Page 53 of Taken

“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.

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