Page 64 of Taken

“She’s exceeding safety parameters,” Emerson warns.

“Switch it off. We’ve got what we need.”

The connection severs abruptly, leaving me gasping and disoriented.

“Secure her in medical,” Creed orders. “We’ll need her later.”

They leave me strapped to the chair, blood cooling on my skin. Did Elena hear me? Does she know I tried to warn her?

Different guards drag me to medical, dumping me onto a bed. A nurse cleans my face with impersonal efficiency before leaving me alone with my thoughts.

The door slides open an hour later, footsteps approaching my bed. I turn my head, expecting the doctor.

Instead, Hargen stands there, face drawn with concern. “My God,” he whispers, moving to my side. “What have they done to you?”

“The Shard.” My voice catches, throat raw. “Modified interface. Direct neural connection.”

His hands are gentle as he examines me, checking the wounds on my wrists, the bruising on my face. “They could have killed you.”

“They didn’t care.” Bitterness coats my words. “They want Elena. Steele has her.”

“I know.” He releases a breath. “Creed’s mobilizing everyone for an assault on Craven Industries.”

“They’ll destroy her, Hargen.” The words tear from me. “The Syndicate, the Circle… She’s just a tool to them. A means to access the Heartstone.”

His hand covers mine, warm and steady when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. “I’m sorry, Lila.”

The genuine pain in his voice breaks what little composure I have left. Tears spill hot down my cheeks, sobs wracking my abused body.

“She doesn’t even know what she is,” I choke out. “What they want from her. She’s been alone. I left her alone. And now…”

“Shhh.” He brushes hair from my face, his touch achingly gentle. “This isn’t your fault.”

“I should have been stronger.” Self-hatred burns through the pain. “Should have found a way out years ago. Found her. Protected her.”

“Youdidprotect her,” he insists. “You endured this place to keep her safe.”

“And now it was for nothing.”

He doesn’t offer empty platitudes; just stays beside me, his presence a comfort in the storm of my grief.

“I have to get out to her, Hargen. You have to help me.” The hope of escape I’d been clinging to feels like a distant memory now. Allard had planted a seed in my heart, and I’m suddenly realizing the importance I’d attached to it. A part of me had truly imagined it could happen.

Hargen’s jaw tightens. “If there was anything that could be done, I would do it, Lila. I swear it. But the way things are right now…” He pulls in a deep breath, glancing around. “Security has never been tighter.”

I fight back a sob, feeling more powerless than I ever have. “I don’t care. I have to try.”

His expression clouds. “You’re in no condition to move, let alone escape. You need time to heal.”

“I don’t have time.” I struggle to sit up. “My daughter doesn’t have time.”

He presses me back gently but firmly. “Listen to me, Lila. I want to help you—both of you. But rushing into this will get you killed before you even reach the outer gates.”

“Then what do you suggest? Lie here while they take my daughter?”

His jaw tightens. “Give me time. Time to secure supplies, disable the remaining security protocols, create a diversion.”

“We don’t have time,” I argue. “Steele already has her. The Syndicate is going after them both.”

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