“That was for Dante’s benefit,” the Elder Wyrm replied. “He is still disturbingly loyal to you and would not take the truth of your creation well. I allowed him to think he could save you, because a willing heir is much easier to work with. Which is why I sent him away for a time. I knew you would never agree to conform to Talon. From what I have seen and heard, you have been corrupted thoroughly by Cobalt. There are ways to get you to do what we want, of course, ways to leverage your cooperation. For instance, it is hard to be willful when your friends are screaming in pain on the other side of the glass.”

I closed my eyes, feeling my stomach turn inside out with the realization. I’d never had a chance here. Talon knew exactly what to do to get me to cooperate. If I saw Garret and Riley in pain, if the choice was between killing for Talon and letting either of them die... I would probably agree to whatever they wanted.

“But that is unnecessary,” the Elder Wyrm went on. “Your cooperation is not needed, Ember Hill. The timing is perfect. I have my army. I have my heir. Everything is in place. The only thing I require now is immortality.”

A human in a white coat appeared, his head bowed in respect as he approached the Elder Wyrm. “Ma’am? We’re ready to begin.”

“Excellent.” The Elder Wyrm’s predatory stare settled on the human. “And you are certain the procedure will be complete before the night of Fang and Fire?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The Elder Wyrm gave a brusque nod, and the scientist walked to the head of the gurney and grasped the sides. “I’m afraid this is the last time we will see each other,” she said as he began pulling me away. “Apparently, the process of removing your memories is an involved procedure and will take time to fully complete. If you accept the process and do not fight it, it will be much easier for you.” She gave me an amused look as the scientist paused at a door, pulling it open. “Of course, I realize that would be like telling a fish not to swim. You do remind me of myself when I was your age, though that was a long, long time ago. I’ve almost forgotten what it was like, to be young.” Her smile widened, becoming almost wistful. “I must admit, I am looking forward to having another thousand years.”

Then the gurney was pushed through the frame, the door closed behind us and the Elder Wyrm was gone.