Page 2 of Lost in Fire

“Interesting theory, Elder. But surely isolated cases don’t justify—” I begin.

“Isolated?” Vex says. “These seventeen represent only what we’ve found through accidental discovery. How many others remain hidden? How many corrupted bloodlines are living among us, breeding freely, spreading their contamination?”

The words leave me frozen. This isn’t about specific individuals anymore. This is about systematic hunting.

“What exactly are you proposing?” I ask, though I’m beginning to suspect I know.

“Enhanced Detection Protocol Seven.” The holographic display shifts, showing technical specifications that make alarm bells jangle. “Complete genetic verification using the latest resonance techniques. Bloodline analysis that can identify mixed heritage seven generations removed.”

Seven generations. The number echoes in my skull. Ember’s mixed heritage goes back exactly one generation—to her human witch father. She wouldn’t stand a chance.

“You’re suggesting wholesale genetic screening?” Elder Empyreal’s voice carries careful neutrality.

“I’m suggesting we protect our bloodlines from contamination.” Dark eyes flare behind his mask. “My own clan has fewer than a dozen pure members. Other clans face similar pressures. We cannot allow dilution to continue unchecked.”

“The scope seems… extensive,” Elder Cymbane observes. “Our current verification systems—”

“Are antiquated.” Vex cuts her off. “Cassia’s latest research has yielded remarkable advances in detection sensitivity. We can now identify contamination that previous methods would have missed entirely.”

All eyes turn to Cassia. For a fraction of a second, our gazes meet, and I catch the warning there.

He’s already decided.

“The enhanced protocols I’ve been developing,” Cassia says, her voice perfectly steady, “have reached new levels of precision. We can identify mixed heritage with ninety-seven percent accuracy, even in cases where the contamination occurred multiple generations ago.”

A collective murmur of approval ripples around the table. The Ivory League has always prized genetic purity. The elders at this table won’t even sanction mating between clans, let alone inter-species pairings.

I glance at Vex and contemplate the level of interbreeding his line must suffer from.

“Implementation timeline?” asks Elder Helestre.

“Three phases of screening,” Vex responds, pulling up detailed project schedules. “Phase One: All new births and young adults under twenty-five, since they represent the most recentwave of infractions from our members. Phase Two: Existing clan members in positions of authority in order to determine loyalty to our cause. Phase Three: Comprehensive screening of all bloodline members to weed out any potential pairings that might be likely to result in illegal offspring.”

Phase One. All young adults under twenty-five.

Ember turns twenty-one in two weeks.

“The technical requirements,” I manage, “would be considerable. Magical resonance scanning on this scale—”

“Has been accounted for.” Vex’s preparation is thorough, terrifying. “We’ve secured the necessary equipment and personnel. Enhanced protocols can begin implementation within two weeks.”

Two weeks.

“So, what is it that you are proposing, Elder Vex?” It’s Flamebrow now.

“I want sanction to put these plans into practice,” he says. “To be assured that I am acting in the interests of all of those seated here, along with the clans represented.”

“And the ultimate aim?” Helestre asks.

“Exile for those lone dragons who’ve joined the Syndicate and then betrayed our aims by mating outside our ranks,” says Vex. “And for our most sacred bloodlines—those the Ivory League represents…” He looks around at the others. “Complete elimination.”

My heart literally stops as the blood drains from my face.

“By elimination, I’m assuming you mean…” God, I wish my voice wasn’t so hoarse.

“Execution, yes,” Vex responds smoothly, as if he’s not discussing wholesale murder. “And I expect you all to pledge your support.”

There’s a brief silence as the others mull over this.

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