"Jenn respects you. Way more than you deserve, in my opinion," Darian replied. "If I'm not mistaken, you're as responsible for this mess as I am. Got suckered into a deal with the Others, Jonny? You really think they'd trade an entire world for one Guardian? They took you for the fool you are."
The Black God's magic swirled around him in fury and agitation. Jonny looked away finally and strode to his bedroom. Darian followed close enough to make sure he went for clothing and not weapons.
"For the record, Darian, I hate you most of all."
"Understood. I stole your woman," Darian said. "You realize by cuffing her, you made her-and your sister-vulnerable? She can't protect anyone like that."
"I had no way of knowing this would happen. She betrayed me. To let her go free would've been a mistake."
Darian paced, mind on Jenn. She was the most resourceful Guardian he knew. If she could find a way to escape, she would. He carefully tucked away the reality that-if Jonny hadn't crippled her-she wouldn't have been taken.
"Why take Bianca?" Jonny asked at last. "I had a deal with them! They know who she is!"
"They used you."
"Where the fuck is Xander in all this?"
"Can't think for yourself?"
"Czerno should've finished you off."
Darian paused in his pacing, savoring the words. He'd love a battle with the god that enslaved him. As Grey God, he had access to magic Czerno didn't. The fight would be long, and chances were, it'd end as a draw. Jonny was born a god-slayer, the only creature that could take the place of a Black God. Still, Darian would relish the battle.
"You have a plan?" The Black God emerged from his chambers at last, eyeing Darian.
"I think I do. But I need to know everything the Others told you about blowing up a world."
"You wouldn't … I wouldn't even do that," Jonny said in a quiet voice.
"You're not the Grey God."
Jonny paled. Darian smiled.