Chapter 38

THIRTY-EIGHT

A sher surveyed the great hall with equal parts amusement and awe. Trust their mothers to transform a formal clan gathering into a perfect fusion of science and magic. Ancient texts lay open beside modern research tablets. She’d even spotted a few place cards decorated with accurate representations of quantum entanglement patterns.

Her father had already cornered Eldric by the quantum mechanics display, his hands gesturing animatedly as he explained some new theory. A half-dozen napkins covered in equations lay scattered around them, and he’d started eyeing the tablecloth with dangerous intent.

“Ten minutes before Dad starts drawing on the formal linens,” Everett wagered, appearing at her elbow with two glasses of champagne. “Twenty if Mom doesn’t catch him first.”

“You underestimate his dedication to science,” Asher accepted a glass, nodding toward their father. “Look - he’s already commandeered three of Elder Magnus’s ceremonial scrolls for his calculations on dragon flight dynamics.”

Their mother and Nellie, Talon’s mom, held court near the biochemistry exhibits, seamlessly blending discussions of medical breakthroughs with ancient healing practices. Occasionally, one would glance toward their father with fond exasperation, but neither moved to confiscate his writing implements just yet.

A burst of laughter drew her attention to where Mallory described some training mishap to a group of younger scientists. The clan’s newest researchers peppered her with questions about draconic biology, their initial hesitation forgotten in the face of shared scientific curiosity.

“Fascinating integration of cellular regeneration principles with traditional healing,” Dr. Bennett commented, joining her observation of the mingling groups. “Though perhaps we should rescue that tablecloth before your father discovers its absorptive properties?”

“Too late,” Asher sighed as her father pulled out a pen. “At least he’s color-coding the thermal dynamics calculations this time.”

Warmth pressed against her back as Talon returned from greeting late arrivals. “Your father’s theories about plasma generation in dragon fire are surprisingly accurate,” he murmured in her ear. “Though I’m not sure the tablecloth needed quite so many differential equations.”

“He gets excited about new variables,” she leaned back against his chest. “Just wait until he starts mapping the electromagnetic variations in our combined attacks. We’ll need to requisition more linens.”

Their quiet moment shattered with the sudden blare of security alarms. Lori’s voice cut through the chaos, all professional efficiency despite the sounds of combat in the background. “Multiple breaches detected!”

Asher’s mind raced through tactical calculations. “The timing is too coincidental,” she said, already moving toward the security station. “They’re not just after the labs - they’re targeting everyone gathered here. Two objectives, one strike.”

Around them, family members shifted seamlessly into defensive positions. Her father abandoned his equations to activate ancient wards while her mother and Nellie coordinated evacuation protocols for the young members. Everett’s fingers flew across security panels, redirecting power to critical systems.

“At least we got through the appetizers this time,” Asher quipped, electricity crackling between her fingers as she prepared to shift forms. The familiar tingle of transformation washed over her as she took to the air beside Talon.

Formation three? she suggested, already calculating optimal attack vectors.

More dragons joined them - Levi leading a squadron of guards while Eldric coordinated ground defenses. Below, Asher spotted Lori and her mother rapidly implementing security protocols while Elder Magnus reinforced the ancient protective circles.

Lightning crackled from her wings as she banked sharply around the estate’s eastern corner. They’re using some kind of cloaking technology different from the cold iron, she noted.

A volley of projectiles cut through their formation. Asher barrel-rolled, combining defensive maneuvers with her electrical shield. Cold iron rounds, she analyzed. Modified with some kind of penetrating agent. We need to combine dragon fire with an electromagnetic pulse...

She shared her plan - a complex integration of draconic power and particle physics that would overwhelm their enemies’ technology. Talon’s approval rumbled through their connection as they moved into position.

“Whatever you’re planning up there,” Lori’s voice crackled over the comm system, “do it fast! Our defenses are failing in certain areas!”

They spiraled upward in perfect synchronization, their powers building. At the apex of their climb, Asher released a concentrated burst of electrical energy just as Talon’s fire breath reached its peak. The combination created a cascading wave of superheated plasma that rippled through the enemy’s cloaking field. En mass, their adversaries appeared.

The attack broke apart in disarray. As Levi’s squad pursued the retreating forces, Asher landed near the estate’s security station, shifting back to human form with a satisfied smile. With a few flicks of her fingers, she set off a chain reaction that sent out bolts of lightning, striking the scattered attackers. The thunder that followed was enough to knock anyone still in the air out of the sky.

“I believe that proves my theory about electrical conductivity through magical fields.”

“Only you would describe a massive explosion as a proof of theoretical physics,” Lori shook her head, fingers still flying over her keyboard.

“The scientific terminology makes it sound more professional than ‘we made things go boom,’“ Asher pointed out as Talon pulled her close, his hands checking for injuries even as he chuckled at her words.