Page 65 of Forged in Fire

Elena’s expression shifts. Professional mask sliding into place. “We’re here to get you out, Iris. Take you somewhere safe.”

“Safe?” Iris steps back, fight building in her posture. “I don’t need extraction. I need resources. Support. I need help getting to Kieran.”

“That’s not—” Elena stops. Takes a breath. “Look, we can discuss options once we’re airborne. Right now, priority one is getting you away from this guild that’s after you.”

“The Guild isn’t the problem,” Iris snaps. “The Syndicate has my brother. That’s the problem.”

Luke speaks up, tone measured but firm. “Infiltrating a Syndicate stronghold unprepared is insane. You know this.”

“So is abandoning family.”

The radio crackles again. Viktor’s voice, edged with impatience: “Elena. We don’t have an unlimited window here. Get her on that bird.”

Elena looks between the radio and Iris, conflict written across her features. “He’s right, Iris. Every minute here increases risk.”

“Risk to who?” Iris’s voice rising. “You’re not here to help me. You’re here to stop me.”

“We’re here to keep you alive,” Elena shoots back.

“Elena.” It’s Viktor. “This is non-negotiable. She’s too valuable to risk.”

“Too valuable?” Iris snaps. “What the hell does that mean?”

Elena and Luke exchange a look.

“Later,” Elena says finally. “We’ll explain everything once—”

“No.” Iris plants her feet, a stubborn set to her shoulders that I recognize. “Explain now. What did Viktor mean when he said I’m too valuable?”

The question hangs like a challenge. I’m curious about the answer, but more than that, I’m watching the situation develop. This argument is taking too long. Voices carrying farther than they should. Something at the edge of my awareness sends up warning flags.

My enhanced thermal perception picks up movement in the treeline.

Shit!

I force myself to stay settled. It could be anyone. Curious passersby who saw the chopper.

Luke keys his radio. “Viktor, we have a situation. She doesn’t want to come.”

“Then make it non-voluntary,” comes the immediate response. “Use whatever force necessary.”

Iris recoils like she’s been slapped. Elena’s expression crumbles.

“Viktor, no,” Elena says into the radio. “She’s not a prisoner.”

“She is now. Elena, you have your orders.”

Luke’s hand doesn’t move toward his weapon, but his posture shifts. Ready to act. A professional following orders that make my skin crawl.

I step forward, putting myself between Luke and Iris. Not aggressive. Not yet. Making my position clear.

“That’s not going to happen.”

Luke assesses me. Measuring threat level rather than capability. “This doesn’t concern you, assassin.”

“It does now.”

The tension ratchets up. Elena looks torn in half—duty warring with friendship. Luke calculates odds. And Iris—