Page 39 of Forged in Fire (Dragonblood Dynasty #5)

“Of not knowing who I am outside of their programming. Of disappointing you. Of never being able to make up for what I’ve done.”

“You don’t have to make up for anything. You were a victim, not a villain.”

“The people I hurt might disagree.”

“Then we find ways to help them. And I’ll be there with you every step of the way.”

He looks at me with something that might be the beginning of hope. “Will you?”

“Always.”

The word settles between us like a promise. Not to go back to who we were—that’s impossible now. But to move forward as the people we’ve become.

The jet banks into final approach, Seattle’s skyline coming into view through the windows. Viktor’s voice carries back from the forward cabin, discussing transport arrangements and security protocols. Normal concerns that feel surreal after everything we’ve been through.

The jet touches down with barely a bump, engines winding down as we taxi toward a private hangar. Through the windows, I can see black SUVs waiting for us, Aurora Collective security maintaining a perimeter.

“Iris.” Riven’s voice draws my attention. He’s moved to the seat across from us, eyes intense with barely controlled emotion. “We need to talk. Alone.”

Our connection pulses with his need—not sexual, though that undercurrent runs through everything between us—but deeper. The desperate urge to confirm I’m safe, to process what almost happened in that chamber, to claim what’s ours.

“After we get Kieran settled,” I tell him.

“No.” The word comes out sharply. “Now. The bond—” He stops, jaw clenching with visible effort. “I watched them try to break you. Felt your pain through our connection. I need…”

He doesn’t finish, but I understand. This thing between us isn’t just emotional—it’s biological, magical, a fundamental rewriting of what we are. Fighting it is like trying to hold your breath indefinitely. Eventually, nature wins.

“Okay,” I say quietly.

Kieran watches this exchange with interest rather than concern. “I’ll be fine on my own for a while. I have debriefings to give, anyway.”

The jet comes to a complete stop. Outside, security teams move efficiently, sweeping the area and preparing for our exit.

“Are you sure?” I ask Kieran.

“I’ve been on my own for three years. A few more hours won’t kill me.” He manages a weak smile. “Besides, I need time to process everything, too. Being free is going to take some getting used to.”

Viktor appears in the cabin doorway. “Transport’s ready. Kieran, Aurora’s medical team is standing by if you need evaluation.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Kieran says, surprising me. The brother I remember hated doctors, avoided medical attention whenever possible.

“And counseling resources,” Viktor continues. “Specialists who understand conditioning and magical manipulation.”

“That too.”

I squeeze Kieran’s hand one more time before standing. “I’ll check on you later tonight.”

“Take care of yourself first,” he tells me. “Take care of him.” He nods toward Riven. “Mate bonds are dangerous when left unresolved. The magical backlash can be… intense.”

Mate bond. That’s really what this is.

Heat floods my cheeks. Trust my brother to casually mention magical bond theory in the middle of an emotional reunion.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good.” His smile turns slightly wicked—a flash of the teasing brother I remember. “Try not to set anything on fire.”

Riven snorts. “No promises.”

The familiar banter eases some of the tension in my chest. Maybe we really can rebuild this. Maybe the people we’ve become can find ways to connect across the damage and change.

We disembark into Seattle’s drizzle, security teams forming a protective escort toward the waiting vehicles. Kieran goes with Viktor and the medical team. Elena catches my arm as I move toward the SUV assigned to me and Riven.

“You okay?” she asks quietly.

“Getting there.”

“And him?” She nods toward my brother’s retreating figure.

“Alive. That’s more than I dared hope for six hours ago.”

“Recovery will be long,” she warns. “What the Syndicate does to their prisoners… it changes people fundamentally. Don’t expect him to just bounce back.”

“I don’t.” I watch Kieran’s vehicle pull away, carrying him toward whatever comes next. “But he’s stronger than they gave him credit for. He survived all those years with pieces of himself intact. That’s not nothing.”

“No,” Elena agrees. “It’s not nothing.”

Riven’s hand settles on my lower back, warm and possessive. The fledgling bond responds to his touch, sending want and need and recognition through every nerve ending.

“Ready?” he asks.

I look back at Elena. “Tell Viktor we’ll debrief tomorrow. Tonight, I need…”

“I know what you need.” Her smile holds understanding and maybe a little envy. “Go. We’ll handle the cleanup.”

Riven guides me toward the SUV, and I don’t resist. The bond pulls at me now that the immediate crisis has passed, demanding acknowledgment and completion.

“I’ll take it from here,” he tells the driver, who gives a curt nod and slides out of the front seat. Riven takes his place, nodding to the passenger seat beside him. I climb in and buckle up.

“We have things to discuss,” says Riven.

The understatement of the century.

“I know,” I acknowledge. And then I brace for the conversation that’s about to change everything.