Page 79 of Fated By Fire

“You’re right,” says Dorian. “We’ll have to be cautious about how we handle this.”

“We need to figure out where Malakai has taken Elena,” I say. Every minute that she’s in danger is making me edgier.

Before I can ponder it further, a young clan member named Daniel steps forward. His usually cocky demeanor is replaced with unease.

“Caleb,” Daniel begins, avoiding my eyes. “There’s something you need to know.”

“What is it?” I ask impatiently.

He swallows hard. “I’ve been… involved with the Circle of Fire.”

A collective murmur ripples through the room. My fists clench at my sides. “Explain.”

“I joined them because I believed in Malakai’s vision,” he says quickly. “But things have changed. He’s become obsessed, dangerous. I didn’t sign up for this.”

“Why are you telling me this now?” I demand.

“Because I want out,” Daniel pleads. “And because I know where he’s taken her.”

My eyes narrow. “Where?”

“There’s a network of chambers beneath the city,” he explains. “Malakai has been using them as an operations base. He’splanning something big, Caleb. And he’s using the Rossewyn woman to do it.”

My heart pounds. “What does he want with her?”

Daniel hesitates. “He believes she can activate the Heartstone’s true power. That with her, he can take control of the clan and eliminate any opposition.”

“And he’s doing this with the Syndicate?”

Daniel shakes his head. “He despises them. Says they’ve sold out.”

A heavy silence falls over the room.

“Shit. That means they’re both after her,” I mutter. “And us,” I add.

“You’re sure about this?” Dorian asks Daniel, his tone deadly calm.

“Yes,” Daniel nods vigorously. “I can lead you there. Help you stop him.”

I study him closely, using my keen dragon senses to search for any sign of deception. His heartbeat is steady, eyes earnest. He seems sincere.

“Why should we trust you?” Luke interjects, his eyes flashing with distrust. “You’ve already betrayed us once.”

“Because I made a mistake,” Daniel admits. “And I’m trying to make it right.”

I exchange a glance with Dorian. Time is running out, and we need all the help we can get.

“Fine,” I say. “But if you’re leading us into a trap—”

“I’m not,” he insists. “I just want to stop Malakai before it’s too late.”

I nod curtly. “I want you to get us there as soon as possible,” I say to him, then turn to the others. “Who’s on board?”

Everyone steps forward, which warms me. “Thank you.” I smile. “We’ll keep it tight; just a small team of us so we can stay under the radar.”

“I’m going with.” Luke’s jaw is set. “I don’t like what he’s doing to us. Dividing us like this.”

I give a nod. “This won’t be the end of things. Elena may have fallen into Malakai’s lap, but if I know him, he’ll have more planned. This runs far deeper than what we’re seeing.”

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