Chapter Thirty-One
The Dragon King strode past his knights to stand before the kneeling Okon. “Are you so certain there is no cure?”
“Chief Nahel embedded silk into our flesh.” The Okon warrior waved at the scars on his neck. “It has made us into monsters.” He held out his arms, displaying the glowing veins. “It tears at our souls even as it strengthens us. I'm so tired.” He hung his head. “Please, Your Majesty, just kill me.”
I stepped up beside Raven and laid a hand on his arm. “Don't.”
“They beg for mercy, Mate. How can I deny them?” Raven's expression held regret, as if he'd already done the deed.
“Magic condemned them. Maybe magic can free them.” I looked at the Okon. “Give us some time to find someone to help you. Please. Don't give up. I have Nahel's notes. There may be a way to undo this.”
“Why would you help us?” another Okon asked. “We have done terrible things.”
“Did you want to do those things or did you feel compelled?”
The man looked at the other Okons before saying, “I felt compelled.”
I nodded. “I believe he wove some of the enslaving silk in with that which strengthened you. You were bound to obey him.”
“That's why whenever I tried to stop him, I froze.” The first Okon surged to his feet. “Damn that bastard!”
“Let us try to help you.” Looking at them, I knew this wasn't just for them. Helping my enemies, perhaps changing them, would help me.
“My mate has lived bound by the same magic that has altered you,” the King said. “If he thinks you can be saved, I believe it too. Give us one month. If we cannot help you by them, I will end your lives painlessly.”
“My name is Levru,” the first man who had spoken said. “One month, Your Majesty. If you save me, I will be your warrior. If not, I will accept your mercy.”
The other Okons stood and pounded their chests with an agreeing shout.
The Dragon King lifted an eyebrow at me.
“Yes, I know,” I muttered. “Now I have to save them.”