On the contrary, only for the humans whose bodies we take and whose spirits we displace, the Behemoth said. If you are right that we enjoy humanity so much--not that we do--what makes you think we will destroy it?
“Because that’s what you do,” Caden pointed out.
The Behemoth shrugged one massive shoulder. In the past, that might have been my plan, but plans change. Now Spirits can join with a body in the material realm and be free here. They choose when they shift. They choose what they do. They choose everything.
Caden felt a frisson of fear run through him. For some Spirits that would be the answer to everything. They wouldn’t have to compromise. They could go to the human world, choose the human body they desired, and then live, solely, in both realms. If the Behemoth didn’t make the material realm a desert then they could have everything. Caden knew there would be some Spirits who would loathe this, who would hate what was happening to the humans, but if the Dragons could not stop the Behemoth then none of them could. Fear would win the day.
Iolaire’s head hung like a broken bloom on a stalk. Caden resisted the urge to let out a wail of grief and loss and rage.
He clenched his hands into fists at his sides. “You talk about freedom and choice with such passion, but look at you!” Caden gestured to the other heads. He addressed only the main one. “You enslave other Spirits.”
The main head’s yellow eyes narrowed. The Behemoth said nothing.
“You only have power by virtue of their power. It’s not your own. It’s stolen,” Caden spat out. “A fair fight between you and Raziel would be over before it began. But you’re a thief. You’re a slaver. You’re worse than anything you claim to be fighting against.”
The Behemoth’s yellow eyes were cold as ice chips. It shifted its bulk and hovered one clawed forelimb over Raziel’s unconscious form. Caden stiffened.
“What are you doing?” Caden got out.
The Behemoth did the equivalent of lifting an eyebrow as it said with magnificent malice, My nature is to hold all of the Dragon Spirits. It is what I am made to do. And they are made to be mine.
“You’re wrong! You’re a jailor! A monster!” Caden cursed.
Iolaire wasn’t even looking to the side any longer. Caden felt like something inside of him had died.
Iolaire… Iolaire… Iolaire…
Can you imagine how powerful I’ll be when Iolaire and Raziel are mine? The Behemoth lowered that claw to Raziel’s back and caressed the downed Dragon. And after them, all the rest? Nothing in the realms, material or spiritual, will come close to my power. I will be the humans’ god…
“No! Never! That’s not going to happen!” Caden shouted.
It will be better when I’m the one and only god. There won’t be the unrest there is now, the Behemoth told him. Those foolish Humans First people or the even more foolish Faith. I’ll stamp out any rebellion. And people will learn to never complain, but to be grateful for my largesse.
“Illarion tried this. It doesn’t work! There will always be people who fight against you!” Caden cried.
And then they will die. Horribly. Even more horribly than you, the Behemoth laughed and those yellow eyes narrowed with wickedness.
The Behemoth’s caressing forelimb on Raziel became a terrible, blood-letting grip. Raziel shuddered, but its eyes remained shut.
“NO!” Caden screamed.
But what could he do? What could he do to stop this? He had no powers! He could just dodge and fly but nothing else!
You don’t want me to hurt the great Raziel, do you? The Behemoth chuckled. Well, then you come here and earn your fate. That will keep Raziel apart for a little longer.
Caden opened and closed his mouth. He stared at Iolaire. Nothing. No reaction at all.
Iolaire…
Come here, puny human, or I will rip off Raziel’s wings and eat them in front of you! The Behemoth roared and went to grasp one of said wings.
“No! Wait! I’m coming! I’ll come to you. Just… don’t,” Caden begged.
All of the controlled heads smiled.
Caden slowly floated towards the Behemoth. He felt numb. Was this going to lead to death? True death? Nothing?
Come closer, the Behemoth crooned. Closer. CLOSER! Stop stalling!
