Page 19 of Taken

Surprise.

It’s there for only a microsecond, quickly masked by professional detachment, but Isawit. My gift, even dampened, has always made me observant.

This dragon—Reeve—is surprised at the sight of me. Why? Was he expecting something else? Or did he just feel that strange sensation, too? Like being weak at the knees.

Of course not. We’re not in high school, you idiot.

“Lila Ross.” He says my name like he’s testing the weight of it. Not “asset.” My actual name.

I lift my chin. “Looking forward to the show, Mr. Reeve?”

His expression doesn’t change, but something flickers in those green eyes—surprise that I’d speak directly to him, perhaps. Most assets know better.

“I’m here to observe security protocols,” he replies, his tone emotionless but lacking the dismissive edge I’ve come to expect from Syndicate operatives. He circles the chair, inspecting the restraints with clinical precision, his posture rigid and authoritative. “Continue your preparations.”

The order snaps Hargen back into motion, though his eyes flick between Reeve and me with subtle wariness.

“Then you’re in for a disappointing afternoon.” My lips pull into a smile edged with ice. “Nothing secure about ripping visions from an unwilling mind.”

“Enough,” Creed snaps. “Cole, proceed with the procedure.”

Hargen’s hands pause briefly on the equipment. I feel his hesitation, his silent apology for what comes next.

“Full or partial?” he asks, his tone professionally bland.

“Full.” Creed’s eyes gleam with anticipation. “I want Reeve to see what she can do.”

My stomach drops. Full extraction means pain. Means vulnerability. Means they’ll push until something breaks.

“Sir,” Hargen begins, “considering yesterday’s session—”

“Full extraction,” Creed repeats, voice sharp enough to cut. “Focused on the energy signatures near Craven territory.”

Reeve steps closer, his shadow falling across me. “Are the restraints sufficient?” He reaches down, adjusting the strap on my right wrist. His fingers brush against my pulse point, and a jolt of electricity races up my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake.

I jerk involuntarily, more from the unexpected contact than discomfort. Our eyes meet, and for a split second, something passes between us—a silent communication I can’t decipher. His touch lingers a heartbeat longer than necessary, firm but not cruel like others before him.

“Secure,” he pronounces, voice colder now, all business as he turns to Creed. “Proceed.”

Hargen administers the serum. Cold fire races through my veins, burning away resistance. I grit my teeth against the scream building in me. The magic activates—my own power turned against me, amplified and corrupted by dragon blood in the serum.

The room blurs. Reality splits open.

Visions crash over me like ocean waves—disjointed, chaotic. Mountains. Fire that isn’t dragon fire. Crystal pulsing with heartbeat rhythm. Elena’s face, older now, pinched withconcern. A woman with phoenix wings erupting from her back. Blood dripping onto stone.

“What do you see?” Creed demands, leaning closer.

I struggle against the restraints, against the magic forcing its way through my defenses.

“Mountains,” I gasp. “Cave entrance. Water.” I give him fragments, half-truths. Enough to satisfy without revealing what matters. Without revealing my daughter.

“Deeper,” Creed orders Hargen. “Push her deeper.”

Hargen increases the dosage. The pain sharpens, white-hot needles behind my eyes. A whimper escapes before I can stop it.

Through tear-blurred vision, I see Reeve watching, his posture stiff and hands clasped behind his back. His expression is a perfect mask of detached observation, yet something about the way he monitors the equipment rather than my suffering feels deliberate.

The magic twists, digging deeper, hunting for prophecy. I arch against the restraints, a hoarse cry tearing from my throat as my mind fractures around the intrusion.

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