Page 60 of Fated By Fire

“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.

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