The gods didn’t reveal their secrets or their weaknesses, but Drakos had come to him in confidence. He was dying.
Ferro stood. “They are, my sire. I have Breathed a Dragon nearly every day these past three months. Some strong, some weak, but I’m gathering power all the same. My dear Onyx is gaining power as well, and when the war in the Fringe erupts, we’ll swoop in and take the most powerful. That should be enough to sustain you. I have, however, encountered a small complication?—”
“Complication?” The word was like a gavel pounding on the table.
“Nothing worrisome. I am in the process of remedying it now. But I thought you should be aware.”
Ferro valued the rare relationship he had with his sire. Most of the gods who’d created progeny disdained them. Crescents were, after all, an inferior mix of human and god. Drakos had been one of those gods too, back in the days of Lucifera.
“We don’t have much time,” Drakos said. “The death of a god is like that of a star. We flicker for some time, and then…poof.”
His chest tightened at the thought. “We’ll be ready.”
Drakos smiled, though it was weak. “I am putting my life in your hands.”
“We are your honored servants. We will be ready to Breathe our accumulated power into you. You’re certain this will work?”
“Very. Just as I am certain about your reward.”
True immortality. Crescents lived long lives, but they weren’t immune to death and injury. Unless they had the help of a god. It was a secret Ferro kept with great pride.
Drakos started to say something else, but he flickered and disappeared. Ferro held back the fearful call of Drako’s name. No, he wouldn’t believe the god was dead, not when they were so close.
A knock on his door jarred him from his thoughts. “Come.”
Dune walked in, his muscular body holding the posture of a soldier reporting for duty. “You have need of me, sir?”
“I have a matter of a sensitive nature. When I tell you about it, you’ll understand why I chose you.”
His chest puffed. “I appreciate your confidence, sir.”
Dune was an overachiever who enjoyed his job a little too much. As he’d never overstepped his bounds, that was fine with Ferro.
He came around his desk. “Yesterday I sent Kavanaugh on a kill mission. He was to take out the woman who came here demanding we investigate her brother’s death.”
“The Fringer that Kavanaugh allowed to walk into your office? If I’d been closer?—”
“Never mind that. It appears that he cannot complete his mission. That, in fact, he is refusing to. As you know, insubordination cannot be tolerated in the Guard.”
Behind the swirling mist, Dune’s eyes were as dark as his skin. He already understood. “Of course not.”
“Kavanaugh has apparently reverted to his wild days. That would only be grounds for termination. However, I believe he has allied with the target, and that makes him dangerous. Now he must be exterminated. I know there is no love lost between you two, so you will not falter in eliminating both him and Violet Castanega. And anyone else who might become involved in the altercation.”
Dune’s mouth cracked into a grin that revealed his white teeth. “Consider it done.” Before he closed the door behind him, he said, “I’ll report as soon as I’m finished.”
Ferro allowed himself to feel a moment’s regret at wiping out one of his better Vegas. Even in his undisciplined days, Kavanaugh was skilled and efficient.
Ferro pushed aside his regrets and called Onyx. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.” Her voice, though, sounded frail. “I should be ready to continue today.”
“Take time to heal. I’ve sent another Vega to eliminate the problem. Regain your strength today. Then, tomorrow, you’ll be ready.”
“We’re running out of time. The full effect of the solar storm hits us tomorrow. We’ve got to have enough power by then.”
Ferro felt the urgency as much as she did. “We are very close, my dear. Perhaps close enough. But no, we’ll not take any chances. For my hunt, I have a lead on an old Dragon who’s hiding out in a church. Acting as a priest, after two hundred years of preying on the innocent. Preying, and now praying.” He allowed himself a laugh.
“Be careful.”
