Page 140 of Red Fury

“It was all orchestrated by the Mainland,” Kozlov explains. “They needed a reason for the annual vaccination. One that was believable. One that would scare the dragon shifters into doing it. They made it mandatory, with penalties attached.”

Fury and I share a look, and I can see my own horror reflected in his eyes. Just like the jail time I’m now facing for being late with my vaccination. Jail time for not getting avaccination on time. It’s something we’ve always lived with. It’s the norm. But now that I’m here and removed, it seems extreme. All controlled by Mainland Officials…by the humans. The theory works.

What Kozlov is telling us is chilling, to say the least.

“I’m not so sure I can believe it,” Fury states, his hands clenched into fists on his thighs. I can see that part of him believes; he just doesn’t want to. I get it! This is so bad.

“I get that. I know it’s a bitter pill to swallow.” Kozlov leans forward. “The vaccination is a slow-release drug delivered in capsule form. A drug that makes the Draig Island dragons feral so that they have to rely on human riders…all supplied – of course – by the Mainland. It has made them reliant on our government.”

The pieces start clicking into place in my mind.

“It makes us too afraid to leave our island for fear of what carnage we might inflict on the world. It’s also made the story they spun about Mistveil Dragons being out of control more believable. No wonder the Reds hate us,” I say, more to myself. What Kozlov is saying makes a strange kind of sense.

“What about the dragon shifters from Mistveil Island? They also get vaccinated. They’re not feral,” Fury asks, lifting his brows, though I’m sure he already knows the answer. He’s testing Kozlov. I like his strategic thinking. Like it a whole lot.

“That particular drug is designed to make females infertile, and with males, it’s designed to kill off female genetics and prevent females from being born. It works on most dragon shifters, but some seem to be immune to its effects; hence, children still being born, including the very odd female. My sources tell me that scientists are working to make the infertility drugs more effective. It was always planned that the infertility drugs would then be rolled out to Draig Island as well, but Harrison put a stop to the research.”

“I can only guess why that is.” Fury’s jaw tightens, and his eyes get this murderous look.

“Harrison is pushing for straight extermination. He’s done playing games. For the Mainland, it has been a way to keep you in line.”

“To toy with us, you mean?” I shake my head, anger coursing through me, making me feel hot all over.

“All to make us reliant on them for human Tributes. Reliant on them in general,” Fury says, his voice barely above a growl.

“That’s part of it,” Kozlov says, spreading his hands. “It would seem that they are afraid of you and what you could do if you united forces against them.”

“We just want to live our lives,” I whisper, more to myself than to anyone else. The weight of what we’ve learned feels crushing. All these years, all the death and suffering, the division between our islands – it’s all been manufactured.

“What you are saying is believable, but how can we trust you?” I ask, my voice stronger now despite the turmoil in my chest.

“Stop taking the drugs,” Kozlov says, shrugging slowly. “Find a way to beat them at their own game. Then you will see for yourselves.”

I nod slowly, my mind already racing through the implications.

“If we stop taking the vaccinations, will the effects reverse? Will the Draig Dragons regain full control? Will the Mistveil Dragons become fertile again?” Fury asks.

“Yes.” Kozlov stands suddenly, looking at his Rolex. “I am afraid that I don’t have more time for you. I have given you the information you need. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend.”

Fury and I stand as well, our movements synchronized.

“You can’t just leave after dropping this bomb on us,” Fury says.

Kozlov pushes out a laugh. “A bomb?”

Fury sort of smiles. “You know what I mean.”

“All you need to know further is that I will handle things from my side,” Kozlov tells us; his tone is serious. “You will soon have ample proof that I am a man of my word. That I am being straight with you. Go. Leave the Mainland. Return here at your own peril. Do not say that you weren’t warned.” His eyes meet mine briefly, and I see something that might be sympathy there. “You are free to go. I’m truly sorry for the trouble my brother caused.”

And then he walks away, but turns at the last second. “There is one thing I almost forgot to mention.”

“What?” Fury and I say in unison.

“Just like I have spies within the government, they also have spies on your islands. I have heard talk of Council members being on the take. You will both have to be very careful who you trust with this.”

“Yes, but—” Fury starts to say.

“I can’t answer any more questions. I’m sorry, I have to go.”