“So we’re taking down a fascist dragon regime?” Rune asked, her expression so fucking adorably focused.
“Yes,” Hunting said. “Repairthe timeline.”
She snapped her fingers again, and my name and role popped up on the screen.
Slater Havoc:Sow chaos. Incite panic. Destabilize the draconic elite through targeted sabotage.
I shrugged. “Easy.”
Hunting’s gaze flicked to me with a small sigh. “It might be your strength, but do so in a way that benefits the mission.”
She snapped again, and Rune’s name appeared.
My heart dropped like a fucking rock in my gut.
Rune Bloodwyne:Targeted by the cult as an “ideal” breeder-class basilisk. The cult believes she can create venom drakes of some kind. No scientific proof, only theorized. Seduce Roak and then kill him when his guard is down.
I laughed on reflex. It was too loud, and my chaos magic blasted around me, making Snakey hiss. “You’re really going to make her seduce a historical monstrous rapist?”
“She’s been given a spy role, Slater,” Hunting said, unruffled. “Besides…it’s a year-one simulation. I assure you she’s in no danger. Roak is dead by Rune’s own mother, after all.”
“Uh...” Koa raised his hand, and I didn’t miss the tremors in his fingers. “Simulated fire still burns us, doesn’t it?”
“Koa, being an agent means putting yourself in situations you’dneverwant to be in.” Hunting winced. “This mission is dark, but the truth of the Dragon Cult is darker. Things you do as an agent will be dark.”
“She shouldn’t have to do that,” Zuko growled out, and I knew the thought of her role got under his skin the same way it got under mine.
“Why do I always get the seduction missions?” Rune grumbled.
“Your mother was more than gifted in that technique,” Hunting explained with a soft smile. “You seem to have her skill, and yes, that’s a very high compliment coming from me. However, all agents will be exposed to these roles. You still have many other missions to complete that will not deal with seduction. I’m sorry, but you can’t debate your assignment. Either take it or fail.”
“I accept my mission.” Rune nodded in understanding, but I wanted to argue more.
Crossing my arms over my chest, I pouted.
Hunting moved on. The board brought up the next one.
Zuko Vyre:Play the role of a willing dragon-loyalist to get close to the ruling elite. Pinpoint turning points.
“Got it,” Zuko grunted, a frown curving his features.
She snapped again.
Koa Ashbourne:Healing slave of the elite. Learn everything you can and take down the slavers at the ball.
“Oh, come on,” Koa grumbled.
Snap.
Dimitri Nocturnus:Serve as an information strategist for the Dragon Regime. Keep an eye out for an opportunity to revolt.
He nodded jerkily, his fists tight on his desk.
Snap.
Eleanor Fawnmere:Shifters are considered useless to this regime. Infiltrate the elite’s circle to gain intel for the revolution.
She winced but nodded. Her hands gripped the sides of the desk so hard her knuckles turned white.
