Page 128 of Jay's Silence
“We’re here because, for the first time in a hundred years, we have a common enemy.” Oliviarose pointed at fire territory. “The demon god, Gorm, infiltrated our island, took advantage of our division, and exploited our weaknesses. He wants to rule the world, starting with our island. He used blood magic to enslave dragons we should have been protecting.”
Rage boiled. My people. The kids we’d been trying to help while Doctor Raba groomed them for King Ryker’s private army. I looked at Sky again. Jay had said it was easier to fix someone else than to look inside yourself, and in this moment, I felt the truth behind her words.
“Before I say anything,” Jay pinned Oliviarose and Rehan’s grandfather with her stern gaze. “I want to make sure you fully trust everyone here.” She not so subtly gestured to Sky. “Because if we make a plan and Gorm learns about it, then there was no real reason to make a plan.”
“In this,” Rehan’s grandfather said. “I put my faith in Sky and King Ryker. We’re dragons, Gorm’s not.” His gaze landed on Jay, and I doubted she missed the warning.
Oliviarose inclined her head. “I will also vouch for Sky. Although I disagree with her choices, she does not want to be enslaved by a mad god.”
“I mean,” Jay said. “When you put it that way, I guess I’m looking like the asshole for asking.” She poked the map in the center of the table. “What’s your current plan?”
Oliviarose flushed. “Um, well, this.” She gestured at the meeting.
Rehan let out a disappointed grunt, and my shoulders sank. Our leaders had no idea what to do.
Jay nodded once. “Right, we’ll start here then.” She rubbed her chin. “Ryker’s right. Gorm needs to die. He’ll try to take on the human world, which will end in a war between humans and the supernaturals. Or the very quick genocide of dragon shifters to prevent said war.”
My blood chilled, and grim determination settled on all our shoulders.
“In addition,” Jay continued. “It’s his blood magic controlling Tyson and however many others he’s managed to take over.”
“My son?” King Ryker shook. “He’s truly taken everything.” The Fire King snarled. “And you let him.”
Jay flinched.
But you deserve so much better.The fire king’s words reinforced her insecurities, but he was wrong. And I would make sure Jay saw proof every minute of our lives until she truly felt it.
“I did let him,” Jay said tightly.
King Ryker jerked back in surprise. A few people gasped.
“And Gorm’s existence is my fault,” Jay continued. “But Gorm targeted your island because your shield has weakened the entire magical circulatory system of Earth. Every supernatural on the planet is struggling with fertility because of the gaping hole dragon shifters created by isolating themselves.”
Jay clenched her fist, and I felt her heart bleed. She’d hidden, just like we had, with the same results. It had taken the four of us to make her confront herself, and now she was trying to make our council do the same.
“Pinpointing blame does not make a plan.” She pointed to fire territory on the map in the center of the table. “We just scouted. I found thirteen of your ‘special forces’ infected with his magic, probably a few more inside.” Jay pointed at the map. “He has a lot of blood and needs to store it. His guards are concentrated in these three locations. Ryker, is there refrigeration in any of those locations?”
King Ryker pulled back. “How would I know?”
Jay sighed. “We’ll have to check them all then.”
“He’s in my home!” King Ryker yelled. “You can’t get past my security. No one can.”
Jay grinned. “I’d take that bet, but not today. We need to split Gorm’s forces.”
“We’re going to draw him out,” Og said, picking up on Jay’s plan.
Jay nodded.
“What on this island could possibly draw him out?” King Ryker spat.
Jay pointed at herself. “It’s a long story. But he targeted your son to get to me. I don’t believe I was supposed to leave this island.” She sighed. “Gorm and I are connected from a run-in hundreds of years ago. The demons in the Ley Lines appeared the same day I arrived on the island, which I don’t think was a coincidence.”
“But what if it is?” Oliviarose asked. “I don’t mean to be skeptical, but how are you so sure Gorm will come after you? Your reports didn’t mention anyone looking for you in the last few weeks.”
Jay put one finger in the air before blowing out a breath and dropping her hand. “Gorm’s body died a long time ago. He only exists as thoughts and raw power. He’s dependent on a host, which he can either ride inside of or manifest his original form nearby. Think of Gorm like an evil shadow.” Jay grimaced. “The body he’s completely dependent on is my ex, so I’m pretty sure it’s personal.”
“This is all your fault!” King Ryker yelled again, though the table kept him from getting anywhere close to Jay this time.