Page 22 of Fated by Fire (Dragonblood Dynasty #1)

Chapter 22

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The street lights rush past me as I navigate the winding roads back into Seattle. Leaving Elena at the cabin was necessary, but it doesn’t sit well with me. Every instinct screams to keep her close, but I can’t risk her safety—or the Heartstone’s—by letting emotions cloud my judgment.

As I pull into the underground garage of Craven Tower, the weight of the past few days settles heavily on my shoulders. Malakai’s betrayal, the Syndicate’s bold moves, and Elena’s unexpected heritage—all spinning threads in a web that threatens to ensnare us all.

I park the car and take a moment to steady myself. The faint hum of the engine fades, leaving only the distant echoes of the city above. I need to focus. Dorian is waiting.

The private elevator whisks me up to the executive floor. As the doors slide open, I step into the hushed corridor. The offices are mostly empty at this hour, the usual bustle replaced by an uneasy stillness.

Dorian is in the conference room, sprawled casually in a leather chair with his feet propped up on the polished table. He’s flipping through a stack of reports, but his gaze lifts the moment I enter.

“About time,” he says, a hint of impatience in his tone. “I was starting to think you were bailing on me.”

“I had to make sure everything was secure,” I reply, closing the door behind me. “We can’t afford any more mistakes.”

He smirks. “Always so serious, brother.” But his eyes sharpen as he studies me. “Fill me in.”

I sink into a chair opposite him, rubbing a hand over my face. “We have a problem.”

“Just one?” He raises an eyebrow. “Because I’ve counted at least five since breakfast.”

“The Syndicate.”

His smirk fades. “What about it?”

“They took Elena.”

Dorian sits up straight, dropping his feet to the floor. “They what? Why?”

I recount the events of the past twenty-four hours—the Syndicate’s involvement via Blackthorn, and the Enforcer, and the revelation of Elena’s lineage.

“She’s a Rossewyn,” I finish. “A direct descendant of Lyria.” I reach into my top pocket and extract the photo of Elena’s mother, sliding it across the table to him. “This is her mother. Note the resemblance. Elena spoke of seeing a picture of her mother in the company archives, but I think it was probably one of her ancestors.”

“A Rossewyn.” Dorian rubs his jaw. “Well damn. Didn’t see that coming.”

“Neither did I.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on the table. “It explains how she got past the security measures. The Heartstone recognized her.”

“But none of us did.”

“No.” I scowl. “Perhaps it’s been too long. We’ve forgotten.” Guilt gnaws at me. “ I’ve forgotten.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. It’s been decades since anyone set eyes on one.”

“The Syndicate probably did. Twenty years ago, Elena’s mother went missing.”

He exhales sharply. “Malakai?”

I shake my head. “No idea. I don’t peg him as a Syndicate man. Though he may have allied with them. Possibly leading the Circle of Fire.”

“That old bastard.” Dorian shakes his head. “I knew he was stuck in the past, but treason?”

“It’s more than treason,” I say grimly. “He’s willing to betray his own clan, risk exposure, endanger us all—for what? Some misguided notion of returning to the ‘old ways’?”

“The Circle runs deep. But I’ve heard rumors that the old-timers were gathering.” Dorian’s jaw tightens. “We should have seen this coming.”

“Perhaps.” I glance out the window at the cityscape. “But right now, we need to focus on containing the threat.”

“Agreed.” He drums his fingers on the table. “So, what’s the plan? And please tell me you’re not keeping the woman somewhere obvious.”

“She’s safe.”

He snorts. “Meaning you’ve got her hidden away in that cabin of yours?”

“She’s off the radar,” I snap. “It’s the best option for now.”

“Unless Malakai knows about it.”

“He doesn’t.”

“You sure about that?” Dorian gives me a pointed look. “He’s been two steps ahead of us so far.”

I grit my teeth. “If you have a better suggestion, I’m all ears.”

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I’m not the enemy here. Just stating the facts.” He pauses, his gaze scrutinizing. “Is she worth all this trouble?”

“Yes.” My voice is gruff.

A slow grin spreads across his face. “Ah, I see.”

“It’s not like that,” I insist, though even I can hear the lack of conviction in my voice.

“Sure it isn’t.” He leans back, lacing his fingers behind his head. “But let’s not forget—she’s the key to the Heartstone now. Whether you like it or not.”

I nod reluctantly. “Which is why we need to protect her.”

“And ourselves.” Dorian’s expression turns serious. “The clan won’t take kindly to any of this. Malakai’s got influence. If he spins this his way…”

“Then we’ll deal with it.” I stand, pushing the chair back. “But first, we need to find out how deep his infiltration goes.”

“I can reach out to some of our contacts,” Dorian offers. “See who’s still loyal.”

“Do it discreetly. We can’t tip our hand.”

“Of course.” He arches an eyebrow. “And what will you be doing?”

“Consulting with Lydia. She might have insights into how to strengthen the Heartstone’s defenses—or at least understand what’s happening with it.”

He whistles softly. “Going to the matriarch herself. Desperate times.”

“If anyone knows about the Rossewyn lineage, it’s her.”

“Fair point.” Dorian rises, smoothing his shirt. “Be careful with her. She’s not as neutral as she seems.”

“I know.”

A loaded silence stretches between us. Finally, he places a hand on my shoulder. “Watch your back, Caleb.”

“You too.”

He gives a short nod before striding out of the conference room, leaving me alone with a mind buzzing with uncertainties.

I turn to face the window, the city sprawling beneath me like a glittering maze. Somewhere out there, the Syndicate is plotting. Malakai is mobilizing forces against us. And Elena—she’s caught in the crossfire of a war she didn’t even know existed.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. Pulling it out, I see a message from Sloane:

Security footage reviewed. Malakai accessed sub-level archives yesterday at 11 pm. Unusual activity noted. Advise caution.

So he’s still making moves within our own building. The audacity is staggering.

I type a quick response:

Understood. Increase surveillance discreetly. Report any further anomalies directly to me.

I send the message and then hesitate, my thumb hovering over the screen before typing again.

Revoke all access to Malakai Steele. Advise security to bar him from the building.

It’s a bold move, but I feel that it’s justified. After the fight with Steele, I think it’s safe to say that we’re no longer on the same side. Whether he’s working with the Syndicate, or the Circle of Fire has opted to branch out on their own, we’re going to lock horns. And I’m not going to take any chances on him having access to the Heartstone.

Sloane’s response is immediate and typically unquestioning:

Of course.

The woman really is a gem.

Sliding the phone back into my pocket, I leave the conference room and head in the direction of my office.

As I approach the door, Lydia James glides down the hallway toward me.

“Caleb,” she says softly.

“Lydia.” I mask my surprise. “I was just about to contact you.”

Her silver-gray hair gleams under the dimmed lights, and her eyes—sharp and assessing—meet mine steadily. “We need to talk.”

“Agreed.” I gesture towards my office. “Shall we?”

She inclines her head and follows me inside. Once the door closes, she turns to face me, her expression unreadable.

“I’ve been hearing things,” she begins. “Rumors of dissent. Malakai’s name keeps coming up.”

“He’s up to something,” I confirm. “Possibly aligned himself with the Syndicate.”

A flicker of emotion crosses her face—sadness, perhaps. “I feared as much.”

“There’s more.” I take a breath. “They tried to abduct someone important. A woman—Elena Ross. She’s… a descendant of Lyria Rossewyn.”

Lydia’s eyes widen fractionally. “Impossible.”

“It’s true. The Heartstone reacted to her. She bypassed our security as if it wasn’t there.”

She moves to the window, gazing out thoughtfully. “If what you say is true, then she is of paramount importance.”

“I’ve secured her for now, but we need to understand how to proceed. How to protect her and the Heartstone.”

Lydia turns back to me. “The Rossewyn line was thought to be extinct. If she carries that bloodline, she may possess untapped abilities.”

“She’s untrained. Vulnerable.”

“Precisely why the Syndicate wants her.” She pauses. “We must consider bringing her into the fold. Teaching her.”

“Is that wise? Exposing her further?”

Lydia’s gaze hardens. “Keeping her ignorant is far more dangerous. Knowledge is her best defense.”

I rub my temples, the weight of decisions pressing heavily. “I need to think.”

“Don’t take too long,” she warns gently. She moves toward the door but hesitates. “Caleb, be careful. There are those within the clan whose loyalties may waver. Trust must be earned.”

I nod. “Thank you, Lydia.”

After she leaves, I sink into my chair, running a hand over my face. The path ahead is murky, fraught with potential missteps.

My thoughts drift to Elena, alone at the cabin. I promised to keep her safe, but with enemies circling, is anywhere truly safe?

The soft chime of an incoming message pulls me from my reverie. It’s from an unknown number.

We have eyes everywhere. You can’t protect her forever.