Page 8 of The Black Dragon
With Dell gone, now was the time to confront Leo about Justin’s treatment. Hher father’s assistantwas pleasant enough, but she sensed a vein of cruelty in him. Ariel even wondered if Dell had nudged her father into keeping Justincaptive.
“Father, haven’t you received enough magick from Justin? Why keep him thislong?”
Even in the dim light, she could see the flicker of unease crossing his expression. Then her father nodded. “After this session, there will be no more for awhile.”
Alarmed, she pressed on. “You will kill him if you siphon away all hismagick.”
“He will not die. And I have no need for all his magick. He will remain a black dragon. But his body will need time to adjust to the new infusion I will give him.” Leo held up the syringe he used to draw out Justin’sblood.
Behind them, Justin roared. She glanced over her shoulder. He’d shiftedback into his dragon form. The angry dragon rattled his chains, straining at theiron.
Ironhurt.
Justinhurt.
Footsteps on the stairs. Ariel compressed her mouth as Dell Hawkins trudged into the room. Wearing his customary white lab coat, blue long-sleeved shirt and neatly pressed dark trousers, he looked more like a medical technician than a Magescientist.
“Ariel.”Dell nodded at her, then held up a satchel. “I found the quartz crystals you needed, sir. They were very expensive, so I could only purchase ten with the money you gaveme.”
“Those will suffice. On the table.” Leo pushed absently at his hair as he studied anotebook.
As Dell set down the satchel, he glanced at the cage. “You haven’t drained him enough, sir. He keeps shifting backandforth.”
“I gave him additional magick.” Her father didn’t look up. “He’ll be able to do many morethings.”
Dell frowned. “Why would you dothat?”
“By infusing him with the power of the crystals, his blood will be more potent when I take it and make the potion forAriel.”
Not at that cost. “I don’t wantit.”
It was as if the two men didn’t hear her. Or chosenot to hearher.
“Make him too powerful and he will break free and kill you,” Dellwarned.
“Iron will holdhim.”
“Iron may not be enough to contain him. Perhaps you should cut off his balls. Dragon eunuchs are probably not as powerful as fully grown maledragons.”
Arielfroze.
“I hear dragon balls make tasty soup.” Dell winked ather.
Sickened, she turnedto her father. “You’re not serious. Why would you even think of doing that toJustin?”
Leo frowned. “I wouldnot.”
“Sir, begging your pardon, but do you really want him to breed after what you have done to him? He’ll be out of control and if he harms someone, they will blame you.” Dell pointedout.
“You may have a point.” Leo’s frown deepened. “He will be unpredictable andviolent.”
Her stomach gave a sickening jolt as she looked at the instrument Leo nowclutched.
Her father planned to castrate Justin. Remove his male power andmagick.
“Why, Father? Why are you doingthis?”
Leo barely glanced at her. “You don’t understand, Ariel. Dragons aredangerous.”
