Page 74 of Taken

“Yeah, apart from that,” she acknowledges. “Anyhow, it looks like it’s happened again. A Rossewyn and a Craven. History repeating itself, I guess.”

Relief washes through me. “She’s safe, then. The daughter.”

“For now.” Zoe’s voice turns cautious. “We both know how things turned out for Lyria.”

I bite down a surge of anxiety. “There’s no reason Elena would die like her ancestor,” I say, knowing full well that there are dozens of reasons why she might.

“Guess not,” Zoe concedes. “Not if the Cravens can help it, at any rate. They’ve closed ranks. Increased security, limited access, maintained public presence while fortifying their position.”

“Smart.”

“Yes. But it complicates matters regarding the mother.”

My pulse quickens. “How so?”

“Viktor wants to postpone extraction. With the situation temporarily contained, immediate action presents unnecessary risk. Better to wait until surveillance relaxes, security protocols normalize.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Anger flashes hot in my veins. “She can’t stay here. You didn’t see what they did to her with the Shard.”

“I understand your concern,” Zoe’s voice softens slightly, unusual for her. “But Viktor’s orders are clear. Stand down.Maintain cover. Continue intelligence gathering until instructed otherwise.”

“And Lila?” I can’t keep the edge from my voice. “What happens when they use her again? When they realize they can leverage her against her daughter?”

“We’re working on contingencies. For now, your priority remains intelligence collection. Especially regarding Syndicate response to the Craven-Rossewyn alliance.”

The callous pragmatism ignites something primitive in my chest. Lila deserves better than being expended for strategic patience.

“Understood,” I lie.

“Viktor says to remind you that emotion clouds judgment,” Zoe adds, too perceptive for comfort. “The larger mission remains paramount.”

“I’m aware.”

“Good. Aurora actual out.”

The connection drops, leaving me alone with the conflict raging inside me. Logic agrees with Viktor; waiting makes tactical sense. Emotion demands immediate action: get Lila out, consequences be damned.

I replace the comms unit, unlock the door, and resume my role. Syndicate security chief. Loyal operative. Conflicted spy.

Things still haven’t settled since the shitstorm at Craven Towers. As I make my way through the corridors of the stronghold, tension written on the faces around me. The Syndicate’s leadership remains in crisis mode, and when Creed’s in crisis, it’s best to stay out of his way.

I navigate through the corridors with purposeful strides, nodding to those who acknowledge me, playing my part while evaluating my options. The security checkpoint to Lila’s section has tripled in personnel since her display of power. Creed taking no chances since she turned her magic on him.

Why the hell did you do it, Lila?

Though I can’t say I blame her.

“Sir.” The guard nods, scanning my credentials carefully. “Purpose of visit?”

“Security assessment. Standard protocol following Level 5 containment implementation.” I keep my voice flat, uninterested.

He checks his tablet, then nods. “Yes, sir. Full surveillance active.”

The warning is clear: They’re watching. Closely.

I pass through three more checkpoints, each more heavily guarded than the last. Lila’s attempted attack on Creed has triggered every security protocol in the facility handbook. The closer I get to her, the more my dragon stirs, sensing danger and opportunity in equal measure.

Her door is reinforced steel, monitored by both human guards and magical sensors attuned to detect power fluctuations. I approach with professional detachment, though I’m finding it hard to keep my breathing steady.

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