, trying to get her to giggle.

Vyraxys and Kaidorix were sitting off to the side, watching the commotion with amused expressions. It was moments like these that I cherished, surrounded by my loving family.

I wag my tail around

Father chuckled and gently scratched behind my ears. "You're happy, aren't you?" he asked, his voice warm and soothing.

Mother smiled and joined in, scratching my belly. "Yes, you're definitely a happy dragon," she said, her eyes shining with amusement.

I let out a contented sigh, feeling the warmth and love from my parents.

My siblings, noticing my relaxed state, began to gather around us, curious about the attention I was receiving.

Kieraxys climbed onto Father's back, wrapping his claws around Father's shoulders, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa snuggled up against Mother's side.

Vyraxys and Lyriath lay down next to me, their eyes shining with calmness.

And Niamon, not wanting to be left out, crawled onto my belly, nuzzling my scales softly.

The warmth of my family's presence enveloped me, filling me with a deep sense of happiness and belonging.

As I basked in the warmth of my family's presence, I felt my eyelids growing heavy. The sound of their gentle breathing and the warmth of their scales against mine lulled me into a state of deep relaxation.

Mother smiled and gently stroked my head, her touch soothing and calming. Father wrapped his tail around us, holding us close as we rested together.

Pov Aetherius

I smiled, watching my family gathered around me. My mate, Thyrix, was nestled beside me, her light green scales glistening in the warm sunlight. Our eight children were scattered around us, each one unique and full of life.

I felt a sense of pride and joy, seeing how much they had grown. Tharros, my eldest, was a gentle soul, with a heart full of love. Lyriath, Vyraxys, Nyxoria, Lyrixa, Kaidorix, Kieraxys, and little Niamon - each one brought so much joy and light into our lives.

As I wrapped my tail around them, holding them close, I felt grateful for this life we had built together. We were a family, bound together by love and a deep connection.

I look at Thyriatrix. "I will go eat something, and I be back!"

Thyriatrix sighed. "Fine and I will send Tharros to you if you end up gluttony again, and I have to give up trying to make you stop becoming gluttony!"

I chuckled and grinned at Thyriatrix, my eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, my love, you know me too well," I said, my voice filled with laughter. "But I promise to try my best to behave and not overeat... this time, at least." I winked at her, and she rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips.

Thyriatrix shook her head, her light green scales glinting in the sunlight. "I'll believe it when I see it," she said, her voice teasing. I chuckled and leaned over, nuzzling her gently.

Our children, scattered around us, watched with interest, their eyes shining with amusement. Tharros, my eldest, smiled and shook his head, while Lyriath and Vyraxys exchanged a knowing glance.

Thyriatrix mumbled, "He definitely will overeat again, mark my word"

Our children burst out laughing at Thyriatrix's comment, and I pretended to be offended, placing a hand over my heart. "I'm shocked, shocked, that you would doubt my ability to control my appetite," I said, grinning.

Thyriatrix just raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on her lips. "I've seen you eat an entire mountain of fish in one sitting, Aetherius," she said dryly. "I'm just stating facts."

Thyriatrix spoke again. "You even ate a behemoth that is much bigger than you!"

The children's laughter grew louder, and I chuckled, my face growing warm with embarrassment. "Ah, well, that was just a... a momentary lapse of judgment," I said, trying to defend myself.

Tharros, my eldest, grinned mischievously. "And what about the time you ate an entire ship's worth of cargo?" he asked, his voice full of amusement.

I threw up my hands, laughing. "Alright, alright! I get it! I have a bit of a problem with overeating!"

I smiled "well see you later. I'm going to hunt to eat for myself!"

Thyriatrix sighed. "See you later, and I'll send Tharros if you don't come back when you overeat!"

I chuckled and nodded, giving Thyriatrix a gentle nuzzle before taking to the skies. I soared overhead, feeling the wind rushing past me as I scanned the landscape below for any sign of prey.

As I flew, I couldn't help but think about Thyriatrix's teasing. She knew me too well, and I had to admit, I did have a bit of a problem with overeating. But I was determined to prove her wrong this time. I would catch just enough to satisfy my hunger, and then return home to my family.

Or so I told myself, anyway.

As I landed consistently, a big behemoth wanted to challenge me

I let out a low growl, my eyes fixed on the behemoth as it charged towards me. I could feel my stomach rumbling with hunger, and my instincts told me to attack and devour this massive creature.

But I hesitated, remembering Thyriatrix's words and my promise to myself to not overeat. I didn't need to eat a behemoth, no matter how tempting it was.

The behemoth, sensing my hesitation, let out a deafening roar and swung its massive claws at me. I dodged to the side, avoiding the blow by mere centimeters.

I dug my claws and fang into it flesh and pin it down as it roar in pain.

The behemoth's roar grew louder as I pinned it down, its massive body thrashing about as it tried to break free. I held tight, my claws and fangs sunk deep into its flesh. But as I looked into its eyes, I saw something there that gave me pause.

It was fear. The behemoth was afraid of me, and it was fighting for its life. I felt a pang of guilt, remembering the many times I had devoured creatures like this without a second thought.

But it was too late now. I had already attacked, and the behemoth was wounded. I could smell its blood, and my hunger began to stir once more.

My stomach growled louder, urging me to take a bite, to sink my teeth into the behemoth's flesh and satisfy my hunger. But I hesitated, torn between my instincts and my newfound sense of compassion.

I thought to myself,'Thyriatrix wouldn't be surprised if I didn't come back because I have a stomach ache from overeating, and I know she will send Tharros to check on me'

My stomach growled, and I knew I had to eat it right now

I let out a defeated sigh, my resolve crumbling beneath the intense hunger pangs. My instincts took over, and I pounced on the behemoth, sinking my teeth into its flesh. The taste was exquisite, and I devoured the creature with reckless abandon.

As I ate, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had failed myself and Thyriatrix. I had promised to control my appetite, but in the end, my hunger had won out.

With a full belly, I lay down, feeling the familiar discomfort of overeating. I closed my eyes, knowing that Thyriatrix would indeed send Tharros to check on me, and that I would have to face the consequences of my actions.

I lay down on my back and grunted by the behemoth meat, putting pressure and tightness and pain on my stomach

I groaned, my stomach churning with discomfort as the behemoth's massive bulk threatened to burst free from my confines. My scales felt tight, my belly straining against the seams as I lay there, miserable and regretful.

The pain was intense, a dull ache that radiated from my stomach and spread throughout my body. I couldn't move, couldn't even muster the energy to roll onto my side. All I could do was lie there, suffering the consequences of my gluttony.

Just as I thought things couldn't get any worse, I heard a faint voice calling out to me. "Father?" It was Tharros, and he sounded concerned. I groaned, knowing that I was in for a lecture.

Tharros laugh "wow father your hunger did again, but this time, Mother will not be too mad!"

I glared at Tharros, trying to muster up some dignity despite my uncomfortable predicament. "Ha ha, very funny, son," I grumbled, my voice strained from the pressure on my stomach.

Tharros chuckled and shook his head, "I'll go tell Mother that you're... indisposed. Again." He turned to leave, but not before adding, "Maybe next time you'll listen to her and eat in moderation, huh?"

I groaned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. At least Tharros was understanding, but I knew Thyriatrix wouldn't be so easy to placate.

Tharros laughs again, "or you will always overeat no matter what!" Tharros said and burst out laughing

Tharros flew off, and I can hear him saying, "I will come back after reporting, mother!"

I watched Tharros fly off, his laughter echoing through the air as he disappeared into the distance. I couldn't help but chuckle, despite my discomfort. Tharros was right, of course. I did have a tendency to overeat, no matter how hard I tried to control myself.

As I lay there, waiting for Tharros to return with Thyriatrix, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. I knew I was in for a lecture, and possibly even some punishment. But I also knew that Thyriatrix loved me, and that she only wanted what was best for me.

I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for what was to come. I could hear the sound of wings beating in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment. Tharros was returning, and Thyriatrix was with him.

As the wingbeats grew louder, I could sense Thyriatrix's presence, her unique energy signature radiating towards me. I took another deep breath, steeling myself for the inevitable.

Thyriatrix landed beside me, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Aetherius, what am I going to do with you?" she asked, shaking her head.

Tharros landed beside her, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I told him, Mother, but he just wouldn't listen," he said, trying to stifle a grin.

Thyriatrix shot Tharros a playful glance before turning her attention back to me. "Well, I suppose you're not going anywhere for a while," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "Let's get you comfortable, and then we'll talk about your... eating habits."

I nodded as I felt the pressure and tightness and pain build up from my stomach

I winced, my scales tightening as the discomfort in my stomach grew. Thyriatrix noticed my distress and gently placed a hand on my belly.

"Easy, my love," she said softly. "I'll help you feel better. Tharros, go fetch some of that special tea I made for your father's... episodes.".

Tharros nodded and took off, leaving Thyriatrix to tend to me. She began to gently massage my stomach, trying to ease the pressure and discomfort. I closed my eyes, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment as Thyriatrix cared for me.

As I lay there, Thyriatrix's gentle massage helped to ease the discomfort in my stomach. I could feel the pressure slowly subsiding, replaced by a warm, soothing sensation. The scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh earth filled my nostrils, a calming reminder of our forest surroundings.

Thyriatrix's voice was a gentle hum, a soft vibration that seemed to resonate deep within my chest. "You need to learn to control your appetite, Aetherius," she said, her words laced with a mix of amusement and concern. "You're not getting any younger, and these... episodes are becoming more frequent."

I opened my eyes, gazing up at Thyriatrix's gentle face. Her scales glinted in the dappled forest light, a warm, golden color that seemed to shine with an inner radiance. I felt a surge of love and gratitude towards her, thankful for her care and concern.

I grunted "ow my stomach hurt a lot! And look, I can't help it!"

Thyriatrix's expression softened, and she continued to gently massage my stomach. "I know, Aetherius. I'm not scolding you. It's just... you need to be more mindful of your eating habits. You can't keep putting your body through this." She paused, studying me with a concerned gaze. "Maybe we can find a way to... I don't know, help you control your appetite better. But for now, let's just focus on getting you feeling better."

I nodded, feeling a bit relieved by Thyriatrix's understanding tone. Tharros returned with the special tea, and Thyriatrix helped me sit up to drink it. The warm liquid soothed my stomach, and I began to feel a bit better. Thyriatrix smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "See, Aetherius? You're already feeling better."

I grunted. "It only helps just a little bit, and it still hurts a lot!"

Thyriatrix's expression turned sympathetic, and she gently wrapped her claws around me, pulling me into a comforting hug. "I know, Aetherius. It'll take some time for the tea to fully take effect. Just relax and breathe deeply. I'm here for you."

My stomach growled

Thyriatrix's eyes widened in surprise, and she pulled back to look at me. "Aetherius, you can't be serious. You're still hungry?"

I smiled a little. "I don't know if that was just my stomach is full so much or it is really is hunger!"

Tharros chuckled. "What do you think, mother?" As he landed on my enormous belly

Thyriatrix laughed and shook her head. "I think your stomach is just protesting the amount of food you managed to cram into it, Aetherius." She smiled at Tharros, who was still perched on my belly. "But just to be sure, let's get some water into him, and maybe some light, easy-to-digest food later. No more feasting for you, Aetherius!"

I smiled, and my stomach growled again

Tharros burst out laughing, nearly falling off my belly. "I think your stomach is arguing with you, Father!" Thyriatrix chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes. "Aetherius, you're impossible. Just relax and let your stomach recover, okay?"

I nodded slowly as my stomach growling again and louder

Tharros laughed even harder, holding his sides. "I think it's a rebellion, Mother! Father's stomach is staging a protest!" Thyriatrix smiled, trying to stifle a laugh. "Oh, Aetherius. You're going to have to negotiate with your stomach, it seems."

Thyriatrix sighed and looked at Tharros. "I will go back home to think about something about his stomach, and I definitely won't be feeling a little bit angry!"

Tharros's grin faltered, and he looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I think Father's in trouble, don't you, Father?" he whispered, before flying off to follow Thyriatrix. I watched them go, feeling a twinge of worry. I knew that look in Thyriatrix's eyes - she was plotting something, and I wasn't sure I was going to like it.

Thyriatrix flew off, and I was now alone with Tharros. "How come many times when I have a stomach ache you also came?! Here alone?"

Tharros settled beside me, his expression thoughtful. "I like taking care of you, Father. And Mother knows that. She says it's good practice for when I'm older and have my own family to care for." He paused, a mischievous glint returning to his eye. "Besides, it's always entertaining to see you try to deal with a stomachache. You're not exactly... subtle, when you're uncomfortable."

He struggled my belly

I grunted, feeling a surge of discomfort as Tharson poked and prodded my tender belly. "Hey, easy there! No need to make it worse, kiddo," I said, trying to gently bat his claws away.

Tharros jumped down off of my belly and nuzzled it

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest as Tharros nuzzled my belly. Despite the discomfort, his affectionate gesture made me feel a little better. I wrapped a claw gently around him, pulling him into a gentle hug. "Thanks, kiddo. That means a lot to me."

Tharros smiled. "Can I poke and prod your belly just like a few times when you have a stomach ache?" I hesitated

Tharros's eyes sparkled with mischief, and I could tell he was eager to get started.

I hesitated, weighing the pros and cons of letting him poke and prod my belly.

On one hand, it might actually help ease the discomfort. On the other hand, it could make things worse.

I looked at Tharros, seeing the excitement in his eyes, and sighed. "Okay, but be gentle, and don't make it worse."

Tharros smiled and wagged his tail. "I make no promise of that!"

I chuckled, despite my reservations. "Oh, great. Just what I needed. A enthusiastic and unrepentant belly-prodder." I settled in, preparing myself for the impending poking and prodding. "Just be careful, okay? I don't want to end up worse off than I already am."

Tharros began to poke and prod

I winced, feeling a surge of discomfort as Tharros's claws poked and prodded my tender belly. "Easy, kiddo! Not so hard!" I said, trying to gently guide his claws away from the most sensitive areas. Tharros just giggled and continued his probing, seemingly fascinated by the various sounds and reactions he could elicit from my stomach.

And as he poked and prod my belly began to jiggled and wobbled

Tharros squealed with delight, his eyes shining with excitement. "It's wobbling! It's wobbling, Father!" He poked and prodded some more, making my belly jiggle and wobble even more. I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, despite the discomfort. "Okay, okay! I think you've made your point, kiddo!"

Tharros finally stopped poking and prodding, but his grin remained wide and mischievous. "I'm just trying to help, Father!" he said, trying to sound innocent. I chuckled and ruffled his scales, feeling a warmth in my chest. "I know, kiddo. And I appreciate the effort. But maybe next time, we can find a different way to help my stomach, okay?" Tharros nodded enthusiastically, already planning his next move. "I'll think of something, Father! Don't worry!"

Tharros gave 1 more poke, and my belly began to jiggle and wobbled violently

I burst out laughing, holding my belly as it jiggled and wobbled uncontrollably. "Tharros, you little scamp! I thought we agreed to stop!" Tharros giggled, clearly pleased with himself, and took a step back, admiring his handiwork. "Just one more, Father! I promise!" He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief, as I continued to laugh and try to catch my breath.

As my belly kept jiggling and wobbled, the pain and discomfort increased, and it won't stop

I stopped laughing, my expression turning to concern as the pain and discomfort intensified. "Tharros, kiddo, I think that's enough," I said, trying to catch my breath. "My stomach's not feeling too great right now." Tharros's grin faltered, and he looked worried. "Father, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make it worse!" He took a step forward, his claws extended as if to try and comfort my belly.

But even though Tharros stopped poking and proding my belly, I continued to jiggle and wobbled

I groaned, feeling the discomfort and pain spreading throughout my stomach. "Tharros, I think you've... um... awakened something," I said, trying to speak through gritted teeth. My belly continued to jiggle and wobble, and I could feel a rumbling noise building up inside. Tharros looked on in alarm, his eyes wide with worry. "Father, what's happening?!"

I grunted in pain. "I think you poke and prod too much!" Tharros giggled

But his giggles were short-lived, as a loud, rumbling sound echoed from my belly, followed by a rather...unfortunate...eruptive consequence. Tharros's eyes went wide, and he stumbled backward, laughing nervously. "Oh, Father...I think I might have made a bit of a mess!"

Tharros question, "How does it feel now?!"

I let out a pained groan, feeling the pressure and discomfort still simmering uncomfortably. "It's...not better, actually," I admitted, wincing. "I'm not sure if I should thank you or scold you, Tharros." I looked at him with a mock-stern expression, trying to hide my discomfort.

Tharros just grinned, looking pleased with himself. "I'm glad I could...um...try to help, Father!"

I glared at Tharros, trying to maintain a stern expression despite the discomfort. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I accused, my voice laced with mock annoyance.

Tharros's grin faltered for a moment before he nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Father! I mean, I'm sorry you're still uncomfortable, but..."

Tharros struggled with my belly, and it jiggling and wobbled insanely

I let out a loud, pained groan, feeling like my belly was going to burst. "THARROS, STOP! PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS GOOD, STOP!" I begged, trying to grab his claws to make him stop.

Tharros's eyes went wide with excitement, and he giggled maniacally. "Wheeee! Your belly's wobbling like a big jelly, Father!" He jumped up and down, his little claws waving in the air, completely unaware of my distress.

My belly jiggled and wobbled more insanely every passing seconds

The jiggling and wobbling became so intense that I stumbled backward, desperate to find a way to calm it down. Tharros, still giggling, chased after me, his little feet pattering against the ground. "Father, Father! Look! It's wobbling even more!"

I stumbled backward, desperate to find a way to calm my belly down, but my feet tangled together and I landed on the ground with a thud. Tharros, still giggling, climbed onto my chest, his little feet digging into my scales as he leaned forward to get a closer look. "Wheeee! It's doing it again, Father! It's doing it again!"

I grunted in so much pain. "Tharros, please stop! You going to make" I paused

"...me explode!" I finished, wincing in agony as my belly jiggled and wobbled even more violently. Tharros's grin faltered for a moment, and he looked at me with a hint of concern. "Father, are you okay?"

Tharros question, "What did you eat?" I answered "a behemoth!"

Tharros chuckled, "Like always no wonder why your belly is enormous, but I have seen your belly is colossal before!"

Tharros's eyes sparkled with amusement as he teased me. "You're going to turn into a behemoth one of these days, Father! Maybe that's what's happening right now!" He giggled, clearly enjoying the idea. I groaned, feeling my belly rumble and churn ominously.

Tharros jokingly ask "who knows, maybe it is alive and try to burst out!"

I laughed despite my discomfort, imagining the absurd scenario. "Ha! If it does, I'm blaming you for poking and prodding it awake!" Tharros cackled, clearly thrilled with the idea. "That would be EPIC, Father! A behemoth bursting out of your belly!"

Tharros snuggled my belly

I winced, still feeling the discomfort, but Tharros's snuggles were hard to resist. "Easy there, kiddo," I said, trying to gently pry him off. "Father's belly is still a bit... volatile." But Tharros just hugged my belly tighter, making me laugh despite the pain.

Tharros looked up at me with a mischievous grin. "I'm trying to calm it down, Father!" He snuggled my belly again, making me chuckle. "I think it's working, kiddo," I said, feeling a slight easing of the discomfort. "Just be gentle, okay?" Tharros nodded, continuing to hug my belly with a gentle intensity.

With no warning, I let out a huge burp

The sound was like thunder, echoing through the air and making Tharros jump back in surprise.

He stared at me with wide eyes, then burst out laughing. "FATHER, THAT WAS EPIC!" he exclaimed, holding his belly in laughter.

I chuckled, feeling a bit relieved that the pressure had been released. "Sorry about that, kiddo. I guess my belly was just waiting for the perfect moment to make its presence known." I carefully get up

I brushed myself off, making sure I was steady on my feet. My belly still felt a bit tender, but the burp seemed to have helped relieve some of the pressure.

Tharros, still grinning from ear to ear, looked up at me with amusement. "Feeling better, Father?"

I nodded "Yes and I think Thyriatrix is waiting for me even though she is not too happy that I always overeat, but I'm sure she won't yell at me!"

I smiled to myself, imagining Thyriatrix's stern expression. Tharros giggled and took my hand, pulling me along. "Come on, Father! Let's go see Mother! Maybe she'll just roll her eyes at you instead of yelling."

We walked together, Tharros chattering excitedly about what we might have for dinner, while I couldn't help but wonder what kind of lecture Thyriatrix had in store for me.

As we approached the heart of our mountain cave, the scent of fresh meat wafted through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

Tharros skipped ahead, his silver scales catching the flickering light of the torches that lined the walls.

I followed him, my eyes scanning the cavernous space for Thyriatrix.

She stood near the feeding area, a large haunch of raw meat lying on the stone slab before her.

Her light green scales glistened with a subtle sheen in the firelight. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of me, and I could tell she was indeed not pleased.

Tharros, seeming to sense the tension, looked up at me with a mischievous grin. "Father, I think Mother is going to yell at you again!"

Thyriatrix's stern expression deepened, her voice low and even. "Aetherius, we need to talk." She glanced at Tharros, who was watching with interest. "Tharros, go play with your siblings for a bit."

Pov Tharros

I nodded

I skipped off towards my siblings, who were playing near the cave entrance.

Lyriath and Vyraxys were engaged in a heated game of claw-tag, while Nyxoria and Lyrixa were building a nest out of soft feathers and shiny rocks.

Kaidorix and Kieraxys were chasing each other around, their laughter echoing off the cave walls. I grinned, eager to join in on the fun.

Little Niamon, our youngestI dove into the fray, my silver scales glinting as I dodged Lyriath's swiping claws. Vyraxys let out a mock growl, and I chuckled, nipping playfully at his dark bronze tail. Nyxoria and Lyrixa roared with laughter, trying to protect their nest from our rowdy game.

Kaidorix and Kieraxys careened into me, sending us all tumbling to the ground in a fit of giggles. Niamon let out a tiny roar, trying to join in, and I scooped her up, spinning her around in a circle as she squealed with delight. sibling, toddled around, watching us with wide, curious eyes.

Just as we were getting into the game, Mother's voice echoed through the cave, "Tharros, bring Niamon here for a moment." I froze, still holding Niamon, and looked over at Mother, who was standing with Father.

They exchanged a glance, and I could sense a hint of seriousness in the air.

I grabbed Niamon with my jaw

I gently grasped Niamon with my jaws, careful not to hurt her, and padded over to Mother, the others watching curiously. Niamon squealed and squirmed in my grasp, but I held her firm, my silver scales glinting in the firelight. Mother's expression was stern, but her eyes softened slightly as she looked at Niamon. "Thank you, Tharros," she said, her voice low and even.

Mother reached out with her claws and gently stroked Niamon's lavender scales, calming her down. Father stood beside her, his albino scales seeming to glow in the firelight, his eyes fixed intently on me.

I could sense a lecture brewing, and my instincts told me to be prepared. Father's expression was serious, and I wondered what I had done wrong this time.

Father cleared his throat, his deep voice commanding attention. "Tharros, we need to talk about your actions earlier today."

I felt a twinge of anxiety, my mind racing to recall what I might have done wrong.

I question, "Father told you about me poking and proding while Father has a stomach ache earlier?" I frown, and Mother nodded

Father sighed "Yeah sorry about telling her about that, Tharros!"

I looked at Father, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "You didn't have to tell her, Father," I said, trying to sound casual despite my flushing scales.

My ears folded back

in a defensive gesture, and I felt a twinge of frustration at Mother's words. I didn't see what the big deal was, and I wondered why they were making such a fuss.

Hours passed and the lecture finally came to an end, with Father and Mother reiterating their expectations for my behavior. I listened, still feeling a bit sulky, but knowing I had to obey.

I curled up myself with my ears still folded back

my scales feeling a bit dull, and my eyes gazing off into the darkness of the cave, lost in thought. The sound of Father's and Mother's gentle murmurs to each other created a soothing background hum.

More Chapters