Page 61 of Taken

“Reeve. You coordinate the field teams,” says Creed. “I want all available intelligence on Circle movement patterns, safe houses, and magical signatures within the last forty-eight hours.”

I nod curtly. “Understood. I’ll need access to all surveillance feeds from the park and surrounding areas. There might be signs we missed.”

“Do it,” Creed says, already turning to coordinate with other team leaders. “And Reeve? If you find anything—anything at all—you report directly to me. No independent action.”

“Of course.” The agreement slides out smooth as silk. A lie as natural as breathing.

For the next hour, I play my part flawlessly—coordinating teams, analyzing footage, mapping potential hiding places. All while my mind races with contingency plans. The Aurora team needs to know about this development immediately. MalakaiSteele controlling the Circle changes every calculation. And if they access Elena’s power…

“Sir.” I approach Creed after establishing initial search parameters. “Request permission to check the auxiliary server room. The backup surveillance feeds might have caught something the primaries missed.”

He barely looks up from his display. “Make it quick.”

“Ten minutes tops.” I execute a perfect Syndicate salute and stride from the room, maintaining urgent but controlled momentum until I’m out of sight.

The auxiliary server room sits in the eastern wing—close to my established covert communication point. I check the corridor, confirming it’s clear, before slipping into the maintenance closet.

“Aurora actual,” I whisper, activating the comms unit. “Emergency contact. Highest levels.”

Static hisses for five agonizing seconds before Viktor’s voice filters through. Not Zoe—Viktor himself. My call language makes it clear this is serious.

“Report.”

“Elena Ross has been taken by Malakai Steele,” I say without preamble. “Confirmed Circle of Fire leadership, not Craven allied as previously believed. Abduction approximately five hours ago from a Seattle park.”

“Christ.” A moment of stunned silence. “Are you certain about Steele?”

“Confirmed by Syndicate intelligence. They’re scrambling, Viktor. This wasn’t planned.” I check my watch—must be brief. “Syndicate analysis suggests he’ll take her back to Craven headquarters to access the Heartstone.”

“Then her abilities may activate,” Viktor says, voice tight. “If she’s accessed even a fraction of her heritage, and the Circle uses her with Stone…”

“They get control,” I finish grimly.

“This changes everything, Talon.” Viktor’s voice hardens with decision. “Your extraction orders are modified. Get the witch out. Don’t wait for the planned window. She’s the only one who might be able to locate her daughter.”

My heart rate kicks up. “Security’s doubled since Elena was identified. After this bullshit, it’s going to be worse. The stronghold is on full alert. It won’t be easy.”

“I don’t care if you have to burn the facility to the ground. Get her out.” The intensity in his voice surprises me.

“Understood.” Relief and tension war in my chest. Finally acting, but under the worst possible circumstances.

“Aurora out,” Viktor finishes. “Don’t get caught.”

The connection drops. I replace the comms unit and exit the closet.

I return to Operations, maintaining my composure as I report finding nothing in the auxiliary feeds. Creed barely acknowledges me, too focused on coordinating the rapidly expanding search operation.

“We’ve got a potential lead,” Emerson announces. “One of our informants spotted a vehicle matching known Circle transportation protocols heading toward the business district.”

“Deploy reconnaissance teams,” Creed orders immediately. “I want eyes on every building in that area. Find her before Steele moves her again. Under no circumstances can he get the woman near the Heartstone.”

I watch the controlled frenzy, calculating my moment. The Syndicate throwing everything they have at recovering Elena makes sense—not from any concern for her welfare, but fear of what the Circle might accomplish with her. Two predators fighting over the same prey, neither caring if she survives the struggle.

And somewhere in all this, Lila waits, unaware that her daughter faces a fate potentially worse than her own.

Chapter 17

Lila

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