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Hargen clears his throat. “For what it’s worth, a direct approach might actually work better than Viktor’s diplomatic dance. The Cravens respect strength. Decisiveness.”

“Three-way assault,” Talon says, understanding immediately. “Magical, tactical, and intel.”

“Exactly,” Hargen agrees. “Lila’s connection to locate and access. Your combat experience to protect. My knowledge of the Syndicate’s likely moves.”

I look between them, these two men who’ve entered my life from opposite directions but converged on the same point. The tension between them remains, but something new emerges alongside it—respect, perhaps. Shared purpose.

“So we’re doing this,” I say, not quite a question.

“We’re doing this,” Talon confirms, his hand finding mine, fingers intertwining with mine around the Shard. The connection between us intensifies with the contact, his dragonenergy merging with my witch blood, creating something new and powerful. Just like Lyria and Kael. Just like the memory I glimpsed in the Shard.

“If we go against orders,” Hargen adds, but he’s already moving toward the door, checking the corridor. “Viktor will have our heads.”

“I’m willing to take that risk.” Talon’s grin turns feral, dragon gleaming behind human features. His thumb traces over my palm, the touch seemingly casual but igniting sparks beneath my skin.

I meet his gaze, finding more there than just determination or desire. Something deeper, more permanent. Something ancient and powerful, waiting for us to acknowledge it fully.

I close my fingers more tightly around the Shard, feeling its power. Suddenly I realize that I hold my destiny in my own hands. Not the Syndicate’s asset. Not the Aurora Collective’s weapon. Just Lila Ross, witch, mother, free.

And soon, perhaps, mate to a dragon who looks at me like I’m his entire world.

“I’m coming, Elena,” I whisper to the crimson light. “Hold on, baby. I’m coming.”

Chapter 30

Talon

I shift in my seat in the Outpost’s war room, struggling to maintain my human form. The dragon inside me wants out—wings unfurled, teeth bared, fire ready. The strategic part of me knows better. We need words first. Then teeth.

Viktor stands at the head of the table. The map projection between us shows Seattle from above, Craven Towers marked in red at its center.

“The diplomatic approach remains our best option,” Viktor says. “We approach through official channels. A meeting on neutral ground, with full security protocols.”

Tabitha nods, silver hair catching the light. “The Cravens respect tradition. Formality. It will give us a chance to negotiate.”

Lila moves restlessly beside me, her shoulder brushing mine as she leans forward. The contact sends heat through my veins,heightening my awareness of her in ways that make the dragon stir.

“With all due respect,” she says, her voice steady but edged with steel, “my daughter isn’t a bargaining chip in your alliance strategy.”

“No one is suggesting that,” Viktor counters. “But moving too quickly, too directly—especially now—puts everyone at risk.”

Hargen clears his throat. “What’s the timeline for this diplomatic approach?”

“A week of preparation. Security sweeps. Background work.” Viktor gestures to the tactical display. “The Syndicate’s still actively hunting for Lila. The Circle has doubled its presence in Seattle since the Tower incident. Word is that Steele is hunting the Shard. Walking into Craven territory without proper protocols is foolish.”

“A week?” Lila’s voice rises. “I’ve been separated from my daughter for most of her life while that bastard Creed kept me locked away. And now you want me to wait longer?”

“I understand your urgency,” Viktor says, though his tone suggests otherwise. “But Elena is safe with the Cravens. Caleb’s protection ensures that. What we’re proposing isn’t just a reunion, but a strategic alliance that protects all parties involved.”

I place my hand over Lila’s, where it rests on the table, feeling the tension radiating through her.

“She’s not asking for permission,” I say quietly. “She’s telling you what’s going to happen.”

Viktor’s expression darkens. “This is bigger than a family gathering, Talon. You know that. We have a rare opportunity to align three powerful factions against common enemies. The Cravens, Aurora, and now the Rossewyn line.” He focuses on Lila. “Your abilities, combined with your daughter’s connectionto Caleb Craven, could reshape the balance of power. It could change everything.”

“I don’t give a damn about power balances,” Lila says. “I care about my daughter.”

“Who is perfectly safe,” Tabitha interjects. “Our intelligence confirms the Cravens have doubled security protocols at the Tower. The mate bond between Elena and Caleb ensures his absolute protection. And now there’s a phoenix in the mix. She couldn’t be better defended.”

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