Page 54 of Taken

I turn the corner and nearly collide with Hargen, exiting the secure section.

“Reeve.” He acknowledges me with a nod, expression unchanged but eyes alert.

“Cole.” I match his professional tone. “A word.”

We move to a relatively private alcove, both of us instinctively checking for surveillance before speaking.

“They’ve restricted my access,” I say without preamble. “Can’t get to her without Creed’s direct authorization.”

“I know,” Hargen responds, voice low. “Security tripled overnight. They’re isolating her from anyone who’s shown concern.”

“Including you soon, I imagine.”

His jaw tightens. “Likely. Emerson’s been questioning the efficacy of our binding. Suggesting alternatives.”

Alarm spikes through me. “What alternatives?”

“Direct magical suppression. No mediator.” His eyes darken with contained fury. “It would burn out her mind within weeks, but they don’t care about long-term viability anymore. Not with the daughter in play.”

“We’re running out of time,” I say, decision crystallizing. “We need to move soon.”

Hargen studies me intently. “You’re not just talking about keeping an eye on her anymore, are you?”

I meet his gaze steadily. No point in pretense now. “No.”

He doesn’t look surprised. “I thought as much. You’re not Syndicate. Never were.”

“Does it matter who I am if we both want the same thing? Her safety.”

Hargen nods, the gesture barely perceptible. “You’re right.”

The unspoken hangs between us—the knowledge that whatever comes next will be dangerous, potentially fatal for all involved. But the alternative—leaving Lila in their hands, using her to capture and control her daughter—is unconscionable.

“Be careful,” I warn. “They’re watching more closely than before.”

“Always am.” A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “I’ve had practice.”

Footsteps sound at the end of the corridor. We separate smoothly, resuming our professional masks before anyone can notice our conversation.

“Security protocols received and acknowledged,” Hargen says loudly, for the benefit of anyone listening. “I’ll implement them immediately.”

“See that you do,” I respond, equally formal. “Central Command expects full compliance.”

We part ways, the brief exchange leaving me with renewed determination and mounting concern. The pieces are moving faster now, the endgame approaching with frightening speed.

I continue my rounds, mind calculating possibilities, planning contingencies, mapping escape routes. Tomorrow, they begin sessions with Lila and the Shard in earnest, pushing her recovered mind to its limits. Soon after, they’ll move on Elena when she gets close enough to the Heartstone.

The window for action shrinks by the hour.

But now I have Viktor’s authorization, Aurora operatives standing by, and the beginnings of an alliance with Hargen. It’s not much, but it’s more than I had yesterday.

I only hope it’s enough to get her out alive when the time comes.

Chapter 15

Lila

The Shard burns against my palm, crimson light bleeding through my fingers like I’m holding liquid fire. Not dragon fire. Something older, primordial. My body hums with its power.