Page 14

Chapter 14

T alon

The surveillance photos stream across my tablet for the fifth time today. I can’t stop examining them.

Elena Ross from a dozen different directions. Some arriving at the Craven Industries offices. Some interacting with others. Some where she’s with Caleb Craven.

It’s been seven days since she walked into Craven Industries under false pretenses. Seven days of watching her through security feeds, building dossiers, and reporting her every movement to people who want to use her like they’ve used her mother.

My finger hovers over the screen, pausing on an image where Caleb is watching her. The dragon CEO lets his guard slip when he thinks no one’s looking. I recognize that look. The same one I fight to keep off my face whenever I’m with Lila.

Desire. Fascination. The beginning of something dangerous.

I don’t know where it came from, but I’ve been powerless to resist.

I close the feed and rise from my desk, muscles stiff from sitting too long. The quarters they’ve assigned me are spacious by Syndicate standards, but still a cage. Everything in this place is.

“Reeve.” The voice crackles through my comms unit. “Meeting in Operations, ten minutes.”

Creed. Summoning his dog to heel.

I acknowledge with a grunt and grab my security tablet. Time for another performance in my ongoing charade.

The corridors feel different today. More guards, new security protocols I wasn’t consulted on. Changes implemented while I slept. The Syndicate closing ranks around their most valuable assets.

Around Lila.

Three days since she fought her way back to consciousness, and they’re already planning to put her back to work. Three days of watching her struggle to rebuild her strength while they discuss her like she’s equipment rather than a person.

The rage sits in my gut like smoldering coals. I stifle it, force it down where it can’t show on my face or in my eyes.

The Operations room hums with activity as I enter. A dozen analysts at monitoring stations, tracking energy signatures, surveillance feeds, communication channels. The nerve center of Syndicate intelligence gathering.

Creed stands at the central table with Dr. Emerson and two security officers I don’t recognize. New faces. Not good.

“Reeve.” Creed nods, not bothering with pleasantries. “Your report on the Ross girl.”

I approach, pulling up the necessary files on my tablet. “Day seven of observation. Subject continues to perform her assigned tasks without deviation from cover story.”

“And?” Creed’s impatience bleeds through his professional veneer.

“She’s making progress,” I continue. “Cataloging files in the archives as requested by Craven. Standard investigative methodology. Searching for the information Blackthorn hired her to find.”

“Has she accessed the secure levels yet?” Emerson asks, eyes flat and cold.

“No. Craven’s keeping her on a tight leash. Restricting access to upper levels only. She hasn’t been near the lower vaults.” We’re now certain that this is where the clan would keep the Heartstone.

Creed’s jaw tightens. “Timeline’s too slow. We need her in those vaults.”

“She’s earning his trust,” I counter. “Moving too quickly would raise suspicion.”

“Trust,” Creed repeats, expression souring. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

He gestures to one of the security officers, who brings up a new feed on the central display. Elena and Caleb in his private office, standing too close. His hand brushing her arm. The electricity between them visible even through surveillance footage.

“Seems our girl is taking a personal approach to her assignment,” Creed observes with a thin smile. “Convenient for us.”

I maintain a bland expression despite the sick feeling in my belly. “The personal connection may facilitate access to restricted areas.”

“Precisely.” Creed leans forward, predatory satisfaction in his eyes. “Which is why we’re accelerating the timeline. I want an extraction team ready to move as soon as she accesses the Heartstone.”

Warning bells sound in my head. “Extraction team, sir?”

“Both the Ross girl and whatever she finds,” he confirms. “Once she leads us to the Stone, we move immediately.”

“We risk exposure,” I point out. “Craven Industries has significant security, both conventional and magical.”

“Risk is minimal with proper preparation.” Creed gestures to the new security officers. “Madden and Carter are elite tactical specialists. They’ll lead the ground team.”

I get a sinking feeling as I recognize what’s happening. I’m being sidelined.

“With respect, sir, as head of security for this facility, I should—”

“You’ll remain here,” Creed interrupts, his expression making it clear that this is not a negotiation. “Your knowledge of the witch makes you valuable for phase two.”

“Phase two,” I repeat, careful to keep my tone even.

He taps the table, bringing up a new display. Lila’s medical charts, current status, extraction schedules.

“Once we have the daughter and the Heartstone, we’ll need the older witch to get the new one up to speed.” His eyes gleam with anticipation. “Your rapport with her could prove useful in ensuring her cooperation.”

The implication turns my stomach. They want me to leverage whatever connection exists between Lila and me to force her compliance once they have Elena.

What should bother me more is the fact that they’re aware of a connection.

Watch yourself, Raize.

The need to be near her is going to blow my cover.

“I understand,” I say, though what I understand is that the window for action is closing fast.

“Good.” Creed turns back to the display. “Now, about the witch’s recovery. The medical team reports that she’s regaining strength faster than expected.”

“She’s resilient,” I offer, careful not to sound too invested.

“Indeed.” Emerson steps forward, pulling up Lila’s neural scans. “Though the damage remains extensive. Full extraction capabilities may be permanently compromised.”

“Can she handle the Shard?” Creed asks.

“Tests indicate yes, though with limitations. Her connection to it is stronger than anticipated.”

“I want to start daily sessions with the Shard,” Creed decides. “Carefully monitored. We need her functional when we retrieve the Heartstone.”

“Security implications?” I ask, steering the conversation toward my domain. “The Shard has significant power. If she can access it—”

“Already addressed,” Creed cuts me off. “New containment protocols have been implemented in her quarters and the testing chamber. Dampening field upgraded. Guard rotation doubled.”

Changes made without consulting me. Another warning sign.

Are they onto me?

Fuck.

“I should review the new protocols,” I push slightly. “Ensure they align with facility standards.”

“They exceed facility standards,” one of the new security officers—Madden—interjects. “Designs came directly from Central Command.”

Creed watches my reaction, eyes narrowed slightly. “Is there a problem, Reeve?”

I hide my concern behind professional pride. “No problem. Just ensuring proper integration with existing systems.”

“Your concern is noted.” The dismissal in his tone couldn’t be clearer. “Now, about tomorrow’s schedule. The Ross girl has assured Blackthorn that she’ll be pushing for more details.”

They continue discussing Elena’s movements while I process what’s happening. I’m being edged out of the security loop. My access restricted. My authority undermined.

They suspect something.

For fuck’s sake. Stop being paranoid.

But I can’t shake the feeling. And in this business, instincts can’t be ignored.

The meeting continues for another twenty minutes. Details of surveillance placement, energy signature tracking, extraction team preparation. I contribute just enough to maintain my cover while mentally noting every new security measure they mention.

When we finally adjourn, Creed holds me back with a hand on my arm. His grip is just tight enough to remind me of the strength that lurks beneath his human form. The dragon he is.

“Reeve.” His voice drops lower. “Central Command has taken a special interest in this operation. Success here means advancement for everyone involved.” His eyes bore into mine. “But failure… well. The consequences would be equally significant.”

“I understand, sir.”

“Do you?” He releases my arm. “Sometimes I wonder where your priorities truly lie.”

Ice slides down my spine. “My loyalty to the Syndicate is absolute.”

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll see.”

With a curt nod, I leave, navigating the sterile corridors while my mind races. The new security measures, the tactical specialists, the subtle sidelining of my authority—all point to increasing suspicion.

Shit. Time is running out.

I need to check on Lila, but first, I need to update Viktor.

The secure transmission point is in a maintenance closet near the east wing. One of the few blind spots I’ve carefully preserved in the facility’s surveillance network.

After ensuring I’m not followed, I slip inside, extracting the comms unit and slipping it into my ear.

“Aurora actual,” I murmur, activating the quantum encryption. “Status update urgent.”

Static crackles for three seconds before Zoe’s voice filters through. “Proceed.”

“Syndicate preparing extraction team for both the Ross daughter and the Heartstone. New tactical personnel on site. Security protocols upgraded without my authorization.” I keep my voice whisper-soft. “My position may be compromised.”

“How long?” Zoe asks, voice tight.

“Days. They’re tracking her progress through Craven Industries. Once she locates the Heartstone, they move.” I glance at the door, listening for footsteps. “The daughter is developing a personal connection with Caleb Craven. Complicates matters.”

“Understood.” A pause. “And the Rossewyn witch?”

“Recovering but heavily guarded. New containment protocols, doubled security. They’re preparing to use her with the Shard. Then she’ll get the daughter to activate the Heartstone once they have it.” I hesitate. “She’s key to their entire plan, Zoe. We can’t leave her here.”

“It was never an option. Authorization for extraction of both targets granted,” Zoe responds after a moment. “Viktor agrees the situation has escalated. Primary objective now is preventing the Syndicate from obtaining the Heartstone.”

Relief floods me, followed immediately by the weight of what comes next. “I’ll need resources. The witch is still weak, and the security around her has tightened significantly.”

“Extraction team on standby,” Zoe confirms. “Three operatives, ready to move on your signal. Coordinates for the rendezvous point have been uploaded to your secure drive.”

“Received.”

“Talon,” Zoe’s voice softens slightly, “Viktor says if your cover is blown, don’t wait. Get out immediately. The witch is important, but not at the cost of your life.”

“Understood.” Though I have no intention of leaving without Lila, regardless of the risk. “Next contact in twenty-four hours unless emergency protocols initiated.”

“Confirmed. Aurora actual out.”

I exit the closet, resuming my security rounds as if nothing had happened.

My path takes me past the medical wing. Lila has been transferred back to her quarters but remains under observation. The corridor leading to her section bristles with new security. Two additional guard points, advanced magical dampening fields I can feel against my skin, and surveillance drones patrolling the ceiling.

I approach the first checkpoint, security badge ready.

“Chief Reeve,” the guard acknowledges, scanning my credentials. “Purpose of visit?”

“Security assessment for the new containment protocols.” I maintain Allard Reeve’s authoritative demeanor despite the unusual scrutiny.

“You’ll need additional clearance for section seven,” he informs me, checking his tablet. “New protocol as of 0600 hours.”

“I’m head of security for this facility,” I remind him, irritation bleeding into my tone. “My clearance supersedes sectional restrictions.”

“Not anymore, sir.” He gestures to a notice on his screen. “Direct orders from Creed. All visits to the Rossewyn asset must be authorized by him or Dr. Emerson personally.”

My jaw tightens. “Since when?”

“This morning, sir.” He looks uncomfortable but stands his ground. “I can request authorization if you’d like.”

Which would alert Creed to my interest in seeing Lila. Not ideal.

“That won’t be necessary,” I say smoothly. “I’ll discuss the protocol change with Creed directly. Carry on.”

I turn and walk away before he can respond, mind working furiously. They’ve effectively cut me off from Lila.

This changes everything. If I can’t access her directly, our extraction plan needs immediate revision.

I head toward the monitoring station instead, where I still have authority to review surveillance feeds under the guise of security oversight.

The technician nods as I enter. “Chief Reeve. What can I pull up for you?”

“Current feed from Ross’s quarters,” I request. “Routine security check.”

He taps a few commands, bringing up the feed on the central monitor. The image shows Lila sitting by her window, staring out at the mountains beyond. Hargen stands nearby, checking medical equipment.

Even through the surveillance footage, I can see her improvement. She sits straighter, color returning to her face. Her hands rest calmly in her lap rather than trembling. Healing. Fighting.

The sight makes something tighten in my chest. I turn away from the screen.

“That will be all,” I tell the technician, having seen enough. “Return to standard monitoring protocols.”

As I leave the monitoring station, frustration simmers beneath my skin. They’ve isolated Lila, increased security, and begun preparing for the final phase of their plan. My access is restricted, my movement monitored.

And somewhere in Seattle, Elena Ross moves unwittingly closer to the trap set for her—and, by extension, for her mother.

I turn the corner and nearly collide with Hargen, exiting the secure section.

“Reeve.” He acknowledges me with a nod, expression unchanged but eyes alert.

“Cole.” I match his professional tone. “A word.”

We move to a relatively private alcove, both of us instinctively checking for surveillance before speaking.

“They’ve restricted my access,” I say without preamble. “Can’t get to her without Creed’s direct authorization.”

“I know,” Hargen responds, voice low. “Security tripled overnight. They’re isolating her from anyone who’s shown concern.”

“Including you soon, I imagine.”

His jaw tightens. “Likely. Emerson’s been questioning the efficacy of our binding. Suggesting alternatives.”

Alarm spikes through me. “What alternatives?”

“Direct magical suppression. No mediator.” His eyes darken with contained fury. “It would burn out her mind within weeks, but they don’t care about long-term viability anymore. Not with the daughter in play.”

“We’re running out of time,” I say, decision crystallizing. “We need to move soon.”

Hargen studies me intently. “You’re not just talking about keeping an eye on her anymore, are you?”

I meet his gaze steadily. No point in pretense now. “No.”

He doesn’t look surprised. “I thought as much. You’re not Syndicate. Never were.”

“Does it matter who I am if we both want the same thing? Her safety.”

Hargen nods, the gesture barely perceptible. “You’re right.”

The unspoken hangs between us—the knowledge that whatever comes next will be dangerous, potentially fatal for all involved. But the alternative—leaving Lila in their hands, using her to capture and control her daughter—is unconscionable.

“Be careful,” I warn. “They’re watching more closely than before.”

“Always am.” A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “I’ve had practice.”

Footsteps sound at the end of the corridor. We separate smoothly, resuming our professional masks before anyone can notice our conversation.

“Security protocols received and acknowledged,” Hargen says loudly, for the benefit of anyone listening. “I’ll implement them immediately.”

“See that you do,” I respond, equally formal. “Central Command expects full compliance.”

We part ways, the brief exchange leaving me with renewed determination and mounting concern. The pieces are moving faster now, the endgame approaching with frightening speed.

I continue my rounds, mind calculating possibilities, planning contingencies, mapping escape routes. Tomorrow, they begin sessions with Lila and the Shard in earnest, pushing her recovered mind to its limits. Soon after, they’ll move on Elena when she gets close enough to the Heartstone.

The window for action shrinks by the hour.

But now I have Viktor’s authorization, Aurora operatives standing by, and the beginnings of an alliance with Hargen. It’s not much, but it’s more than I had yesterday.

I only hope it’s enough to get her out alive when the time comes.