Page 95 of Daemon Master

“Exactly what it sounds like. Breeding daemons the old-fashioned way is tedious and unpredictable, their forms and techniques influenced by external factors such as ambient aether. In order for our research to reach its full potential, we needed a way to reliably manufacture more daemons that possessed desirable characteristics.”

Unease prickled Adrian’s skin. “How is that possible?”

Jasper waved a dismissive hand. “A full explanation would be beyond you. Suffice it to say that, after years of observation, we learned how to draw upon a sufficiently powerful source of aether and force it to congeal into a new daemon. Unfortunately, most of these specimens proved flawed, their aetheric integrity collapsing soon after birth.”

Something about the seeker’s explanation felt off—not quite a lie, perhaps, but certainly an omission. Adrian decided to let it go for now in favor of other questions vexing him. He intended to take full advantage of Jasper’s inexplicable openness so long as it lasted.

“Why bother with all that effort? I can see the appeal of handpicking desirable techniques, but surely you could obtain enough daemons from the Bulwark or the Keeper Division’s breeding grounds with far less hassle.”

“For our initial tests, yes. But for mass production? We’d never be able to meet demand. Direct control over a daemon’s powers allows us to create precisely what we need when and how we need it.” Jasper’s voice and demeanor grew increasingly impassioned as he continued. “More importantly, we can generate daemons better suited for absorption into aetheric constructs. That way, less aether is wasted during transference.”

It took Adrian a moment to piece together what the seeker meant. When he did, he hissed in a breath, feeling his disgust echoed through his bonds. “You mean all of this is so you can breed daemons that are easier to butcher for your aetherforged relics?”

Jasper didn’t appear bothered by the condemnation in Adrian’s tone. “I prefer the termdaemoforgedto differentiate the processes involved, but in essence, yes. Integrating a daemon rarely goes smoothly. It helps to structure the aether so that its resonance better aligns with…”

He trailed off, studying Adrian before sighing ruefully. “I can see I’m losing you. The point is, all our successes thus far, including Kali’s borrowed relics, came from such specimens. Once our keepers had a viable daemon, they’d send it to seekers like Callum to stress its aether and assess its viability. Unfortunately, striking just the right aetheric balance has been…challenging.”

“That’s why you’ve been so desperate to retrieve Heartrender,” Adrian said in sudden understanding. Off to the side, Heartrender shifted uneasily.

Jasper beamed at him the way a teacher might a prized pupil. “Precisely! She is our crowning achievement—the first of an entirely new breed of daemon. By studying her, I hope to learn how to mimic her design so that we can manufacture more daemons in her image. She is the key to bringing daemoforging to the masses.”

“Destroying her in the process,” Adrian said bitterly.

“And what of it?” Jasper replied with a shrug. “She is less than a daemon—an artificially designed and created construct. Weownher, and we will do with our property as we see fit.”

Heartrender understood enough of the seeker’s words to send a hot surge of anger blazing through their bond. “What about me and the others?” Adrian asked while attempting to soothe her. “Why keep us alive if all you care about is Heartrender?”

Jasper raised an eyebrow. “Are you trying to convince me to kill you?” He chuckled as Adrian flushed. “Don’t worry. Kali may have been willing to bend her orders, but I for one can’t wait to study the true bond firsthand. Just because we can’t allow its existence to become public doesn’t mean we can’t find other ways to harness it for our benefit.”

Bile rose in Adrian’s throat at the prospect of Serenity Corp twisting the true bond to their own vile ends. “What exactly do you hope to accomplish with all this?”

“Why, nothing more nor less than securing the future of the human race!” Jasper swept his arms out grandly, his white coat billowing around him. “Imagine not just devices butpeoplepermanently infused with a daemon’s power. No longer would we be reliant on the monsters that terrorize us. Instead of capturing daemons, we could seize their power for ourselves! Whether that advancement comes from our existing research orfrom your true bond makes little difference to me. Either way, society reaps the benefits.”

The words echoed Kali’s claims during their confrontation in the forest. A world free of humankind’s reliance on daemons…and a vision of progress built on genocide.

Without warning, Jasper spun and strode toward the still-open doorway. “Wait!” Adrian called, sudden dread gripping him. “Where are you going?”

“I think that’s enough discussion for one day. Not to worry—we’ll chat more soon.”

“What do you plan to do with us?”

Jasper paused in the open doorway. “The next airship arrives in ten days. You and your friends—along with your daemons, of course—will be brought aboard and transported to my lab in Haven. Until then, you will remain here as my guests.”

Adrian let out an involuntary snort.

Jasper eyed him. “Be glad you ended up inmyhands and not Kali’s. While the agent had her virtues, mercy wasn’t among them. With me, you can at least expect regular meals and to be left alone save my occasional visits.”

Adrian furrowed his brow, unable to hide his confusion. “Why?”

“I’m curious about you. And the watchers make for such tedious company, especially after the months I’ve already spent among them.”

“No, I mean, why treat us so nicely? I expected you to torture us for information or punish us for defying Serenity Corp.”

“Wounded egos don’t concern me, Adrian. All I care about are results.” He fixed Adrian with an unsettling grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Besides, there will be plenty of time for proper study once we’ve returned to Haven. Until then, I intend to keep you close. No more mistakes…nor opportunities.”

Adrian’s stomach sank at the implication. Jasper would ensure they remained alone and isolated until the airship arrived, at which point they’d no doubt be placed under heavy guard. And then they’d all become nothing more than glorified lab rats in service of Project Paragon.

The seeker glanced at Heartrender, something like anticipation crossing his features. Adrian’s daemons had obeyed his silent plea to remain impassive and avoid drawing attention. Now, however, Heartrender bristled beneath Jasper’s too-keen gaze and let out a low growl.