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“And you think you can stop either of them?” His voice gentles, taking the sting from the words. “Look at yourself, Lila. You can barely lift your head.”

The truth of his assessment cuts deep. I’m broken, spent, body failing, magic drained to dangerous levels. But how can I remain here, helpless, while Elena faces horrors I’ve endured for too long?

“I need to find Reeve,” I say instead. “He has connections outside. Resources.”

Something flickers across Hargen’s face—hurt, perhaps, or jealousy. “Reeve is gone. Creed took him for the assault.”

The news hits harder than it should. I’d counted on Allard being here, on the strange connection that draws me to him despite every instinct for self-preservation.

“Then it’s just us,” I whisper.

Hargen’s hand tightens around mine. “It always has been.”

The simple truth of that statement washes over me. Through years of pain and resistance, Hargen has been my constant. Not a friend, exactly, but not truly my captor, either. Something undefined that exists in the space between protector and prisoner, bound by magic and shared secrets.

“I can’t let this happen,” I admit. “Not after fighting so long to keep her safe.”

“I know.” His face softens with compassion that makes my heart ache. “Rest now. Let the medication work. We’ll find a way, Lila. I promise.”

The drugs pull at me, darkness creeping in at the edges of my vision. I fight it, desperate to stay conscious, to plan, to act.

“Hargen.” My voice slurs as the medication takes hold. “If Reeve comes back… tell him…”

“Tell him what?” He leans closer, something vulnerable in his expression.

What would I say to Allard? That I’m sorry? That I trust him after all? That the brief moments of connection between us felt more real than anything I’ve experienced since I got here?

Or would I tell him to forget me, focus on Elena, leave me to the fate I’ve endured for too long?

“Just…” I struggle against the encroaching darkness. “Help him find my daughter.”

Resignation flashes across Hargen’s face. “I will. Now rest.”

As consciousness fades, my thoughts scatter. Elena, terrified and alone. Allard, fighting battles I can only imagine. And Hargen, steadfast beside me despite everything that’s happened.

I don’t know who to turn to anymore. Who to trust. Whose arms would feel like safety in a world that’s never been safe.

The old familiar Hargen, whose quiet care has sustained me. Whose loyalty is guaranteed by magic but feels like something more.

Or Allard, dangerous and new, who makes me feel things I’d forgotten existed. Whose touch awakened hunger I’d buried beneath practicality and survival.

But what does it all matter when somewhere beyond these walls, my daughter faces monsters alone?

Please, let her be stronger than I was. Let her survive what’s coming.

The thought follows me into dreams of fire and war and dragons revealed to a world unprepared for their existence.

The beginning of the end, with Elena at its center.

And me, trapped in the same cage that’s held me for too long, unable to save the only thing that ever mattered.

Chapter 18

Talon

Scales itch beneath my skin, dragon instincts screaming as Creed outlines the assault plan. Twenty operatives, full tactical gear, armed with weapons designed for dragon-on-dragon combat. No subtlety. No caution. Just overwhelming force aimed at Craven Industries’ gleaming headquarters.

“Full offensive capability,” Creed says, pointing to the schematic displayed on the wall. “Three entry points. Primary force through the lobby. Secondary team through underground access points. Aerial support from our shifters.”

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